Doxiepoo: What to Know Before Adopting a Dachshund–Poodle mix

A Doxiepoo is a small-to-medium mixed-breed dog with a lot of personality packed into a compact frame. As a Dachshund–Poodle mix, they’ve grown in popularity alongside other Poodle mixes and doodle dogs, thanks to their adaptable size, affectionate nature, and clever minds. The small to medium-sized Doxiepoo can have a range of coat types — from short and smooth to curly or wavy — and they’re typically friendly, loyal, and eager to bond with their people. Many bring together a bold, spunky streak with a strong desire to learn, making them engaging companions for pet parents who enjoy a dog with both heart and attitude. Read on to learn more about this wonderful mix.

TL;DR: A Doxiepoo is a mixed breed dog, specifically a cross between a Dachshund and a Poodle. They are friendly, affectionate, and loyal, with a mix of the Dachshund’s spunky, brave nature and the Poodle’s intelligence and trainability.

Amparo Garcia / iStock/

Why we love the Doxiepoo

Doxiepoos are usually very loving and enjoy being around their human family members — they thrive on attention and companionship. Doxiepoos can adapt well to different living environments, including apartments or houses with yards, as long as they get adequate exercise. Here are a few other reasons why Doxiepoos make great pets.

• Doxiepoos are small dogs: Small Doxiepoos with Toy Poodle parents are often 10 to 15 pounds. Larger Doxiepoos with Miniature Poodle parents are often 15 to 30 pounds.

• Doxiepoos have unique coat colors: They come in a wide variety of colors and patterns. Some colors seen in Doxiepoos might include solid black, brown, cream, white, and gray; bicolor (white with another color); tricolor (black, tan, and white); piebald (mostly white with patches of color); brindle (striped); dapple (merle); phantom (black and tan); and sable.

• Doxiepoos make wonderful alert dogs: While the barking tendencies of a Doxiepoo can vary, many Doxiepoos are vocal dogs, and their background offers insight. Dachshunds are known for their alert and protective nature, often barking to warn of strangers, unusual noises, or changes in their environment.

• Doxiepoos are smart: Doxiepoos are super smart, thanks to both their breeds, but particularly the Poodle genes. So you can bet they’ve inherited that cleverness and are sure to surprise you with their smarts. These pups are likely to excel in problem-solving and obedience training but tend to have an independent streak. 

• Doxiepoos are trainable: Doxiepoos are generally “easy to train” with plenty of positive reinforcement and consistency. These intelligent pups may be a bit stubborn, which can make them willful or slow to follow commands; therefore, short and slow training sessions are recommended.

William Choquette | PeMa Pictures / Pexels/

Things to consider before you adopt a Doxiepoo

Doxiepoos are good dogs who do well with many types of adopters and their families. However, there are a few things to consider before choosing to adopt a Dachshund-Poodle mix.

Doxiepoos will need grooming.

Doxiepoos with the Poodle’s curly or wavy coat will require more intensive grooming, including brushing at least two to three times a week to keep it tangle-free. A professional groomer should trim Doxiepoos with Poodle-like coats every six to eight weeks. 

But not all of these pups will have that sought-after coat type. For those Doxiepoos with a shorter, smooth coat like a Dachshund won’t need such intensive grooming, but you should still expect some work. Brush once a week to remove loose hair and reduce shedding.

Doxiepoos shed just like other dogs.

Many Doxiepoos have mixed coat types, so their shedding levels can fall anywhere between low and moderate levels. It’s difficult to predict shedding levels in puppies because of the huge variability in mixed-breed dogs. But even Doxiepoos with a curly, low-shedding coat will still shed, even if it’s only minimally.

Related article

10 Dachshund Mixes Who Make the Best Pets

As cute as they are full of personality, Dachshund mixes are popular for good reason.

Doxiepoos are not hypoallergenic.

No dog is truly hypoallergenic. While Poodles are known for their curly, “hypoallergenic” low-shedding coats, most Doxiepoos won’t reliably inherit that trait. Because they’re a mixed-breed dog, coat type, shedding, and dander can vary widely. 

In an F1 Doxiepoo — a first-generation mix with one Dachshund parent and one Poodle parent — each puppy has roughly a 50 percent chance of inheriting more Poodle-like coat traits, and even then, shedding levels can vary. An F1b Doxiepoo, bred back to a Poodle, is more likely to have a curlier, lower-shedding coat, but genetics are never guaranteed. Because coat and dander inheritance isn’t predictable, many Doxiepoos will still shed and trigger allergies, even if they look more Poodle-like on the outside.

Doxiepoos need supervision with kids.

Doxiepoos can be good with kids, but it depends on their temperament, upbringing, and how the children interact with them. Doxiepoos are generally affectionate and love to play. They can form strong bonds with kids and be wonderful family companions. 

However, due to their smaller size, Doxiepoos can be fragile and might not tolerate rough play. Young children should always be supervised to ensure they handle the dog gently. They thrive in homes where children respect their boundaries and where the dog receives proper training and socialization.

Doxiepoos might not do well with all other pets.

Whether or not a Doxiepoo is pet-friendly largely depends on the dog’s individual personality and exposure to other animals early in life. Doxiepoos might require extra socialization to prevent possessiveness or overly tenacious attitudes from their hunting ancestry. Dachshunds were bred as badger-hunting dogs, so gGoing head-to-head with a badger underground meant they needed to be tough. They have a natural prey drive and this means they might chase or bark at cats, dogs, and other animals.

Introducing a Doxiepoo to other animal friends with a slow and thoughtful introduction can help them develop positive associations and learn to coexist peacefully.

Related article

Is a Dachshund (or Dachshund Mix) Right for You? 10 Health Considerations Before You Adopt

It’s easy to become obsessed with these adorable pups. But it’s just as essential to understand their common health issues.

Doxiepoo health considerations

Doxiepoo are healthy pups who live 12 to 15 years, although some might live even longer. Small dogs tend to live longer than larger dogs, but, like all mixed breeds, Doxiepoos can inherit health problems from either parent breed. Some of the most notable health concerns for Doxiepoos include:

• Hip dysplasia: A hereditary condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to joint instability and pain.

• Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD): Dachshunds are particularly prone to IVDD, a condition where the spinal discs herniate and press on the spinal cord, leading to pain, weakness, or paralysis. Avoiding excessive jumping and providing spinal support can help reduce the risk.

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): A degenerative eye disease that leads to gradual loss of vision and blindness.

• Patellar luxation: A condition where the kneecap (patella) dislocates from its normal position, which can cause pain and lameness.

• Addison’s disease: An endocrine disorder where the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol and aldosterone.

• Epilepsy: Seizure disorders can be inherited from the Poodle parent.

Ready to adopt?

Adopting a Doxiepoo is a wonderful option, and there are several places where you might find one in need of a loving home. Your local animal shelter might have a Doxiepoo available for adoption. Many Dachshund and Poodle rescues also take in Doxiepoos and other mixed breeds. Visit Adopt-a-Pet.com to search for available local Doxiepoos and similar mixes in your area.

Commonly asked questions

Can a Doxiepoo be left alone?

A Doxiepoo can be left alone for short periods, but like most dogs, they prefer companionship and might struggle with lots of isolation. Some Doxiepoos might even develop separation anxiety if left alone for too long. This can result in excessive barking, whining, or destructive behavior. Most Doxiepoos can generally tolerate being left alone for a few hours, but if you’ll be away for extended periods, consider hiring a dog walker or pet sitter to provide company and take your Doxiepoo for a walk. 

Are Doxiepoos expensive?

Doxiepoos can be expensive, but it depends on whether you purchase a puppy from a breeder or adopt. On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $2,500 for a Doxiepoo puppy from a breeder. Adoption fees for Doxiepoos from shelters or rescue organizations are often much lower, typically $100 to $300. This fee generally includes vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and sometimes microchipping.