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Bo-Dach (Boston Terrier & Dachshund Mix): Info, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts

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By Nicole Cosgrove

Bo-Dach (Boston Terrier & Dachshund Mix)

Height: 10–12 inches
Weight: 10–25 pounds
Lifespan: 10–13 years
Colors: Black, brown, white, brindle, grey
Suitable for: Apartment dwellers, affectionate owners, families of any size
Temperament: Loving, Loyal, Intelligent, Playful, Friendly

The Boston Terrier and Dachshund mix, commonly called the Bo-Dach, is an adorable dog that has become a popular companion for many owners. Their small size and abundance of affection can make them great dogs for apartment living and families of all sizes, even those with children.

They have a medium energy level, are easy to maintain and groom, and are fairly easy to train. These aspects make them good dogs for first-time owners who don’t mind a bit of a challenge.

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Boston Terrier & Dachshund Mix Puppies

Energy
Trainability
Health
Lifespan
Sociability

Before committing to this hybrid, you should know they bark more than most dogs. Their small size and easily manageable energy requirements may suggest they’re perfect for apartments and indoor living, but their barking can pose a problem for those who need to keep noise to a minimum. The Bo-Dach can be trained not to bark as much, but you can’t eliminate the instinct.

You should also be aware that Bo-Dachs commonly go through separation anxiety. They’re affectionate and love snuggling, and given how cute they are, you may want to keep them curled up with you constantly. However, you should be ready to train them not to become entirely dependent on your presence, starting when they are puppies. You want to be able to leave your dog’s side without them becoming anxious or nervous.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Bo-Dach

1. They Make Good Watch Dogs

You may think their small size and unassuming build means they can’t guard you and your home, but you would be mistaken!

Although the Bo-Dach is abundantly friendly toward most people, they are alert and quickly perceive threats to themselves and your family. They may have a small bark, but they’ll use it to warn possible intruders that they aren’t to be messed with.


2. They Have an Extensive Lineage

The Bo-Dach hasn’t been around long and was developed when designer dogs became popular in the late 1990s. However, the Bo-Dach’s parent breeds have been around for hundreds of years.

The Boston Terrier can be traced back to the 1800s when they were believed to be bred as companion dogs for wealthy residents in Boston. The Dachshund goes back even further to the 1500s. They originated in Germany, where they were bred to flush small badgers out of their burrows.


3. They Tend to Be Wanderers

Although the Bo-Dach is a loyal canine, they tend to wander out of curiosity. They should not be allowed off their leash outside your fenced-in yard, and you should invest in a sturdy harness to ensure they don’t escape during walks.

Parent Breeds of the Bo-Dach
Image Credit: Jumpstory

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Temperament & Intelligence of the Bo-Dach 🧠

You can expect your Bo-Dach to be intelligent since they inherit their smarts from both parents. This usually leads to a dog with a big personality that feels more like a family member than a pet.

They are very affectionate, and while they love and require daily exercise, they enjoy few things more than snuggling up close to you on the couch or in bed. They love their owners and human interaction, and their indoor energy level is usually minimal.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

Bo-Dachs make wonderful family pets. They are incredibly loving and welcoming to all family members and even strangers they don’t perceive as threatening. You can expect them to be gentle and playful with everyone. In fact, given their level of affection, they do best in larger families where there’s always someone to give them the attention they crave.

They get along very well with children, so you’ll never have to worry about your kids when they play with your pup. This smaller breed can get injured if the play gets too rough, so keep an eye on younger children who may accidentally hurt your Bo-Dach.

They are also perfectly happy not exerting energy, so they’re great for older couples or retirees who can supply dedicated exercise in the form of a walk or outside play but want a low-key pup the rest of the day.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

Your Bo-Dach’s friendliness extends beyond humans to other dogs as well. Especially if they are socialized early, you should have no issues introducing them to a home with one or even several dogs. Just like with children, you should be cautious if you have larger dogs so that they don’t accidentally hurt your Bo-Dach during play.

Because they inherit a lively prey drive from their Dachshund ancestors, you will probably find that they don’t fare too well with cats. They may instinctually try to chase down your cat, which can cause injuries. The Bo-Dach is recommended for families that don’t also house cats or other small animals, especially rodents.

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Things to Know When Owning a Boston Terrier & Dachshund Mix:

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

The Bo-Dach is a small dog with a moderate energy level, and you can expect to feed your pup around 1 to 1½ cups of dry dog food each day.

As is common with many small breeds, the Bo-Dach is prone to weight gain and obesity. You should take extra care not to overfeed your pup, and if you notice any uncharacteristic weight gain, consult your vet to develop a healthy diet plan.

Exercise 🐕

Given how small they are, it may surprise you that your Bo-Dach should get around an hour of exercise every day. This can be in the form of a walk or vigorous playtime, including fetching in the backyard. Regardless of how you exercise your pup, ensure you don’t take their willingness to rest and snuggle inside as a sign that they don’t want or need the exercise.

Also, they have a mischievous side to them, and while it may be cute most of the time, it can also turn into destructive behavior. Proper exercise will limit this unwanted behavior.

Training 🦮

Boston Terrier and Dachshund mixes are very intelligent, and your dog will quickly pick up on commands, tricks, and rules. They’re likely to become fully housebroken in just two or three weeks.

However, Bo-Dachs are also independent thinkers and can be stubborn. It’s necessary to start a training regimen at a young age and continue obedience training consistently. This will help quell your pup’s willful side as they grow older and more independent.

Grooming ✂️

Caring for your Bo-Dach will be pretty simple. Their fur can range from short to moderately long, but regardless of the fur length, you should plan to brush your pup about once a week. This will keep their coat healthy and shiny.

Only bathe your dog when needed if they find their way into mud or a particularly dirty part of your backyard. Frequent bathing can wash away their protective oils, which can lead to dry skin and infection.

Aside from coat maintenance, you should keep your dog’s nails trimmed and wipe their ears once a week to prevent wax build-up and ear infections, which can be common in floppy-eared dogs.

Health and Conditions ❤️

The Bo-Dach is a fairly healthy dog that doesn’t have many common life-threatening health issues. You should schedule regular vet visits, of course, and keep a watchful eye for the issues that can occur to make sure your pup stays as healthy as possible.

Minor Conditions
  • Eye issues, including “cherry eye”
  • Allergies
  • Reverse sneezing
  • Obesity
  • Patellar luxation
Serious Conditions
  • Epilepsy
  • Intervertebral disk disease
  • Deafness

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Male vs Female

Male Bo-Dachs are usually a bit more energetic and playful. They also have a higher prey drive, and you’ll need to be extra careful around cats, squirrels, and other small animals. Females are often needier, more selective, and high-maintenance. While these personality traits can vary, you won’t see much of a size difference between the sexes.

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Final Thoughts

The Bo-Dach is a loyal companion and family pet that has a lot of love, affection, and attention to give. They’re great for owners looking for a good balance between exercise and relaxation.

They’re easy to care for, reasonably easy to train, and only need moderate exercise. They’re ideal for new dog owners who are willing to learn and grow with their pups.

If you’re looking for a big personality in a small package and a dog embodying the term “man’s best friend,” the Bo-Dach is the ideal canine companion for your home.


Featured Image: Sara Hahn, Shutterstock

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