Lab Doxie Mix dogs are a delightful combination of Labrador Retriever and Dachshund breeds. They're often referred to as Doxie Labs.
Their friendly nature makes them great family pets, but they can be wary of strangers at first. This is due to their Dachshund heritage, which can make them protective of their family.
Lab Doxie Mix dogs are medium-sized, weighing between 20-40 pounds and standing 10-14 inches tall at the shoulder. Their short coats require minimal grooming.
Getting a Lab Doxie Mix
Lab Doxie mixes are a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Dachshund, making them a unique and lovable breed.
They typically weigh between 20-40 pounds and stand 8-12 inches tall at the shoulder.
Their short coats require minimal grooming, making them a great choice for busy owners.
You can expect to spend around $500-$1000 on adoption fees, depending on the breeder or rescue organization.
Lab Doxie mixes are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain health issues, such as obesity and eye problems.
It's essential to provide them with regular exercise and a balanced diet to prevent these issues.
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3 Reasons to Get a
Getting a Lab Doxie Mix is a great idea for many reasons. Here are three compelling reasons to consider bringing one of these adorable dogs into your life.
They are incredibly affectionate, often described as Velcro dogs because they love to be close to their people. With proper training, they can thrive in a variety of living situations, from apartments to homes with yards.
Their intelligence and loyalty make them a breeze to train, and they are known to form strong bonds with their family members. Lab Doxie Mixes are generally good with children, but as with any breed, it's essential to socialize them well.
These dogs are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, requiring only occasional nail trimming, ear cleaning, and brushing. They do need regular exercise, but a daily walk or playtime should suffice.
Finding a Puppy
When looking for a responsible breeder, it's essential to do your research and ensure they've done health checks on the parents.
Always ask to see the mom and babies in a nurturing home environment together, not in a kennel or separate enclosure.
The puppies should have had vet checks and not be separated from their mom until they're fully weaned and at least eight weeks old.
Be wary of opportunistic and unscrupulous backyard breeders and puppy mills that take advantage of the popularity of hybrid breeds.
These operations often keep dogs in horrible conditions, breed with no thought for health or temperament, and under-socialize the puppies, leading to problems in their new home.
Puppies from puppy mills often come with a host of health problems, so it's crucial to avoid supporting this industry.
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Health and Wellness
The lab doxie mix is a healthy dog, but it's essential to be aware of some potential health issues that can arise. One of the main concerns is obesity, which can be caused by overeating and lack of exercise.
To avoid obesity, make sure not to overfeed your dog and implement a regular exercise routine. This will help keep your lab doxie mix at a healthy weight.
Some other health issues to be aware of include Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), which can cause back problems, paralysis, and difficulty walking. This condition is more common in breeds with long backs and short legs, like the Dachshund.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy is another potential issue, which can lead to complete blindness. Seizures and skin problems are also possible, although less frequent.
To minimize the risk of these health issues, it's crucial to select a responsible breeder who performs health checks on the parents. Regular check-ups with your local veterinarian can also help identify any potential problems early on.
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Health Problems
As a dog owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health issues that can affect your Dachshund Lab mix. Both breeds are prone to back-related problems, with Dachshunds being more likely to develop spinal issues due to their long backs and short legs.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is a significant concern for Dachshunds, and it can cause back problems, paralysis, and difficulty walking. This condition can be minimized with proper care and attention.
Labradors, on the other hand, are more susceptible to musculoskeletal conditions, including hip and elbow dysplasia. Regular exercise and a healthy diet can help prevent these issues.
Obesity is another common problem in both breeds, caused by overeating and lack of exercise. To prevent this, it's crucial to regulate your dog's feeding times and ensure they get enough physical activity.
Here are some specific health issues to be aware of in your Dachshund Lab mix:
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
- Obesity
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (leading to blindness)
- Seizures (more common in Dachshund parent)
- Skin problems
To minimize the risk of these health issues, it's essential to work with a responsible breeder who performs regular health checks. You should also keep a close eye on your dog's weight, exercise, and diet to prevent obesity and other related problems.
Which Lumps to Remove?
If a lump on your dog looks bigger in just a month, it's growing rapidly and should be removed. This is a key indicator that the lump is not benign.
Smooth, round lumps on or under the skin are usually more serious than other types of lumps. This is especially true if they're on the head, legs, or tail.
Lumps with black, pink, or ulcerated surfaces are more concerning than others. These types of lumps are often a sign of something more serious.
Subcutaneous lumps that don't move easily between the skin and the body should be removed. This is because they may be more deeply embedded and harder to treat.
Here are some key indicators that a lump may need removal:
- Speed: rapid growth over a short period
- Shape: smooth, round lumps
- Appearance: black, pink, or ulcerated surfaces
- Feel: lumps that don't move easily between the skin and the body
- Position: lumps on the head, legs, or tail
The only way to know for sure whether a lump is safe to leave or needs removal is to take a biopsy. This will help determine whether the lump is dangerous and how big a surgical margin is needed.
Common Lumps
Most lumps on dogs are benign, and your vet can often identify them right away.
If you notice a lump on your dog, it's essential to see a vet as soon as possible, as the earlier you do, the more options you'll have.
Your vet can often identify most lumps, and a biopsy or surgery may not be necessary.
Many lumps can be identified simply by looking at them, and your vet can do this for you.
Some lumps are more serious, but most are not, and a vet can help you determine what's what.
[Feeding]
Feeding your Lab Dachshund mix requires careful consideration of their high energy levels and potential dietary sensitivities. A balanced formula with high-quality protein sources is essential.
You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Lab Dachshund mix's diet, as there is far too much variation among individual dogs to make a specific recommendation. This is because their dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and will continue to change into their senior years.
Both Labradors and Dachshunds are prone to obesity, so you must make sure you don't overfeed them and that they don't get too many unhealthy treats and snacks. Given their propensity towards back and joint problems, helping them to maintain a healthy weight is all the more critical.
To prevent overeating, you can use interactive treat toys to feed them some of their meals from. This can help to make them feel fuller and stops them from guzzling their food.
Here are some healthy dog food options for your Lab Dachshund mix:
- Wellness Core Dog Food: grain-free and contains the right amount of protein to support your dog's weight.
- Wellness Complete Health Natural Dry Small Breed Dog Food: does not contain grain fillers and includes DHA to improve brain activity health and eyesight.
- Dog For Dog Food: contains an excellent balance of protein, fats, and omega fatty acids.
Remember to consider your dog's age before picking among the best puppy food brands and best senior dry dog food. Nutritional needs vary in different stages in life, and inappropriate nutrition may trigger some nasty medical conditions.
Exercise and Training
Exercise and training are crucial for your lab doxie mix dog. Both breeds are known for being energetic, so you'll need to provide daily exercise to keep them trim and healthy.
Daily exercise needs vary depending on the mix. If your dog inherits Labrador traits, they'll need one long walk per day, while a dachshund-like mix will require two short walks daily.
To keep your dog's energy levels in check, consider the following exercise routine:
Positive, reward-based training is also essential for your lab doxie mix. This approach creates a stronger bond between you and your dog and has been scientifically proven to be more effective than punitive methods.
Exercise
Exercise is crucial for a healthy and happy Dachshund Lab mix. Both breeds are known for being energetic, so your pup will likely require a good level of daily exercise.
You'll need to take them for walks and exercise daily, with a Labrador-like mix needing one long walk per day and a dachshund-like mix needing two short walks daily. Taking them to dog parks and places with lots of people will also help with socializing skills.
Be prepared for your Dachshund Lab mix to dive into any water they spot on their daily walks, as Labs are often known as being water babies. Daily exercise will be beneficial for your pup, especially for keeping excess weight off.
To keep your pup trim and healthy, make sure to provide them with regular exercise and avoid overfeeding. A balanced diet and plenty of exercise will help prevent obesity, which is a common issue in both breeds.
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Here's a rough guide to help you plan your pup's daily exercise routine:
- Labrador-like mix: 1 long walk per day
- Dachshund-like mix: 2 short walks per day
Remember to keep the right balance between being sweet and stern when training your Dachshund Lab mix. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you'll be well on your way to raising a happy and well-behaved pup.
Trainability
Training your Lab Dachshund mix requires patience and consistency. You should start potty training at a very young age, as they tend to be stubborn if trained later.
To begin with, crate training is an excellent way to potty train your dog. It helps them learn to hold their bladder and bowels until they're taken out.
You need to take your Lab Dachshund mix for walks and exercise daily. A Lab-like mix needs one long walk per day, while a Dachshund-like mix needs two short walks daily.
Taking them to dog parks and places with lots of people will help train their socializing skills. This is especially important for Dachshund-like mixes.
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To train your Lab Dachshund mix, you need to be strict but also sweet and stern at the right balance. Being an authoritative owner is crucial, but make sure to reward them with treats and praise when they excel in their training.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when training your Lab Dachshund mix:
- Start potty training early
- Use crate training
- Take them for daily walks and exercise
- Train their socializing skills
- Balance being strict with being sweet and stern
As with any dog, positive, reward-based training is more effective than punitive methods. This will create a stronger bond between you and your dog.
Grooming
Grooming a Lab Doxie mix requires attention to its coat type, which can vary from short and straight to smooth and long. The frequency of brushing depends on the coat type, with short and straight coats needing only weekly brushing, while smooth and long coats require brushing twice to thrice a week to prevent tangling and matting.
A good rule of thumb is to brush your dog's fur at least twice to thrice a week, especially during shedding season. This will help keep its coat in perfect shape and prevent excessive shedding. You should also be on the lookout for dry skin, as Lab Doxie mixes can be prone to it, and consult with your vet about adding supplements to their nutrition.
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To keep your dog's nails in check, trim them every two weeks or whenever necessary, as their digging personality can lead to nail breakage and potential infections. Don't forget to clean their ears regularly, especially if they enjoy getting in the water, to prevent yeast build-ups and bacterial infections.
Here's a rough guide to grooming your Lab Doxie mix:
- Short and straight coats: weekly brushing
- Smooth and long coats: brushing twice to thrice a week
- Ears: clean regularly, especially if they enjoy water
- Nails: trim every two weeks or whenever necessary
- Teeth: clean once a week with high-quality toothpaste
Size and Space
The Dachsador or Lab Doxie mix is a small dog, typically weighing between 30 to 40 pounds.
They range in height from 15 to 25 inches, making them a great fit for apartment living or homes with small yards.
Their compact size means they don't require a lot of space to run around, but they still need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
You'll notice that they can get a little big in the face, which is completely natural due to the Lab's genes.
Their small legs and joints can be prone to pain if they become overweight, so it's essential to keep an eye on their feeding habits.
This mix is generally a bit more muscular and chunkier than a pure-bred Dachshund, thanks to the Lab's hunting and fishing background.
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Personality and Temperament
A Lab Doxie mix dog is likely to be high energy and intelligent, and they are a dog that will enjoy having plenty of company. They'll happily engage in play sessions with their family members in a fenced-in yard.
Their friendly nature makes them suitable for families with small children, but they can be stubborn at times, so consider that if you're new to socializing and training a dog. Early and ongoing socialization and training are essential to shape your dog into a well-rounded individual.
Dachshunds are often known for being confident, energetic, clever, tenacious, and courageous, which can sometimes lead to problem behaviors if not properly guided and trained. These traits can quickly escalate into resource guarding, barking, snapping, or growling at strangers or other dogs.
Labs, on the other hand, are known for their gentle, affectionate personalities and are eager to please and very smart. They can be prone to separation anxiety if they don't get enough stimulation and company.
A Dachsador is likely to be loyal to a fault, just like their Lab parent, and protective of their owners. They can experience separation anxiety very quickly, so it's always a good idea to try to have someone home with them as much as possible.
Care and Maintenance
Regular veterinary checkups are crucial for your Lab Dachshund mix's health, so schedule those appointments to detect any concerns early.
A high energy dog like your Lab Dachshund mix needs at least two walks a day, ideally between 45 minutes and an hour, to keep them happy and healthy.
Brushing your dog's teeth around three times a week is essential to prevent periodontal problems, so don't skip this important task.
3 Reasons Not to Get a Pet
Getting a pet can be a big decision, and it's essential to consider the potential challenges that come with it. Here are three reasons why you might want to think twice before bringing home a pet.
First and foremost, pets require a lot of work and attention. If you're not prepared to commit to regular exercise and training, you might find yourself struggling to keep up. For example, Dachshund Lab mixes require special potty training and can be stubborn at times, making it crucial to establish a consistent routine.
Potty training is a significant aspect of pet care, and it's not always easy. Dachshund Lab mixes, in particular, can be challenging to train due to their Dachshund heritage. They may dig in your backyard or exhibit other unwanted behaviors if not trained properly.
If you're considering a pet that's prone to aggression, you might want to think twice. Dachshund Lab mixes can inherit their Dachshund parent's aggressive tendencies, especially if they're not socialized properly. This can lead to problems with smaller animals and even people if not addressed early on.
Here are some potential red flags to watch out for in a pet:
- Stubbornness or aggression towards training
- Difficulty with potty training
- Prone to digging or destructive behavior
Keep in mind that every pet is unique, and with the right care and attention, even the most challenging ones can thrive. However, it's essential to be aware of these potential issues before bringing a pet into your home.
Care
To keep your Dachsador healthy, regular veterinary checkups are a must. Your vet will help you develop a care routine tailored to your dog's needs.
A high energy dog like the Dachsador requires at least two walks a day, lasting between 45 minutes to an hour.
Obedience training is essential for a smart dog like the Dachsador. Suitable rewards will make the training process a fun experience for both you and your dog.
Brushing your Dachsador's teeth around three times a week is crucial to prevent periodontal problems. This simple habit can save you and your dog a lot of trouble in the long run.
Monitoring and clipping your Dachsador's nails every couple of weeks is a must. This will prevent overgrowth and potential health issues.
Regularly checking your Dachsador's ears for pests and debris, especially after outdoor play, is a good habit to get into. Clean them as recommended by your vet to keep your dog's ears healthy and happy.
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History and Origins
The Dachsador's history is a bit of a mystery, but it's believed to have originated in the last couple of decades.
The Labrador Retriever, one of the Dachsador's parent breeds, has a long history that dates back to Canada, where they were originally bred for hunting and retrieving.
The Dachshund, the other parent breed, comes from Germany, where they gained a reputation as skilled badger hunters and were nicknamed "badger hounds" in German.
The Labrador Retriever is now one of the most popular breeds in the United States, and has also taken on a role as a guide dog.
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Who Are They Suitable For?
Dachshund Lab mixes make excellent family dogs, as they're great at interacting with both children and adults. They're also very energetic, thanks to their natural hunting instincts.
Their high energy levels mean they need plenty of space to run around and play. A big backyard is a must to keep them satisfied. Unfortunately, many apartments don't come with a yard, making them a poor fit for this breed.
Both Dachshunds and Labs are known to be protective of their owners and property. This can lead to excessive barking, especially if they sense any potential threats. While this can be tamed with training, it's not ideal for apartment living.
If you have a decent-sized yard and a loving family, a Dachshund Lab mix might be a great addition. They thrive on attention and cuddling, so be prepared for a snuggle buddy that's always by your side.
Here are some tips for considering a Dachshund Lab mix as a pet:
- Need a big backyard to keep them satisfied.
- Be prepared for excessive barking if not trained properly.
- They love attention and cuddling, so be ready for a snuggle buddy.
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- Reddit (reddit.com)
- particularly Labs (americanveterinarian.com)
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (acvim.org)
- bloat (also known as gastric torsion) (akc.org)
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