Lab and Dachshund Mix: The Complete Dachsador Breed Guide
Everything about the lab and dachshund mix (Dachsador): size, temperament, coat types, health risks, cost.
The lab and dachshund mix — often called the Dachsador, Doxidor, or Weinerdor — is one of the more visually unpredictable designer crosses you'll encounter. Pair a boisterous, water-loving Labrador Retriever with a low-slung, tenacious Dachshund and you get a dog that might look like a miniature Lab on short legs, a stretched-out Dachshund with a blockier head, or something entirely in between. This guide breaks down what prospective owners actually need to know: real size ranges, coat possibilities, inherited health risks from both parent breeds, and whether this mix fits your household.
Other Names: Dachsador, Doxidor, Weinerdor
Weight Range: 16–50 lb (7–23 kg)
Height Range: 10–20 inches (25–51 cm) at the shoulder
Lifespan: 12–15 years (estimated)
Coat Types: Short/smooth, medium-length, or wire-haired
Shedding: Moderate to high
Energy Level: Moderate to high
Best For: Active families with older children; owners prepared for back-health management
Parent Breed Breakdown: Labrador Retriever Meets Dachshund
Understanding a Dachsador means understanding both parent breeds. The contrast between them is what makes this cross so variable — and so interesting to prospective owners.
| Trait | Labrador Retriever | Dachshund |
|---|---|---|
| AKC Group | Sporting | Hound |
| Weight | 55–80 lb (25–36 kg) | 16–32 lb (7–15 kg) standard; under 11 lb (5 kg) miniature |
| Height | 21.5–24.5 in (55–62 cm) | 8–9 in (20–23 cm) standard; 5–6 in (13–15 cm) miniature |
| Original Purpose | Waterfowl retrieving | Badger and burrow-animal hunting |
| Temperament | Outgoing, eager-to-please, highly social | Bold, independent, stubborn, vocal |
| Coat Varieties | Short, dense double coat | Smooth, longhaired, or wirehaired |
| Key Health Risk | Hip/elbow dysplasia, obesity | Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) |
| Lifespan | 11–13 years | 12–16 years |
Most Dachsadors result from crossing a standard-size Dachshund (not miniature) with a Labrador, because the size disparity with a miniature Dachshund makes natural breeding physically risky. However, some breeders do use miniatures via artificial insemination, which produces smaller, more variable offspring. Always ask which Dachshund variety was used — it dramatically affects the size range of the puppies.
Generations Explained: F1, F1B, and Multigen Dachsadors
- F1 (First Generation): 50% Labrador × 50% Dachshund. Maximum trait variability. One puppy may look almost entirely Lab; another may be nearly all Dachshund.
- F1B (First-Generation Backcross): An F1 Dachsador bred back to one parent breed — typically the Labrador, to increase size predictability, or the Dachshund, to emphasize the short-legged look. Approximately 75% one breed, 25% the other.
- F2 (Second Generation): Two F1 Dachsadors bred together. Trait expression becomes even less predictable due to gene recombination — you can get the widest variety of appearances in a single litter.
- Multigen (F3+): Multiple generations of Dachsador-to-Dachsador breeding. Rare for this particular cross. Slightly more predictable traits but still not uniform.
The majority of Dachsadors you'll find are F1 crosses. Unlike Poodle mixes (Doodles), this cross hasn't been developed into a stable multigen lineage by most breeders. That means each puppy is essentially a genetic lottery, and littermates can look strikingly different from one another. If a breeder advertises "multigen Dachsadors," ask for documentation of at least three generations of Dachsador-to-Dachsador pairings — and expect to pay a premium for the breeding program investment.
Size, Coat, and Appearance: The Variability Spectrum
No one can guarantee what a Dachsador puppy will look like at maturity. Here's the realistic range based on observed adult specimens and the genetics of both parent breeds.
| Parentage Type | Weight (lb / kg) | Height (in / cm) | Body Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lab × Standard Dachshund (F1) | 30–50 lb / 14–23 kg | 15–20 in / 38–51 cm | Medium build, moderate leg length, elongated torso possible |
| Lab × Miniature Dachshund (F1) | 16–30 lb / 7–14 kg | 10–15 in / 25–38 cm | Smaller, shorter legs, more Dachshund-like proportion |
| F1B backcross to Labrador | 40–60 lb / 18–27 kg | 18–22 in / 46–56 cm | Larger, longer legs, more Lab-proportioned |
| F1B backcross to Dachshund | 18–35 lb / 8–16 kg | 10–16 in / 25–41 cm | Compact, shorter legs, stronger Dachshund features |
Coat Type Possibilities
Because Dachshunds come in three coat varieties (smooth, longhaired, wirehaired) and Labs have a short double coat, the Dachsador's coat depends on which Dachshund type is in the pedigree:
- Smooth Dachshund × Lab: Short, dense coat. Moderate to heavy shedding year-round with seasonal blowouts. Most common combination.
- Longhaired Dachshund × Lab: Medium-length coat with feathering on ears, chest, legs, and tail. Moderate shedding. Requires brushing 3–4 times per week to prevent matting behind the ears and in the armpits.
- Wirehaired Dachshund × Lab: Coarse, wiry outer coat with softer undercoat. May inherit the Dachshund's distinctive facial furnishings (brows, beard). Lower shedding but requires hand-stripping or clipping every 8–12 weeks.
Common coat colors include black, chocolate, yellow/cream (inherited from the Lab side), and red, black-and-tan, or dapple patterns (from the Dachshund side). Dapple (merle) coloring can appear if the Dachshund parent carries the merle gene — but breeding two dapple carriers together risks double-merle puppies with serious vision and hearing defects, per the AKC. Always ask if either parent is dapple-patterned.
Temperament: What to Expect (and What Might Surprise You)
The Dachsador's temperament sits somewhere on a spectrum between the Lab's gregarious enthusiasm and the Dachshund's independent boldness. Here's how traits typically distribute:
- Friendly and social like the Lab parent — greets visitors warmly
- Intelligent and trainable with food motivation
- Playful but not hyperactive; settles well indoors
- Good with children who understand how to handle a long-backed dog gently
- Alert enough to bark at strangers but not excessively vocal
- Inherits Dachshund stubbornness combined with Lab-size strength — difficult to manage on leash
- High prey drive from both hunting-breed parents — chases squirrels, cats, small dogs
- Resource guarding tendencies (common in Dachshunds) around food or toys
- Excessive barking, especially when left alone (separation anxiety from the Lab side, territorial barking from the Dachshund side)
- Wariness of strangers or children if the Dachshund temperament dominates and socialization was inadequate
Training Realities
Dachshunds rank among the more challenging breeds to train — not because they lack intelligence, but because they were bred to make independent decisions underground, 30 feet from their handler. Labs, conversely, are famously biddable and work closely with humans. A Dachsador may land anywhere on this spectrum.
What works: Positive reinforcement training with high-value treats (freeze-dried liver, small pieces of chicken). Keep sessions short — 5 to 10 minutes, 2–3 times daily. Start socialization before 16 weeks of age, exposing the puppy to varied surfaces, sounds, people, and other dogs using a structured program like the AKC's puppy socialization guidelines.
What doesn't work: Force-based methods, alpha rolls, or punishment-based corrections. Dachshund-influenced dogs tend to shut down or become defensively aggressive when handled harshly. If you encounter leash reactivity or resource guarding, consult a certified professional dog trainer (CPDT-KA or IAABC-credentialed) who uses LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) methods.
Health Considerations: Inherited Risks from Both Parent Breeds
Let's address the hybrid vigor myth directly: crossbreeding does not automatically eliminate health problems. While genetic diversity can reduce the risk of certain recessive conditions, a Dachsador can inherit health issues from either parent breed — and in some cases, the combination of body structures creates unique risks.
| Condition | Inherited From | Risk Level | Prevention / Management |
|---|---|---|---|
| IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease) | Dachshund | High — up to 25% of Dachshunds affected; elongated-back Dachsadors at elevated risk | Ramps for furniture, harness-only walking, weight management, avoid jumping |
| Hip Dysplasia | Labrador (primarily) | Moderate — Labs have ~12% dysplasia rate per OFA data | OFA/PennHIP screening of Lab parent; controlled exercise during growth |
| Obesity | Both breeds | High — Labs are food-motivated; extra weight worsens IVDD and joint risk | Measured feeding, body condition score monitoring, 30–60 min daily exercise |
| Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) | Both breeds | Moderate — both breeds carry PRA-related genes | CERF/OFA eye exam of both parents; DNA testing available |
| Ear Infections | Both (floppy ears) | Moderate — pendant ears trap moisture, especially after swimming | Weekly ear cleaning with vet-approved solution; dry ears after water exposure |
| Patellar Luxation | Dachshund (small-breed risk) | Low to moderate | Veterinary orthopedic exam; surgical correction if severe |
The IVDD Conversation You Must Have
If your Dachsador inherits the Dachshund's elongated spine and short legs, they face a significantly elevated risk of intervertebral disc disease. The chondrodystrophic body type (short limbs, long body) causes premature disc degeneration. IVDD can range from mild back pain to complete paralysis, and surgical treatment typically costs $3,000–$8,000 depending on the severity and your location.
Non-negotiable management for elongated-body Dachsadors:
- Use pet ramps or stairs for all furniture access — never allow jumping on/off beds or couches
- Walk on a front-clip harness (not a collar) to avoid neck/spine pressure
- Maintain a lean body condition score (BCS 4–5 out of 9)
- Avoid activities that involve twisting the spine (agility weave poles, frisbee catches with high twisting)
- Learn to recognize early IVDD signs: reluctance to jump, hunched back, yelping when picked up, dragging hind feet
If your Dachsador shows sudden hind-leg weakness, inability to stand, loss of bladder/bowel control, or severe back pain (arching, trembling, refusing to move), seek emergency veterinary care. IVDD outcomes are time-sensitive — dogs treated within 24–48 hours of paralysis onset have significantly better surgical prognoses. Consult your veterinarian at the first sign of spinal discomfort.
Recommended Health Screenings for Breeders
Responsible Dachsador breeders should provide documentation of the following tests on both parent dogs:
- Labrador parent: OFA or PennHIP hip evaluation, OFA elbow evaluation, CERF eye exam, EIC (Exercise-Induced Collapse) DNA test
- Dachshund parent: OFA patella evaluation, CERF eye exam, Lafora disease DNA test (particularly in miniature wirehaired lines)
- Both parents: PRA DNA panel, general health examination within 12 months of breeding
Grooming, Exercise, and Daily Care
Grooming by Coat Type
Your Dachsador's grooming needs depend entirely on which coat they inherit:
- Short/smooth coat: Brush 2–3 times per week with a rubber curry brush or bristle brush. Bathe every 6–8 weeks or as needed. Expect moderate year-round shedding with heavier seasonal sheds in spring and fall. Budget $15–$25 for basic grooming tools.
- Medium/longhaired coat: Brush 3–4 times per week with a slicker brush and metal comb. Pay special attention to feathering behind the ears, under the legs, and around the hindquarters. Professional grooming every 8–10 weeks ($45–$75 per session) for sanitary trims and thinning.
- Wirehaired coat: Brush 2–3 times per week. Hand-stripping or clipping every 8–12 weeks ($50–$85 per session). This coat type sheds the least but requires the most maintenance investment.
All Dachsadors need weekly ear checks (clean with a vet-recommended ear wash like Epi-Otic or Zymox), nail trims every 2–4 weeks, and daily tooth brushing with enzymatic dog toothpaste.
Exercise Requirements
Despite the Dachshund's short legs, this is not a low-energy cross. The Lab side contributes genuine athletic drive. Plan for:
- 30–60 minutes of structured exercise daily — two 20–30 minute leash walks plus yard play
- Mental stimulation: Food puzzles (Kong Wobbler, Outward Hound Nina Ottosson puzzles), scent work games, or short training sessions
- Swimming (with caution): Labs love water, but a long-backed Dachsador may struggle to swim safely. Always use a canine life jacket (Ruffwear Float Coat or similar) and supervise closely
- Avoid: Repetitive high-impact activities (jogging on pavement, repeated stair climbing) for dogs with elongated spines
Is the Dachsador Hypoallergenic or Low-Shedding?
No. Neither the Labrador Retriever nor any Dachshund coat variety is hypoallergenic. Labs are prolific shedders with significant dander production, and even the wirehaired Dachshund — the lowest-shedding of the three Dachshund coat types — still produces allergenic proteins in saliva and skin cells.
If you have dog allergies, the Dachsador is not a suitable choice. The Mayo Clinic notes that no dog is truly hypoallergenic, but breeds with hair (rather than fur) and minimal shedding produce fewer airborne allergens. Consider a Poodle mix or a Portuguese Water Dog if allergen reduction is a priority.
Cost and Where to Find a Dachsador
| Source | Price Range | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Responsible breeder (health-tested parents) | $800–$2,000 | Health certificates, first vaccines, deworming, microchip, health guarantee, take-back clause |
| Casual/backyard breeder | $300–$700 | Typically no health testing; may include first shots |
| Breed-specific rescue (Lab or Dachshund rescues) | $200–$500 | Spay/neuter, vaccines, microchip, behavioral assessment |
| General shelter/municipal pound | $50–$300 | Varies widely; often includes spay/neuter and basic vaccines |
First-year budget estimate: Beyond the purchase price, plan for $1,200–$2,500 in first-year costs including spay/neuter ($300–$600), initial veterinary exams and vaccine series ($200–$400), quality food ($400–$700/year for a 30–50 lb dog), crate, harness, ramps, toys, and pet insurance premiums ($40–$80/month depending on coverage and deductible).
Dachsadors occasionally appear in Labrador and Dachshund breed-specific rescues. Check organizations like Labrador Retriever Rescue, Inc. and Dachshund Rescue of North America, as well as Petfinder.com, which aggregates listings from shelters and rescues nationwide.
Who Should (and Shouldn't) Get a Dachsador
- Have an active household that walks 30+ minutes daily
- Have children aged 8+ who can be taught to handle a long-backed dog gently (no picking up by the torso)
- Are prepared to invest in ramps, harnesses, and potential IVDD-related veterinary costs
- Have experience with at least one strong-willed or independent breed
- Want a medium-sized dog with personality and humor
- Have a securely fenced yard (Dachshunds are diggers and escape artists)
- Have toddlers who may pick up or drop the dog (spinal injury risk)
- Want a hypoallergenic or low-shedding dog
- Live in an apartment with strict noise rules (barking potential)
- Cannot commit to daily structured exercise
- Have cats or small pets (high prey drive from both hunting-breed parents)
- Want a predictable appearance or temperament — adopt an adult Dachsador instead of a puppy
Frequently Asked Questions
What two breeds make up a Dachsador?
A Dachsador is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Dachshund (typically a standard-size Dachshund, though some breeders use miniature Dachshunds). This makes it a first-generation (F1) designer cross in most cases, combining a Sporting Group retriever with a Hound Group scent hunter.
How big will a lab and dachshund mix get?
Adult Dachsadors typically weigh between 16 and 50 lb (7–23 kg) and stand 10 to 20 inches (25–51 cm) at the shoulder. The wide range reflects which Dachshund variety was used (miniature vs. standard), the generation of the cross, and individual genetic variation. Most F1 puppies from a Lab × standard Dachshund pairing land in the 30–45 lb range.
What will the temperament be like?
Expect a blend of the Lab's friendliness and the Dachshund's boldness — but the ratio is unpredictable. Some Dachsadors are outgoing, people-pleasing dogs that greet everyone warmly. Others lean toward the Dachshund's wariness of strangers, stubbornness on leash, and territorial barking. Early socialization (before 16 weeks) and consistent positive reinforcement training have the biggest impact on which end of the spectrum your dog lands.
Is this mix hypoallergenic or low-shedding?
No. Neither parent breed is hypoallergenic. Labs shed heavily, and even wirehaired Dachshunds produce dander and saliva allergens. If allergies are a concern, this cross is not recommended.
What health issues might a Dachsador inherit?
The most significant risk is IVDD (intervertebral disc disease) from the Dachshund side, especially in dogs that inherit an elongated spine. Other concerns include hip dysplasia (Lab side), obesity (both breeds), progressive retinal atrophy (both), and ear infections (floppy ears from both parents). Reputable breeders screen parent dogs for these conditions before breeding.
How much does a lab and dachshund mix cost?
From a responsible breeder who health-tests both parents, expect to pay $800–$2,000. Rescue adoption fees range from $50–$500. First-year care costs add $1,200–$2,500 on top of the acquisition price. Be cautious of breeders charging premium prices ($2,500+) without providing OFA health certificates, genetic testing documentation, and a written health guarantee.
Are Dachsadors good with kids?
They can be, with important caveats. The Lab side tends to be patient and playful with children, but the Dachshund side can be snappish when startled or handled roughly. Because of the spinal injury risk, children must be taught never to pick up a Dachsador under the chest or let the dog's back legs dangle. Supervised interaction and children aged 8 and older is the safest combination.
Can Dachsadors swim?
Some inherit the Lab's love of water, but their body structure may make swimming difficult or dangerous. Long-backed, short-legged Dachsadors can struggle to keep their hindquarters afloat. If you introduce water activities, always use a properly fitted canine life jacket and start in shallow, calm water with close supervision.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian for health, nutrition, and behavioral guidance specific to your dog.
Marcus Aldridge
All our authors care for dogs every day — read more of their work on the authors page.
