The Doxle is easily one of the most popular designer dog breeds on the market. I guess it is to be expected when you breed two dogs in the top 20 most popular dog breeds ranked by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
The Doxle is a first-generation mixed breed dog that is a result of breeding a Beagle with a Dachshund. It is one of the oldest designer mixes in history and can be traced back to the nineties.
It has a characteristic form that can be summarized as being a Beagle’s face on a Dachshund’s body.
They are also known for their sharp tracking and hunting instincts, which is to be expected from the hunting bloodlines that formed it.
The Doxle is a fantastic mix with a whole lot to offer, from aesthetics to the convenience of care.
If you are considering getting one, you will need more than our overview to know what to expect.
So let us dive into more on what a Doxle is and some of the most important facts about it.
What Is A Doxle Dog?
The doxle is a mix between a dachshund and a beagle.
Though they are obtained from purebred dogs, they themselves are not considered the same. Instead, they are referred to as first-generation designer mixes.
The adjective designer here denotes that the mix was intentional and not the product of random mating between strays.
The size of a dachshund and beagle mix depends a lot on the parents particularly the dachshund side.
If the doxie parent is a miniature-sized variation, the resulting doxle ends up being a small dog.
If on the other hand the doxie was normal or large then the resulting mix will fall into the medium-sized group.
The average weight range, whatever the case is between 16 and 30 pounds with many growing to 15 inches in height.
The coat textures are very similar to those found on weenie dogs. There are three possible outcomes here short, long and wiry.
The color, on the other hand, can go either way.
If the doxle takes after the dachshund side then you will have typical colors in this breed, including black, tan, gold, and blue.
If, on the other hand, the mix breed takes after the beagle bloodline in coat color, then you are most likely to get a pup with the classic tri-color pattern.
Finally, when it comes to the build, this mixed breed has a body quite similar to the dachshund with a long and narrow torso.
While the legs are also short and muscular, there is a bit more overall symmetry with doxle’s thanks to the beagle’s genetic contribution.
Are Beagles And Dachshunds Related?
Beagles and dachshund dogs are not directly related.
The two are purebred dogs and the only thing they share in common as far as ancestry is concerned is the fact that they are both dogs and were bred for hunting purposes.
Let us take a closer look at their history for a bit more perspective.
Beagles are some of the most popular purebred dogs in the world. This medium-sized dog is known for its determination and overall reliability.
Beagles can be traced back as far as the early 1800s in Britain, where they were used as hunting dogs.
They were popular back then for their strong senses and situational awareness. This came in handy during hunting as they were used for tracking in addition to cornering the intended prey.
They are closely related to regional breeds like the talbot hound and country beagle.
Dachshunds, on the other hand, fall into the category of small-sized dogs known for their spunky personalities and overall loving nature.
Dachshunds also have deep historical roots and were prolifically bred in Germany and surrounding European countries.
However, before they got used to life as spoiled lapdogs, doxies were incredibly popular as hunting dogs. Their narrow build and paddle-shaped front paws came in particularly handy when it came to hunting prey in bushes and ground holes.
To this date, that hunting instinct is seen in their love for activity and in their generally curious nature.
In conclusion, although dachshunds and beagles share a hunting past, they are actually not related in any way.
Which Is Better – Beagle Or Dachshund?
This is one of those breed comparisons that is not easy to settle with one declaration.
Both purebreds have diehard fans who would vouch for their superiority and overall awesomeness as friends.
At the end of the day, it really depends on what you are looking for from your ideal pet in terms of things like temperament, care needs, and general experience to be expected raising the dog.
A Case For The Beagle
The beagle is ranked the 6th most popular dog breed on the market according to the American Kennel Club’s 2018 rank.
As a medium-sized dog, this is a fantastic option for households where there is some extra outdoor space. It could be a farm, a nice backyard, or even easy access to amenities like doggy parks and playgrounds.
This is because these Beagles like to stay active and need a lot of space to not feel stifled.
It is also fantastic if you are in the market for a calm dog.
SPOTLIGHT: 31 of the calmest dog breeds to consider before getting your puppy. Check out what they are by clicking here.
Beagles are generally easy-going and gentle and therefore easy to live with. This set of personality traits also makes it a wonderful option for families with children or lots of regular guests as the dogs get along well with everyone.
A Case For The Doxie
Dachshunds placed 12th on this AKC ranking in 2018 and are clearly also very popular.
The small dog is ideal for raising in confined locations like apartments as though active, they do not need a lot of space to have fun.
When it comes to personality, they are perfect if you want a livelier and more fun-loving character.
They may need a bit of training to tame the constant overexcitement, but it is all worth it.
Health Problems Of A Dachshund Beagle Mix
Individually, doxies and beagles are generally healthy dogs. The mixing further helps maters by canceling out some health issues from the genes, especially those associated with size.
For this reason, Dachshund Beagle mixes live for 11 to 14 years, which is a pretty impressive lifespan.
However, a few health issues from either bloodline, unfortunately, slip through the cracks and affect the doxle. These include:
From Dachshund Side
Back Problems
This is a result of the short stature and associated skeletal issues like intervertebral disc disease worsened by all the weight carried by the back.
This could manifest as mild pain and altered mobility or as serious as paralysis.
The adverse effect is amplified if the Dachshund is overweight.
You should try Ketona Low Carb High Protein Dry Dog Food in this case to help build muscle mass and release stress on the back.
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Ear Infections
These are related to the anatomy of the ear as well as the presence of hair in the outer canals.
The ear infections may even be serious enough to cause hearing loss.
Obesity
This occurs mainly due to a combination of poor eating habits and inadequate exercise. Back problems and hip disease worsen the condition by making the doxle immobile.
From Beagle Side
Hypothyroidism
This is a condition where the thyroid glands do not produce enough thyroid hormones for functions like control of metabolism.
It presents in different ways with the main being fur loss, weight gain, and cold intolerance.
Eye Problems
Doxles may suffer from a variety of conditions, including glaucoma, blindness, and corneal dystrophy.
Is A Doxle Hypoallergenic?
Dachshund beagles tend to shed and are a result not considered hypoallergenic by any dog regulating organization.
Despite this, they are relatively easy to maintain in terms of grooming. This is because they are moderate shedders.
However, doxles with long smooth hair tend to shed a bit more and may need a bit more care.
One secret that could help you reduce shedding and therefore make your grooming needs fewer with doxles is brushing the fur regularly.
This applies whether you have a short haired or a wire haired one. Doing it 2 to 3 times a day should help with detangling, getting rid of mats deshedding.
Invest in the Ruff ‘n Ruffus Self-Cleaning Slicker Brush for this purpose. It uses stainless steel bristles which in addition to being efficient at the brushing are strong and therefore durable.
In terms of washing, doxles are low maintenance. You can actually get away with bathing doxles once every 3 months.
This allows you to preserve the much needed natural oils on their skin and fur.
If the little one starts to get stinky, you could schedule washes with closer intervals like once every month or two. You should also invest in a deodorizing shampoo in this case.
Whether they shower on a monthly or a quarterly basis, the most important thing to do is to ensure that you use dog-friendly products.
Avoid anything with harsh chemicals as it only worsens the state of the coat and increases your grooming responsibilities with the dachshund beagle mix.
Related Questions
How Big Do Doxles Get? Doxle sizes depend a lot on their parents and the mixed breed can either fall into the small or medium breed categories. A Doxle’s weight ranges from 16 to 30 pounds while height falls around 15 inches. These maximum measurements are usually achieved between 12 to 18 months of age when the doxle is considered mature.
How Much Do Doxles Cost? Doxles have been around for a while and are one of the most commonly bred mixes. For this reason, it is absolutely easy to find one at a low price with most reputable breeders selling them from between $300 to $700. Doxles are also relatively cheap to maintain with the average cost for a healthy doxle falling around $650 per year mark.
How Much Exercise does the Doxle Need? Doxles are bred from some of the most energetic and athletic dogs, and are a result quite playful themselves. In order to keep them satisfied, you should ideally plan for play time once a day and at the very least once every other day. This also helps minimize the risk of obesity.
