Dachshund Lab Mix

History of the Dachshund Labrador Mix

This uncommon mixed breed is quite a recent cross. Although many modern mixes have been around unofficially for a long time, this is unlikely for Dachsadors, simply because of the size difference between the parents. Most modern Lab Dachshund mix puppies are created through artificial insemination. So, accidental breeding is rare.

It’s likely that these dogs were first bred as a result of the modern trend for mixed breed dogs, fronted by the ever-popular Labradoodle. Labradors are popular contenders for mixed breed puppy parents, as their temperament makes them such a good family companion. The Dachshund is usually favoured by breeders and potential owners because of its appearance. So, many Dachshador breeders hope to create a puppy with a Doxie appearance, but the friendly Lab temperament.

Dachshund Lab Mix Appearance

The parents of this mix have very different appearances. So, resulting mixed breed puppies can look very different from each another. Some might favor the purebred Dachshund, whilst others favor the purebred Labrador Retriever. Others might be a perfect mix of the two. But, the traits they inherit can be very unpredictable. So, don’t expect your puppy to look exactly like pictures of Doxie Lab mixes you’ve seen online. The best way to predict your puppy’s appearance is to look at the specific parents, which will show the traits your puppy might inherit.

How Big Do Dachshund Lab Mixes Get?

Size is an area where these mixed breed puppies can really vary. Depending on which parent they favor, puppies can grow to be as small as an adult Dachshund, or as large as a full grown Labrador. In reality, most will be somewhere in between the two at their largest, but owners should be prepared for any outcome.

	Dachshund	Labrador Retriever
Height:	8 - 9 inches	21.5 to 24.5 inches
Weight:	16 - 32 lbs	55 - 80 lbs

So, a full grown Dachshund Lab mix can realistically fit any of the above heights and weights. It can even vary within a single litter. Dachshunds have long backs and short legs, which this mix may inherit. But, there’s no guarantee. Some will be more Lab-like in their structure.

Coat Type and Colors

The Labrador has a double layered coat with dense, water-resistant fur. In contrast, Dachshunds can have three coat types: smooth, longhaired, or wirehaired. Smooth Dachshunds have short, glossy coats, longhaired varieties have longer, wavier fur, and wirehaired varieties have coarse fur that is short over most of their body, but longer around their jaw, eyebrows, and ears.

In terms of color, the Lab is available in black, chocolate, or yellow solid shades. Some Labs have mismarks, or even dilute fur, but most will be one of the three standard colors. Dachshunds are much more varied, with more unusual patterns like brindle and dapple also popular. This mix could inherit any of this coloring. So, take a look at the specific parents bred to get a better idea of what to expect from a puppy.

Grooming and Shedding

Alongside knowing about common health issues, it’s important for owners to learn how to groom their mixed breeds. As we know, these puppies can inherit any of the coat types from their two parent breeds. So, you should familiarise yourself with the appropriate coat type and learn how best to groom it.

Generally, the Dachshund Lab mix will be a moderate to high shedding dog. They are not hypoallergenic, and may trigger allergy symptoms in people that usually suffer from dog allergies.

When grooming, make sure you check your Doxie Lab mix’s ears and paws. Keep their nails trimmed to an appropriate length. You should do this from an early age so that your adult cross is happy around nail clippers or grinders.

Dachshund Lab Mix Temperament

Like appearance, the temperament of these mixed breed dogs will vary. The Lab and Dachshund have very different personalities, and a crossbred puppy could be like either purebred parent! Some traits are shared by both, making it more likely your puppy will inherit them. For instance, both the Labrador and the Dachshund are intelligent dogs. So, puppies will need high levels of mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behaviors.

On top of this, both are likely to form very strong bonds with their close family. But, the way this is expressed may differ. Labs tend to love everyone, as well as their family. But, Dachshunds are more often territorial over their family members, which can lead to aggression.

Aggression

Studies into dog aggression have shown that the Labrador is usually very low in aggression towards owners, strangers, and other dogs. However, the same studies have found that Dachshunds are among the most aggressive, in all of the same categories. Dachshunds are originally hunting dogs, so there’s also a chance they will be reactive to small pets around the home, like cats, rabbits, and more.

This doesn’t mean that every Dachshund Lab mix will be aggressive. But, it does mean there’s more of a reason for you to socialize your puppy well from a young age. This will encourage them to grow into happy, confident adults, and reduce any fear based aggression. As adults, this mix may still be wary around strangers, but will be much less likely to be aggressive.

Dachshund Lab Mix Training and Exercise

Both the Labrador and Dachshund breeds are very intelligent, so can pick up training quickly. However, Dachshunds can have an independent streak. If this passes to your puppy, training can take a little longer. Positive reinforcement methods are the best way to work with your dog and reduce the risk of any stubbornness. Avoid punishment techniques, as these can actually result in aggression and regression in training!

Potty training can be an issue for some Lab Dachshund mixes, so be sure to stay patient and consistent with your methods.

The exercise needs of these dogs will vary from one to the next. Those with longer legs and shorter backs, like the Lab will be able to partake in a broader range of exercise styles. But, dogs with the short legs and long back of the Dachshund should avoid jumping and rough play. They may struggle with swimming and pulling themselves out of the water. So, be sure to play to your dog’s strengths when exercising.

Dachshund Lab Mix Health

Your puppy will be at risk of hereditary health problems, but also problems related to their conformation. The Dachshund’s long back can present some painful health problems. The more your mix puppy is like their Dachshund parent, the more likely it is they will suffer from these issues.

The Labrador parent should have good hip and elbow scores, a recent clear eye test and be certified PRA clear. The Dachshund parent must never have suffered from any symptoms of intervertebral disc disease. They should also have clear heart and eye checks, as well as being PRA clear.

Studies have shown that both the Labrador Retriever parent and the Dachshund parent live to an average age of 12 years. But, some individuals will live much longer than this! And, studies also suggest that mixed breed dogs tend to live longer than purebred dogs.

Finding Dachshund Lab Mix Puppies

The Labrador Dachshund cross is still quite a new and uncommon mix. So, it might take you a while to find puppies. Especially since these two dogs aren’t easy to breed. More often than not, breeders will have to use artificial insemination. Not only is this more complex, but it can drive up the price of puppies. Just like certain coat colors can.