Doxiepoo
Doxiepoo Dog Breed
Doxiepoo Dog Breed
Doxiepoo Dog Breed
The Doxiepoo is one of the most unpredictable crossbreeds, which means they could have the long body of the Dachshund and curly coat of a Poodle, or, he might have a Poodle’s body and Dachshund’s fur. There’s no way to predict which you’ll get!

The Doxiepoo, sometimes spelled Doxipoo, is a crossbreed. Opening your heart and home to a crossbreed is like opening a beautifully wrapped package on your birthday: you never know what’s going to be inside. It’s often assumed that a crossbreed will combine the best of two or more breeds, but genetics doesn’t always work that way. The way genes combine and express themselves is not always subject to a breeder’s control, even less so when two different breeds are crossed. That’s something to keep in mind before you lay down good money for a dog that you have been assured will be hypoallergenic or healthier than a purebred.

A Doxiepoo is a mix of a Dachshund and a Poodle, or, rarely, the offspring of two Doxie/Poodle mixes bred with each other. Although their looks vary a great deal, the Doxiepoo as advertised should combine the long, low-slung body of the Dachshund and the curly coat of the Poodle, but even more than most "designer dogs," the Doxiepoo's looks are unpredictable. Even littermates can vary a great deal in size, color and coat type. Doxiepoos are also very diverse in temperament, activity level and health risks, depending on which traits are inherited from his parents. The words “crap shoot” come to mind in describing this mix.

Both Dachshunds and Poodles come in a variety of sizes, and the Doxiepoo can weigh anywhere from under 10 pounds to 30 or more. His coat might be the curly Poodle coat, or it might be fluffy, scruffy, long, short, or pretty much anything you can imagine other than hairless, thanks to the influence of a variety of coat types from the Dachshund side. 

At his best, he should be friendly, people-oriented and easy to train. Ideally, the sense of humor and trainability of the Poodle will temper the Dachshund's stubborn streak, without compromising his boldness.

Of course, Doxiepoos can also be a combination of the worst traits – and health issues – of both the Poodle and the Dachshund. Considering that this mix seems to have developed from the idea that the name was cute and marketable by puppy-mills and pet stores, there’s a good chance that this dog will be a mess of the combined genetic problems of his ancestors, without the benefit of the kind of health and temperament testing done by good breeders. And don't take that lightly: both Poodles and the Dachshunds suffer from a number of serious genetic problems, and the Doxiepoo could be at risk for all of them. Whether that risk may be slightly less in a mixed breed dog than in a purebred is a matter for discussion and conjecture.

It can be extremely difficult to find an ethical breeder who is dedicated to producing healthy, temperamentally sound pets from genetically tested backgrounds. There are a number of reasons for this, but the main one is that almost no ethical Dachshund or Poodle breeders will allow their dogs to be used in breeding Doxie/Poodle mixes, and it can be quite difficult for Doxiepoo breeders to continue to find nice Poodles and Dachshunds to use to produce new generations of Doxiepoos.

If you are interested in a Doxiepoo, start your search at your local shelter or on Petfinder.com. This type of cross-breed is sometimes available for adoption. If you choose to buy one, however, select a breeder who has done the health testing to ensure that her puppies won’t carry the genetic diseases common to both breeds. If you are going to pay anywhere from several hundred dollars to upwards of $1,000 for a dog, you should get your money’s worth. Buying from a breeder who is smart and caring enough to do health certifications, even for a cross-breed, is the best way to do that. And while there are no guarantees in life, it’s also a good way to minimize the possibility of big veterinary bills in the future.

Other Quick Facts

  • The Doxiepoo is an even more unpredictable mix than most “designer dogs,” with the possibility of littermates exhibiting different coats and colors, body types, and temperaments.
  • Different organizations have varied names for this crossbreed, including Doodle and Doxie Poo.
  • Because both Poodles and Dachshunds come in various sizes, the Doxiepoo can be very small or a mid-size dog.

More on Vetstreet.com:


Doxiepoo Temperament and Personality

Ideally, the sense of humor and trainability of the Poodle will temper the Dachshund's stubborn streak, without compromising his boldness. Unfortunately, Doxiepoos can turn out to be a combination of the worst traits of both the Poodle and the Dachshund. At his best, though, the Doxiepoo should be friendly, people-oriented and easy to train.

The Doxiepoo is likely to be an active and mischievous dog with a sense of humor. He won’t do well living in the backyard (no dog does), and if he’s left to his own devices he will probably bark and dig all day long. Doxiepoos are companion dogs. They love their people and need to live in the house, never outdoors.

The perfect Doxiepoo doesn’t come ready-made from the breeder. Any dog, no matter how nice, can develop obnoxious levels of barking, digging, countersurfing and other undesirable behaviors if he is bored, untrained or unsupervised. And any dog can be a trial to live with during adolescence.

Start training your puppy the day you bring him home. Even at eight weeks old, he is capable of soaking up everything you can teach him. Don’t wait until he is 6 months old to begin training or you will have a more headstrong dog to deal with. If possible, get him into puppy kindergarten class by the time he is 10 to 12 weeks old, and socialize, socialize, socialize. However, be aware that many puppy training classes require certain vaccines (like kennel cough) to be up to date, and many veterinarians recommend limited exposure to other dogs and public places until puppy vaccines (including rabies, distemper and parvovirus) have been completed. In lieu of formal training, you can begin training your puppy at home and socializing him among family and friends until puppy vaccines are completed.

Talk to the breeder, describe exactly what you’re looking for in a dog, and ask for assistance in selecting a puppy. Breeders see the puppies daily and can make uncannily accurate recommendations once they know something about your lifestyle and personality. Whatever you want from a Doxiepoo, look for one whose parents have nice personalities and who has been well socialized from early puppyhood.

What You Need to Know about Doxiepoo Health

All dogs, whether purebreds, crossbreeds, or mixes, have the potential to develop genetic health problems, just as all people have the potential to inherit a particular disease. Run, don’t walk, from any breeder who does not offer a health guarantee on puppies, who tells you that the mixed breed is 100 percent healthy and has no known problems, or who tells you that her puppies are isolated from the main part of the household for health reasons. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the mixed breed and the incidence with which they occur in her lines.

Doxiepoos may be susceptible to the health problems of both the Dachshund and Poodle, but there’s also a chance that the genetic diversity introduced by mixing two breeds may lower the chances of developing certain inherited diseases. The very nature of genetic variation makes this difficult to predict for a mixed breed dog.  Please refer to the breed guides on Dachshunds and Poodles for an overview of some of the inherited diseases reported in these two breeds.

Not all inherited conditions are detectable in a growing puppy, and it can be hard to predict whether an animal will be free of these maladies, which is why you must find a reputable breeder who is committed to breeding the healthiest animals possible.  They should be able to produce independent certification that the parents of the dog (and grandparents, etc.) have been screened for genetic defects and deemed healthy for breeding. At a minimum, ask the breeder to show evidence that both of the puppy’s parents have the appropriate certifications from health registries like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, Canine Eye Registry Foundation, etc.

Breeders must agree to have all test results, positive or negative, published in the CHIC database. A dog need not receive good or even passing scores on the evaluations to obtain a CHIC number, so CHIC registration alone is not proof of soundness or absence of disease, but all test results are posted on the CHIC website and can be accessed by anyone who wants to check the health of a puppy’s parents. If the breeder tells you she doesn't need to do those tests because she's never had problems in her lines and her dogs have been "vet checked," then you should go find a breeder who is more rigorous about genetic testing.

Careful breeders screen their breeding dogs for genetic disease and breed only the healthiest and best-looking specimens, but sometimes Mother Nature has other ideas and a puppy develops one of these diseases despite good breeding practices. Advances in veterinary medicine mean that in most cases the dogs can still live a good life. If you’re getting a puppy, ask the breeder about the ages of the dogs in her lines and what they died of.

Remember that after you’ve taken a new puppy into your home, you have the power to protect him from one of the most common health problems: obesity. Keeping a Doxiepoo at an appropriate weight is one of the easiest ways to extend his life. Make the most of your preventive abilities to help ensure a healthier dog for life.

The Basics of Doxiepoo Grooming

The Doxiepoo's grooming needs will vary depending on his coat, but all Doxiepoos need regular, even daily, brushing. Those with the curlier Poodle coat must be clipped every four to six weeks. Some owners learn to use the clippers and do the job themselves, but most rely on professional groomers. Either way, it's essential to take proper care of the coat, because without regular grooming it will quickly become a matted mess that can cause painful skin infections at the roots of the hair.

The Doxiepoo's ears need to be kept clean and dry, so clean the ears regularly with a gentle ar cleaning solution recommended by your veterinarian. The rest is basic care. Trim the nails as needed, usually every week or two. Small dogs are prone to periodontal disease, so brush the teeth frequently with a vet-approved pet toothpaste for overall good health and fresh breath.

Finding a Doxiepoo

Doxiepoo puppies are adorable, and it’s one of the reasons they are so popular. Cute puppies sell, and that makes the Doxiepoo a favorite of puppy mills and greedy, irresponsible breeders. But there’s no need to pay big bucks for a Doxiepoo. You may find a wonderful example of this crossbred dog at your local shelter or through adoption organizations such as Petfinder.

Whether you want to go with a breeder or get your dog from a shelter or rescue, here are some things to keep in mind.

Choosing a Doxiepoo Breeder

Finding a good breeder is a greatr way to find the right puppy. A good breeder will match you with the right puppy, and will without question have done all the health certifications necessary to screen out health problems as much as is possible. He or she is more interested in placing pups in the right homes than in making big bucks.

Good breeders will welcome your questions about temperament, health clearances and what the dogs are like to live with and come right back at you with questions of their own about what you’re looking for in a dog and what kind of life you can provide for him. A good breeder can tell you about the history of the crossbreed, and discuss what health problems affect them and the steps she takes to avoid those problems.

If you choose to purchase a Doxiepoo, select a breeder who has done the health testing to ensure that her puppies won’t carry the genetic diseases common to Dachshunds and Poodles. Buying from a breeder who is smart and caring enough to do health certifications, even for a cross-breed, is the best way to do that. And while there are no guarantees in life, it’s also a good way to minimize the possibility of big veterinary bills in the future.

Avoid breeders who only seem interested in how quickly they can unload a puppy on you and whether your credit card will go through. You should also bear in mind that buying a puppy from websites that offer to ship your dog to you immediately can be a risky venture, as it leaves you no recourse if what you get isn’t exactly what you expected. Put at least as much effort into researching your puppy as you would into choosing a new car or expensive appliance. It will save you money in the long run.

Many reputable breeders have websites, so how can you tell who’s good and who’s not? Red flags include puppies always being available, multiple litters on the premises, having your choice of any puppy, and the ability to pay online with a credit card. Those things are convenient, but they are almost never associated with reputable breeders.

Whether you’re planning to get your new best friend from a breeder, a pet store, or another source, don’t forget that old adage “let the buyer beware”. Disreputable breeders and facilities that deal with puppy mills can be hard to distinguish from reliable operations. There’s no 100% guaranteed way to make sure you’ll never purchase a sick puppy, but researching the crossbreed (so you know what to expect), checking out the facility (to identify unhealthy conditions or sick animals), and asking the right questions can reduce the chances of heading into a disastrous situation. And don’t forget to ask your veterinarian, who can often refer you to a reputable breeder, rescue organization, or other reliable source for healthy puppies. 

The cost of a Doxiepoo puppy varies depending on the breeder’s locale and whether he has obtained health clearances on the pup’s parents. The puppy you buy should have been raised in a clean home environment, from parents with health clearances. Puppies should be temperament tested, vetted, dewormed, and socialized to give them a healthy, confident start in life.

Before you decide to buy a puppy, consider whether an adult Doxiepoo might better suit your needs and lifestyle. Puppies are loads of fun, but they require a lot of time and effort before they grow up to become the dog of your dreams. An adult may already have some training and will probably be less active, destructive and demanding than a puppy. With an adult, you know more about what you’re getting in terms of personality and health and you can find adults through breeders or shelters. If you are interested in acquiring an older dog through breeders, ask them about purchasing a retired show dog or if they know of an adult dog who needs a new home. If you want to adopt a dog, read the advice below on how to do that.

Adopting a Dog From a Doxiepoo Rescue or Shelter

There are many great options available if you want to adopt a dog from an animal shelter or rescue organization. Here is how to get started.

1. Use the Web

Sites like Petfinder.com can have you searching for a Doxiepoo in your area in no time flat. The site allows you to be very specific in your requests (housetraining status, for example) or very general (all the Doxiepoos available on Petfinder across the country). AnimalShelter can help you find animal rescue groups in your area. Also some local newspapers have “pets looking for homes” sections you can review.

Social media is another great way to find a dog. Post on your Facebook page that you are looking for a specific breed so that your entire community can be your eyes and ears.

2. Reach Out to Local Experts

Start talking with all the pet pros in your area about your desire for a Doxiepoo. That includes vets, dog walkers, and groomers. When someone has to make the tough decision to give up a dog, that person will often ask her own trusted network for recommendations.

3. Talk to Rescue Groups

Networking can help you find a dog that may be the perfect companion for your family. Most people who love Doxiepoos love all Doxiepoos. That’s why enthusiasts have rescue organizations devoted to taking care of homeless dogs. A reputable Doxiepoo breeder's network can help you find a dog that may be the perfect companion for your family. You can also search online for other Doxiepoo rescues in your area.

The great thing about breed rescue groups is that they tend to be very upfront about any health conditions the dogs may have and are a valuable resource for advice. They also often offer fostering opportunities so, with training, you could bring a Doxiepoo home with you to see what the experience is like.

4. Key Questions to Ask

You now know the things to discuss with a breeder, but there are also questions you should discuss with shelter or rescue group staff or volunteers before you bring home a pup. These include:

What is his energy level?

How is he around other animals?

How does he respond to shelter workers, visitors, and children?

What is his personality like?

What is his age?

Is he housetrained?

Has he ever bitten or hurt anyone that they know of?

Are there any known health issues?

Wherever you acquire your Doxiepoo, make sure you have a good contract with the seller, shelter or rescue group that spells out responsibilities on both sides. Petfinder offers an Adopters Bill of Rights that helps you understand what you can consider normal and appropriate when you get a dog from a shelter. In states with “puppy lemon laws,” be sure you and the person you get the dog from both understand your rights and recourses.

Puppy or adult, take your Doxiepoo to your veterinarian soon after adoption. Your veterinarian will be able to spot problems, and will work with you to set up a preventive regimen that will help you avoid many health issues.