What is Pitbull Dachshund  Mix? Information For The Pitwee

The Pitbull Dachshund mix combination results from breeding a Pitbull with a Dachshund. They are, also known as Pitwee, medium-sized dogs that combine the best of both breeds.

The pitbull-like head and face resemble a pitbull, with its large skull, round eyes, and strong jaw. The body, however, is reminiscent of the sausage-like silhouettes of the dachshund, with its longer torso, short, muscular legs, and broad skull.

The temperament of the Dachshund/Pitbull mix is ​​renowned for its affectionate and feisty personality.

At A Glance To The Pitbull Dachshund Mix

This popular mixed breed option is especially prized for its cute and affectionate dog resulting from two famous purebred parents.

The body, on the other side, is still sausage-shaped. However, they are much more compact and toned than purebred Dachshunds.

Pitbulls have a shorter, smoother coat than shorthaired dachshunds.

A successful combination of a Pitbull and a Dachshund is possible. This dog is athletic, strong, and highly affectionate.

The Pitwee is the more iconic of the two breeds and will deliver the best. Well worth the hype.

The temperament of a Pitbull Dachshund Mix. More Pitbulls Or Dachshunds?

The Pitbull Dachshund mix is not only a mixture of physical traits but also inherits the temperament of its parents.

There is, however, a distinct fondness for the dachshund, with traits such as:

Affectionate

Pitwees are devoted to love and want to share their love with their family. He's the dog that snuggles up to anyone he trusts for a little bonding session. They can also be trained socially to show affection to other dogs.

Mischievous

Pitbull Dachshund mix's favorite thing to do is play. No matter what it is, just play with it. They like to be active.

Loyal And Dedicated To Please

Pitbull Dachshund mix is loyal and trustworthy due to his dachshund heritage. Although it takes them a while to get used to ​​being friends, they are happy to do anything to make you feel safe.

The mixed breed has personality traits that come from the pitbull side. These traits include:

Can be aggressive

Pitwees can be pretty aggressive when they feel threatened. However, a Pitbull Dachshund will follow their lead when they focus on something. Sometimes this stubbornness can be a problem, making it difficult to live with or train with them.

Common Health Problems For Pitbull Dachshund mix 

Pitwees are generally solid and healthy dogs who care for their parents. However, this does not mean that they are immune to certain diseases. Here are the most common illnesses for this mixed breed:

Bone Problems: This is due to the sausage dog shape of the torso and stocky legs. These dogs are most likely to have hip dysplasia or intervertebral disc disease. These can cause severe pain and restrict mobility.

Hormonal Imbalances: Pitwees can also be affected by hormonal issues such as Cushing's disease and thyroid disease. These problems are usually easier to manage with medication or a healthy diet.

Allergies: When it comes to allergies, Pitwees follow the lead of their Dachshund parents. Allergens such as dust, pollen, and chemicals can make them allergic. Allergies can cause symptoms such as sneezing, eye irritation, and watery eyes.

Digestive Problems: Intestinal health is a significant concern for the Pitbull Dachshund mix. Volvulus, which twists in the gut, is a common condition suffered by Dachshund Pitbull mixes. This can cause various issues, including bloating, constipation, and chronic abdominal pain.

Surgery may be needed in severe cases to correct the problem and allow the Pitwee to live a healthy, pain-free life.

The Grooming Requirements Of A Pitbull Dachshund mix 

The coat of a Pitbull Dachshund mix is usually short and has coarse wisps. In addition, a mixed breed is a moderate shedder. These traits determine the grooming requirements, which are pretty lax in this case, and will ensure a happy and healthy Pitwee with an occasional brushing and washing routine.

Brushing is essential to grooming due to its coarse texture and frequent shedding. Therefore, it is recommended that they be brushed at least once a week, just like their Pitbull and Dachshund parents.

You may need to trim the fur if it is too long. Three times per week. This will help maintain a beautiful and healthy coat.

Even though their coat is short, they can accumulate dander, leading to lousy dog odor.

Washing dogs regularly is the best way to prevent Pitbull Dachshund dander. Just bathe your Pitbull Dachshund mix once or twice a month, and you will have a great-smelling dog.

Pitwees are more likely to have skin problems due to allergic dermatitis.

These issues may cause you to be careful about the products you use on your dogs hair. For example, you can choose soft bristles and mild shampoos with soothing properties for his brushes.

Finally, be on the lookout for ear infections. Again, these problems are often caused by poor grooming of the Pitbull Dachshund mix.

All you need to do is wash your dog quickly and dry him properly after giving him his regular bath.

Best Products for Pitbull Dachshund Mix

The Pitbull Dachshund Mix Lifestyle: Who Am I Dealing With?

Now let's see how they behave, present themselves, and their potential responsibilities. This will avoid unpleasant surprises and ensure that you are fully informed.

Here is a summary of life with a Pitbull Dachshund mix:

Socializing Is Part Of The Program

Pitwees can be restless in unfamiliar surroundings or with new people or animals. Therefore, you must be careful with your socialization plans to avoid unpleasant incidents.

Take them out more often and ensure they are comfortable around new people.

This will ensure that they don't feel threatened or become aggressive in the face of the unknown.

Learn The Art Of Patience

Dachshund Pitbull mix dogs are stubborn. It doesn't matter if you're trying to train them or just want some quiet in your home. However, they are intelligent little dogs and will soon learn to be more civil with time, patience, and intellectual effort.

Follow the energy

They like to be active. Part of being a pitwee parent is about following your energy. Walking here or playing fetch are great ways to bond with your dog and calm the anxious pup.

They Usually Require Little Maintenance

You will also be happy to know that these dogs are low maintenance. You can love your dog, give him time to play, and be patient. You shouldn't have to worry about their health and minimum grooming requirements.

Now we can learn more about Pitbull Dachshund Mix's parent breeds.

Parent Breed Of The Pitbull Dachshund Mix

The Pitbull

“What is the Pitbull breed? » This simple question itself confuses! Does the Pitbull represent a single breed, or is it a created notion from scratch?

The notion of Pitbull is very vague. It mainly refers to dog breeds such as the American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pitbull Terrier; on the other hand, dogs resulting from crosses can also be considered Pitbulls if they have a similar morphology.

Features

Height at withers

43 to 50 centimeters (17 to 20 inches) for the male

41 to 50 centimeters (16 to 20 inches) for the female

Weight: 14 to 30 kilograms (31 to 66 pounds)

Longevity (life expectancy): It lives an average of 12 to 14 years.

Hair: His hair is short, stiff, and shiny.

Color: As the Pitbull is not an official breed, all colors are allowed and may vary depending on the crosses. The American Staffordshire Terrier, for example, can have a single-colored, multi-colored, or variegated coat. The American Pitbull terrier has several colors: red, blue, fawn, brindle, black and white, and more.

Apartment living is possible, providing enough time to spend outside. However, you will also need special education efforts to control his barking, which can be a nuisance to neighbors.

Type of dog: Companion dog, guard dog, police dog

The origins of Pitbulls

The American Staffordshire Terrier and the American Pitbull Terrier were born from the cross between bulldog-type dogs and terriers, possibly the English Terrier or the Fox Terrier. In the 19th century, combat sports were prevalent in England and the United States, and cynologists had fun creating agile, courageous, and tenacious breeds ideal for performing well in a ring. The bulldog, for example, was used for bull baiting.

This primitive sport becomes increasingly controversial, so much so that it ends up being banned. Breeders, having less interest in developing aggressive bloodlines, are beginning to select dogs based on their ability to be good companion dogs. The Pitbulls of yesteryear, therefore, have nothing to do with the companions of today!

The Pitbull's diet

You can offer your puppy three to four meals until about six months of age, then move on to two larger meals. The end of its growth will mark the change from a portion of puppy food to a formula for medium-sized adult dogs.

Talk to a breeder or veterinarian to choose the best kibble for their particular needs. They can also guide you on the amount of kibble to offer depending on your size, weight, and level of physical activity. Don't cut corners by buying cheap kibble at the grocery store: your dog will need to eat more to meet his nutritional needs, and his health could suffer.

Finally, always give him access to a good supply of fresh water but remember to remove his bowl between meals, to prevent him from gorging himself out of boredom.

The character of the Pitbull

Despite what some media try to make us believe, not all these dogs are “aggressive monsters”! On the contrary, they are loyal companions who integrate well into family life. For example, the Pitbull type is very fond of playing with children – with whom he gets along very well – but contact is best supervised if they are very young.

Being very good at guarding, he tends to be wary of strangers. Good socialization can overcome this inclination, but aggression towards other animals is more challenging to eliminate.

Very athletic, he is a dog that can become destructive if he is not given a chance to expend his energy with a good dose of sport. Also, try to stimulate him with various games: as he is pretty intelligent, he can get bored if his brain has no chance to express itself.

The physical activity of the Pitbull

Don't adopt a pitbull if you don't like sports: he will make you regret it! Pitbulls need an hour of exercise a day. It will be running, biking, agility, ball games, obedience, long walks and swimming.

Pitbull health

Depending on the crosses that led to defining your dog's genetics, he may be at risk (or not) of suffering from various pathologies and malformations. Here are the most common diseases in American Staffordshire Terriers and American Pitbull Terriers:

Allergies

Cerebellar ataxia

Progressive retinal atrophy

Cancer

Cataracts

Hip dysplasia

Hypothyroidism

heart disease

Rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament

Aortic stenosis

If you adopt a "purebred" dog, limit the risks by opting for a responsible breeder who tests his breeding dogs against the primary genetic defects and can prove their health to you. If you adopt a dog from a shelter, you should be notified of any health conditions detected in the animal.

The education of the Pitbull

Some previous experience with dogs is preferable as they can have a specific temper. However, you will succeed in educating him well if you show firmness and gentleness, without ever being unfair and without raising your hand to him.

Do not underestimate the importance of putting him in contact with other animals and human beings in the first months of his life: this socialization will make him more approachable in adulthood. Also, expose him to various noises and environments to reduce his anxiety.

Pitbull grooming and maintenance

Thanks to its short coat, weekly brushing (with a glove) will be enough to keep the skin shiny and healthy. Don't give him baths more than once a month - he doesn't need to!

Try to brush his teeth at least three times a week to reduce the risk of oral disease. Inspect and clean his ears weekly and groom his claws as needed when they slam the ground. Getting him used to be groomed at a young age will have much less difficulty later.

Dachshund

Surely you already know the characteristic silhouette of the Dachshund, with its elongated body, short legs, and tan coat with short hair. This unique appearance has earned this dog many more or less friendly nicknames: sausage dog, sausage on legs, etc.

Whatever nickname you give him, this long-backed hunting dog is not lacking in personality. Clever, brave, and stubborn, you never get bored with a Dachshund. Read on to learn more about this breed and decide whether this dog is for you.

Characteristics of the breed

Origin: Germany

Size: small to medium

Life expectancy: 12 to 16 years

Energy level: Moderate

Group: hunting dog

General description

All Dachshunds have common physical characteristics, such as short legs, an elongated back, long floppy ears, and a pointed muzzle. Although they belong to the same breed, they are divided into standard Dachshund, miniature Dachshund, and even, in some breedings, a smaller version of the dwarf Dachshund called Kaninchen, or “Rabbit hunting Dachshund”.

Even if the tan coat and short-haired Dachshund are the most popular and the most publicized, these dogs have several varieties of coats. You will find short-haired (smooth coated), long-haired and wire-haired Dachshunds. The color of their dress can also vary and includes, among others, black, red, chocolate, tan, cream, grey, fawn, brindle... The dress of wire-haired Dachshunds is a traditional "boar" color, and each hair then has several colors.

When it comes to grooming, short-haired Dachshunds require very little attention. Long-haired Dachshunds, on the other hand, need weekly brushing and sometimes more during molting. Wire-haired Dachshunds are the most difficult to maintain, as their coat must not only be brushed, but also rid by hand or with a specific instrument of anything that might cling to it (burdock, for example). It is also preferable to accustom wire-haired Dachshunds to this grooming by hand from an early age.

If you want more information on the different types of breed coats, and how to maintain them, do not hesitate to consult a professional groomer.

Dachshund personality

Anyone who knows Dachshunds will tell you they are dogs full of character. The upside is that it means they love to play and are always ready to chase after something, bury themselves under blankets, or go to bed in your bed when they get tired.

On the other hand, their intelligence and hunting instincts can make them stubborn and bossy, obsessed with smells they like, and passionate about digging in your yard. This hound (bred initially to chase or catch game) can sometimes have a hard time, but with a solid education and good socialization, the Dachshund can be a great source of joy for a knowing owner. Occupy properly.

The ideal environment

Due to their small size, Dachshunds quickly adapt to any environment. Put simply, you can have a Dachshund just as well in a large house in the country as in a small apartment in town, as long as you take them for walks daily.

These dogs don't like strangers and don't get along with young children. If you have a cat, this breed will likely chase it. Dachshunds make great family dogs if they get exclusive attention without competition. This is why they are generally more fulfilled in people without children.

A little side note on their tendency to dig: your dachshund was initially bred to hunt all animals that dig galleries, and if you let him, he could well turn your magnificent garden into Swiss cheese. To channel this instinct, try to draw your dog's attention to the part of the garden where he is allowed to dig and reward him with a treat each time he starts digging in the park.

The ideal human for a Dachshund

Above all else, the ideal master for a Dachshund must have the energy to spare and a strong sense of humor. These dogs don't like being left on their own for too long and need exercise and play sessions daily. The ideal guardian should be willing to take the time to get to know their dog and its unique personality and give it the love, attention, and setting it needs.

If you must leave your home sometimes, you can consider leaving your pet in an enclosed space with a barrier. The ideal Dachshund owner probably works part-time or from home, so they can spend as much time with their pet and play with it. That being said, hiring a trusted dog sitter can make all the difference.

Train a Dachshund

Compared to other breeds, the Dachshund is generally more challenging to educate. Originally bred to alert hunters when they spot prey underground, they are loud by nature, bark insistently, and can even have aggressive tendencies if not socialized early enough.

Nothing beats positive reinforcement (not scolding) and regular and persistent obedience training with a Dachshund. While they appreciate being rewarded with treats and praise, they enjoy variety even more and only have patience for short training sessions. To put the odds on your side, it is better to do these sessions on an empty stomach and accept the fact that even if these sessions are time-consuming.

For all the reasons we have mentioned above, potty training is difficult with a Dachshund. Small and discreet, he can quickly relieve himself in a quiet little corner of your home if you are not vigilant enough.

To prevent the carpet from becoming his favorite toilet, use a baby gate to prevent your dog from going into prohibited areas, and take him outside regularly to relieve himself. Remember to praise and reward him with treats when he pees where you want!

Dachshund Health

Dachshunds, like many other dogs, are prone to breed-specific health issues. Their long backs, in particular, can be a problem. For example, make sure your dog does not jump from a high point, take stairs too steep, and avoid games that could put too much strain on his back.

Dachshund-specific health issues include intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), epilepsy, Cushing's disease, allergies, and eye problems. In addition, homozygous "merle" Dachshunds, specifically, are predisposed to sight or hearing problems.

However, despite their health issues, Dachshunds can live quite a long time despite their health issues.