Rottweiler Dachshund Mix: An Intriguing and Unusual Designer Dog
When you hear Rottweiler Dachshund mix you might think either someone wanted a short-legged Rottie or to buff up their Dachsie. It seems an improbable mix without much conceivable purpose.
You might even write the mix off as a figment of an eccentric person’s imagination or the stuff of science fiction.
A Rottweiler Dachshund mix is a designer dog. Its original design remains unclear, but it perhaps filled a niche for owners who liked the idea of a dwarf Rottweiler or wanted to improve the structural health of the Dachsie.
Nevertheless, the result is usually a medium-sized black and tan dog with semi-prick or upright ears, a sickle tail, a sturdy body, and significantly shortened legs.
Many look like a short version of a Doberman with a pleasant but watchful disposition, fearlessness, energy, and drive. The cross is friendly but can have varying responses to children, strangers, and other dogs.
Features, especially disposition, can be highly unpredictable in mixed-breed dogs. A common approach to predicting the result of a proposed cross is to compare the parent breeds in historical ancestors and purpose, physical characteristics, and behavior as companion animals in the categories families care about. Sometimes the mix becomes accepted and you have multiple examples.
Rottweilers are originally German herding dos
Though the Rottweiler began its adventure in Germany around @200 AD when the Roman legions left the region, its ancestors were much older.
Some schools of thought contend that Mastiff war dogs and some livestock guarding dogs had a common Molossoid forefather.
Livestock guardians eventually branched into the herding dogs that worked more closely with human handlers.
Like herders around the globe, the Romans brought their working dogs and cattle when they trekked over the Alps into Germany.
Those same dogs would crossbreed with local dogs around Rottweil as herders selected the qualities they wanted.
Rottweilers became indispensable, working as drover dogs, driving cattle, and carting butchered meat to market. Rotties also guarded valuables and discouraged cattle rustlers.
The breed almost became extinct in the 1850s when railroads replaced their roles in the cattle industry.
As the numbers and quality of dogs plunged, knowledgeable civil servants recognized the breed’s potential value to the police force and soon after, the military.
Rottweilers would go on to fill similar occupations as German Shepherds as messenger dogs, patrols, guard and security dogs, guides for the blind, and trackers.
Dachshunds are also a German breed
Dachshunds were hunting dogs as early as the 1500s, hunting foxes, boars in packs, and rabbits. The Germans focussed on their development as badger specialists a century later.
Many believe Dachshunds developed from the German Schweissund and French Pointer in Germany to hunt badgers, explicitly aiming to help flush them from their burrows.
Although some cite crop feeding as the reason for hunting these well-clawed members of the weasel family, it is much more likely badgers provided blood sport, especially for less-privileged farmers.
Renowned for their ferocity in defending themselves and their burrows or settes, wagering on the abilities of dogs to defeat them became a popular pastime. Dachshunds with their shortened legs and formidable jaws were particularly well-suited.
Badgers came under a few protective acts starting with the anti-cruelty act in 1835 which sought to eliminate the baiting of bears, bulls, and badgers.
Loosely-defined “captive” badgers were still fair game until formal protection in 1992.
While organizations still cull badgers for various agricultural reasons, mostly related to their possibility of carrying rabies or transmitting TB to cattle, the Dachshund has largely moved on to become a cherished family companion.
This trend began when Americans started importing the breed in the 1870s although they did initially hunt small game in the US. Dachshunds targeted rabbits rather than badgers.
The miniature Dachshund was also developed in Germany. In the 1800s hunters sought a dog to hunt European hares and needed a partner who could fit into smaller burrows. Minies also were appealing as pampered pets.
Although initially, they bred standard with toy breeds to obtain a smaller size, Germans abandoned crossbreeding in favor of selective breeding in 1910. Their hybrids had begun losing the hunting qualities that characterized the Dachshund.
The three hair types evolved separately. Wirehaired Dachshunds grew out of a need for protection against briars in the field.
Influential breeds may have included the Dandie Dinmont, Schnauzer, and Scottish Terrier. Wirehaired Dachshunds arose in the late 1800s and remain the most common variety in Europe.
More mystery shrouds the origins of the longhaired Dachshund than the wirehaired variety. Some say it developed for colder climates while others remark on the move towards pets and the attraction to the longer silkier fur.
There may have been some crossing with spaniels. Longhaired Dachshunds developed before the wirehaired types.
Dachshunds received various names like Liberty hounds and badger dogs in America when anti-german sentiment was high around World War II.
Dachshunds joined the AKC in 1885.
What are the characteristics of the Dachsweiler?
What will your dog look like?
Your Hybrid will most likely be ss a black and tan muscular dog with moderately short legs, a rather blockhead with semi-prick ears, and a curved long tail with feathering on the end.
Dogs that receive more Rottweiler looks may be taller while those more like Dachshunds will be more slender and longer through the body.
Most dogs are black and tan because the color is dominant over the Dachshund possibilities such as red, fawn, cream, and merle. Your dog will have expressive brown eyes with an occasional blue eye a possibility.
How adaptable is the Dachsweiler?
Your Dachsweiler can adapt to apartment living but it will depend on your commitment to providing sufficient exercise and training.
Another consideration is possible restrictions on your dog based on size and breed-specific blacklists. Rental properties, especially apartments and condominiums are often stricter than a house you own.
Although likely to be less sensitive than many purebreds, including Rotties, Dachsweilers are intelligent and rely on significant displays of affection for their happiness.
They will be moderately sensitive because of Rottie’s work ethic and willingness to please. Any cross between these particular breeds will be sensitive to changes in their living environments and harsh or inconsistent training methods.
Tolerates being alone
Neither Rottweilers nor Dachshunds tolerate being alone and the cross of the two certainly will not do any better in isolation.
The longest you should condition your dog to be on his own while you work, for example, is four to six hours.
Any longer and your dog is likely to become bored and anxious. he will show signs of stress such as clawing, digging, chewing, barking, and whining.
Your dog should tolerate moderately cold weather.
The thickness of your Dachsweiler’s undercoat will affect how well she tolerates cold or hot weather. Her larger size and relatively long legs will automatically ensure she loses less body heat than a purebred Dachshund.
If her underfur is fairly dense she can stay comfortable as temperatures approach freezing.
However, with a sparse undercoat, she may be cold even at 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Moreover, a thin undercoat does not protect against the wind and moisture.
Your pet can tolerate hot weather fairly well.
Thin underfur does not allow efficient circulation between the two layers of hair. Your dog relies on these air currents to stay cool in the summer.
In general, you should bring your dog inside when temperatures reach 80 or 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Humidity over 20% also poses an increased risk to your dog for heat-related problems and discomfort. If your pet’s undercoat is sparse, he will be more susceptible to sunburn.
Friendliness is not completely guaranteed.
Despite their reputations, Rottweilers should not be aggressive without provocation. However, they also do not typically warm up quickly to strangers and do not befriend just anyone.
Dachshunds are extroverts and can pack a punch with surprisingly strong jaws for their size. Well-socialized Dachshunds are friendly to everyone and will enjoy sitting on laps and having people stroke their ears.
However, Dachsies are excellent watchdogs, readily warning their owners of any unfamiliar visitor or strange noise.
Your Dachsweiler will be a good watchdog with some guarding instincts. She will probably be polite to most of your guests, cool and watchful initially but warming quickly.
She will be a deterrent to almost anyone intending you harm because of her size and intimidating presence.
Most crossbreeds of Rottie and Dachshund will probably bite under specific circumstances but should not show aggression where there is no threat. Socialization will encourage your Dachsweiler to be friendlier.
Affectionate with Family
Your pet will be well-rounded and friendly with family members. Many Dachsies enjoy being lapdogs and cuddling.
Rotties may not enjoy snuggling and hugging as much as their smaller counterparts, so pay mind to your Dachsweiler’s individuality.
Most will enjoy at least moderate displays of affection but adults may not appreciate you picking them up or trying to hug them.
With slow introductions and good socialization, both Rotties and Dachsies are good with children over the age of eight years.
Dachshunds are neither fragile nor shy, but they can be snappy and impatient with gabbiness and other unconscious toddler behaviors. Rottweilers are often too large and active to play safely with very small kids.
Your crossbreed will do best with older children who are well-versed in proper dog etiquette. Both parent breeds illustrate a need for supervision around youths as they have a tendency for bossiness.
Friendly with other pets?
Rotties can socialize and learn to behave reasonably around other dogs their size. They can be dominant and display aggression against dogs of the opposite sex.
Dachshunds have a history of cooperating as packs in their early days of hunting specific games. You will need to socialize your Dachsweiler with other dogs at an early age and watch for personality quirks.
Your dog is likely to do well with dogs in the household, especially any she grew up with. Exercise caution with strange dog introductions, but most well-socialized mixes will play well with others as long as they are similar in size.
Dachsie mixes require extra supervision around dogs much smaller than themselves. You should not trust them around cats, squirrels, or rabbits.
Rottweiler Dachshund Mix Health and grooming needs
Dachsweilers are relatively low-maintenance dogs.
Amount of shedding
Your Dchsweiler will not be hypoallergenic but may be low shedding. You may see minimal to moderate shedding throughout the year depending on coat thickness. Brushing a couple of times a week will help decrease loose hairs.
You can estimate your Dachsweiler will live 12 or 13 years.
The most challenging and common problems you will face with your Dachshund Rottweiler mix are orthopedic and neurologic issues.
- Hip dysplasia, which is a growth abnormality that causes incongruent joints, affects both Rotties and Dachsies.
- GDV – The Dachshund is one of the small-breed dogs prone to bloat with their exceptionally deep chests relative to size. Rotties suffer from this life-threatening problem from their status as large dogs
- Hypothyroid – Like many purebred dogs, Rotties and Dachsies both experience low thyroid hormones. Your mix has the potential to develop hypothyroidism.
- IVDD – Intervertebral disc disease, commonly called a slipped or herniated disc, is prevalent among Dachshunds because of their length relative to height. Rottweilers can also have hereditary degeneration. Your hybrid can suffer from IVDD but may have a lower risk than either purebred parent.
Potential for weight gain for Rottweiler Dachshund Mix
Dachshund and Rotties are both prone to gain excess weight if not active. Dachshunds especially pack on the pounds fairly easily which can exacerbate back and skeletal concerns.
Will your Rottweiler Dachshund Mix be easy to groom?
Rottweilers have a medium-length double coat that you should brush twice weekly. They shed moderately year-round with a slight increase during fall and spring.
Dachsies have three coat varieties.
- Smooth – Short single coat according to the Dachshund Journal; Sheds minimally and you need to brush at least weekly
- Longhaired – Double coat with long outer hairs and short fluffy underfur with feathering of the tail and around the ears; Needs biweekly brushing or more
- Wirehaired – Double coat with wiry outer hairs; Generally use a special grooming technique called stripping to prevent hair breakage
Your Rottie Dachsie will most likely have a double coat with medium-long outer hairs. You may notice your dog has thinner hair than most purebred Rotties. A wirehaired dog would be very rare, but your pet may have slightly wavy fur or sparse wiry hairs.
Plan to brush your dog once or twice a week. You may need to step up your brushing frequency to three times weekly or every other day during seasonal increases in shedding. Brushing will help stimulate your dog’s skin and sebaceous gland and keep the coat healthy and shiny.
You can bathe with a mild shampoo ideally no more often than every three or four weeks. Your pet will likely require nail trims every four to six weeks unless she wears them down through exercising on certain surfaces. Remember to check the dewclaws if present since they sit above the ground.
Check your pet’s ears at least weekly for any signs of infection such as redness, foul odor, or discharge.
What is the trainability of the Rottweiler Dachshund Mix?
Easy to train?
While intelligent, your mixed-breed dog will probably not be the easiest to train.
How intelligence is the breed?
Stanley Coren, whose work in canine psychology is widely recognized and respected, ranks Rottweilers in the top 10 in working intelligence between the Papillon and Australian Heeler.
Rotties are not just obedient dogs. They often question their handlers and can make split decisions in the field in whatever work involves them.
Dachshunds are more average in terms of working intelligence, and difficult to direct once they seize on a goal.
You might reasonably expect your Dachsweiler to be similar to an Australian Shepherd to train, in the high 40s for working obedience.
While Rotties have a prey drive that function has largely repurposed into herding or other abilities, the Dachshund has a predatory instinct that was nurtured for decades.
Your Dachsweiler will probably have a high prey drive and it is unlikely he will be suitable for herding or trustworthy around animals other than dogs.
Tendency to bark or howl
Rottweilers have a loud deep bark but are usually fairly quiet dogs unless reacting to an intrusion or out of frustration and boredom. Dachshunds, on the other hand, often barked or bayed on the hunt.
They can be very noisy. Your Dachsweiler can show variance in barking and baying tendencies but will likely be noisier than the average dog.
Rottweiler Dachshund Mix Physical needs
With a working and sporting dog heritage, Dachsweilers have significant physical needs.
Dachsweilers inherit high activity and intensity in work and drive from both the Rottweiler and Dachshund parents.
Rottweiler Dachshund MixEnergy level
A healthy Dachshund is a lively, high-action dog. Originally a hunter that spent long hours scrapping in burrows and dens, Dachshunds have high determination and persistence that rivals a terrier’s.
A dachshund needs about half an hour to 60 minutes of daily activity whereas a Rottweiler may require about two hours. Your Dachsweiler will need at least 60 to 90 minutes of exercise every day.
You should pepper rigorous physical exertion with training sessions. Puppies under six months also need socialization on a regular basis and you can still work on social skills with adults.
Your Dachsweiler will likely have a few conformational challenges as dwarfism is a dominant trait.
However, you can still strengthen your bond with your dog and keep her mind and body engaged with mutual events.
- Search and rescue
- Physical assistance dog
- Luring – Chase an artificial lure that runs on a track or by remote control
Potential for Playfulness
Your Dachsweiler is likely to be quite playful even into his adult years. Rottweilers get more serious and work-oriented as they mature, but the Dachshund’s spirit will keep your dog’s inner puppy alive and well.
How large will your Rottweiler Dachshund Mix be?
Rottweilers are large dogs with females standing 22 to 25 inches tall at the withers and males 24 to 27 inches. The breed weighs between 75 and 130 pounds with females usually on the lower end of the spectrum and males over 100 pounds.
By contrast, Dachshunds are not only small but have dwarfism as evidenced by extremely short legs. They come in two sizes. Standards are eight or nine inches tall and weigh 16 to 40 pounds. Miniature Dachshunds are only five inches tall and weigh 11 pounds or less.
A mix between the two breeds will be 20 to 24 inches tall and 27 to 85 pounds. If one of the parents is a miniature Dachshund, you may see smaller dogs in the litter.
Size is not very predictable with the cross, but you often see medium rather short dogs that appear heavy-set for their size.
Rottweiler Dachshund Mix temperament
With the Rottie Dachsie, you have two size extremes but not such a gap in temperaments.
The Rottie brings a bold, intelligent, expectant, loyal, and courageous personality compared to the Dachshund’s cleverness, playful liveliness, affection, fearlessness, devotion, and tenacity.
You can expect a harmonious blend of dispositions in your hybrid, resulting in a loyal, smart, playful, somewhat stubborn, outgoing companion.
How do you feed a Dachsweiler?
Like any other dog, calorie intake must relate to factors like activity level, age, whether your pet works or not, and health.
The young animals need more calories as do nursing mothers, exceptionally active dogs, and working animals. Seniors require fewer calories but need more bioavailable nutrients.
Dachsweilers that weigh about 50 to 60 pounds need 750 to 1200 calories or two to three cups of kibble daily divided into two or three portions.
This dog takes more after the Dachshund parent, but you can see Rottweiler in his face and build. Note the black and tan color and full tail.