Also known as the Aussie dachshund mix, the Australian shepherd dachshund mix is a mixed dog breed that is popular with people who love small dogs.
Here, you’ll learn about the history, personality, size, weight and any potential health problems of this cross breed.
So, if you are considering giving a home to an Australian Shepherd Dachshund mix, continue reading to know more about this fascinating hybrid.
Table of Contents
What is an Aussie Dachshund Mix?
An Aussie dachshund mix is a cross between a purebred Australian Shepherd and a purebred Dachshund.
The Aussie dachshund mix is not very common, but one can come across this hybrid in a rescue.
Where Did The Aussie Dachshund Mix Come From?
Let’s talk about the history of the Aussie dachshund mix’s parent dogs, the Australian Shepherd and the Dachshund.
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Australian Shepherd: History
The history of the Australian shepherd is quite unclear and one of the theories suggests that this breed originally came from the Basque area of the Pyrenees Mountains, between France and Spain.
It was named due to its relationship with shepherds who migrated to the United States from Australia in the 19th century.
They were bred by American ranchers as loyal stock dogs with a good work ethic and great endurance. They were normally used to herd sheep and cattle in tough terrains.
Despite an increase in popularity among homeowners, American ranchers still bred these gifted dogs for their natural herding abilities, versatility and high intelligence levels.
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Australian Shepherd
The Dachshund: History
The dachshund is a popular breed that has been around since the 15th century.
The much-loved Weiner dog was originally bred in Germany and used as a “badger hound” to dig into rabbit, fox and badger tunnels.
They had short legs and strong backs for digging and needed an energetic demeanor to get the job done.
Dachshunds arrived in the United States in the late 1880s and the breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1935.
However, their function today is quite different from that of their ancestors. These dogs rival the best hunting breeds around, but they are also widely used as lap dogs.
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Dachshund
Dachshund Australian Shepherd Mix: History
Like other cross breeds, there isn’t much history to the Weiner dog Australian shepherd mix.
Breeding designer dogs is a practice that has become popular in the last 30 years.
However, this hybrid may have been a result of accidental breeding in an animal shelter or rescue center.
Understanding the history and the traits of the parent breeds can help you get a better idea of what to expect from this mixed breed.
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Australian Shepherd Dachshund Mix: Size and Appearance
Now that you know where the dachshund Australian shepherd mix came from, let’s take a look at their appearance.
Dachshund:
• Height: 5 to 6 inches
• Weight: 16 to 33 pounds
Australian Shepherd:
• Height: 18 to 23 inches
• Weight: 35 to 75 pounds
While all designer dogs can vary in size and weight, the Australian Shepherd Long Haired Dachshund Mix may resemble the long haired dachshund. You may get a short-legged, long-bodied, but not too large dog.
However, the parent breeds usually determine how large the mix will be. The mini Aussie dachshund mix will even be smaller.
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Australian Shepherd Dachshund Mix: Colors
Predicting a designer dog’s exact colors is a tough nut to crack. However, one thing that you can predict is that the puppy will look like one of the parent breeds.
In the case of the Australian shepherd and dachshund mix, expect a bi-colored or solid-colored puppy.
Both the Aussie and the dachshund have many solid colors, including cream, black, red, chocolate, and fawn. However, the puppy may also be cream and blue, black and red, tan and fawn and many other possible combinations.
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Dachshund Australian Shepherd Mix: Temperament
Since the dachshund Aussie mix is a cross of two pure breeds, we can only make an informed prediction about what his personality will be. This prediction depends on the general personality of the parent breeds.
Therefore, the dachshund Aussie mix can be energetic and sometimes impatient thanks to the Aussie’s devoted personality and the dachshund’s hunting instincts.
Dachshund Aussie mix dogs are courageous and dedicated to their families. So don’t expect to come across a dachshund Aussie mix that is calm as far as strangers go.
It is important to socialize this mix from an early stage, to try and make it the perfect family dog for you.
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Australian shepherd dachshund mix: Dog Care
Grooming:
Health issues aside, this will be a low maintenance dog. It actually depends on which of the parents it resembles most as to the length of its hair, etc.
The dachshund sheds less than the Aussie, which is more of a shedding dog. Regardless, you should consider investing in a quality vacuuming product for keeping your floors clean.
Give this dog baths as necessary. You can also use deodorizing wipes for dogs to keep his coat smelling fresh.
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Exercise:
Try and take this dog for regular walks. However, don’t overdo this as the dachshund normally doesn’t need as much physical activity as the Aussie.
Physical exercises are meant to prevent your dog from being destructive at home.
Also, give your dog interactive dogs toys and his favorite treats. All dogs also need mental stimulation to keep them balanced and entertained. Boredom is a major cause of barking and destructive behavior.
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Training:
For the Australian shepherd dachshund mix, housebreaking, leash training and obedience training should all be done from an early age.
This is a very intelligent dog that loves to please and therefore, he will be quite easy to train. It needs a firm leader who will use positive training methods.
However, he may be very stubborn at times, and you may need the help of a professional dog trainer.
If you need help with any aspect of dog training, like teaching good behavior, we would gladly recommend Doggy Dan the online dog trainer. His training methods have helped thousands and thousands of dog owners to transform their otherwise unruly dogs into well-mannered companions.
Proper socialization is also important for all Australian shepherd dachshund mix puppies. Be sure to take him to the park to get him around as many dogs and people as possible.
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Australian Shepherd Dachshund Mix: Feeding
Feeding should be done based on the exact needs of your dog. Each puppy is unique and has unique dietary needs.
A good diet to consider is feeding him dry dog food as necessary. However, avoid overfeeding your pooch as this may worsen any health problems that he may have.
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Dachshund Australian Shepherd Mix: Health
There are certain health problems that may affect any dog, no matter their breed. The Aussie dachshund mix is no exception. He may be born with certain health conditions or they may develop over time.
The most common dog health conditions affecting this mix include back problems, allergies, eye diseases, hip dysplasia and skin issues.
A reliable breeder will be free and honest about any health issues within the breed. In addition, we recommend the Embark Breed Identification Dog DNA Test, which can provide you with a detailed account of your dog’s genetic makeup and screen for possible health issues that will help you with any future medical decisions.
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Australian shepherd dachshund mix: Lifespan
Expect any cross breed to live as long as its parents.
Therefore, the Australian shepherd dachshund mix should live for around 13 to 17 years.
However, there is the risk of dental and back issues. This is something you should consider when considering the Aussie dachshund mix for sale or adoption.
