Are you considering adding a Dachshund Chow Chow mix to your family? This unique designer breed has been gaining popularity in recent years, and for good reason. With their adorable appearance and lovable personality, the Dachie is an excellent companion for families and individuals alike. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the history, appearance, temperament, and care of this hybrid dog. So, let’s dive in and learn more about this charming mixed breed.
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Dachshund Chow Chow Mix History
The Dachshund Chow Chow mix is a relatively new breed, with its origins dating back to the early 2000s. It is believed that the first Dachshund Chow Chow mixes were bred in the United States, although the exact origin is unknown. The purpose of breeding these two breeds together was to create a dog with the best traits of both breeds. The result was a playful and affectionate dog that quickly gained popularity among dog lovers.
The Dachshund Chow mix is not recognized by major kennel clubs such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) or the United Kennel Club (UKC). However, they are recognized by smaller clubs and organizations, such as the Designer Breed Registry (DBR) and the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR).
Dachshund Chow Chow Mix Appearance
The Dachshund Chow Chow mix is a small to medium-sized dog, with a long and muscular body. They typically weigh between 15 and 30 pounds and stand between 10 and 15 inches tall at the shoulder. Their body is similar to that of a Dachshund, with short legs and a long torso. However, they have a broader chest and a thicker coat due to their Chow Chow heritage.
One of the most distinctive features of the Chow Chow and Dachshund mix is their coat. They have a thick double coat that can come in a variety of colors, including black, brown, red, and cream. Their coat requires regular brushing to keep it healthy and free of mats. They also shed moderately, so regular grooming is necessary to keep their coat looking its best.
Coat Colors
| Coat Color | Description |
|---|---|
| Black | Solid black coat without any markings or patterns. |
| Brown | Shades of brown ranging from light tan to dark chocolate. |
| Red | Shades of red ranging from light cream to deep mahogany. |
| Cream | Light-colored coat with a creamy white or off-white shade. |
Dachshund Chow Chow Mix Temperament
The Dachshund Chow Chow mix is known for its friendly and playful personality. They are very loyal and affectionate towards their family members and make excellent companions for children. They are also very intelligent and easy to train, making them a good choice for first-time dog owners.
Trainability
Both the Dachshund and the Chow Chow are intelligent breeds, and this trait carries over to their mixed offspring. This dog is highly trainable and eager to please their owners. However, they can also be stubborn at times, so consistent and patient training is essential.
It is recommended to start training your Dachie from a young age to establish good behavior and prevent any bad habits from forming. Positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, work best with this breed. They also respond well to clicker training and enjoy learning new tricks.
Exercise Needs
This hybrid breed has moderate exercise needs and will do well with a daily walk or playtime in the yard. They have a lot of energy and love to play, so it’s important to provide them with enough physical and mental stimulation. Without proper exercise, they may become bored and develop destructive behaviors.
This breed is also prone to weight gain, so it’s essential to monitor their food intake and ensure they get enough exercise to maintain a healthy weight. A fenced yard is ideal for this breed, as they have a strong prey drive and may chase after small animals if left unsupervised.
Socialization
As with any dog breed, socialization is crucial for this mixed dog. They can be wary of strangers and other dogs if not properly socialized from a young age. Early socialization will help them become more comfortable around new people and situations, making them well-adjusted and friendly adult dogs.
Dachshund Chow Chow Mix Care
This mix requires moderate grooming and care to keep them healthy and happy. As mentioned earlier, their coat needs regular brushing to prevent matting and keep it looking its best. They also require occasional baths, but not too often as it can strip their coat of its natural oils.
Their ears should be checked regularly for any signs of infection, and their nails should be trimmed every few weeks to prevent overgrowth. Dental care is also essential for this breed, as they are prone to dental issues. Regular teeth brushing and dental treats can help maintain good oral hygiene.
Health Concerns
Like all breeds, the Chow Chow Dachshund mix is prone to certain health issues. However, being a mixed breed, they may inherit health problems from either parent breed. Some common health concerns for this breed include:
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): This condition affects the spinal discs and can cause pain, paralysis, and even death in severe cases.
- Hip Dysplasia: A common condition in many dog breeds, hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition that affects the hip joints and can cause lameness and arthritis.
- Bloat: Also known as Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV), bloat is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself.
- Eye Problems: Both the Dachshund and the Chow Chow are prone to eye problems, such as cataracts, glaucoma, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).
To ensure your Dachie stays healthy, it’s essential to schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian and keep up with their vaccinations and preventative care.
Training Tips for First-Time Chow Chow Dachshund Mix Owners
If you’re considering getting a Dachshund Chow Chow mix as your first dog, here are some training tips to help you get started:
1. Be Consistent
Consistency is key when it comes to training any dog, but especially with this mixed pet. They can be stubborn at times, so it’s important to establish rules and boundaries early on and stick to them.
2. Use Positive Reinforcement
As mentioned earlier, this breed responds well to positive reinforcement techniques. Rewarding good behavior with treats and praise will motivate them to continue behaving well.
3. Socialize Early and Often
Socialization is crucial for this breed, so make sure to expose them to different people, animals, and environments from a young age. This will help them become more confident and well-adjusted adult dogs.
4. Keep Training Sessions Short and Fun
This mixed dog has a short attention span, so it’s best to keep training sessions short and engaging. Make it fun by incorporating games and toys into the training to keep them interested.
5. Be Patient
Training takes time, and every dog learns at their own pace. It’s important to be patient and not get frustrated if your Dachie doesn’t pick up on a command right away. With consistent training and patience, they will eventually learn what is expected of them.
Pros and Cons of Owning a Dachshund Chow Chow Mix
Before bringing a Dachie into your home, it’s essential to consider the pros and cons of owning this breed. Here are some of the advantages and disadvantages of owning a Dachshund Chow Chow mix:
Pros:
- Loyal and affectionate towards their family members.
- Good with children and other pets if socialized properly.
- Intelligent and easy to train.
- Moderate exercise needs.
- Low to moderate shedding.
Cons:
- Can be stubborn at times.
- May have a strong prey drive.
- Prone to certain health issues.
- Requires regular grooming.
- May not do well in hot weather due to their thick coat.
Conclusion
The Dachshund Chow Chow mix is a unique and charming designer breed that makes an excellent companion for families and individuals alike. With their playful and friendly personality, they will bring joy and love into any household. However, as with any dog breed, it’s important to do your research and make sure the Dachie is the right fit for your lifestyle and needs. With proper care and training, the Chow Chow Dachshund mix will be a loyal and loving companion for many years to come.
