The German Shepherd Dachshund mix is a genetic pairing between the workhorse German Shepherd mix and the small, terrier-esque Dachshund. This crossbreed is a match made in Germany – as both dogs are of German heritage, though this small to medium-sized dog is becoming more popular in the United States recently.
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The German Shepherd Dachshund mix combines the hunting genetics of both breeds very well, making it a fantastic hunting companion for small-game hunters. Likewise, the excitable temperament of the German Shepherd and the often calm aloofness of the Dachshund makes it an even-tempered companion.
German Shepherd Dachshund Mix – At A Glance
| Weight: | 20–60 pounds |
| Height: | 10–20 inches |
| Lifespan: | 10–15 years |
| Coat colours: | Brindle, Black, Fawn, Brown, Black & Tan. |
| Temperament: | Loving, loyal, energetic, friendly, protective. |
| Suitable for: | Active families, active single individuals or couples without children. |
What Does a German Shepherd Dachshund Mix Look Like?
The German Shepherd Dachshund mix will likely borrow a healthy amount of its physical characteristics from both parent breeds. With the German Shepherd and Dachshund genes, you will likely find a medium-sized dog on the shorter side. It may inherit the triangular, droopy ear shape of the Dachshund, along with the overall body of the Dachshund. However, it may not inherit the shorter legs and turned-out feet!
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The German Shepherd’s genes will be most prominent in the eyes of the mix, as they will likely be dark and round and large. He may inherit the square, fleshy nose of the GSD. Some German Shepherd Dachshund mixes will have shorter coats, and some may have longer coats.
The History of the German Shepherd Dachshund Mix
As a designer dog breed, it is difficult to find out much information concerning the German Shepherd Dachshund mix, as it is a relatively new breed of designer dog. Although we do know that most of the modern designer-dog breeds were bred during the 1990s and early 2000s, it stands to reason that this is likely when the German Shepherd Dachshund mix was created.
The History of the German Shepherd
German Shepherds were the creation of the German man, Max von Stephanitz, a former cavalry captain in the late 19th century. Bred from other native German herding dogs, the purpose of the German Shepherd was to create a quick, agile, large breed that could handle the demands of large cattle herding like cows and sheep.
Von Stephanitz’s creation will always be a workhorse of a dog; with fantastic scent detection, agility and speed, the GSD is favoured today among police and military forces in IED and drug-detection roles. They’re also beloved as family pets.
How Popular Are German Shepherds?
German Shepherds are among America’s most popular dogs! They’ve routinely ranked inside the top 10 most popular dogs, and in 2021 rankings, they finished as the 4th most popular dog in the US.
Who Are German Shepherds a Good Dog For?
German Shepherds are beautiful dogs for the active family unit, couple, or single active individual. Given their overall size, they don’t do well in confined environments and aren’t generally suitable for apartment living.
How Did German Shepherds Come About?
The German Shepherd was the creation by cavalry captain Max von Stephanitz in Germany in the late 19th century. The GSD was created to help von Stephanitz herd sheep and large cattle.
When Did First Cross-Breed The German Shepherd?
The German Shepherd is the creation of crossbreeding of various native German hunting dogs in the late 19th century. However, their crossbreeding history is a little spotty, though we know that modern cross breeding of dogs began in the 1960s in the United States and was very popular throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. Thus, we can surmise that the German Shepherd would likely have been crossbred during this period.
The History of the Dachshund
Also heralding from Germany, the Dachshund is a German hunting dog created in the early 19th century by German badger hunters to allow them to capture escaping badgers who would previously disappear into their dens. “Dachshund” literally translates to “badger dog”.
Dachshunds continued to gain popularity as hunting dogs in Europe and eventually became beloved family pets, mostly due to their low-maintenance affable nature.
How Popular Are Dachshunds?
The Dachshund is a very popular family pet in the United States, having been first introduced to the country in the late 19th century. Brought over as hunting companions (as was their original lot in life), Dachshunds transitioned, as they did in Europe to firm family pets.
Currently, according to 2021 rankings, the Dachshund is American’s 10th most-popular dog!
Who Are Dachshunds a Good Dog For?
Given their small size and low maintenance attitude to life, Dachshunds are a wonderful choice for many families, single individuals and even elderly people, who might be seeking a companion pet.
How Did Dachshunds Come About?
Dachshunds were bred by German badger hunters centuries ago, looking for a small-but-long dog to chase badgers down their warrens and finish them off before retrieving them.
When Did First Cross-Breed The Dachshund?
Despite being an ancient dog, there isn’t much-recorded history concerning crossbreeding between Dachshunds and other dogs, although it most certainly took place. More modern crossbreeding practices between dogs began in the 1960s in the United States, peaking in popularity in the 1990s and early 2000s.
Therefore, it is highly likely that the Dachshund was crossbred during this period.
How Important Is a Dog’s Temperament to Your Family?
A dog’s temperament is critical to how it fits into a family unit. Researching a dog’s potential temperament is all part of your job as a prospective owner. When looking for a dog, you’re likely going to want one that’s a temperamental match to your family to make things easier for your family and it’s new member.
Buying or adopting a dog that doesn’t match your temperament could present problems that will require training and the corresponding time and money investment, and could even result in you having to re-home or return the dog, meaning more trauma for you and the dog.
What is the Temperament of the German Shepherd Dachshund Mix?
The German Shepherd Dachshund mix have two very complimentary temperaments. One is excitable, the other aloof. You can expect your German Shepherd Dachshund mix to be an active dog, you might also expect your German Shepherd Dachshund mix to be very intuitive and intelligent, as the GSD is one of the world’s most intelligent breeds!
Are German Shepherd Dachshund Mixes Friendly?
Both German Shepherds and Dachshunds are well known for being friendly, so expect your German Shepherd Dachshund mix to be friendly!
Are German Shepherd Dachshund Mixes Easy to Train?
In general, both the German Shepherd and Dachshund mixes are very easy to train.
How Much Can The German Shepherd Dachshund Mix Weigh?
You can expect your German Shepherd Dachshund mix to weigh between 20 and 60 pounds.
How Tall Can The German Shepherd Dachshund Mix Get?
The German Shepherd Dachshund mix can reach between 10 and 20 inches tall.
Similar Sized Breeds
Similar sized breeds to the German Shepherd Dachshund mix include the Boston Terrier, the Labrador Retriever, the Border Collie, the Boxer, and the Brittany Spaniel.
Does the German Shepherd Dachshund Mix Shed?
In general, you can expect moderate shedding from your German Shepherd Dachshund mix, which will require weekly brushing to mitigate.
How Much Exercise Does A German Shepherd Dachshund Mix Require?
The German Shepherd is typically very exercise-intensive, with the Dachshund not being quite as active. Still, you can expect your German Shepherd Dachshund mix to require the moderate exercise of about 45 minutes per day.
How Long Can a German Shepherd Dachshund Mix Live?
The typical lifespan of a German Shepherd Dachshund mix is between 10 and 15 years.
What Health Conditions Could the German Shepherd Dachshund Mix Have?
- Elbow & knee dysplasia (joint problems)
- Degenerative myelopathy (degenerative spinal issue)
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (spinal disc problem)
- Gastric Dilation & Volvulus Syndrome (Bloat) (gastrointestinal problem)
How Can You Find a German Shepherd and the Dachshund Mix Puppy For Sale?
Before you try to find a German Shepherd Dachshund Mix puppy for sale, we encourage you to consider adoption first. Check your local veterinary office or animal shelter first, to see if someone has dropped off a German Shepherd Dachshund mix puppy.
If you’re unsuccessful in person, try https://www.petfinder.com/ to search your local area for puppies up for adoption.
Read our guide about: How to Find a Reputable Dog Breeder?
How Much Does a German Shepherd Dachshund Mix Puppy Cost?
Another reason to consider adoption is the price of purchasing a German Shepherd Dachshund mix puppy, which can cost between $500 and $1000.
Is the German Shepherd Dachshund Mix the Right Breed For You?
If you’re looking for an active, energetic, intelligent and loyal dog, you might find that the German Shepherd Dachshund mix is the perfect breed for you and your family! Particularly if you’re looking for a hunting or hiking companion, but an equally loving dog that’ll curl up on the couch afterwards.