Dachshund German Shepherd Mix Info: Pictures, Temperament & Traits

What happens when you combine vastly different canine breeds like the Dachshund and German Shepherd? Well, you get a little something that looks like this hybrid cross. Both German breeds, the Dachshund German Shepherd mix produces a long-bodied, medium-sized dog that can vary drastically in appearance.

Both parent breeds have next to nothing in common except their heritage. So let’s look at what you can expect if you buy or adopt this mixture.

German Shepherd Dachshund Mix Puppies

The Dachshund German Shepherd mix is not standard, so finding an actual breeder might prove difficult.

It’s imperative to find a reputable breeder that is using proper breeding tactics. Unfortunately, the puppies can be unhealthy with improper breeding and can suffer serious health consequences. If you suspect this is happening, avoid the litter altogether.

Because this is a mixed breed, it might be relatively easy to find one at a local shelter or rescue. Most of them are usually adults who have been surrendered for one reason or another. But there is still a possibility of finding a litter of puppies.

If you can find it in your heart to give a dog a second chance with a loving family, this is an excellent option. This method tends to be less expensive, with most healthcare already being done before buying the dog. Dogs usually come with all necessary vaccinations and spay or neuter surgery.

3 Little-Known Facts About the Dachshund German Shepherd Mix

1. Both parent breeds hail from Germany.

The German Shepherd was a military and herding dog in Germany 1800s. Dachshunds were developed to hunt badgers and other hole-dwelling animals dating back to the 15^th century. While they had very different roles, they are from the same country.

2. This hybrid cross is very protective of its owners.

Both the Dachshund and German Shepherd are highly protective of their families. Even though they can be very social, sometimes enjoying the company of outsiders—their families come first.

3. There are lots of physical possibilities with this mix.

Dachshunds are long-bodied, short-legged dogs with floppy ears and lengthy snouts. German Shepherds are large with athletic bodies, sloped backs, and pointy ears. When you add them together, it’s hard to tell just what each puppy will look like in the litter.

Temperament & Intelligence of the Dachshund German Shepherd Mix 🧠

When it comes to what you can expect from your Dachshund German Shepherd mix, these dogs have an interesting combination of characteristics. German Shepherds are typically very protective dogs who are sharp, affectionate, and easy to train.

Dachshunds are spirited little dogs with big personalities and quite a bit of sass. When you combine these two breeds, you’re definitely going to get a dog full of character, but one that can be a bit challenging for inexperienced owners.

Don’t let that deter you, as you will have a mannerly well-trained dog by the time all is said and done. These dogs are brilliant, but they might not always be so willing to listen on command. They need a job to do as their energy levels require it.

Dachshunds can be pretty territorial sometimes with people outside of their family, and German Shepherds can be the same way. So, early socialization is essential. With proper introductions, these dogs can blend well with strangers and other animals.

Are These Dogs Good for Families? 🏡

This excellent cross can be a charming addition to many different lifestyles. However, we do recommend this dog for children ages 6 and older due to their activity levels and possible personality quirks. It’s best if any child and dog can interact with respect.

If your family is active, this dog will love joining in on the fun. They will love to be outdoors exploring all around—so much that it can be hard to persuade them to come back inside. But they are pretty attached to each household member, so they aren’t as likely to run off as some other breeds.

As for older adults, if you adopt this cross as an adult, you probably have nothing to worry about. However, due to high activity levels and training challenges, a puppy might be a little more challenging to handle.

Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets? 🐶 😽

The Dachshund German Shepherd mix can make good companion animals for other pets with the correct training. German Shepherds have relatively high prey drives incompatible with farm animals in smaller pets. So always be mindful when bringing a dog into a new situation.

There is a risk of same-sex dog aggression with this breed because of its territorial nature. Not all of them exhibit this characteristic, but it is something to watch out for and to know before purchasing.

Things to Know When Owning a Dachshund German Shepherd Mix:

Food & Diet Requirements 🦴

This canine mix doesn’t have any specific dietary restrictions right off the go. But, it would help if you watched out for food-related allergies as your puppy develops. As any other canine, they need a higher-quality dry kibble dog food specifically designed for puppies to support their growing bodies.

If you already have an adult dog, all life stages or adult recipes will work wonders. If you want to stimulate her appetite, you can always add a little bit of wet food on top for a lovely savory topper. There are also many raw and homemade diets circulating the web these days.

If you wanted to give your dog a healthier eating experience, you could check some ideas out. But we do recommend double-checking with your veterinarian before offering any recipes to ensure all nutritional profiles are met.

Exercise 🐕

When it comes to exercise, they won’t have any trouble partaking in an outdoor adventure. Both parent breeds are pretty active. They will love romping around with the children or playing a good game of fetch in the backyard.

Ultimately, your Dachshund German Shepherd mix should have at least 45 to 60 minutes of exercise per day. Because they might need so much mental stimulation, these dogs also benefit from challenging puzzles and maze games.

Training 🦮

This intelligent breed benefits very much from formal training. You might be able to train them at home with a few disciplinary steps, but professional obedience training works wonders. With a more stubborn breed that needs mental stimulation, it can be helpful to get an outside perspective.

Granted, if you’re an experienced dog owner, you might not require it. But it is something that can be helpful for many families. Dogs have such high intelligence that they can breeze through basic commands onto more advanced concepts in no time.

Due to their protective instincts, they can also make fantastic watch or guard dogs.

Grooming ✂️

German Shepherds have thick double coats, making them shed quite a bit. Dachshunds differ quite slightly in coat length, but generally, their hair is very sleek. The Dachshund German Shepherd mix can combine these two for types or lean towards one side or another.

You can generally tell during puppyhood precisely what qualities they will have. The amount of brushing and grooming depends on the complexity of their coat. But we do recommend daily brushing to avoid extreme shedding.

Also, since they may have double coats, deshedding tools work well, aiding seasons such as spring and fall. If you’d like, you can take your dog to a professional groomer for a good scrub down. Or you can bathe them at home every 4 to 6 weeks.

It’s a good idea to brush their teeth daily to avoid tartar buildup and plaque formation. Always keep their ears clean and moisture-free to prevent ear infections. Also, to avoid scratching, a good nail trim goes a long way.

Health and Conditions ❤️

Since the Dachshund German Shepherd mix can inherit traits from their parents, health conditions are the same. Both breeds are generally healthy dogs, but specific problems can show up in the bloodlines.

During their first year of life, frequent vetting is essential to get caught up on all booster shots, spay or neuter surgeries, and general growth monitoring.

You might not be able to pick up a lot on potential issues through heritage, so just be sure to keep a watchful eye on things. Here is a list of potential health concerns your Dachshund German Shepherd mix may face.

Male vs Female

Unlike some purebred dogs, the physical appearance between the male and female could be drastic. Because of the size difference of the two breeds, males and females can be very different despite their gender.

The same goes for personality—it’s hard to tell just what traits they will take on. However, males tend to mature slower than their female counterparts. Each gender is splendid in its own right.

Final Thoughts

If a Dachshund German Shepherd mix sounds like a perfect addition to your home, it’s time to start your search. Just make sure to steer clear of puppy mills or backyard breeding situations by finding a reputable breeder.

These stubborn, intelligent, affectionate dogs can bring so much joy into your life. If you plan to seek a puppy or adopt an adult, you won’t regret your decision. They will stay loyal to a fault their whole life through.

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Featured Image Credit: Pixabay