Dachsador Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Dachsador?

The Dachsador is a designer dog, so it has a short history that is not as well documented or as rich as its parent breeds.

The Dachshund comes from 14th Century Germany and was originally bred as a pack hunter. Their good speed and small size made it easy for them to enter dens, and they became a popular dog for hunting badgers, which is where the name Dachshund, or 'Badger Hound' comes from. They were also used for hunting boars, becoming renowned for their bravery up against much bigger prey.

They were used less for hunting and became more popular as family pets over the 1800s.

Proper documentation of the Labrador's history began in the 19th Century when it was imported to England from Canada.

People theorise the Labrador was exported to Newfoundland, Canada, from Portugal when they were a fishing dog known as a 'St Johns' who were used for retrieving fish and lost lines. Their adaptable work ethic made them successful hunting dogs, and the name Labrador Retriever soon stuck with them.

Who are Dachsador dogs best for?

The Dachsador is a fantastic all-purpose pet that will bring warmth and energy into your home regardless of your situation. They are patient and agreeable, so they get on great with kids of all ages not to mention that this fun-loving dog is full of energy, so they make a great playmate for younger family members and other pets.

The Dachsador's parent breeds were both bred as working dogs, and they maintain their energy levels, so you'll need to be an active owner who's able to give them at least an hour of exercise a day, whether with walks or taking them running or swimming.

They're also emotionally resilient dogs that don't suffer from separation anxiety, so they will do well in working homes where people aren't at home for extended periods.

Their friendly, trusting nature while a winner with everyone they meet also makes them very poor guard dogs.

How much grooming does a Dachsador need?

The Dachsador sheds year-round, with heavier periods in spring and autumn, so they will require regular maintenance to keep their coats glossy.

A good 5-10 minute brush every few days with a slicker or rubber curry brush will draw out loose hair and encourage the healthy distribution of their natural oils. They will need to be bathed once every few weeks or whenever you start to pick up on a doggy smell.

Their floppy ears require regular checks to ensure that there's no excess moisture or debris build-up, which can lead to ear infections. These infections are much easier to prevent than they are to cure, so staying on top of this will save you and your dog lots of trouble in the long run.

Do Dachsador bark much?

Inheriting the gentle nature of its labrador and dachshund parents, the Dachsador is not a vocal dog. They're very accepting of new people into their territory and won't kick up a fuss when meeting a stranger.

Though this makes for an agreeable, friendly dog, they're not a good choice if you're looking for a watchdog or a guard dog as they tend to accept anyone new into their space without batting an eye.

Do Dachsador bite?

The Dachsador's parent breeds are known for their unaggressive, gentle natures, and this mixed breed pooch doubles down on their friendly natures.

This energetic dog loves to play but won't express itself with its teeth, so you're at little to no risk of this dog even giving a nip. With the proper training and socialisation, you couldn't hope for a more agreeable dog than a Dachsador.

What is the temperament & personality of a Dachsador?

Like the Dachshund and Labrador Retrievers, this is a sweet, even-tempered dog with a drive to please its owners. They crave a warm, predictable environment and will actively engage in trying to create that energy.

They are accepting of strangers and are likely to make quick, close friends with anyone they meet.

They are affectionate and love to cuddle up to but conversely have buckets of energy that will need to be expelled properly throughout the day, so their temper maintains a nice even keel.

They get on well with other animals and dogs, but like every dog, they will require socialisation around people or at the dog park, so they get used to being around other pets.

What is the weight & size of a Dachsador?

Dachsadors show little variation in size and weight between the sexes. Both males and females will grow to around 38-63 cm at the shoulder and weigh between 13.6-18.1kg.

The Dachshund is generally the most influential genetic parent though if the labrador retriever parent is the more dominant genetic influence, there's a chance you could end up with a taller dog. For more certainty, try getting purchasing from a breeder with 2nd or 3rd-generation Dachsador puppies with more predictable appearances.

How much training does a Dachsador need?

Both parent dog breeds of the Dachsador were kept as working dogs relatively recently in their breed history, and the Dachsador has inherited their enthusiasm and energy levels. Maintaining regular exercise will keep these active dogs satisfied mentally and also bring you closer together and reinforce your training practice.

These intelligent dogs can display a stubborn streak, but they are generally easy to train and have a strong instinct to please. Keep sessions short and sprinkle them throughout the day to maintain their interest, keeping them keen with treats and praise.

Socialising them from an early age and introducing them to other dogs and new experiences will make the training process easier and reduce the risk of anxiety and problem behaviours.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Dachsador?

Some will say this hybrid dog was bred to reduce the health issues seen in the Dachshund or Labrador parent, which is not necessarily true though on the whole, and while the Dachsador is a generally healthy dog, they do suffer from some recurring complaints.

Hip dysplasia can be an issue, but small dogs generally cope better with this sort of issue as there is less pressure on their joints. They can also suffer from Mitral Valve disease, which can obstruct healthy blood flow and can be diagnosed by a quiet cough and reluctance to exercise.

Regular vet check-ups will allow you to stay on top of any issues before they have a chance to become problems.

What is the lifespan of a Dachsador?

With the right care and nutrition, your Dachsador can live for up to 14 years.

How much should you feed a Dachsador?

Dachsadors can be prone to both bloat and obesity, so feeding them high-quality and age-appropriate nutrition is key to helping them maintain a long and comfortable life.

Make sure the first ingredient in their food is meat with adequate protein levels as well as with an emphasis on healthy fats, ground bones, and vegetables. Avoid foods with high concentrations of corn, wheat, or soy.

There are so many options for nutritious dog food so double-check with your vet to choose the one that's best for your dog.

What is the price of a Dachsador in Australia?

Dachsadors enjoy a high level of popularity and are relatively easy dogs to track down a reputable breeder for. You can expect to pay between $200-$500 though the price can be higher depending on the standard of the breeder and the parentage of the puppy.