Dachshund Golden Retriever Mix - Where Small Meets Big
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Generally, this mix is loyal and happy. But he can sometimes be stubborn and aggressive. It is impossible to predict in advance the behavioral traits, physical qualities, and limitations of their parents that a Dachshund Golden Retriever mix will grow up with. Therefore, looking at both parent breeds before bringing one into your home is essential.
Where Does the Dachshund Golden Retriever Mix Come From?
Like many designer breeds, we don't know much about the origins of this mixed breed. However, we can uncover the history of both parent breeds.
Golden retriever
Waterfowl hunting was extremely popular among the Scottish nobility. But existing salvagers lacked the skills to salvage the shooter on land and water. They were therefore crossed with water spaniels, thus creating the Golden Retriever. Dudley Majoribanks developed the breed as the ideal hunting dog, keeping scrupulous records between the 1840s and 1890s.
Today, the Golden Retriever is very popular as a pet. But he is also an excellent therapy and assistance dog.
The origins of the Dachshund date back to the 17th century in Germany. Bred for badger hunting, the dachshund's elongated body and short legs allowed it to penetrate the animals' tunnels.
Their brave nature gave them the courage to attack the inhabitants and force them above ground. Unfortunately, due to Dachshund's connection to Germany, they lost popularity during both World Wars. But since the 1950s, they have become popular companion dogs.
Purebred Vs Mixed Breed
Many dog lovers disagree with the idea of the Golden Retriever Dachshund mix because it is so extreme, seeing him as a violation of nature. They also argue that a hybrid's traits are unpredictable compared to those of a purebred, making the outcome of a pup uncertain.
On the plus side, crossbreeding strengthens the gene pool, reducing the risk of many hereditary diseases and deformities.
The appearance of the Dachshund Golden Retriever Mix
Having two wildly different parent breeds makes it challenging to determine what a Dachshund Golden Retriever mix looks like. However, looking at the physical traits of the Golden Retriever and the Dachshund gives you an idea of the expected outcome of this unusual combination.
Size of the Dachshund Golden Retriever Mix
The size and weight of a Golden Dox can vary significantly due to the extreme differences in the size of the two parent breeds. You can expect your Golden Retriever Dachshund mix to weigh an average of 30 to 60 pounds with a height ranging from 10 to 23 inches. Due to their noticeable physical differences, this mixed breed is only possible by having a male Dachshund and a female Golden Retriever. The opposite is too risky for mothers and puppies.
Physical Characteristics of the Dachshund Golden Retriever Mix
The Dachshund is known for his distinctive long back that often defines the Golden Dox, as well as his short legs. Other physical traits include the Golden Retriever's face and head, which may have the Dachshund's long nose, long droopy ears, and a muscular, compact body.
A Dachshund, Golden Retriever mix, can look like a more miniature Golden Retriever or a larger Dachshund.
Coat of the Golden Retriever Dachshund Mix
The coat of the Dachshund Golden Retriever mix has various possibilities in length and texture depending on their parent breed. It can be long, medium, or short and have a stiff or smooth surface with a wavy or straight double coat. Possible coat colors include dark or light gold, tan, black, brown, red, and yellow.
Golden Retriever Dachshund Mix Temperament
But what about their temperament? To know what to expect from your Golden Dox, we need to look at both parent breeds.
- Golden Retriever Temperament: They love company and get along with everyone, including children and other animals. Bred to hunt all day, the Golden Retriever is highly intelligent with high energy levels.
- Dachshund temperament: Dachshunds are stubborn with a strong independent streak. Despite their small size, the dachshund thinks they are bigger than they are. They are known for their bold nature, with some showing signs of aggression.
In 2008, a scientific study of over 30 breeds found that Dachshunds scored high on aggression directed at humans and other dogs, including biting or attempting to bite. That said, the Dachshund is a loyal little dog that is comical and loves to play. But they are jealous and possessive.
What should you expect?
The Dachshund Golden Retriever mix will likely be playful, intelligent, loyal, and loving. They make excellent companion dogs with high energy levels and a love of the outdoors. However, they should never be left alone for long periods as they suffer from separation anxiety resulting in destructive behaviors like digging and chewing.
The goal of breeding the Golden Dox is to reduce some of the Dachshund's extreme personality traits with the Golden Retriever's gentleness. In addition, the goal is to give a much more tolerant and gentle lapdog. However, with any mixed breed, there is no guaranteed outcome, and a puppy may inherit more traits from one parent breed than the other or a mixture of the two. Does the dog in your life have a cat in theirs? Don't miss life's perfect companion with an excellent friend.
The Best Products For Golden Retriever Dachshund Mix
Training Your Dachshund Golden Retriever Mix
As with any puppy, an early start is key in training, housebreaking, and socialization. You should expose your Golden Dox puppy to as many people and animals as possible in different environments. Dachshunds are high prey drive and will chase other dogs, cats, and pets if not taught otherwise. Like many small dogs, the Dachshund is known to be picky eaters, and the same can be true of your Golden Dox.
Crate training helps to housebreak because dogs generally don't mess up where they sleep.
Will the training be easy?
If your mix relies more on the Golden Retriever, training should be relatively straightforward. This breed loves to make his guardians happy and learns quickly. However, patience is key if your Golden Dox is more Dachshund as they are more difficult to train due to their stubborn streak. Although they learn quickly, they don't care too much about obeying commands.
Golden Retriever Dachshund Mix Exercise Requirements
Dachshund Golden Retriever mix is very energetic. But his exercise needs depend on the parent breed he resembles. If he is more like the Golden Retriever, he will require a few long daily walks and will no doubt love to play fetch and swim. Having a safe backyard to run around in is ideal. But be careful letting them go to the dog park, as if they are more Dachshunds, they might run away! Practice strong recall so you can always recall them.
Due to Dachshund's long back and short legs, care is needed to avoid back problems, so avoid letting him climb stairs or jump on and off objects.
Golden Retriever Dachshund Mix Health
Crossbreed dogs are often healthier than purebred. But that doesn't mean the Golden Dox is free from the health issues associated with its parents. The Dachshund's elongated body and short legs make it susceptible to intervertebral disc disease, causing pain and possible paralysis.
On the Golden Retriever's side, they can have joint problems such as hip dysplasia, heart disease, certain cancers, and epilepsy.
- Ear infections
- Cushing's disease
- Eye problems
- The allergies
- Inflate
- Obesity
A reputable breeder will provide proof of genetic health testing required for both Golden retriever and Dachshund breeds.
The expected lifespan of the GoldenDox is between 10 to 14 years. You can usually predict this by looking at the lifespan of the Golden Retriever and Dachshund breeds separately.
The Golden Dox's grooming needs depend on its coat, but it is a moderate shedder. Daily brushing is necessary to remove loose hair and keep the coat shiny and healthy. Trim fingernails when they begin to grow long, clean ears regularly, and maintain good dental hygiene.
The energetic Golden Dox needs a nutrient-dense diet designed for its weight, age, and activity level. Due to his long back and the potential for joint problems, it is essential that he does not become overweight. Choose a dog food that has high levels of protein by feeding two to three small meals a day.
While a Dachshund Golden Retriever Mix has many endearing qualities, it's hard to recommend them as a pet. Tis is because they have the potential for several health issues, especially with the elongated body inherited from the Dachshund.
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