St. Bernard Dachshund: Pictures, Care, Temperament & Traits
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Do you crave to pet a friendly, intelligent, and affectionate dog? If yes, St. Bernard Dachshund may be a great breed to consider. This is a relatively new breed, which means you won’t find it easily. However, a deep search on the internet may help you locate honest breeders.
The St. Bernard Dachshund is a mixed breed that results when a St. Bernard mates with a Dachshund. This is usually a difficult and accidental mating process, as the puppies born are typically found in different shelters. However, they are cute and loyal, making them perfect family dogs. This article discusses this lesser-known breed and the various features of a St. Bernard Dachshund mix.
| Height: | 9–30 inches |
| Weight: | 20–100 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 8–15 years |
| Colors: | Black with white markings, red with white, black and tan, chocolate and tan |
| Suitable for: | Large families, singles |
| Temperament: | Intelligent, tough to train. loyal, caring |
Although this is a rare breed, the dogs inherit some special features from their parents. Since St. Bernards are famous for their rescue missions and are known to have a powerful sense of smell, a St. Bernard Dachshund also takes this quality.
Similarly, both Dachshunds and St. Bernards are known to have pretty affectionate and loving personalities. This makes St. Bernard Dachshunds attentive and loyal dogs too.
People who prefer unique breeds may fall in love with this dog. It has a distinctive physical appearance featuring thin, long legs with a very thick coat. The dog also has a unique facial expression.
St. Bernard Dachshund Characteristics
St. Bernard Dachshund Puppies
These puppies are unique and rare. You may not find them often, but they are adorable and inherit their parents’ genes. Since most puppies are born from accidental breeding, finding a breeder who gives you all the information related to their background and health is important.
St. Bernard Dachshund puppies have an energetic temperament with hints of calmness. They are playful puppies but also like to be gentle at times. Before you bring them home, be aware of their specific personalities to know whether they match your lifestyle.
It is essential to look after these puppies because they are prone to health issues like obesity and hip dysplasia. You should always communicate with the breeder regarding the puppy’s health condition to look after them in a better way.
While they love to hear and obey their owners, St. Bernard Dachshund puppies may get stubborn while training. This is because Dachshunds have an independent nature. You will have to be consistent with their training. In the worst-case scenario, you may have to hire a professional to train them.
Temperament & Intelligence of the St. Bernard Dachshund 🧠
St. Bernard Dachshund is an affectionate, loving, and caring dog breed. They make perfect companions and are dedicated to their owners. These dogs are energetic, too. They have a strong sense of smell and are known to find things easily.
A St. Bernard Dachshund might be smaller than its parent, but this dog makes an excellent watchdog. The dog may take some time but gets used to the training sessions and learns new things through practice. You should involve positive reinforcement through praise and treats and encourage them to learn.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪
Yes, these dogs are pretty good with families. They love children. However, every dog’s temperament may differ because the parents’ traits vary greatly. Since both St. Bernards and Dachshunds are loyal dogs, St. Bernard Dachshunds are also reasonably affectionate. They make devoted pets and can have an improved nature through consistent training.
If your kids are small, make sure you supervise a few first interactions between them and the dog. You can train the dog to obey the kids while helping your kids understand the best way to handle the pets.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets
These dogs get along with other dogs and cats, provided you socialize them properly and consistently.
St. Bernards are usually social and outgoing. On the other hand, Dachshunds have a territorial nature and take time to open up. St. Bernard Dachshunds can be friendly and reserved, depending on which genes they inherit. Training and socialization with other pets may prove helpful.
With this dog at home, avoid being irresponsible when introducing a new pet. Make sure that the interaction is gradual and done under your supervision. Also, if you have birds or other caged animals, keep them away from the dog for some time. This is because these dogs often attack them, and you don’t want to risk their lives.
Things to Know When Owning a St. Bernard Dachshund
Congratulations on finally considering owning a St. Bernard Dachshund. This unique dog can make a great addition to your family and will readily accept your loving home. However, consider a few essential things before bringing it to the house. This dog has specific needs regarding diet, exercise, training, grooming, and health. So, to keep them happy, you must take care of all these factors:
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
When considering the right food for your dog, it is imperative to evaluate its weight, size, and age. St. Bernard Dachshunds are active dogs. You must understand their nature before planning a serious diet routine.
If your St. Bernard Dachshund is a large dog, look for suitable food options. The food available is usually high in protein and has low-fat content. When choosing a packaged food option, always consider buying from reputable brands. Don’t compromise on the ingredients; avoid products with artificial colors, preservatives, and additives.
Make sure to feed your dog adequately. The appropriate amount of food depends on their activity level, age, and gender. The diet and food needs of every dog may vary. So, instead of under or over-feeding your pet, follow the guidelines at the back of the food packages.
In addition, make sure that your dog drinks some water every day. Don’t feed it old or dirty water. Instead, opt for fresh water and change and clean the drinking bowl daily.
It is common for dogs to suffer from digestive issues and allergies. This can be a crucial concern, especially when your pet has poor health after consuming a particular product. The best solution is to avoid such situations. Visit a vet as soon as possible and change your diet plan according to the professional’s recommendations.
Exercise 🐕
Since this dog has a size between medium to large, make sure you take your St. Bernard Dachshund for exercise every day. This is imperative for the dog’s mental and physical health. There are so many ways in which you can keep your pet healthy. A 30-minute walk, hike, or run is perfect for your dog. These dogs are active but less enthusiastic than most other breeds. Therefore, you should monitor their daily activity levels and adjust exercises accordingly.
You must also involve your dog in mental stimulation activities. Different training sessions and dog-friendly toys can enhance your pet’s mental capacity. There are many unique puzzles available for this purpose.
Training 🎾
While the St. Bernard Dachshund is a trainable dog, they might get stubborn at times. In that case, it may be challenging to train them. However, you can accomplish this task efficiently with simple tricks and tips, like the following:
- Instead of waiting for your dog to turn older, start training them as early as possible. This way, they will quickly adapt to your rules and take little time to learn.
- If you want your pet to learn quickly, practice positive enforcement. Praise, extra playtime, and treats encourage dogs to do their best.
- Develop your dog’s interest during training through short and fun sessions. You can incorporate interactive activities and playtime within training, ensuring your dog retains an interest in the training.
- Don’t take days off. Instead, curate a strict schedule and follow it. When your dog trains consistently, it becomes a habit.
- Since a St. Bernard Dachshund can be a bit moody, you may have to use a stern tone to train them. Be authoritative but not aggressive so the dog doesn’t fear you.
- Make sure that your dog socializes. This is a crucial part of its training, and like most other breeds, St. Bernard Dachshunds need to socialize to learn to be active with other pets.
- Finally, many professionals provide dog training. So, if you find it hard to train your dog, you will have to enroll them in a program under the supervision of an expert.
Grooming ✂️
St. Bernard Dachshund has a thick coat, so weekly grooming is necessary to keep it clean and avoid allergies. Depending on how much time they spend outdoors, try to wash them about once per month. It is best to use dog-friendly shampoos and other products for this job.
St. Bernard Dachshunds can grow their nails quite quickly. Therefore, you may need to trim them so they stay safe from any injuries. It is also required to keep their ears and teeth in good health.
Health and Conditions ❤️
A St. Bernard Dachshund is prone to both minor and major health conditions. Observing their behavior now and then and detecting any changes to their body is imperative.
- Digestive Problems: They have a slow and sensitive digestive system, which can be a victim of diarrhea and vomiting. This is why you need to ensure you feed your dog high-quality food only.
- Dental Issues: A St. Bernard Dachshund is also often a victim of tooth decay and gum disease. It is imperative to brush their teeth regularly and keep them clean.
- Eye Infections: These dogs have prominent eyes, which makes them easy to catch eye infections. Any eye discharge should be cleaned before it gets out of hand.
- Ear Mites: Many dogs suffer from ear mites. They can cause severe discomfort and itchiness.
- Hip Dysplasia: In this condition, the socket and ball of a dog’s hip fail to work correctly. As a result, the joints grind and rub instead of moving smoothly.
- Addison’s Disease: This condition is common in dogs, where a dog may feel ill and get better after some time. It is often caused by a lack of hormones produced by the adrenal glands.
- Osteosarcoma: This is a common disease among large dogs. Osteosarcoma is the cancer of dogs’ bones and can be pretty painful.
- Obesity: These dogs are prone to gaining weight. Without proper exercise and diet, St. Bernard Dachshund can get obese and become a victim of several health problems.
Male vs. Female
A male St. Bernard Dachshund and a female St. Bernard Dachshund may have different habits and personality traits. For instance, male St. Bernard Dachshunds tend to be more muscular and larger than their female partners. They also have a dominant personality and prefer being the leader of their clan. You may also find them very stubborn.
On the other hand, female St. Bernard Dachshunds are more affectionate and less independent than male dogs. They also have a proactive approach to training and are protective of their children. However, if punished, they tend to develop anxiety quite quickly.
For a small family, a female St. Bernard Dachshund may be the best fit. But if you need a protective dog with a strong personality, consider bringing a male St. Bernard Dachshund home.
3 Little Known Facts About St. Bernard Dachshund
1. They Have a Unique Nickname
A St. Bernard Dachshund is often addressed as Saint Weenies. This title represents the dog’s breed name.
2. They Are Expensive
If you want to buy a St. Bernard Dachshund, it can be expensive. Since this beautiful dog has an unusual appearance, it is often called the designer dog and sold for a high price.
3. These Can Be Great Rescue Dogs
St. Bernard is an excellent dog with strong instincts. It was often used for rescue missions. So, there is a high probability of a St. Bernard Dachshund having this quality. These dogs are perfect for disabled individuals or those who love being on adventures but need a companion to rescue them if required.
Final Thoughts
If you need a loyal companion, get a dog. Many breeds can make your house a home, but a St. Bernard Dachshund is a unique dog perfect for families. But since they are primarily large or middle-sized dogs, they are suitable for big spaces only. Regardless, this is a newer designer dog that could be the perfect fit for your home.
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Featured Image Credit: Left – Aneta Jungerova, Shutterstock | Right – Dominika Roseclay, Pexels
