The Pitbull Dachshund mix, otherwise known as Doxie Pits, the Dox Bull or Doxie-Bull is a medium-sized dog created by breeding the American Pitbull Terrier and the Dachshund. This medium-sized is a Pitbull’s temperament in a Dachshund body. Expect the Doxie Bull to be a fierce protector, with a bark bigger than its bite.
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Like most designer breeds, Doxie Pits haven’t been around for a long time. So, we’ll need to explore their parent breeds – the Dachshund and American Pitbull Terrier. We’ll take you through the histories, popularity levels, suitability and temperaments of both parent breeds to give you a better understanding of where the Doxie Pit came from!
Pitbull Dachshund Mix – At a Glance
| Weight: | 20–30 pounds |
| Height: | 8–13 inches |
| Lifespan: | 8–12 years |
| Coat Colors: | Fawn, brown, brindle, black with white markings. |
| Temperament: | Active, loving, loyal, protective, independent. |
| Suitable for: | Active families, active single individuals. |
What Does a Pitbull Dachshund Mix Look Like?
Like most mixed-breed dogs, their physical appearance is inherited from both parent breeds. Doxie Pits will mostly inherit the elongated body of their Dachshund parents, along with a small, wedge-shaped face, along with the Dachshund’s floppy, triangular ears.
Alternatively, Doxie Pits can also inherit much of the appearance of an American Pitbull Terrier in a Dachshund’s body! They may have a square, wedge-shaped head than the Dachshund, along with a broader, more muscular chest.
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Their coat colors will be fawn, brown, brindle, or black, with white markings on their chests. If they inherit the Dachshund’s appearance (and the Dachshund’s wiry coat), they’ll likely have a double coat of short hair. Meanwhile, if they take more after their Pit Bull parent, they’ll likely have a short, single coat. As both parent breeds have smooth coats, you can expect your Doxie Pit to have one too.
As with most mixed-breed dogs, their appearance comes down to the predominant gene.
The History of the Pitbull Dachshund Mix
Unfortunately, as with many designer dog breeds, the Doxie Pit’s history is largely unknown. They likely were bred during the 1990s or early 2000s, when crossbreeding became very popular throughout the United States.
What we don’t know about the Dachshund Pit Bull mix we can glean from the history of their parent breed – the Dachshund and the American Pitbull Terrier.
The History of the Dachshund
The Dachshund is a small dog developed in Germany – though exactly when is the subject of much debate. The American Kennel Club states that the Dachshund was developed in the 15th century, while other cynologists believe that the Dachshund originated some time around the late 18th or early 19th centuries.
They were originally bred to hunt badgers and rabbits, the literal translation of “Dachshund” is “badger dog.” Dachshunds were originally developed to hunt badgers in Germany, but were also used as a small-game hunting dog.
Their descendants are likely Basset Hounds, a German Shorthaired Pointer, and a Pinscher. Arriving in the United States in the late 19th century, Dachshunds were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1895. They have since become a very popular small dogs among many households and are favored by the elderly for their manageable size.
How Popular Are Dachshunds?
The Dachshund is a very popular dog throughout the United States. In 2021, the Dachshund ranked as the 10th most-popular dog in the United States, according to the American Kennel Club.
Who Are Dachshunds a Good Dog For?
Given the size of Dachshunds, they are physically manageable for almost anyone. They generally have a gentle and loving temperament, with the utmost loyalty and affection with their owners. They are notoriously independent dogs and can be fairly aloof and suspicious around strangers.
How Did Dachshunds Come About?
Dachshunds were originally bred in Germany to be small-game hunting dogs. Cynologists disagree about when the Dachshund was first bred – some say the 15th century, others think far more recently – the 18th and 19th centuries.
When Did First Cross-Breed The Dachshund?
Much of the recent history of crossbreeding of the Dachshund occurred during the late 1990s and early 2000s. They are mostly bred with dogs of similar size – but there are several most popular crossbreeds of the Dachshund – these include:
- Corgi Dachshund Mix (Dorgi)
- Cocker Spaniel Dachshund Mix (Spaniel Doxie)
- German Shepherd Dachshund Mix (Shepherd Dachshund)
- Dachshund Siberian Husky Mix (Dachshund Husky)
- Pomeranian Dachshund Mix (Pom Dach)
The History of the Pitbull
The Pitbull, otherwise known as the American Pit Bull Terrier to American owners, is a dog that originated in England in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Bred from the Olde English Bulldog and Old English Terrier, Pitbull Terriers were originally bred for participation in blood sports including dog fighting and ‘bull-baiting.’
Bull-baiting was a popular ‘sport’ in the United Kingdom at the end of the 18th and the beginning of the 19th century. It involved putting Pitbull Terriers, or other types of terrier dogs into a pen with an angry bull – the ‘game’ was over when the bull either collapsed from exhaustion or gored the dog to death.
Following the 1835 Cruelty Against Animals Act that outlawed the ‘sport’, along with dogfighting, the Pitbull Terrier lost it’s popularity seemingly overnight. Sometime between 1845 and 1860, the first Pitbull Terriers were brought to the United States where they once again were used in dogfighting.
It took until the beginning of the 20th century for dogfighting to be outlawed in the United States and for the Pitbull Terrier to be recognized as a breed – but only by the United Kennel Club, who recognized them as American Pitbull Terriers.
Newly coined as the American Pitbull Terrier, this designation was not mirrored by the American Kennel Club, who to this day does not recognize the American Pitbull Terrier as a breed. This is due to the complex legal status that American Pitbull Terriers occupy – many American cities have outlawed their ownership due to their aggressive tendencies.
However, before the late 20th century, the American Pitbull Terrier was used as a mascot and rallying cry for patriotic fervor during the First and Second World Wars and the Vietnam War. Despite their popularity among families, American dog-fighting owners still use Pitbull Terriers in underground dogfighting.
How Popular Are Pitbulls?
Despite their popularity among dog-fighting owners and other irresponsible breeders, the American Pitbull Terrier has also garnered popularity among the general public.
Although the American Kennel Club does not keep records of ownership of the Pitbull Terrier, other sources indicate that they are 20% of the American ‘strong dog’ population.
Who Are Pitbulls a Good Dog For?
The Pitbull Terrier is a powerful animal with broad shoulders and a muscular chest that needs regular exercise. Pitbull Terriers are also prone to separation anxiety, which can manifest destructive behavior. Therefore, Pitbull Terriers aren’t great for those in apartment living situations.
Pitbull Terriers can also tend to be stubborn – therefore, they’re recommended for experienced dog owners.
However, Pitbull Terriers are extremely loyal companion dogs and have a protective nature which makes them great family pets.
How Did Pitbulls Come About?
Pitbull Terriers were first bred in the late 18th and early 19th centuries from the Olde English Bulldog and Old English Terrier to participate in blood sports such as dogfighting and bull-baiting. This history of participation in violent blood sport has led to Pitbull Terriers being outlawed in much of the Western World and throughout many cities in the United States. Currently, they occupy roughly 20% of the American ‘strong dog’ population and are popular family pets.
When Did First Cross-Breed The Pitbull?
To circumvent the legislation surrounding the ownership of Pitbull Terriers in the United States, many owners are turning to crossbreeds. However, it is likely crossbreeding of the Pitbull began in earnest sometime between the 1990s and early 2000s, as the phenomenon became popular throughout the United States.
Several popular crosses of American Pitbull Terriers include:
- Akita Pitbull Mix (Pitkita)
- Pitbull Blue Heeler Mix (Pit Heeler)
- English Bulldog Pitbull Mix (English Pit)
- Rhodesian Ridgeback Pitbull Mix (Rhodesian Pit)
- Pitbull Catahoula Mix (Pitahoula)
How Important Is a Dog’s Temperament to Your Family?
One of the most important parts of adopting or purchasing a dog is understanding how it will fit in with your current family unit – along with what your family’s habits are – and decide which dog is right for you.
For example, if you are an outgoing and active family, you’ll want a dog that fits into that mold, with similar energy levels and exercise requirements. For example, a Siberian Husky isn’t happy cooped up in an apartment. Meanwhile, your Pug is unlikely to lead a healthy life by trekking up a mountain each weekend.
The key is to find a dog that strikes an important balance between meeting your emotional needs as a family and being able to spend quality time with the dog – this is also critical for the health and well-being of the dog.
Please research the temperaments of various breeds before deciding which would make an excellent companion for your family.
What is the Temperament of the Pitbull Dachshund Mix?
The Dachshund Pitbull mix is a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to temperament. Pitbulls have a protective nature, meanwhile Dachshunds have an affectionate nature and are a devoted breed. Doxie Pits will typically be loving to their owners and friends, but aloof and suspicious of strangers.
They don’t have an endless level of energy, so expect them to keep you moderately active, but they can also experience boredom if left alone for long periods – so they’ll need adequate mental stimulation.
Is The Pitbull Dachshund Mix Friendly?
Yes! In general, you can expect the friendly nature of the Doxie Pit to shine through. However, they may be suspicious of strangers, but that is unlikely to devolve into aggression.
Is The Pitbull Dachshund Mix Easy to Train?
Doxie Pits can be stubborn when it comes to their training. They may need extra training sessions complemented by positive reinforcement techniques at home.
How Much Can A Pitbull Dachshund Mix Weigh?
The average weight of a Pitbull Dachshund mix is between 20 and 30 pounds.
How Tall Can A Pitbull Dachshund Mix Get?
The average height of a Doxie Pit is between 8 and 13 inches tall.
Similar-Sized Breeds
There are a few similar-sized breeds to the Doxie Pit. These include:
- French Bulldog
- Cocker Spaniel
- King Charles Spaniel
- Boston Terrier
Does the Pitbull Dachshund Mix Shed?
Much of this will depend on what coat type your Doxie Pit inherits. If they inherit the single, thin coat of the Pitbull Terrier, then expect them to require occasional brushing and shed minimally throughout the year.
However, if they inherit the double coat of the Dachshund, they will likely shed moderately and require more regular brushing.
How Much Exercise Does A Pitbull Dachshund Mix Require?
When it comes to exercise, you can expect your Pitbull Dachshund mix to require roughly 45 minutes of exercise each day, including off-leash play.
Another important aspect of exercise for your Doxie Pit will be mental stimulation. This can be achieved through games that challenge their brains or a chew toy like a KONG that keeps them active and occupied.
How Long Can a Pitbull Dachshund Mix Live?
The average lifespan of a Pitbull Dachshund mix is between 8 and 12 years.
What Health Conditions Could the Pitbull Dachshund Mix Have?
- Hip Dysplasia (Hip joint inflammation)
- Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease (Bone degeneration disorder)
- Cataracts (Eye condition)
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) (Spinal cord disease)
- Patent Ductus Arteriosus (Congenital Heart Defect)
- Demodicosis (Skin allergies/skin infection caused by bite from Demodex Mite)
How Can You Find a Pitbull Dachshund Mix Puppy For Sale?
Before you start searching for a Dachshund Pitbull Terrier to buy, consider the adoption route!
Pitbull Terriers (and their subsequent mixed-breeds) are often put up for adoption due to their illegality of ownership, or production through accidental mating by irresponsible breeders. With any luck, you might find a Pitbull Terrier Dachshund mix at your local vet clinic or animal shelter, ready to be adopted!
If you’re unsuccessful in person, try looking online at AdoptAPet.com, to see if there have been any Pitbull Terrier Dachshunds put up for adoption near you.
How Much Does a Pitbull Dachshund Mix Puppy Cost?
The average price of a Pitbull Dachshund is between $400 and $800. Although lower than many of the mixes we’ve covered previously, the adoption route is still roughly half of the cost of a middle-of-the-road price for a Doxie Bull.
If you’re still considering purchasing one of these adorable companion dogs, we recommend doing so through a reputable breeder. We’ve created a guide to finding and working with a reputable breeder to help you avoid puppy mills and bring home a healthy family pet.
Is the Pitbull Dachshund Mix the Right Breed For You?
Have you been searching for a spry, active companion with a protective streak – though given its size, it won’t do a lot of good should you need protecting – despite it’s Pitbull Terrier genes.
However, if you’re confident the that Pitbull Terrier Dachshund mix isn’t the right breed for you, then we have curated dozens of other breed guides for mixed-breed dogs for you to browse.