Sometimes puppies arrive by mistake, but that doesn’t make them any less lovable. If you have ever seen a Pitbull and Dachshund mixed, you’re in for a funky-looking dog, no matter the outcome!

Whenever you cross two dogs of such different backgrounds, you get a broad spectrum of personality possibilities. One thing is for sure, though: Your clever little dog will be quite unique. They might be long, beefy, muscley, pointed, or smushy—it’s hard to guess!

Breed Overview

The Dachshund Pitbull mix will certainly bring love and companionship to your life. If you want a protective but affectionate dog, these loyal breeds make a wonderful pairing. This combination would require specific training, though, so keep all your options in mind.

Dachshund Pitbull Mix Characteristics

Dachshund Pitbull Puppies

No one should breed a Pitbull and Dachshund on purpose due to the size differences of the two, which can make it dangerous for the mother to give birth if the Dachshund is the female in the pairing. This mixed breed should be accidental and nothing more. If anyone is trying to sell this breed as a hybrid for profit, steer clear of them. There are no regulations, and backyard breeding is rampant.

If you do stumble across one of these dogs from an accidental litter, you might wonder exactly how big one of the puppies will be as an adult. Realistically, they can be the size of either parent, but tend to me more on the smaller side. They can be any color as well; it will depend on the individual puppy.

When it comes to energy level and personality, you can expect this little dog to be very lively. They are going to want to run, jump, play, and chew. During puppy stages, you should always have the appropriate toys and entertainment available for them. The more you give them things to do, the more they will not develop destructive behaviors.

How quickly your dog will grow will greatly depend on their genetics. They could grow quickly and robustly if they take more after the Pitbull side. They might have a long body if they take more after the Dachshund, but their legs could stay short. It’s a gamble when you breed any two dogs that look so drastically different.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Dachshund Pitbull

The temperament and intelligence can be a little of a gamble, but we can guess based on what we know about both parents. A Dachshund tends to be very bold, independent, and adventurous. They thrive when they are stimulated, and will certainly be a fantastic watchdog to warn you about anything weird going on around your home.

The Pitbull gets a pretty bad rap these days, accused of being wild or aggressive or unpredictable. While poor genetics and living environments can cause these issues, a well-rounded Pitbull with a caring owner is a lovable, goofy, affectionate companion. Their loyalty is unmatched.

So, the Pitbull influence will give them a goofy, fun-loving aspect to their personality. Pitbulls are generally extremely excited to see all of the daily activities.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪

This dog is sure to get along with their family. They are both extremely loyal breeds that get attached to humans. The Dachshund might be a little more inclined to pick a particular person to favor.

But the Pitbull is generally very open, so you can expand their horizons a little bit in the social category. Both dogs are prone to watch dog-like tendencies, so early socialization with many different types of people and surroundings is crucial.

As owners, we can really develop their social skills and help them stay well-rounded so they don’t become suspicious of others. Because the size is somewhat unpredictable, it’s hard to say whether they will work for an apartment complex or a smaller living space.

Plus, many apartment complexes ban Pitbulls and Pitbull mixes due to their reputation, through no fault of the breed themselves. Always check with your property manager before getting a questionable breed.

Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶😽

This breed getting along with pets can go this way or that way. When socialized early, they will likely acclimate very well with other pets living in the home. However, Dachshunds are known for being pretty bossy and even territorial.

Pitbulls are known to be happy-go-lucky with others unless they’ve had a bad experience, which can change their opinion about dogs in general. Pitbulls also have a tendency to exhibit same-sex aggression, especially in females.

So once a dog reaches sexual maturity, it can be up in the air on how they’re going to respond to other animals. In most cases, as long as you implement early socialization and encourage play and exposure to other pets, these will be very well-rounded dogs.

Effort is certainly required on the owner’s part, and this can be a little more challenging with this breed combination than with other types of dogs.

Things to Know When Owning a Dachshund Pitbull Mix

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

In any case, your Pitbull Dachshund mix will require a high protein, good quality dog food recipe. Dry kibble and wet dog food are viable options for any animal. However, many store-bought options have a ton of chemicals, preservatives, byproducts, and other questionable ingredients.

If you want your dog to get the best nutrition possible, we highly recommend looking at the highest-rated dry kibble or wet canned foods and consulting your veterinarian for nutritional guidance.

Many families are turning to fresh food options these days. They have several upsides, including a subscription-based service that re-orders automatically on a set schedule. They also are much fresher and nutritionally canine-specific, giving your dog the best nutrition possible.

However, the services can be a bit expensive for some families, particularly if you’re already living on a budget. Since you have yet to learn how big the Pitbull Dachshund mix will be as an adult, food might require much more financially than what you’re prepared to give. So, keep that in mind when you’re selecting an appropriate diet for your pal.

Exercise 🐕

You certainly can’t prevent the Pitbull Dachshund mix from getting appropriate exercise. Proper exercise is crucial to both of these breeds, as they both love having something to keep them occupied.

A digger by nature, the Dachshund will want to exercise their natural capabilities by sniffing and digging at their leisure. A Pitbull loves to romp and play with other dogs and people. Your Pitbull Dachshund mix will vary in exercise requirements throughout the day. It will depend on which side they take after and their overall level.

On average, they will need at least an hour of exercise to keep them healthy. They will enjoy doing a lot of things, most of which require being outside to burn off steam.

Training 🎾

Training will certainly come with its challenges. But don’t let this fool you. Both breeds are exceptionally intelligent, which can have its downfalls. Luckily, Pitbulls are very eager to please, making them highly trainable dogs.

Conversely, the Dachshund can be extremely independent and resistant to commands and training. They’re also a little notoriously hard to potty train, so be prepared to deal with this challenge if it arises.

If you’re having any trouble training your Dachshund Pitbull mix, you can always elect the help of a professional.

Grooming ✂️

Grooming the Dachshund Pitbull mix should be relatively simple. Neither require extensive care or haircuts. But they do have coats that continually shed year-round. So, it’s best to keep up with routine brushing and general maintenance care.

On average, you should give your Dachshund Pitbull a full body bath once every 4 to 6 weeks. Since Pitbulls can have skin sensitivities, it’s best to use fragrance and chemical-free shampoo, conditioner, and other skin products.

Health and Conditions 🏥

Keeping your Dachshund Pitbull mix healthy will save you money in vet bills and help you keep your best friend a lot longer. On top of having a healthy diet and exercise plan, vet care is crucial to your animal’s well-being.

In your dog’s first year of life, they will be at their vet quite often. They will need to go in for a few rounds of preventative vaccines, parasite prevention, growth management, spay and neuter surgery, and elective micro chipping.

After the first year, they will reduce their trips to the vet significantly. You can expect to go annually for routine checkups and general bloodwork. If your dog develops any type of health issue in between, it can be dealt with accordingly so vet visits may vary in frequency.

Many families opt for pet insurance now since vet costs are high. It seems the more pets you have, the more chance there is of something going wrong, whether it is injury, accidents, or illness. Pet insurance isn’t required, but it can help you have peace of mind, particularly if you are on a budget that prevents you from paying vet costs if they arise.

Both Dachshunds and Pitbulls can suffer from certain genetic health conditions. Ultimately, their problems will depend on their parents’ health.

Male vs. Female

Often, purebred dogs can be differentiated due to their size. Males tend to be significantly larger than females with stockier bodies. However, with mixed breeds like the Pitbull Dachshund mix, they can vary size, which has nothing to do with sex.

Each sex comes with a few complications and perks. For example, the female is generally more mature sooner, making her potentially easier to train. However, the female goes into heat cycles between 4 and 6 months of age, which can cause bleeding and personality changes. If untreated, it can also result in unwanted pregnancy. Most veterinarians request that you fix your female before sexual maturity to prevent these behaviors. Each vet has a different timeline recommendation, though, and you should consult your personal veterinarian to schedule.

In Pitbulls particularly, same-sex aggression can be a problem. While this can happen in males and females alike, it tends to be a little more frequent in females. This issue can also be very difficult, if not impossible, to fix. Males tend to be a little on the slow-to-learn side and may even develop bad habits like marking.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Dachshund Pitbull Mix

1. The Dachshund Pitbull mix will have a very high prey drive.

Dachshunds were literally built for digging in the dirt and chasing after small vermin. Pitbulls are designed for fighting, making them highly prey driven. It’s no wonder that the combination will certainly make a dog that likes to chase every single thing they see.

2. The Dachshund’s long body has a purpose.

The Dachshund’s long body serves a very strong purpose, holding up to the breed’s original intention. They can easily burrow in holes dug by ground animals like groundhogs and rabbits.

3. Pitbulls were once nanny dogs.

Even though Pitbulls get a pretty bad rap, they were once known as nanny dogs. They looked after small children, even though we definitely don’t advise any animal to be left unattended with a dog in the present day.

Final Thoughts

Now you know a basic overview of what a Dachshund Pitbull mix (or Pitbull Dachshund mix) is all about. You can see how they can easily be very different from puppy to puppy. Keep in mind that this is a mixed breed that should never be intentionally bred for profit.

Steer clear of backyard breeders who are just trying to take your money. If you have found one of these dogs at a rescue or shelter, they can make amazing family companions in the right homes. Early socialization is very important, so remember to expose your dog to quite a few different situations.

See also:

• Vet-Approved Home Remedies for Dog Breath
• How Long Does It Take for a Dog to Digest Food?