Dachshund and Poodle Mix Breed: The Complete Doodle Dachshund Guide
Everything about the dachshund and poodle mix breed: size, coat types, temperament variability, health risks, grooming needs, and real cost breakdowns.
What Is a Dachshund and Poodle Mix Breed?
The dachshund and poodle mix breed — commonly called the Doxiepoo, Dachshund Poodle mix, or occasionally the Doodle Dachshund — is a designer cross between a purebred Dachshund and a purebred Poodle (most often a Miniature or Toy Poodle). This mix has grown in popularity among apartment dwellers and allergy-conscious owners looking for a smaller companion dog with an engaging personality.
But here's what most breeder websites won't tell you: because these are first-generation or early-generation crosses rather than an established breed, individual puppies in the same litter can look and behave dramatically differently. One puppy may inherit the Dachshund's long body and stubborn streak, while a littermate may take after the Poodle's curly coat and biddable nature. Understanding this variability is essential before you commit.
Meet the Parent Breeds
Before predicting what a Doxiepoo might be like, you need to understand the two purebreds behind it. Each parent contributes a distinct genetic package, and knowing their traits helps you evaluate individual puppies.
| Trait | Dachshund | Miniature/Toy Poodle |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Germany, 15th century — bred for badger hunting | Germany/France, 16th century — bred as water retriever, later companion |
| AKC Weight | Standard: 16–32 lb (7–14.5 kg); Miniature: ≤11 lb (5 kg) | Toy: 4–6 lb (1.8–2.7 kg); Miniature: 10–15 lb (4.5–6.8 kg) |
| Height | Standard: 8–9 in (20–23 cm); Miniature: 5–6 in (13–15 cm) | Toy: ≤10 in (25 cm); Miniature: 10–15 in (25–38 cm) |
| Coat Types | Smooth, longhaired, or wirehaired | Curly or corded, single coat, low-shedding |
| Temperament | Bold, curious, independent, can be stubborn | Intelligent, trainable, alert, people-oriented |
| Lifespan | 12–16 years | 10–18 years |
| Energy Level | Moderate — burst energy with rest periods | Moderate to high — needs daily mental stimulation |
| Key Health Risks | IVDD, obesity, patellar luxation | Addison's disease, bloat (Standard), patellar luxation, dental disease |
Most Doxiepoos are produced by crossing a Miniature Dachshund with a Miniature or Toy Poodle, keeping the resulting puppies in the small-to-medium range. Standard Dachshund × Standard Poodle crosses are rare and produce noticeably larger dogs.
Understanding Generations: F1, F1B, F2, and Multigen
Generation Explainer
The generation of a Doxiepoo directly affects how predictable its traits will be. Here's the breakdown:
- F1 (First Generation): One purebred Dachshund parent + one purebred Poodle parent. Maximum genetic diversity, but highest trait variability — puppies can lean heavily toward either parent in appearance and temperament.
- F1B (First Generation Backcross): An F1 Doxiepoo bred back to a purebred Poodle (or rarely, a Dachshund). Typically done to increase the likelihood of a low-shedding coat. Puppies are 75% one breed, 25% the other.
- F2 (Second Generation): Two F1 Doxiepoos bred together. This produces the widest range of variability — some puppies may look almost entirely like one grandparent breed. Coat types, sizes, and temperaments can vary wildly within one litter.
- Multigen (F3 and beyond): Doxiepoos bred to Doxiepoos over multiple generations. Theoretically more predictable, but this mix is rarely bred to multigen status because it lacks an established breed club or standard. Most Doxiepoos on the market are F1 or F1B.
Practical takeaway: If low-shedding is a priority, an F1B (backcrossed to Poodle) gives you the best odds — but still no guarantee. Always meet the specific puppy and ask about coat texture before committing.
How Big Will a Dachshund and Poodle Mix Get?
Size is one of the more predictable traits in this mix, simply because both parent breeds are small. However, the exact numbers depend on which size variants of each breed were used.
| Parent Combination | Weight Range | Height Range |
|---|---|---|
| Mini Dachshund × Toy Poodle | 5–12 lb (2.3–5.4 kg) | 5–10 in (13–25 cm) |
| Mini Dachshund × Miniature Poodle | 8–20 lb (3.6–9 kg) | 8–15 in (20–38 cm) |
| Standard Dachshund × Miniature Poodle | 15–30 lb (6.8–13.6 kg) | 10–16 in (25–41 cm) |
The most common pairing produces dogs in the 8–20 lb (3.6–9 kg) range. Body shape varies significantly: some Doxiepoos inherit the Dachshund's elongated torso and short legs (chondrodysplastic build), while others have the Poodle's proportionally longer legs and more compact frame. Puppies with the long-backed, short-legged build require the same spinal precautions as purebred Dachshunds.
Coat Types and the Low-Shedding Question
Is the dachshund and poodle mix breed hypoallergenic? The short answer: some individuals are low-shedding, but no dog is truly hypoallergenic.
The Poodle parent contributes a curly, single-layer coat that sheds minimally and traps dander close to the skin. The Dachshund parent may contribute a smooth (short, dense), longhaired (silky, feathered), or wirehaired (coarse, double) coat depending on its variety. Here's what that means for offspring:
- Curly/wavy coat (Poodle-dominant): Low-shedding but requires brushing every 1–2 days and professional grooming every 6–8 weeks. Most likely in F1B puppies backcrossed to Poodle.
- Wavy/shaggy coat (blended): Moderate shedding, moderate maintenance. Brushing 3–4 times per week, professional grooming every 8–12 weeks.
- Smooth/short coat (Dachshund-dominant): Moderate shedding, low maintenance. Weekly brushing, no professional grooming needed. Least likely to be allergy-friendly.
- Wirehaired coat (rare): If the Dachshund parent is wirehaired, puppies may inherit a coarse, broken coat requiring hand-stripping 2–3 times per year.
Allergy-sensitive owners should spend at least 30 minutes with the specific puppy before purchasing. Allergic reactions are triggered by dander and saliva proteins (primarily Can f 1), not hair length or shedding volume — so even a low-shedding Doxiepoo may trigger symptoms.
Temperament: What to Expect (and What Might Surprise You)
The dachshund and poodle mix breed inherits temperament traits from two dogs with very different working histories. The Dachshund was bred to independently chase badgers into tunnels — making it bold, tenacious, and somewhat independent. The Poodle was bred to work closely with human hunters retrieving waterfowl — making it biddable, attentive, and socially oriented.
Your Doxiepoo may land anywhere on this spectrum.
Best-Case Temperament
- Intelligent and quick to learn (Poodle influence)
- Playful and entertaining without being hyperactive
- Affectionate with family, reasonably friendly with strangers
- Alert bark dog — will notify you of visitors but settle down
- Good with gentle, dog-savvy children aged 8+
Challenging Scenarios
- Stubbornness during training (Dachshund independence)
- Resource guarding or food possessiveness
- Excessive barking — both parent breeds are vocal
- Prey drive toward small animals (Dachshund hunting instinct)
- Separation anxiety — both breeds bond strongly to owners
- Wariness or snappiness with small children who handle them roughly
Training note: Doxiepoos respond best to positive reinforcement methods — treat rewards, clicker training, and short (5–10 minute) sessions. Their intelligence means they learn quickly, but Dachshund-dominant individuals may choose to ignore commands they find boring. Never use force-based methods like alpha rolls or shock collars; these damage trust and can trigger fear-based aggression in sensitive small dogs.
Health Considerations: Hybrid Vigor vs. Reality
A common marketing claim is that mixed-breed dogs automatically enjoy "hybrid vigor" — the idea that crossbreeding eliminates genetic health problems. The reality, supported by veterinary research, is more nuanced. Hybrid vigor (heterosis) can reduce the risk of recessive conditions that require two copies of a faulty gene. It does not protect against conditions that both parent breeds share, or conditions caused by dominant genes or structural anatomy.
According to the Merck Veterinary Manual, mixed-breed dogs still inherit predispositions from both parent lines. Here are the specific health conditions a Doxiepoo may face:
| Condition | Inherited From | Prevalence / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) | Dachshund | Up to 25% of Dachshunds develop IVDD in their lifetime. Puppies inheriting the long-backed, short-legged build are at elevated risk. Avoid stair climbing and jumping off furniture. |
| Patellar Luxation | Both breeds | Common in small breeds. Kneecap slips out of position; grades I–II may be managed conservatively, grades III–IV often require surgery ($1,500–$3,500 per knee). |
| Dental Disease | Both breeds (especially Poodle) | Small mouths crowd teeth, accelerating plaque buildup. Daily brushing and veterinary dental cleanings every 1–2 years recommended. |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) | Both breeds | Recessive condition — hybrid vigor may reduce risk if parents carry different gene variants. DNA testing available through OFA. |
| Addison's Disease | Poodle | Autoimmune adrenal insufficiency. Poodles are predisposed. Symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, and increased thirst. Manageable with lifelong medication. |
| Obesity | Dachshund (high food motivation) | Excess weight dramatically increases IVDD risk. Maintain a body condition score (BCS) of 4–5 out of 9. Ask your veterinarian for a target weight. |
Always consult your veterinarian about a preventive care plan tailored to your individual dog's build, weight, and genetic background. Your vet can recommend appropriate screening tests based on which parent breed your dog most closely resembles physically.
Grooming, Exercise, and Daily Care
Your Doxiepoo's grooming routine depends entirely on which coat type it inherits:
- Curly/Poodle-type coat: Brush every 1–2 days with a slicker brush to prevent matting. Professional grooming (clip and bath) every 6–8 weeks, budget $50–$90 per session depending on your area. Expect annual grooming costs of $400–$780.
- Wavy/blended coat: Brush 3–4 times weekly with a pin brush and metal comb. Professional grooming every 8–12 weeks. Annual grooming: $250–$540.
- Smooth/Dachshund-type coat: Weekly brushing with a rubber curry brush or bristle brush. No professional grooming needed. Annual grooming: under $50 (brushes and shampoo).
All Doxiepoos need regular nail trims (every 2–4 weeks), ear cleaning (weekly, especially for floppy-eared individuals prone to yeast infections), and daily tooth brushing with an enzymatic canine toothpaste.
Exercise needs: Plan for 30–45 minutes of daily activity, split into two sessions. This should include:
- Two leash walks of 15–20 minutes each
- Indoor play sessions (fetch, tug, puzzle toys)
- Scent work or hide-and-seek games (both breeds enjoy nose-driven activities)
Critical for long-backed individuals: If your Doxiepoo inherits the Dachshund body shape, provide ramps for furniture access, carry them up and down stairs, and discourage jumping. The AVMA notes that IVDD prevention centers on minimizing spinal stress in chondrodysplastic breeds.
Cost Breakdown: What You'll Actually Spend
| Expense Category | Low | Mid-Range | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Puppy Purchase (Breeder) | $500 | $1,200–$2,000 | $2,500–$3,500 |
| Adoption (Rescue) | $150 | $300–$500 | $600 |
| First-Year Veterinary Care | $400 | $600–$900 | $1,200+ |
| Annual Food (Quality Kibble) | $200 | $300–$450 | $600 |
| Annual Grooming | $50 | $300–$500 | $780 |
| Pet Insurance (Annual) | $360 | $480–$700 | $900+ |
Breeder availability: Doxiepoos are not as widely produced as Labradoodles or Goldendoodles, which means you may need to search regionally. Expect waitlists of 2–6 months from reputable breeders. Prices under $500 for a puppy often signal backyard breeders who skip health testing — a false economy when IVDD surgery can cost $5,000–$8,000.
Rescue availability: Doxiepoo-specific rescues are rare, but small-breed and Dachshund/Poodle breed rescues occasionally take in mixes. Check organizations like Dachshund Rescue of North America and local Poodle rescue networks. Adult dogs in rescue typically cost $150–$500 and often come spayed/neutered and vaccinated.
Who Should (and Shouldn't) Get a Doxiepoo?
Best Fit
- Apartment or condo dwellers (small size, moderate energy)
- Adults or families with older, dog-respectful children (age 8+)
- Owners with mild dog allergies (F1B individuals may work)
- People who want an entertaining, clever companion
- Owners willing to invest time in consistent, positive training
- Those who can commit to regular grooming (if curly coat)
Poor Fit
- Families with toddlers or very young children (small, fragile dogs)
- Owners seeking a guaranteed hypoallergenic dog
- People away from home 8+ hours daily (separation anxiety risk)
- Those wanting a highly predictable temperament or appearance
- Homes with pet rodents, rabbits, or birds (prey drive risk)
- Owners unwilling to manage spinal health precautions
Frequently Asked Questions
What two breeds make up a Doxiepoo?
A Doxiepoo is a cross between a Dachshund (typically Miniature) and a Poodle (typically Miniature or Toy). Both are AKC-recognized purebreds with well-documented traits and health profiles.
How big will my dachshund and poodle mix breed get?
Most Doxiepoos weigh 8–20 lb (3.6–9 kg) and stand 8–15 in (20–38 cm) at the shoulder. The exact size depends on which size variants of each parent breed were used. Ask the breeder for the parents' weights to estimate your puppy's adult size.
Is the dachshund and poodle mix breed hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic. Some Doxiepoos — particularly F1B individuals backcrossed to a Poodle — are low-shedding and may produce fewer allergic reactions. However, allergies are triggered by dander and saliva proteins, not hair. Always spend time with the specific dog before committing.
What health issues might this mix inherit?
The most significant concern is Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), inherited from the Dachshund side, which can cause pain, paralysis, and require surgery costing $5,000–$8,000. Other risks include patellar luxation, dental disease, progressive retinal atrophy, and Addison's disease. Health-tested parents reduce — but do not eliminate — these risks.
How much does a dachshund and poodle mix breed cost?
Expect to pay $1,200–$2,500 from a responsible breeder who health-tests parent dogs. Adoption through a rescue typically costs $150–$500. First-year total costs (purchase, vet care, food, supplies, grooming) typically range from $2,500–$4,500.
Are Doxiepoos good with children?
They can be good with gentle, dog-savvy children aged 8 and older. Their small size makes them fragile — a toddler picking up or dropping a Doxiepoo can cause serious spinal or orthopedic injury. Always supervise interactions between any dog and young children.
Do Doxiepoos bark a lot?
Both Dachshunds and Poodles are vocal breeds, so Doxiepoos tend to be alert barkers. They'll typically announce visitors, delivery drivers, and unusual sounds. Consistent training using positive reinforcement can teach a "quiet" cue, but expect a dog that communicates vocally.
Priya Sutaria
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
