Mini Doxiedoodle Breed Information
The Mini Doxiedoodle, a delightful hybrid dog breed, combines the best traits of the Miniature Dachshund and the Miniature Poodle. This small, charming dog is known for its intelligence, affectionate nature, and playful demeanor. Due to its hybrid vigor, the Mini Doxiedoodle often boasts a unique mix of characteristics that make it an excellent companion for families, singles, and seniors alike. With its low-shedding coat and friendly disposition, this breed has quickly gained popularity among dog lovers.
BREED TYPE / MIX
Doodle Hybrid / Poodle crossed with a Dachshund
ENERGY
Moderate
SHEDDING
Minimal
TRAINING
Responsive
TEMPERAMENT
Intelligent, Playful, Friendly, Affectionate
ADULT WEIGHT
6-25 lbs.
ADULT HEIGHT
8-23 in.
LIFE SPAN
12-15 yrs.
Characteristics
- Size: Mini Doxiedoodles typically weigh between 10 to 20 pounds and stand about 8 to 10 inches tall.
- Coat Type: They often have a curly or wavy coat, thanks to their Poodle parent, which can be hypoallergenic.
- Color Variety: Their coats come in a wide range of colors including black, white, brown, cream, and mixed patterns.
- Lifespan: These hybrids generally have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
- Temperament: Mini Doxiedoodles are known for their playful, affectionate, and intelligent nature.
- Energy Level: They have moderate energy levels and enjoy both playtime and relaxation.
- Trainability: Due to their intelligence, they are relatively easy to train, especially with positive reinforcement techniques.
- Social Behavior: They are typically friendly with other pets and people, making them great family dogs.
- Adaptability: They adapt well to various living environments, from apartments to houses with yards.
- Health: They are generally healthy but can be prone to certain conditions like allergies, ear infections, and dental issues
Appearance
The Mini Doxiedoodle boasts an adorable and unique appearance, blending features from both the Miniature Dachshund and the Miniature Poodle. Their size is compact, typically weighing between 10 to 20 pounds and standing about 8 to 10 inches tall. This makes them an ideal choice for those looking for a small yet sturdy companion.
Coat and Color: One of the most distinctive features of the Mini Doxiedoodle is its coat, which can be curly or wavy, often inherited from the Poodle parent. This type of coat is typically low-shedding and may be hypoallergenic, which is a significant advantage for individuals with allergies. The breed's coat colors are varied and can include black, white, brown, cream, and a range of mixed patterns, adding to their unique charm.
Body Structure: The Mini Doxiedoodle's body is a balanced blend of its parent breeds. They have a longer body similar to the Dachshund, combined with the athletic build of the Poodle. Their legs are usually short but sturdy, supporting their playful and active lifestyle.
Facial Features: Their expressive eyes are a standout feature, often radiating a sense of intelligence and curiosity. The ears can vary from the long, floppy ears of the Dachshund to the shorter, more erect ears seen in some Poodles. This variety in appearance means that no two Mini Doxiedoodles look exactly alike, each having its unique charm.
Temperament
The Mini Doxiedoodle is celebrated for its cheerful and loving nature. These dogs thrive on human interaction and form strong bonds with their families. They are typically friendly, making them excellent companions for both adults and children. Their playful disposition means they enjoy engaging in various activities, whether it’s a game of fetch or a leisurely walk. Mini Doxiedoodles are also known for their intelligence and curiosity, which can sometimes lead to mischievous behavior if they aren't adequately stimulated. However, their eagerness to please makes them responsive to training and keen to learn new tricks.
Despite their friendly demeanor, they can exhibit a protective streak, especially towards their loved ones. This makes them good watchdogs, alerting their owners to any unusual occurrences. However, their size and generally amiable nature mean they are more likely to welcome visitors warmly once they've assessed there's no threat. They also tend to get along well with other pets, especially if they are socialized from a young age.
Care
Grooming
Grooming a Mini Doxiedoodle requires regular attention due to their unique coat, which can range from curly to wavy. Here are some key grooming needs to keep your Mini Doxiedoodle looking their best:
Brushing: Regular brushing is essential to prevent mats and tangles. Depending on the coat type, aim to brush at least two to three times a week. Use a slicker brush or a comb designed for curly coats to manage their hair effectively.
Bathing: Bathing should be done once a month or as needed, using a mild dog shampoo to maintain their coat's health and cleanliness. Overbathing can strip natural oils from their skin, so avoid excessive bathing.
Ear Care: Their ears, whether floppy or semi-erect, need regular inspection and cleaning to prevent infections. Use a vet-approved ear cleaner and ensure their ears are dry after baths or swimming.
Dental Hygiene: Like all breeds, Mini Doxiedoodles benefit from regular dental care. Brush their teeth several times a week and provide dental chews to promote oral health.
Nail Trimming: Keep their nails trimmed to prevent overgrowth and discomfort. Regular nail trimming, about once a month, helps maintain their paws in good condition.
Professional Grooming: Depending on your Mini Doxiedoodle's coat, professional grooming every few months may be necessary. A groomer can help maintain their coat length and style, ensuring they stay neat and comfortable.
Exercise Needs
The Mini Doxiedoodle has moderate exercise requirements, making them a suitable pet for various living situations. Here’s a breakdown of their exercise needs:
Daily Walks: Aim for at least 30 minutes to an hour of daily walks. This helps to keep them fit and mentally stimulated.
Playtime: In addition to walks, they enjoy playtime in the yard or at a park. Interactive games like fetch, tug-of-war, and hide-and-seek can help burn off their energy.
Mental Stimulation: Given their intelligence, mental stimulation is crucial. Puzzle toys, training sessions, and interactive games are great ways to keep their minds sharp.
Socialization: Regular interaction with other dogs and people is important for their social development. Trips to dog parks or playdates with other dogs can be beneficial.
Indoor Activities: On days when outdoor exercise isn't possible, indoor activities like hide-and-seek, or practicing new tricks can keep them engaged and active.
Exercise Caution: Avoid over-exercising, especially when they are young, to prevent stress on their developing bones and joints. Also, be mindful of extreme weather conditions as they may not tolerate excessive heat or cold well.
Health
The Mini Doxiedoodle is generally a healthy hybrid, benefiting from the genetic diversity of its parent breeds. However, like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Here are some common health concerns to be aware of:
Allergies: Skin allergies can occur, manifesting as itching, redness, and discomfort. A vet can help identify allergens and recommend appropriate treatments.
Ear Infections: Their floppy ears can be prone to infections if not properly cleaned. Regular ear cleaning and monitoring for signs of infection are essential.
Dental Issues: Regular dental care is crucial to prevent periodontal disease, which is common in small breeds. Brushing their teeth and providing dental chews can help maintain oral health.
Obesity: Maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise is crucial to prevent obesity-related health issues.
Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and proper exercise are key to ensuring your Mini Doxiedoodle stays healthy and happy.
Lifespan
The Mini Doxiedoodle typically enjoys a lifespan of 12 to 15 years, which is relatively long for a small breed. This longevity can be attributed to their hybrid vigor, which often leads to a reduction in the likelihood of inheriting breed-specific health issues. To ensure your Mini Doxiedoodle reaches their full lifespan potential, it is essential to provide them with regular veterinary care, a balanced diet, consistent exercise, and lots of love and attention. Preventative care and a healthy lifestyle are key to helping them live a long, happy life.
Training
Training a Mini Doxiedoodle can be a rewarding experience, thanks to their intelligence and eagerness to please. Here are some effective training strategies for this breed:
Positive Reinforcement: Mini Doxiedoodles respond well to positive reinforcement techniques. Use treats, praise, and play to reward good behavior, making training sessions enjoyable and effective.
Consistency: Be consistent with commands and routines. This helps your dog understand what is expected of them and reinforces good habits.
Socialization: Early socialization is crucial. Expose your Mini Doxiedoodle to different environments, people, and other animals to develop their social skills and reduce anxiety in new situations.
Basic Commands: Start with basic commands like sit, stay, come, and down. These commands form the foundation for more advanced training and help manage their behavior.
Crate Training: Crate training can provide your Mini Doxiedoodle with a safe space and assist with housebreaking. Ensure the crate is a positive environment by using treats and toys.
Leash Training: Teach your Mini Doxiedoodle to walk on a leash without pulling. Begin in a distraction-free area and gradually introduce new environments.
Mental Stimulation: Given their high intelligence, Mini Doxiedoodles thrive on mental challenges. Incorporate puzzle toys and training games to keep their minds engaged.
Obedience Classes: Consider enrolling in obedience classes. Professional trainers can provide guidance and help address any specific training challenges.
Patience and Persistence: Be patient and persistent. Training takes time, and consistent effort will yield positive results.
History
The Mini Doxiedoodle is a relatively new hybrid breed, combining the traits of the Miniature Dachshund and the Miniature Poodle. This mix was likely first intentionally bred in the last couple of decades, following the rising trend of designer dogs aimed at blending desirable characteristics of two purebred breeds.
Origins of Parent Breeds:
Miniature Dachshund: Originally from Germany, bred for hunting small game like badgers. Their long bodies and short legs are ideal for digging and burrowing.
Miniature Poodle: Originating from France, known for their intelligence, agility, and hypoallergenic coat. They were historically used for hunting and retrieving waterfowl.
Purpose of the Hybrid: The goal was to create a small, affectionate companion dog with the low-shedding coat of the Poodle and the lively, friendly nature of the Dachshund. The resulting breed combines the best of both worlds: intelligence, trainability, and a friendly disposition.
Popularity: Over time, the Mini Doxiedoodle has gained popularity among families, singles, and seniors due to its adaptable size, affectionate nature, and low-shedding coat. Their versatility makes them suitable for various living environments, from apartments to larger homes with yards.