Dachshund German Shepherd Mix Info: Pictures, Temperament & Traits

What happens when you combine vastly different breeds like the Dachshund and German Shepherd? Well, you get the remarkable Dachshund German Shepherd mix. They’re long-bodied, medium-sized dogs that can vary drastically in appearance. The German Shepherd and Dachshund have a German heritage, but that’s where the similarities end. So, we’ll discuss what you can expect if you buy or adopt a German Shepherd Dachshund mix.

German Shepherd Dachshund Mix Puppies

The Dachshund German Shepherd mix is not a common hybrid, and finding a breeder might prove difficult. You can check German Shepherd and Dachshund breeders to see if they raise hybrids, but you may have better luck at a shelter or rescue center. Puppies are adopted quickly in shelters, and you may have to wait for one or adopt an adult.

If you can find it in your heart to give a dog a second chance with a loving family, adopting from a shelter is an excellent option. It’s less expensive, and most of the dogs have all the necessary vaccinations and spay or neuter surgery.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Dachshund German Shepherd Mix

1. Both Parent Breeds Hail From Germany.

The German Shepherd was a military and herding dog in Germany in the 1800s. Dachshunds, which date back to the 15th century, were developed to hunt badgers and other hole-dwelling animals. While they had very different roles, both canines are revered in their native country.

2. This Hybrid Cross Is Very Protective of Its Owners.

Both the Dachshund and German Shepherd are highly protective of their families. Even though they can be very social, sometimes enjoying the company of outsiders, their families come first.

3. There Are Lots of Physical Possibilities With This Mix.

Dachshunds are long-bodied, short-legged dogs with floppy ears and lengthy snouts. German Shepherds are large with athletic bodies, sloped backs, and pointy ears. When you add them together, it’s hard to tell what each puppy will look like in the litter.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Dachshund German Shepherd Mix 🧠

Regarding what you can expect from your Dachshund German Shepherd mix, they have an interesting combination of characteristics. German Shepherds are typically very protective dogs who are sharp, affectionate, and easy to train.

Dachshunds are spirited little pups with big personalities and quite a bit of sass. When you combine them, you’re definitely going to get a dog full of character, but one that can be a bit challenging for inexperienced owners.

Don’t let that deter you, as you will have a mannerly, well-trained dog by the time all is said and done. These dogs are brilliant, but they might not always be as willing to listen to commands. They need a job to do as their energy levels require it.

Dachshunds can be pretty territorial with people outside of their family, and German Shepherds can be the same way. So, early socialization is essential. These dogs can get along well with strangers and other animals with proper introductions.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

This excellent cross can be a charming addition to family homes. However, due to their activity levels and possible personality quirks, we recommend this dog for children ages 6 and older.

If your family is active, this dog will love joining in on the fun. They will love to be outdoors exploring all around—so much that it can be hard to persuade them to come back inside. But they are pretty attached to each household member, so they aren’t as likely to run off as some other breeds.

As for older adults, if you adopt this cross as an adult, you probably have nothing to worry about. However, due to high activity levels and training challenges, a puppy might be a little more challenging to handle.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

The Dachshund German Shepherd mix can make good companion animals for other pets with the correct training. German Shepherds have relatively high prey drives incompatible with farm animals in smaller pets. So, always be mindful when bringing a dog into a new situation.

There is a risk of same-sex dog aggression with this breed because of its territorial nature. Not all of them exhibit this characteristic, but it is something to watch out for and to know before purchasing.

Things to Know When Owning a Dachshund German Shepherd Mix:

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

This canine mix has no specific dietary restrictions, but monitoring them for food-related allergies as your puppy develops is vital. They need high-quality dog food specifically designed for puppies to support their growing bodies. Puppies need to eat more meals than adults, and you can feed your German Shepherd Dachshund around four meals a day to keep them healthy.

As adults, dogs only need to eat two meals daily. The portion size of these meals varies depending on your dog’s weight, health, and age. However, you can visit your veterinarian for advice on portion control and which brand to use. When your dog develops into an adult, you can switch to an adult formula.

 

Exercise 🐕

When it comes to exercise, the German Shepherd Dachshund shouldn’t have any trouble partaking in an outdoor adventure. Both parent breeds are pretty active. They will love running around with the children or playing a good game of fetch in the backyard.

Ultimately, your Dachshund German Shepherd mix should have at least 45 to 60 minutes of daily exercise. They’ll benefit from challenging puzzles and maze games because they need plenty of mental stimulation due to their intelligence.

Training 🦮

This intelligent hybrid benefits greatly from formal training. While you might be able to train them at home with a few disciplinary steps, professional obedience training works wonders. With a more stubborn pup that needs mental stimulation, it can be helpful to get an outside perspective.

Granted, you might not require it if you’re an experienced dog owner, but it can be helpful for most families. Although intelligent, the German Shepherd Dachshund’s stubborn nature can make it challenging for first-time owners to train them. Due to their protective instincts, they can make fantastic watch or guard dogs.

Grooming ✂️

German Shepherds have thick double coats, making them shed quite a bit. Dachshunds differ slightly in their coat length, but generally, their hair is very sleek. The Dachshund German Shepherd mix can combine these two types or lean towards one side or another.

You can generally tell when they’re puppies which type of coat they’ll have. The amount of brushing and grooming depends on the complexity of their coat. However, we recommend daily brushing to prevent excessive shedding.

Also, since they may have double coats, deshedding tools work well. If you’d like, you can take your dog to a professional groomer for a good scrub down, or you can bathe them at home every 4 to 6 weeks.

It’s a good idea to brush their teeth daily to avoid tartar buildup and plaque formation, and you must keep their ears clean and moisture-free to prevent ear infections. Also, trimming their nails to prevent injuries and mobility issues is critical.

Health and Conditions ❤️

The Dachshund German Shepherd can inherit traits from their parents, and they’re vulnerable to the same health conditions are the same. However, the Dachshund and German Shepherd are relatively healthy canines.

During their first year of life, maintaining regular veterinary care is essential to get caught up on booster shots, spay or neuter surgeries, and general growth monitoring.  Here is a list of potential health concerns your Dachshund German Shepherd mix may face.

Male vs Female

Unlike some purebred dogs, the physical differences between males and females can be drastic. Because of the size difference between the two breeds, males and females can be very different, regardless of their gender.

The same goes for their personality, and it’s hard to tell which traits they will take on. Males mature slower than their female counterparts, but both sexes make excellent pets.

Final Thoughts

If a Dachshund German Shepherd mix sounds like a perfect addition to your home, it’s time to start your search. Finding an experienced breeder may take time since the hybrid isn’t very popular, but you can also visit rescue centers and shelters for a new pup.

These stubborn, intelligent, affectionate dogs can bring so much joy into your life. Whether you seek a puppy or adopt an adult, you won’t regret your decision. They will stay loyal to a fault their whole lives.

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Featured Image Credit: Pixabay