Bo-Dach (Boston Terrier & Dachshund Mix): Info, Pictures, Care & More

When you first meet a Bo Dach, you might not know that this breed is a mix of two small dogs. The Boston Terrier and the Dachshund make up this new breed and create an adorable package. Their small size and overflowing affection make them great dogs for those who live in smaller spaces and those with families of all sizes.

Breed Overview

They make amazing first-time dogs for those who don’t mind a bit of a challenge. They are easy to maintain and groom and easy to train. However, their energy level and the vocalness of this dog can be a challenge to those who aren’t used to it.

Bo Dach Characteristics

Bo Dach Puppies

Setting your eyes on this adorable breed of dog can make your heart flutter. They are adorable puppies, and it can be tempting to decide right away that they are the dog for you. The Bo Dach comes with their own set of challenges, though.

The Bo Dach is a breed that loves to bark. That is how they communicate, and it is a trait that almost all of them have. You can likely train them not to bark as much, but it is unlikely that you will get rid of the tendency completely. This can pose a problem for those who need to keep the noise to a minimum. If that doesn’t turn you away, then perfect.

Like most small dogs, this breed is prone to separation anxiety. They love snuggling and being close to you and given how cute they are, it might bet tempting to allow that to happen all the time. Be ready to train them to not depend on your presence for everything starting at puppyhood. Get them used to you leaving the house for time periods and it should prevent them from becoming anxious when you leave.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Bo Dash 🧠

This breed has the intelligence of both their parent breeds. They are eager to please and truly want to learn new skills and how to make you happy. However, they can come across as a tiny bit stubborn like their Boston Terrier lineage. They have big personalities and come across as more of a family member than a pet.

On top of intelligence, they are dogs who would rather snuggle up on the couch with you than go on a walk. They bond closely to one owner in the family first and then warm up to the rest of the family. They are protective of what is theirs though and will be vocal if they disagree with something being done.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

Yes! Bo Dachs make amazing family pets. They are loving and welcoming to all family members, even if they have a favorite person. They also are even kind to strangers if they don’t feel a potential threat to them. Since they are so gentle, they do well with younger children and even the elderly. They want to sit and be loved on, and who better to do that than a larger family?

Being a playful dog, they get along great with children who have tons of energy. They are not likely to knock toddlers or even grandma over, so you won’t have to worry about that. One thing to watch, though, is how rough children play around your Bo Dach. They aren’t built for roughhousing and can get accidentally hurt if the play gets too rough.

This breed isn’t just for families with young children, though. These dogs make great companion animals to those who can dedicate some exercise for their dog but want a snuggle the rest of the day.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽 

You may not meet another dog that exactly meets other pets and makes them one of their best friends. They are such sociable dogs that they love to be around other dogs. Just like with children though, supervise play time with bigger dogs so they don’t accidentally hurt your Bo Dach by playing too rough.

The one thing that is recommended is that a Bo Dach not go to a home that has cats or other small animals. Coming from the Dachshund, often have a prey drive, and this can cause issues. While possible to raise your Bo Dach around these animals, accidents can happen that leave for a sad ending.

Things to Know When Owning a Bo Dach

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

For a healthy Bo Dach, you will need to feed them between 1 and 1½ cups of good quality food a day. Typically split up between two meals. Since they have a moderate energy level, they need the energy from their food.

With small breeds, it is common for them to be prone to weight gain and obesity. The Bo Dach is no different and you need to take care not to overfeed your dog. If you notice any weight gain, consult your vet and see what they say your dog needs daily.

Exercise 🐕

It might surprise you, but these little dogs need about an hour of exercise every day. This can be from walking to vigorous playtime in your backyard. Regardless of how you get your pup up and moving you need to make sure you don’t take their willingness to cuddle as a sign they don’t want to exercise.

They are mischievous little dogs if they don’t have the proper amount of exercise in their day. They can get bored and that can turn into destructive behavior. To prevent that, make sure your dog has plenty of toys they can chase around, chew on, and play with even if you aren’t there.

Training 🎾

Training your Bo Dach is a fairly simple task. They are intelligent dogs and they pick up on commands, tricks, and rules quickly. It is often you will see your pup becoming housebroken in a matter of weeks rather than months.

Though, they have a stubborn side to them. It is necessary to start training at a young age and continue that with obedience training. Not only will this help your dog grow, but it help tame that stubborn side as they grow older. They will be more likely to listen to you if you train them young.

Grooming ✂️

Caring for your dog’s coat is fairly simple. Their fur can range from short to moderately long but they all share the same shedding and brushing needs. You should plan to brush your dog about once a week. This will keep your dog’s coat healthy and shiny, as well as matt-free if you have a longer-furred pup.

Don’t bathe your dog too frequently, as that can wash away natural and healthy skin oils. Only wash your dog if they are particularly dirty, like if they find their way into a muddy area. Too much washing can leave your dog’s skin dry, and that can lead to infections if they itch too much.

Since the Bo Dach is a floppy-eared dog, they need their ears cleaned once a week to help prevent wax build-up and ear infections. Nails should be trimmed properly and regularly to prevent overgrowth and splitting.

Health and Conditions 🏥

The Bo Dach is a fairly healthy dog that doesn’t have many life-threading health issues. Of course, schedule regular vet visits to keep up with your pet’s health. Just like you would your health in seeing your doctor for checkups.

Male vs Female

Females of this breed are often needier and will be more selective about which humans they want to be around more. Males are more energetic and playful, but they have a higher prey drive. Both sexes stay about the same size and weight, though.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Bo Dach

1. They are Amazing Watchdogs

Remember that they are barkers? Well, this comes in handy considering they make amazing watchdogs. Despite their size, they are alert and will bark if an intruder tries to get in. They say the smallest packages often pack the biggest punch and they would be right.

While the Bo Dach is a social butterfly towards most people, they can pick up on potential threats to your family. Their small bark is loud enough to show that they aren’t meant to be messed with.

2. They are the Best of Two Worlds

The Bo Dach hasn’t been around that long, only growing in popularity since the 1990s, but their parent breeds have been around for hundreds of years. There is this rich history that both parent breeds have that make this new one amazing.

The Dachshund is a German breed that was once used to flush badgers and other den animals out of their dens for hunting back in the 1500s. They were fearless and elongated so they could dig into burrows. While the Boston Terrier has been traced back to the 1800s when they were believed to be bred as companion dogs for the wealthy individuals in Boston.

3. They Enjoy Exploring

The Bo Dach loves to explore their world, using their noses to figure out where those amazing smells are coming from. The downside to this is they do this off-leash and wander off. It is best to only have your dog off their leash when in your fenced-in yard. Outside of that, a sturdy harness that they can’t wiggle out of will keep them from wandering off too far.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a big personality in a small package, then the Bo Dach may be the ideal breed for you and your home. They are easy to care for, and train, and only need a moderate amount of exercise. You don’t have to live in a large home with a huge backyard either.

They make wonderful companions and family pets that have a lot of love to give. If you are looking for a balance between exercise and relaxation, then this could be your breed.

Featured Image Credit: Sara Hahn, Shutterstock