20-30 lbs
8-13"
United States
Not much is known yet about the Doxie-Pit, which is a hybrid mix between the American Pitbull Terrier and the Dachshund. The American PitBull Terrier brings the height and the weight while the Dachshund adds a short-legged, elongated body type. This breed’s high intelligence and loyal nature require a seasoned dog owner who can devote time and love to training with firm, yet gentle hand. The Dixie-Pit is somewhat of an oddity in appearance, having the large head of a Pitbull and the body of a Dachshund, but despite their odd appearance, these hybrids are adorable and loving companions.
The Doxie-Pit is a modern designer breed that first gained notoriety around 2015 with a Doxie-Pit named Rami who was available for adoption. The odd looks of the Doxie-Pit sparked curiosity in the hybrid but little else is known on this mix. Owners should review the histories, personality traits, and potential health risks of both breeds to better understand their Doxie-Pit’s potential disposition. Known to be a keen hunter, the Dachshund hails from Germany and served his purpose well in both England and Germany in the 1800's. Bred to have powerful legs for digging his way into animal dens, this canine usually hunted in a pack. Not so popular in the United States until after the World Wars, the Dachshund did make his way to North America eventually, where they became popular family companions. They are also favored in Australia, India, France and Holland. The American Pitbull Terrier has a long history with a sad beginning. The American Pitbull Terrier also shares its name with the American Staffordshire Terrier that was a bull-baiting, pit fighting dog crossed between the Old English Bull and Terrier and the English Terrier to create a Staffordshire Bull Terrier. The breed was imported to the United States in the 19th Century for pit fighting and bred to out-weigh its English Staffordshire cousin over time. The American Kennel Club first recognized the American Staffordshire Terrier in 1936. Though blood sports have long been banned in the United States, these loyal and loving dogs are still forced into illegal blood sporting and have gained poor reputations because of the cruelty. Despite their reputation, these dogs are highly loyal, affectionate, and make for excellent family dogs.
The Doxie-Pit is a strange mix between the American Pitbull Terrier and the Dachshund. The American Pitbull Terrier is seen in all colors, but the resulting hybrid is most often a dual-color combination with white. Many times, Doxie-Pits will have distinctive facial markings, such as eye patches or markings above the eyes. The Doxie-Pit’s head is large and broad with ears smaller than a Dachshund. The muzzle is medium length and slightly shorter than the head. Dark eyes are set low and apart. The head of a Doxie-Pit is unmistakably that of a Pitbull whereas the body is that of a Dachshund with short legs and an elongated body. The skin on a Doxie-Pit is tight, and the hair is short and hard displaying this hybrid’s powerful muscle structure. The tail on a Doxie-Pit is set low but carried above the level of back when active.
Despite the Doxie-Pit’s short, hard coat, this hybrid is known to moderately shed. Brushing the Doxie-Pit once a week will significantly help remove dead and loose hair from the coat and keep the coat looking and smelling its best. All dogs need their teeth brushed to keep the tartar from building up, and the Doxie-Pit should have his teeth brushed at least twice a week. Proper dental hygiene will also help prevent tooth and gum decay and bacterial infections. While brushing your Doxie-Pit’s coat and teeth, also check his ears and use a veterinarian approved solution to gently remove any dirt, wax, or debris from your dog’s ears. Only bathe your Doxie-Pit when necessary, and most times, a room temperature cloth applied after brushing will help keep your Doxie-Pit clean. The American Pitbull Terrier’s skin is very sensitive, so keeping a healthy, clean cost is important.
The Doxie-Pit is a feisty, people loving dog. Wherever their people are the Doxie-Pit wants to be as well. The Doxie-Pit gets its people loving traits from its American Pitbull Terrier parent. When it comes to children, the Doxie-Pit has patience and high energy for running around and playing but prevent children and adults from rough play, teasing, or tail pulling. The Doxie-Pit is a social dog who will often greet strangers with energy. Be careful with people who are timid or fearful of dogs since this breed is sensitive to human emotion. The Doxie-Pit comes from two purebred dogs who may be aggressive towards other dogs and animals. Proper socialization and training at early ages will help the Doxie-Pit better acquaint itself with other animals. Though the Dachshund is a sedate dog, the Doxie-Pit has high energy with moderate to high-intensity exercise needs. Additionally, this hybrid can be stubborn making him more difficult to train. The Doxie-Pit needs firm, confident, and calm training from a well-seasoned dog owner and is not well suited to novice dog owners.
The Doxie-Pit is a very active hybrid and gains most of its high energy from its high intensity American Pitbull Terrier parent who is active in bursts of energy. The Dachshund parent will calm the energy levels slightly, but a fenced in yard or a dog park are daily requirements for this breed who needs to run off some of his energy. If exercised regularly, the Doxie-Pit can adapt well to apartment living but don’t leave him alone for long. The Doxie-Pit does not tolerate being left alone and will develop destructive behaviors if not properly exercised and stimulated. The Doxie-Pit loves to play tug rope in addition to running. Training can be difficult since both parent breeds have stubborn streaks. Incorporating task-oriented training and exercise with your Doxie-Pit will feel more like playtime, and he will respond much better to training. The Doxie-Pit is an all-weather dog as well but does slightly better in warmer climates than in cooler ones.
Written by Loreziel Ortega
Published: 10/26/2017, edited: 02/24/2021
More articles by Loreziel Ortega
