Dachshund Bulldog Mix: Breed Profile, Traits & Care Guide
Everything you need to know about the dachshund bulldog mix — size, temperament, health risks, grooming, cost.
If you've come across the dachshund bulldog mix — sometimes called the "Bullshund" or "Doxie Bull" — you're looking at one of the more unconventional designer crosses available. This isn't a Poodle hybrid engineered for a predictable hypoallergenic coat. The dachshund bulldog mix combines two breeds with vastly different body plans, temperaments, and health profiles, which means individual puppies in the same litter can look and behave remarkably differently from one another.
This guide breaks down exactly what you can expect (and what you can't predict) about the dachshund bulldog mix, drawing on breed standards from both parent breeds, known inherited health conditions, and practical care guidance for prospective owners.
Parent Breed Breakdown: Dachshund Meets Bulldog
Before predicting what a dachshund bulldog mix might look like, it's essential to understand the two parent breeds. "Bulldog" in this context usually refers to the English Bulldog (AKC-recognized), though some breeders use the American Bulldog or French Bulldog. This profile focuses on the English Bulldog cross, as it's the most common pairing marketed under this name.
| Trait | Dachshund | English Bulldog |
|---|---|---|
| AKC Group | Hound | Non-Sporting |
| Weight Range | 11–32 lb (5–14.5 kg) | 40–50 lb (18–23 kg) |
| Height | 8–9 in (20–23 cm) | 14–15 in (36–38 cm) |
| Lifespan | 12–16 years | 8–10 years |
| Coat Types | Smooth, longhaired, wirehaired | Short, smooth, fine |
| Energy Level | Moderate to high | Low to moderate |
| Temperament | Bold, curious, stubborn | Calm, friendly, dignified |
| Shedding | Moderate (varies by coat) | Moderate, seasonal |
| Key Health Concerns | IVDD, obesity, dental disease | BOAS, hip dysplasia, skin fold infections |
These are fundamentally different dogs. The dachshund is a scent hound originally bred to chase badgers into burrows — long body, short legs, relentless prey drive. The English Bulldog is a brachycephalic (flat-faced) companion breed with a stocky, muscular build and a laid-back disposition. Crossing them produces a wide spectrum of possible outcomes.
Understanding Generations: F1, F1B, and Beyond
- F1 (First Generation): One purebred dachshund parent + one purebred English Bulldog parent. Maximum genetic diversity, but highest trait variability. Each puppy may lean heavily toward one parent.
- F1B (First Generation Backcross): An F1 dachshund bulldog mix bred back to one of the parent breeds (usually the dachshund for smaller size). Slightly more predictable traits toward the backcross breed.
- F2 (Second Generation): Two F1 dachshund bulldog mixes bred together. Traits become less predictable again due to gene recombination.
- Multigen (F3+): Multiple generations of dachshund bulldog mix bred to each other. Rare for this particular cross — most breeders don't maintain multigen lines because demand isn't high enough to justify the program.
Source: Genetics terminology consistent with AKC breeding education resources.
Most dachshund bulldog mixes available are F1 crosses. Unlike Poodle mixes (Labradoodles, Goldendoodles) where established multigen breeding programs exist, the dachshund bulldog mix is still largely a first-generation pairing. This means you should expect significant puppy-to-puppy variation even within a single litter.
Size, Build, and Physical Appearance
Because the parent breeds differ so dramatically in size and body structure, predicting the adult size of a dachshund bulldog mix requires a range rather than a single estimate.
| Dimension | Minimum Estimate | Maximum Estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 20 lb (9 kg) | 45 lb (20 kg) |
| Height at Shoulder | 10 in (25 cm) | 16 in (41 cm) |
| Body Length | Moderate (bulldog-proportioned) | Elongated (dachshund-like) |
The most common outcome is a medium-sized dog in the 25–35 lb (11–16 kg) range with a stockier build than a pure dachshund but shorter legs than a pure bulldog. However, outliers exist. Some F1 puppies inherit the dachshund's extreme body length paired with the bulldog's heavier bone structure — a combination that raises serious spinal health concerns (more on this below).
Head shape is another variable. Puppies may inherit the bulldog's brachycephalic (short-muzzled) skull, the dachshund's dolichocephalic (long-muzzled) skull, or a mesocephalic (medium-proportioned) skull that falls somewhere between the two. Brachycephalic inheritance carries respiratory implications that affect exercise tolerance and heat safety.
Coat Type and Grooming Requirements
Coat outcomes depend on which dachshund variety was used in the cross:
- Smooth-coated dachshund parent: Most likely produces a short, smooth coat similar to both parent breeds. Moderate shedding, low grooming effort — weekly brushing with a rubber curry brush (like the Kong ZoomGroom) and occasional baths.
- Longhaired dachshund parent: May produce a medium-length coat with feathering on ears, chest, legs, and tail. Requires brushing 2–3 times per week to prevent matting. Moderate to heavy shedding.
- Wirehaired dachshund parent: May produce a rougher, wiry coat that needs hand-stripping or clipping 2–4 times per year. Lower shedding but higher grooming skill requirement.
Is the dachshund bulldog mix hypoallergenic or low-shedding? No. Neither parent breed carries the low-shedding traits associated with Poodle-type genetics. Expect moderate year-round shedding with seasonal increases. This mix is not suitable for households with severe dog dander allergies.
Skin fold care is important if the puppy inherits the bulldog's wrinkled face and body folds. Daily wiping of facial folds with a damp cloth or veterinary-recommended wipe (e.g., Squishface Wrinkle Wipes, approximately $12–$15 per pack) prevents yeast and bacterial infections in those creases.
Temperament: What to Expect (and What Might Surprise You)
Temperament in any mixed breed exists on a spectrum. With the dachshund bulldog mix, you're blending two breeds that share stubbornness but differ in almost every other behavioral dimension.
- Friendly and affectionate with family members
- Calm indoor energy (inherited from bulldog side)
- Alert and watchful without excessive barking
- Good with children when properly socialized
- Playful in short bursts, content to lounge afterward
- Strong prey drive from dachshund lineage (chases cats, squirrels, small dogs)
- Stubbornness from both breeds — resistant to recall training
- Resource guarding tendencies (common in dachshunds)
- Leash reactivity, especially toward other dogs
- Separation anxiety if left alone for long stretches
Socialization is non-negotiable. Both breeds can develop fear-based reactivity without early, structured exposure to novel people, dogs, sounds, and environments during the critical socialization window (approximately 3–14 weeks of age, per the AVMA's puppy socialization guidelines). Enroll in a force-free puppy kindergarten class by 10–12 weeks of age.
Training approach: Use positive reinforcement exclusively — high-value food rewards (small pieces of boiled chicken, freeze-dried liver), clicker marking, and patience. Neither breed responds well to aversive methods. Shock collars, prong collars, and alpha rolls are counterproductive and can worsen fear-based behaviors. If you hit training walls, work with a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA or IAABC-certified) who uses LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) methods.
Health Considerations: Inherited Risks from Both Breeds
Let's address the hybrid vigor myth directly. The concept of hybrid vigor (heterosis) suggests that crossbreed dogs have a lower risk of inherited diseases because they carry a more diverse gene pool. While some evidence supports modest health advantages in first-generation crosses, hybrid vigor does not eliminate inherited conditions — especially when both parent breeds carry predispositions to overlapping health issues.
Here are the specific health conditions a dachshund bulldog mix may inherit:
| Condition | Inherited From | Prevalence/Notes | Estimated Treatment Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) | Dachshund (primary) | ~25% of dachshunds develop IVDD; risk increases if mix inherits elongated spine | $1,500–$8,000 (surgery) |
| Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) | Bulldog (primary) | Affects most brachycephalic breeds; severity varies by skull shape inheritance | $500–$5,000+ (corrective surgery) |
| Hip Dysplasia | Both breeds | English Bulldogs: ~38% dysplasia rate (OFA data); Dachshunds: lower but present | $1,500–$6,000 per hip (surgery) |
| Patellar Luxation | Both breeds | Common in small-to-medium breeds; kneecap slips out of groove | $1,000–$3,500 (surgical repair) |
| Skin Fold Dermatitis | Bulldog | If facial/body wrinkles are inherited; requires daily maintenance | $100–$400/year (maintenance + vet visits for infections) |
| Obesity | Both breeds | Both breeds gain weight easily; excess weight worsens IVDD and BOAS | Preventable — managed via diet |
| Dental Disease | Dachshund (primary) | Small mouths crowd teeth; periodontal disease common by age 3–4 | $500–$1,200 (professional cleaning with extractions) |
IVDD deserves special attention. Intervertebral Disc Disease occurs when the cushioning discs between spinal vertebrae bulge or rupture, compressing the spinal cord. If your dachshund bulldog mix inherits the elongated body of the dachshund combined with the heavier bone mass of the bulldog, spinal stress increases significantly. According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, early signs include reluctance to jump, back pain, hind limb weakness, and in severe cases, paralysis.
Preventive measures for IVDD risk:
- Use ramps instead of allowing your dog to jump on/off furniture (a pet ramp like the PetSafe CozyUp, ~$40–$60, protects the spine)
- Maintain a lean body condition score (BCS of 4–5 on the 9-point scale)
- Avoid activities that involve twisting or high-impact landings
- Use a harness instead of a neck collar for leash walking
- Sudden inability to walk or drag hind legs
- Visible pain when touched along the spine
- Labored breathing, especially in warm weather or after minimal exertion
- Blue-tinged gums (indicates oxygen deprivation)
- Seizures or collapse
Exercise, Nutrition, and Daily Care
Exercise requirements: Plan for 30–45 minutes of daily activity, split into two or three shorter sessions. This is especially important if your dog inherits brachycephalic traits — Bulldogs cannot tolerate sustained exercise in warm weather due to compromised airways. Walk during cooler morning and evening hours, and always carry water. Avoid swimming unless closely supervised; the stocky build and potential short muzzle make this mix a poor natural swimmer.
Nutrition: Feed a complete-and-balanced commercial diet that meets AAFCO standards for your dog's life stage. For an adult dachshund bulldog mix in the 25–35 lb range, expect to feed approximately 500–750 calories per day, divided into two meals. Exact caloric needs depend on activity level, age, and whether your dog is spayed/neutered. Look for a named animal protein as the first ingredient (chicken, lamb, salmon) and avoid excessive filler carbohydrates that promote weight gain.
Given the obesity risk from both parent breeds, measure food portions with a standard measuring cup or kitchen scale rather than free-feeding. Treats should not exceed 10% of daily caloric intake.
Cost of annual care:
- Quality food: $350–$600/year
- Routine veterinary care (exams, vaccines, heartworm prevention): $400–$800/year
- Pet insurance (recommended given breed-specific health risks): $40–$80/month ($480–$960/year)
- Grooming supplies and skin fold care: $100–$250/year
- Estimated annual baseline: $1,330–$2,610/year (excluding emergency veterinary costs)
Cost and Where to Find a Dachshund Bulldog Mix
This is not a widely established designer breed, so availability is limited compared to Poodle-based crosses.
| Source | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Specialty breeder (F1) | $800–$2,500 | Price varies by region, breeder reputation, and whether health testing was performed on parent dogs |
| Backyard breeder / online listing | $300–$800 | High risk — no health testing, no take-back guarantee, unknown parentage |
| Breed-specific rescue | $200–$500 (adoption fee) | Check dachshund and bulldog rescues — mixed-breed dogs frequently appear |
| General shelter / humane society | $50–$300 | Most affordable option; dog may already be adult-sized so traits are visible |
If purchasing from a breeder, insist on:
- Health testing documentation for both parent dogs (OFA hip and elbow scores, OFA or PennHIP certification, cardiac evaluation)
- A written health guarantee covering genetic conditions for at least one year
- A take-back clause requiring the dog be returned to the breeder if you can no longer keep it
- The opportunity to meet at least the dam (mother) and observe living conditions
Adoption through breed-specific rescues like the AKC Rescue Network or local bulldog and dachshund rescue organizations is an equally valid and often more affordable path. Many mixed-breed dogs end up in rescue through no fault of their own.
Who This Mix Suits Best
The dachshund bulldog mix is best suited for:
- Households with older children (8+): The potential for spinal fragility and resource guarding makes this mix less ideal for homes with toddlers who may handle the dog roughly.
- Moderately active owners: This isn't a hiking partner or marathon companion, especially with brachycephalic inheritance. Short daily walks and indoor play sessions are the norm.
- Experienced dog owners: The stubbornness from both parent breeds, combined with potential reactivity and guarding behaviors, requires patient, knowledgeable handling. First-time dog owners may find this cross challenging without professional training support.
- Homes with yards or ground-floor access: Stairs are a spinal risk. A single-level home or apartment with outdoor access is ideal.
- Owners prepared for potential health costs: Pet insurance or a dedicated emergency fund of $3,000–$5,000 is strongly recommended given the IVDD and BOAS risk profiles.
This mix is not well suited for:
- Homes with cats or small animals (prey drive risk from dachshund lineage)
- Owners who work long hours away from home (separation anxiety risk)
- Hot climates without reliable air conditioning (BOAS risk)
- Those seeking a predictable, uniform-looking designer dog (this cross is highly variable)
Frequently Asked Questions
What two breeds make up a dachshund bulldog mix?
A dachshund bulldog mix is a cross between a purebred Dachshund and a purebred Bulldog — most commonly the English Bulldog, though some breeders use the American Bulldog or French Bulldog. The specific bulldog type significantly affects size, temperament, and health outcomes.
How big will a dachshund bulldog mix get?
Adult weight typically falls between 20–45 lb (9–20 kg), with height at the shoulder ranging from 10–16 in (25–41 cm). Most land in the 25–35 lb range. The only way to narrow the estimate is to see the specific parent dogs or wait until the puppy is 4–6 months old and a growth trajectory becomes clearer.
What will the temperament be like?
Expect a dog that is affectionate with family but potentially stubborn, alert, and wary of strangers. Prey drive, sociability with other dogs, and trainability vary significantly between individuals. Early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement training are essential regardless of which parent's temperament dominates.
Is the dachshund bulldog mix hypoallergenic or low-shedding?
No. Neither the dachshund nor the English Bulldog carries low-shedding genetics. This mix will shed moderately year-round with seasonal increases. It is not suitable for people with dog dander allergies.
What health issues might this mix inherit?
The primary concerns are Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) from the dachshund side, Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) from the bulldog side, hip dysplasia (both breeds), patellar luxation, skin fold dermatitis, obesity, and dental disease. Reputable breeders health-test parent dogs to reduce — but not eliminate — these risks.
How much does a dachshund bulldog mix cost?
From a responsible breeder, expect to pay $800–$2,500 for an F1 puppy. Adoption fees through rescues and shelters range from $50–$500. Annual care costs typically fall between $1,330–$2,610, not including emergency veterinary expenses. Pet insurance is strongly recommended.
Are dachshund bulldog mixes good with children?
They can be, with proper socialization and supervision. However, the risk of spinal injury from rough handling and the potential for resource guarding make this mix better suited for families with children aged 8 and older who understand how to interact gently with dogs.
How long do dachshund bulldog mixes live?
Estimated lifespan is 10–14 years, falling between the dachshund's longer lifespan (12–16 years) and the English Bulldog's shorter lifespan (8–10 years). Lifespan is heavily influenced by weight management, spinal health, and whether brachycephalic airway issues are present.
Anouk Beaumont
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
