Dachshund German Shepherd Mix

One of the rarest and unusual canine mixes, the Dachshund German Shepherd Mix, is an exceptional dog crossbreed.

However, it is also a very new combination in the designer dog world. For this reason, it’s a mix that causes some concern. It comes under scrutiny by potential owners, fans of both dachshunds and German Shepherds, and registered dog clubs alike.

Two feisty dogs with one noticeable size difference, this article considers the Dachshund German Shepherd Mix in further detail.

We will focus our attention on areas such as physical appearance, temperament, personality, health, and exercise requirements of this particular mix.

We will then sum up and offer our opinion as to whether the Dachshund German Shepherd Mix is the right choice for you.

What Is a Dachshund German Shepherd Mix?

A Dachshund German Shepherd Mix is the result of pairing together a German Shepherd with a Dachshund. But this isn’t as a straightforward process as it sounds.

In this situation, the German Shepherd in question will be a female and the Dachshund a male. The female German Shepherd will be then inseminated using the sperm of a male Dachshund. However, this is a process that will obviously need some assisting with!

So, the question remains why pair such a stark contrast of dogs together? For most people considering this mix, the reasoning tends to concentrate on creating one of the unique looking of dogs. In other words, people want to produce a dog, unlike any other already found in the canine world.

For others, the idea arises from merging both a Dachshund and a German Shepherd’s characteristics to form one ideal companion.

However, due to the apparent size difference between the two, combined with the plentiful health issues, this mix is not one that experts and health professionals will recommend breeding.

The German Shepherd has been long known for its structural problems, namely that of its hips and back legs. When considering these issues alongside the problematic spinal issues many Dachshunds can face over their lifetime, the result often doesn’t seem worth thinking about.

However, when you consider the size difference, most dog lovers, breeders, and professionals believe that if these two dogs can’t mate together by natural means, then this is the mix that should be left well alone.

Dachshund German Shepherd Mix Physical Appearance

A Dachshund German Shepherd Mix is hard to pinpoint when it comes to the exact physical appearance of it.

This crossbreed can potentially take on the appearance of either of the parent breeds. Therefore, no one can say ahead of time what the puppy of this mix will look like. So, when considering the possibilities of this mix, we can only look to the parents as a guideline.

Firstly, German Shepherds are classified as large dogs. They can weigh up to as much as 95 pounds (43 kg). They can also be as much as 26 inches (66 cm) in height while standing.

With a coat that can also vary greatly, most German Shepherds boast a medium-length double-layered coat type.

The fur is usually dense in appearance and can often be wiry. Colour-wise, German Shepherds tend to display black as their primary colour, coupled with cream, silver tan, grey, or red.

Dachshunds, on the other hand, are smaller dogs and go by the name of sausage dogs or wiener dogs because of their low-lying body structure.

Short-legged, they can display smooth, wired, or long-hair and come in a variety of colours. Generally, the most popular colour is black, coupled with tan, red, chocolate, or cream.

Therefore, when it comes to identifying a Dachshund German Shepherd Mix, you can expect anything from a large dog or a small dog. You can also get a crossbreed with German Shepherd pattern or a Dachshund pattern, and a selection of coat types!

Dachshund German Shepherd Mix Personality and Temperament

Once again, when it comes to determining the personality and temperament of a Dachshund German Shepherd Mix, we need to look at the parents.

German Shepherds have a fantastic sense of loyalty towards their owners. That is why they are perfect for roles as security dogs, army, and police dogs.

A highly intelligent breed, German Shepherds are classed as working dogs and thrive on having something to do during the day.

Initially, some people consider these dogs to be more guarded and aloof for their owners. The bond German Shepherds form is usually one of the most protective, and they will place their owners above all else.

Many owners of this dog breed will tend to recommend only those more capable and experienced owners take on a German Shepherd.

In other words, even though German Shepherds are loyal and at times easy going, they tend to show their strong personality.

Therefore, they can become quite a handful for those not used to such strong and confident breed as this.

Dachshunds also have a strong, independent, and feisty streak in their personality. They too can be quite the demanding of dogs, despite their smaller stature.

But, once again, with the correct socialising and training, it can display a whimsical and quirky nature. Consequently, a dachshund can be one of the most loyal of sidekicks for the families it lives with.

Considered an easy-going dog to have around the home, a Dachshund does not require as much dedication as a German Shepherd.

However, it still needs an equal amount of socialisation to ensure their personality remains easy-going, rather than stubborn!

Therefore, when combined, the corresponding personality of this mix will depend significantly on the most prominent traits it takes from its parents.

Dachshund German Shepherd Mix Lifespan

As this is a relatively new mix to the canine world, the longevity of a Dachshund German Shepherd Mix is not widely reported.

In particular, when you consider the potential for further health issues, it remains hard to suggest a time frame for the lifespan of this dog mix.

At present, several veterinarians place this mix’s lifespan around the 7 to 14-year mark. Yet, this will all be dependent on the health and welfare of the dog in question.

Dachshund German Shepherd Cross Health

Unfortunately, when it comes to the Dachshund German Shepherd Mix, the potential for many serious health issues is more significant.

It is due to the most common issues already present in Dachshunds, and even more so in the German Shepherd breed.

Dachshunds are susceptible to spinal problems. It is especially true if there is no proper care or right environment for their smaller size and stature.

As a rule, you should not allow your dachshund to climb up the chairs or jump down off furniture. This care also extends to how you pick your Dachshund up.

The reasoning behind this is their sausage-like appearance and tendency to experience spinal issues due to their low spine and short legs combined. A well-known fact is that dachshunds are prone to intervertebral disc disease.

However, perhaps the more problematic issue here is the genetic health issues of a German Shepherd in this mix. It’s not hard to spot the degenerating structure of a German shepherd displayed in their later years through their hips and back legs.

These dogs can succumb to Hip Dysplasia, which shows itself in lameness or the rear legs. When this health issue is combined with the onset of arthritis, it can become an excruciating condition, indeed.

Thus, when considered mixing these two breeds, the potential for severe structural problems is rife. These issues may well centre solely around the joint area.

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Exercise and Activity Requirements

The exercise and activities suggested for a Dachshund German Shepherd Mix will largely depend on two factors. They are the size and body structure of the individual dog.

If this mix takes predominantly after the German Shepherd, in physical stature, then longer distances are possible. For instance, you can walk your dog a couple of times each day and for longer time lengths, as you would with a purebred German Shepherd.

However, if the predominant breed is similar to Dachshund in stature, meaning a shorter body structure and indeed legs, then shorter walks are better. You should prevent your dog from attempting lengthy walks regularly throughout the day.

Instead, shorter bursts of regular activity will benefit the Dachshund German Shepherd mix more.

All in all, the physical state and body structure of the Dachshund German Shepherd mix will be the final determiner here.

Besides, this crossbreed is an outcome of two individual dogs that are often very intelligent. Therefore, it needs an excellent form of mental stimulation.

Regarding physical activity, the best guidance is primarily your dog’s size and body structure.

Secondly, you should ensure Dachshund German Shepherd mix gets all the mental stimulation it needs, no matter what their outward appearance.

Is a Dachshund German Shepherd Mix the Right Dog for You?

As yet, there is not enough information about the Dachshund German Shepherd Mix. That is why it is hard to provide a strong opinion as to whether it could be the right dog for potential owners.

Thus, it’s left to owner discretion to consider the potential implications of seeking out such a complicated mix.

Currently, health experts, veterinarians, and kennel clubs strongly advise against actively looking for a puppy of this nature.

This warning is merely due to the potential for a variety of possible health complications of a Dachshund German shepherd Mix.

However, if you do come across this mix at a shelter and are considering whether to adopt, do not disregard this option.

Above all, this crossbreed has the fantastic loyal nature of both of the parental breeds combined. Therefore, we would certainly recommend taking on a Dachshund German Shepherd Mix in these particular circumstances.

If you enjoyed this article, you might also like our review about German Shepherd Beagle Mix.