Wiener Dog Lab Mix: The Complete Dachsador Breed Guide

The wiener dog Lab mix — affectionately known as the Dachsador, Doxidor, or Weinerdor — is a crossbreed between the Dachshund and the Labrador Retriever. It's one of the more unusual designer pairings you'll encounter, and that's precisely what draws people in. But combining a 10-pound sausage dog with a 70-pound retriever creates a genetic lottery that produces puppies with wildly variable appearances, temperaments, and health profiles.

If you're considering a Dachsador, you need to understand what you're actually signing up for. This guide breaks down the parent breeds, the realistic range of outcomes, the health risks neither breeder nor genetics can fully eliminate, and the honest cost of ownership. Let's get specific.

The Parent Breeds: What Goes Into a Wiener Dog Lab Mix

Every mixed-breed dog is a roll of the genetic dice, and the stakes are higher when the parent breeds are this different in size, build, and purpose. Understanding each parent breed is essential to predicting — or at least preparing for — what a Dachsador puppy might become.

Parent Breed Comparison: Dachshund vs. Labrador Retriever

Trait	Dachshund	Labrador Retriever
AKC Group	Hound	Sporting
Weight Range	Miniature: 8–11 lb (3.6–5 kg) Standard: 16–32 lb (7–14.5 kg)	55–80 lb (25–36 kg)
Height	5–9 in (13–23 cm) at shoulder	21.5–24.5 in (55–62 cm) at shoulder
Lifespan	12–16 years	11–13 years
Original Purpose	Burrowing prey hunter (badgers, rabbits)	Waterfowl retriever, fishing companion
Energy Level	Moderate; bursts of high intensity	High; sustained endurance
Shedding	Low to moderate (varies by coat type)	High; double coat, seasonal blowouts
Trainability	Independent, stubborn, clever	Eager to please, highly biddable
Vocalization	High; deep bark for their size, alert-prone	Moderate; tends to bark at doorbell/arrivals
Key Health Risks	IVDD, obesity, patellar luxation	Hip/elbow dysplasia, obesity, bloat (GDV)

The Dachshund was bred in Germany to pursue badgers into underground tunnels — that long body and short legs are functional, not cosmetic. They're tenacious, vocal, and notoriously resistant to being told what to do. The Labrador Retriever, consistently one of the most popular breeds in the US, was bred to retrieve waterfowl in freezing Canadian lakes. They're athletic, food-motivated, and generally eager to work with humans.

When you cross these two, you're blending a stubborn, low-rider scent hound with a high-drive, people-pleasing athlete. The results are fascinating — and unpredictable.

Size, Weight, and Appearance: The Variability Problem

Here's where the wiener dog Lab mix gets complicated. The size differential between a standard Dachshund (16–32 lb) and a Labrador (55–80 lb) is enormous. This means Dachsador puppies can land almost anywhere on the spectrum.

Dachsador Size Range Estimates

Dimension	Low End (Dachshund-Dominant)	Mid Range (Balanced Mix)	High End (Lab-Dominant)
Adult Weight	20–30 lb (9–13.5 kg)	30–50 lb (13.5–23 kg)	50–70 lb (23–32 kg)
Adult Height (shoulder)	10–14 in (25–36 cm)	14–18 in (36–46 cm)	18–22 in (46–56 cm)
Body Proportion	Elongated body, short legs	Moderately long body, medium legs	Near-standard proportions, slightly stocky

Critical note: Responsible breeders typically use a miniature or standard Dachshund as the dam (mother) and a Labrador as the sire (father) — or use artificial insemination — to avoid pregnancy complications from a small female carrying large puppies. Breeding a female Dachshund to a male Lab naturally would risk serious whelping complications. Always ask breeders which parent was which breed and how the breeding was conducted.

Appearance-wise, expect a medium-length muzzle, floppy ears (both parents have drop ears), and a tail that ranges from the Lab's otter-like taper to a slightly curved Dachshund saber tail. The most common Dachsador look is a dog that appears to be a slightly-too-long, slightly-too-short Lab — but individual puppies in the same litter can look dramatically different.

Coat Types, Shedding, and Grooming

Neither the Dachshund nor the Labrador is hypoallergenic. If a breeder tells you a Dachsador is low-shedding or allergy-friendly, walk away — that claim has no genetic basis.

Dachshunds come in three coat varieties: smooth (short-haired), longhaired, and wirehaired. Labs have a dense, water-resistant double coat. The coat your Dachsador inherits depends entirely on which Dachshund variety was used and which genes dominate.

Plan for shedding. Both parent breeds shed, and the Lab's double coat is notorious for leaving tumbleweeds of fur across your home. A high-quality deshedding tool like the FURminator (Medium Short Hair model, ~$35) used once weekly during peak shedding seasons (spring and fall) will keep it manageable. Invest in a good vacuum — the Shark Rotator NV501 or Dyson V8 Animal are solid choices for pet households.

Bathing should happen every 6–8 weeks or as needed, using a dog-specific shampoo (never human products, which disrupt canine skin pH). Over-bathing strips natural oils and worsens shedding.

Temperament: Best Case, Worst Case, and Everything Between

Dachsador temperament is where that genetic lottery really shows its face. You might get a dog that's the perfect blend of Lab friendliness and Dachshund charm — or you might get the stubbornness of a hound combined with the high energy of a retriever, which can be a challenging combination for first-time owners.

Common temperament traits to expect in most Dachsadors:

• Food motivation: Both breeds are notoriously food-driven. This makes training easier (use high-value treats like freeze-dried liver) but also means you must manage counter-surfing and trash-raiding vigilantly.
• Prey drive: The Dachshund's hunting heritage means squirrels, rabbits, and sometimes cats will trigger chase instinct. Reliable off-leash recall in unfenced areas is unrealistic for most Dachsadors.
• Vocalization: Expect barking at doorbells, passersby, and unusual sounds. The Dachshund's deep, loud bark was bred to echo through tunnels — it carries.
• Attachment: Both breeds tend to bond closely with their people. Separation anxiety is a genuine risk if a Dachsador is left alone for long stretches without enrichment.

Early socialization is non-negotiable. Enroll in a positive reinforcement puppy class by 12–16 weeks (after initial vaccinations). Expose your puppy to varied surfaces, sounds, people, and other dogs during the critical socialization window (3–14 weeks). Force-free training methods — reward-based, clicker training, LIMA (Least Intrusive, Minimally Aversive) — are the only methods recommended by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. Never use shock collars, prong collars, or alpha rolls; these methods increase fear and aggression, especially in dogs with hound-type sensitivity.

Health Considerations: Hybrid Vigor Myth vs. Reality

Let's address this directly: hybrid vigor does not eliminate health problems. The concept of heterosis (hybrid vigor) is real in agricultural science — crossbred livestock sometimes show improved growth rates or fertility. But applying it to dog health is misleading. A Dachsador can inherit any genetic condition that affects either parent breed. What crossbreeding may reduce is the likelihood of inheriting conditions caused by homozygous recessive genes that are concentrated within a single breed's gene pool. It does not protect against structural issues, polygenic diseases, or conditions shared by both parent breeds.

Here's what you're actually dealing with:

Health Risks in the Dachsador by Parent Source

Condition	Source Breed	Prevalence	What to Watch For
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)	Dachshund (primary)	~25% of Dachshunds affected in their lifetime	Reluctance to jump, back pain, hind leg weakness, paralysis
Hip Dysplasia	Labrador (primary)	~12% of Labs scored by OFA show dysplasia	Hind-end stiffness, bunny-hopping gait, difficulty rising
Elbow Dysplasia	Labrador	~10% of Labs screened	Front leg lameness, reluctance to play
Obesity	Both breeds	Extremely common; Labs carry a known POMC gene mutation linked to food obsession	Weight gain, difficulty feeling ribs, reduced stamina
Patellar Luxation	Dachshund	Moderate prevalence in small breeds	Skipping gait, intermittent hind leg holding
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)	Both breeds	Carrier status varies; DNA testable	Night blindness progressing to total vision loss
Bloat / Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)	Labrador (larger-chested dogs)	Low-to-moderate risk depending on chest conformation	Distended abdomen, unproductive retching, collapse — EMERGENCY

Ask any breeder for OFA (Orthopedic Foundation for Animals) hip and elbow scores for the Lab parent, and IVDD screening history or at minimum spinal X-rays for the Dachshund parent. Both parents should have current CERF/OFA eye certifications. A reputable breeder will provide these documents willingly — if they can't or won't, that's a significant red flag.

Exercise, Training, and Daily Care

Exercise needs vary depending on which parent your Dachsador favors, but plan for a baseline of 45–60 minutes of structured activity daily. This should include:

• Two leash walks: 20–30 minutes each, at a pace appropriate to your dog's build. If they have a long Dachshund-type back, avoid forced running or jogging alongside a bike.
• Mental enrichment: Puzzle feeders (Outward Hound Nina Ottosson puzzles, $12–$25), snuffle mats, frozen Kongs stuffed with peanut butter and kibble, and scent work games. Both parent breeds were working dogs — a bored Dachsador is a destructive Dachsador.
• Structured play: Fetch sessions (Lab heritage loves retrieving), flirt pole work (great for prey-drive outlets without chasing real animals), and supervised playdates with compatible dogs.

Training should begin the day your puppy comes home. Focus areas for this mix:

1. Recall: Start indoors, progress to fenced areas. Use high-value rewards (real chicken, cheese). Accept that off-leash reliability in open areas may never be fully achieved due to prey drive.
2. Loose-leash walking: Both breeds pull — Labs from enthusiasm, Dachshunds from scent-tracking instinct. Use a front-clip harness (Ruffwear Front Range, ~$40) and reward heel position.
3. Quiet cue: Teach a "quiet" command early to manage the Dachshund vocal tendency. Reward silence, don't punish barking (punishment increases anxiety-driven vocalization).
4. Handling exercises: Practice paw handling, ear inspection, and teeth brushing daily from puppyhood. Both breeds need regular nail trims and dental care.

Cost: What a Wiener Dog Lab Mix Actually Costs

Dachsadors are not as mainstream as Labradoodles or Goldendoodles, which affects both pricing and availability.

Dachsador Cost Breakdown

Expense	Low Estimate	High Estimate
Puppy purchase price (breeder)	$500	$1,500
Adoption fee (rescue/shelter)	$150	$400
Initial veterinary (vaccines, spay/neuter, microchip)	$400	$800
Supplies (crate, bed, harness, bowls, toys, ramp)	$200	$450
Annual food (quality kibble, mid-range)	$360	$600
Annual preventive care (heartworm, flea/tick, checkup)	$300	$600
Pet insurance (monthly premium)	$35/mo ($420/yr)	$70/mo ($840/yr)
First-year total (breeder puppy)	$2,080	$5,190

A few notes on sourcing your Dachsador:

From a breeder: Because this is a less common cross, you may need to search regionally. Expect to pay $500–$1,500 for a puppy from a breeder who health-tests both parents. Prices above $2,000 are unusual for this mix and often signal a breeder capitalizing on "designer dog" hype without doing the health work. Always visit the breeder's facility, meet at least the dam, and request health certificates.

From a rescue: Dachsadors do turn up in shelters and breed-specific rescues (Dachshund rescues and Lab rescues both occasionally get mixed-breed dogs). Check Petfinder.com and AdoptAPet.com using both parent breed names as search terms. Adoption fees typically range from $150–$400 and often include initial vaccinations and spay/neuter.

Who Should (and Shouldn't) Get a Dachsador

If you have young children, teach them to never pick up a Dachsador without adult supervision. A dog with Dachshund-type proportions has a vulnerable spine, and a child dropping or squeezing them can cause a disc injury. Always support the chest and hindquarters simultaneously when lifting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What two breeds make up a wiener dog Lab mix?

The wiener dog Lab mix is a cross between a Dachshund (often called a wiener dog, weenie dog, or sausage dog due to their elongated body shape) and a Labrador Retriever. The most common names for this cross are Dachsador, Doxidor, or Weinerdor.

How big will a Dachsador get?

Adult Dachsadors typically weigh between 20–70 lb (9–32 kg) and stand 10–22 inches (25–56 cm) at the shoulder, depending on which parent they favor more. Most fall in the 30–50 lb range with moderate body length. There is no way to guarantee a specific adult size from a mixed breeding.

Is the wiener dog Lab mix hypoallergenic?

No. Neither the Dachshund nor the Labrador is hypoallergenic, and their offspring will not be either. Dachsadors shed moderately to heavily and produce normal levels of the Can f 1 protein that triggers allergic reactions in sensitive people.

What health issues might a Dachsador inherit?

The primary concerns are Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) from the Dachshund side, hip and elbow dysplasia from the Labrador side, obesity (both breeds are prone), and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (both breeds carry PRA genes). Bloat (GDV) is a lower-probability but life-threatening risk if the dog inherits a deeper chest from the Lab parent. Always consult your veterinarian for a personalized health screening plan.

How much does a Dachsador puppy cost?

Expect to pay $500–$1,500 from a breeder, or $150–$400 through a rescue. First-year total costs including supplies, veterinary care, and food typically range from $2,080–$5,190 depending on your location and choices.

Do Dachsadors get along with cats and other dogs?

With proper early socialization, many Dachsadors coexist peacefully with other dogs and even cats. However, the Dachshund's prey drive means some individuals will always see small animals as something to chase. Introduce new pets gradually and supervise interactions, especially with smaller animals like rabbits or guinea pigs.

What's the best food for a Dachsador?

Choose an AAFCO-certified complete and balanced diet appropriate for your dog's adult size category. A Dachsador expected to reach 30–50 lb should eat a medium-breed formula; those closer to 20 lb may do better on a small-breed formula (kibble size matters for dental health). Look for named animal protein as the first ingredient and a guaranteed analysis showing minimum 22% protein for adult maintenance. Given both breeds' obesity risk, measure food precisely and avoid free-feeding. Brands like Purina Pro Plan, Royal Canin, and Hill's Science Diet all offer appropriate formulas — consult your veterinarian for specific recommendations.