What would happen if breeders combined a purebred Golden Retriever with a purebred Dachshund? What kind of mixed breed dog would that be?
There’s no need to wonder because they are bringing you a golden crossbreed that you will go crazy for! Ladies and gent’s, a new mutt is in town — meet the Golden Retriever Dachshund mix!
The Golden Retriever Dachshund mix is the latest designer dog that seems to be gaining quite a lot of recognition.
In this article we are going to focus exactly on whether or not the Golden Retriever Dachshund mix puppy is a good pick. We will tell you all about its funky personality and unique looks, so stay tuned!
What Is A Golden Retriever Dachshund Mix Called?
Take a guess! It surely has the word “Golden” in its name like most Golden Retriever mixes.
A Golden Retriever Dachshund mix is often called the Golden Doxie. Some dog lovers call it the Golden Dox, Golden Weiner dog, Golden Weenie, Golden Dachshund, or Golden sausage dog.
We think all of these names are extremely cute, but the one that caught our attention the most is the Golden Dox.
Like with most mixed dog breeds, people get very creative with dog names and nicknames, so can you with the Golden Dox puppy!
Can A Golden Retriever Breed With A Dachshund?
Although it may seem like an unusual combination, Golden Retrievers can indeed breed with Dachshunds. However, the breeding process isn’t quite simple due to the big difference in size between these two pooches.
The breeding process requires that the Golden Retriever female carries the Golden Dox puppies. Wondering why? It’s quite logical — these mix puppies are going to be too large for a small Dachshund female to carry.
So, it’s easier for the Golden Retriever momma to carry the babies.
The other question that arises is “how does such a small male Dachshund mount a large female Golden Retriever?”
Breeding Process
Firstly, the whole breeding process should be supervised by a professional. Both the Dachshund and the Golden Retriever parent must undergo a health examination prior to mating.
Dog owners have to be aware that the mating process comes with its risks, especially when you have two dogs that are very different from one another in size.
Male Dachshunds are outgoing and energetic little dogs that can become even more energetic during heat periods in female dogs. When a male Doxie shows signs that it wants to mate, he will be determined to do so — no matter what!
That includes using all his strength to get on top of the female Golden Retriever’s back. But, more often than not, his short legs won’t allow it to jump as high as he imagined.
This is when a breeder jumps in to give the male Dachshund a helping hand by gently lifting him up to achieve “the lock”. So, that’s pretty much how it’s done, we will let ethical breeders do the rest!
Let’s check out what makes the parent breeds so different!
What’s The Difference Between A Golden Retriever And A Dachshund?
Obviously, there is a massive difference in size. And what’s more obvious is the difference in physical characteristics of both parent breeds.
When it comes to their personality traits, the Golden Retrievers are known to be the best family dogs and companions for practically everyone. On the other hand, Doxies are known to be needy and even a bit aggressive!
There is lots of information about our beloved sausage dogs being the most aggressive dog breeds in the world. Say whaaat?
It seems like there is nothing similar between the purebred Golden Retriever and the purebred Dachshund. Or is it?
The Dachshund Parent
The wonderful sausage doggy we all know and love very much. Whenever I see this puppy strolling down the street I let out an “aaw” as it comes to greet me with its wagging tail.
The Dachshund originates from Germany and it was bred primarily to be a fierce hunter. Back in the 17th century when serious Dachshund breed development took place, this small dog was used to hunt badgers and other small animals.
With its short legs, the Dachshund showed incredible digging skills. Its long snout could get inside the holes it dug, so it was pretty easy for it to retrieve any small animal from the ground.
Clever, active, courageous, and a bit stubborn are the words that best describe the Dachshund breed.
Perhaps the reason why both male and female Dachshunds are so energetic, loud, and needy might just lay in the way they were bred. These doggies were always on the mission to hunt and thrived when they had a job to do.
Plus, they were very attached to their owners, just like modern Doxies are.
The Golden Retriever Parent
The Golden Retriever earned its title for being such a golden doggy. Its smiling face and loyalty towards its family members made the Goldie one of the most popular breeds in the world.
The Golden Retriever is a large Scottish dog whose origin dates back to the 1800s. It was primarily bred to, you guessed it — retrieve game such as waterfowl from bodies of water and bushes.
Its hunting skills were passed down from Water Spaniels that were used to create this purebred dog.
Many Golden Retriever dog lovers may not be aware of it, but this golden pup is one of the best bird hunting dog breeds.
Not only that, but the cuddly Goldie has also earned its spot on the smartest dog breeds list. Besides their affectionate nature, both Golden Retriever genders are real smarty pants!
How Big Is A Golden Retriever Dachshund Mix?
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This is a tricky question! But, we might just have an answer to it!
First, let me say that it’s difficult to determine how big a mixed puppy will get, but once you get the hang of how big a Dachshund and a Golden Retriever parents grow, you won’t have any problems estimating the Golden Dox size.
As with most dogs, male and female Golden Doxies are going to be different in height and weight. Male Golden Doxies are usually larger and sturdier than their female counterparts, but both genders don’t grow tall.
Its size will also depend on whether or not the Dachshund parent is a miniature or standard type. Due to the fact that there is a size difference between the American and English Golden Retriever, this factor is also something to keep in mind.
Height
Despite its large and tall Golden Retriever parent, the Golden Dox is going to be a short dog. It usually inherits the dwarfism gene from its Dachshund parent that makes its legs short.
Having said that, the Golden Dox height ranges from 10 to 23 inches.
It won’t be as short as the Dachshund, but it also won’t grow as big as the Golden Retriever. We can say that the Golden Dox is going to be a small to medium-sized dog.
In case you are not sure how big a purebred Dachshund will get, we got you covered with our detailed Dachshund growth chart.
Weight
The weight of a Golden Dox pup can vary depending on which parent side it leans more towards. With both dog parents looking and weighing so different, the weight range of a Golden Doxie can be quite broad.
However, in most cases the Golden Dox weighs between 30 and 60 pounds.
If it leans more towards the Golden Retriever side, it may weigh more than 60 pounds, but that’s pretty rare. The Golden Retriever growth chart shows how big this purebred dog gets, so you can figure out its maximum weight.
Both Goldie and Dachshund growth charts can help in predicting the size of your Golden Dox puppy.
What Do Golden Retriever Doxes Look Like?
Photo from: @frejalolathehotdogs
Oh, these are splendid little sausage dogs that inherit very unique looks! When you take a good look at the Golden Dox puppy, you see that it clearly resembles both the Golden Retriever and the Dachshund parent.
Most of the time, the Golden Dox inherits equal appearance and personality traits from its Golden Retriever and Dachshund parents.
However, the way the Golden Dox looks depends on whether or not both parent dogs are purebred or not. If a purebred Goldie is bred with a Dachshund mix puppy, then the outcome will be something different.
To achieve the unique Golden Dox look, both the Dachshund and the Golden Retriever parents must be purebred dogs.
Body Structure
There are different types of Golden Retrievers and Dachshunds. For Goldies we have a field and show Golden Retrievers, while Dachshunds can be miniature or standard sized.
So, the body structure of a Golden Dox will depend on these factors.
Oh and, if a blockhead Golden Retriever is in the mix, then the Golden Dox has a higher chance of inheriting a larger and sturdier skull along with almost identical facial features as the Goldie parent.
Unique Appearance
The Golden Dox puppy inherits short legs and elongated sausage body like most Dachshund mixes do. The long muzzle is still present, as well as floppy ears.
Strong and sturdy bones are inherited from the Golden Retriever parent. Moreover, the tail of a Golden Dox is thicker and looks almost the same as the Golden Retriever’s.
For the most part, the Golden Dox has a wider skull than its purebred Dachshund parent.
Golden Retriever Dachshund Mix Coat Type
Photo from: @frejalolathehotdogs
Okay, the Golden Doxie’s coat type will take some time to figure out because it can have a few variations to it.
How a Golden Dox coat type will turn out depends solely on what types of Dachshund and Golden Retriever were crossed. Yes, both dog breeds come in different types, and all types have different coat lengths and densities.
Having said that, the Golden Retriever Dachshund mix has a high chance of inheriting a fun combination of both parent breeds’ coats. Golden Dox’s medium-length coat is thick and dense, with possible feathering on limbs and tail.
Let’s break this down real quick:
Parent Breed Coat Types
There are three types of purebred Golden Retrievers and each has a different coat type.
1. British/English Golden Retriever – long and fluffy coat
2. Canadian Golden Retriever – short and thin coat
3. American Golden Retriever – flat or wavy with feathering and a ruff around the neck
The Dachshund parent comes in three coat types as well:
1. Smooth Doxie – short and shiny coat
2. Long-haired Doxie – soft and dense coat
3. Wire-haired Doxie – short and wiry
Golden Retrievers of all types inherit a double coat, while the wire-haired Dachshund is known to be the only Doxie type to inherit this coat. However, long-haired Dachshunds usually inherit double coats.
All of this should be taken into consideration when estimating what kind of coat type a Golden Dox will have.
Golden Retriever Dachshund Mix Coat Colors
Photo from: @frejalolathehotdogs
According to various Golden Retriever colors, the Golden Dox can inherit any beautiful shade of gold, white, red, cream, or dark/light gold.
But, the funky sausage dog is here with over twenty different coat colors and patterns. I mean, the official Dachshund breed standard states that there are twelve Dachshund coat colors.
So, this means that the Golden Dox is bound to inherit a whole pinwheel of interesting coat colors. Golden, cream, white, black and tan, wheaten, red, black and cream, and so on — almost any color you can imagine!
Take a look at the dapple Dachshund dog, a very unique pup that could pass its color genes to the Golden Dox puppy.
The English cream Dachshunds coat color is very similar to the Golden Retriever’s, so the Golden Dox from these two would definitely have unique shades of cream and gold.
Do Golden Dox Shed?
Photo from: @cookiegoldendoxie
The shedding amount of a Golden Dox puppy will depend on previously mentioned coat types of both parent breeds.
The Golden Retriever has a thicker and denser coat than the small Dachshund parent. Goldies shed normally moderately the year, but fall and spring are when they shed the most. On the other hand, Dachshunds shed very little.
Due to the fact that the Golden Dox is a combination of both worlds, the shedding amounts seem to be divided evenly, making the Golden Dox a relatively low-shedder. But, this can vary.
If a long-haired Dachshund mixes with a Golden Retriever, chances are that it will shed moderately.
Is Golden Retriever Dachshund Mix Hypoallergenic?
Quick answer — no.
The Golden Dox is not a hypoallergenic crossbreed because both parents are not hypoallergenic pooches.
Golden Retriever and hypoallergenic properties don’t really go together. Although they make great family pets, Golden Retrievers may cause health issues to allergy sufferers.
Same goes for Dachshunds. Even though they can inherit short coats, Dachshunds are still non-hypoallergenic dogs.
Golden Retriever Dachshund Mix Personality Traits
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Sometimes stubborn, a bit needy, and occasionally loud. On the other side: extremely energetic, playful, loyal, affectionate, and unbelievably cuddly. The Golden Retriever Dachshund mix puppy is all of that!
Actually, the Golden Dox personality is quite difficult to put in words.
The Golden Dox has two incredible dog breeds for parents. It inherits the lovely and affectionate side from both of them.
Willingness to play and please is definitely something that the Golden Dox inherits from the Golden Retriever parent. Devotion and high energy levels are passed onto the Golden Dox from its Dachshund parent.
Personality traits of the Golden Dox puppy that aspiring dog owners may find challenging include stubbornness and free-will.
Even though the Golden Dox can be extremely obedient and loyal, there are times when it wants to have things its own way.
Is A Golden Retriever Dachshund Mix Aggressive?
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Have you ever heard anyone actually ask “Do Golden Retrievers make good family dogs?” because we all know the answer to this question.
Golden Retrievers are among the most loved family pets in the U.S. and they are popular companions around the globe. But, most dog lovers are not aware that Golden Retrievers may have an aggressive side to them.
As for Dachshunds, these small sausage dogs are known to be needy and loud, but extremely affectionate! However, Dachshunds are also labeled as aggressive dogs.
What gives? Does this mean that the Golden Retriever Dachshund mix puppy is going to be an aggressive dog?
No way!
Both Golden Retrievers and Dachshunds parent breeds are fun, outgoing, loyal and affectionate family pets.
If trained and socialized on time, both make wonderful pets that will do anything to please their loved ones. So does their little hybrid offspring, the Golden Dox.
Let’s forget about all the “aggressive dog” nonsense. I mean, any dog can become aggressive if not trained and socialized properly.
Is A Golden Retriever Dachshund Mix Good Family Dog?
Photo from: @brianbsantacruz
Even though it gets attached to one person in particular, the Golden Dox gets along with everyone in the house. It can be very good with children and with the elderly.
Besides being an affectionate cuddle buddy, the Golden Dox is actually a small guard dog. Even though the Golden Retriever parent isn’t known for excellent guarding abilities, the Dachshund parent is.
Golden Doxies can get really loud and bark at nothing, just enough to alarm their owners. This particular trait makes them great guard dogs.
There might be an issue if you own a cat or other small animals because the Golden Dox may inherit a high prey drive. Both parent breeds are known for their hunting skills, so the Golden Dox may see the small animal as prey.
Is A Golden Retriever Dachshund Mix Good With Children?
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Children will love the Golden Retriever Dachshund mix, not only for its size and cute looks, but for its high energy levels and willingness to play.
The Golden Dox is a great playmate for children because its high energy level is comparable to a child’s. Having said that, both the Golden Dox and the child should be taught how to behave in each other’s presence.
Children must know how to play nicely with Golden Dox puppies, while puppies must go through early socialization and get used to being around children.
There are times when kids become too much even for the highly energetic Golden Dox, so it will want to be alone if it feels like it.
I would advise parents to never leave their small children unsupervised with a Golden Dox, or any other dog.
Golden Retriever Dachshund Mix Energy Levels
As we previously mentioned, Golden Doxies are high energy pooches that love quality playtime. Besides running around and chasing stuff, Golden Doxies enjoy mental games that get their clever brains going!
Purebred Dachshunds sometimes shake when they have excessive energy levels, so don’t be surprised if your Golden Dox puppy starts shaking all of a sudden!
Besides that, Dachshunds bark as a means to get their owner’s attention. If the Golden Dox puppy is anything like its Dachshund parent, it will bark to inform you that it’s time to play!
You can expect a Golden Dox puppy to be a very smart little dog with lots of energy and zoomies that are difficult to calm down! But, you will love the energy that this mixed breed passes onto everyone.
Are Golden Dachshunds Healthy?
Photo from: @cookiegoldendoxie
“Hybrid dogs are generally healthier than purebred dogs” is a widespread claim that most dog lovers believe is true.
It’s true that hybrid dogs inherit a wider genetic pool than their purebred parents, which, to some extent, decreases the chance of inheriting congenital health problems.
However, several congenital health problems from purebred parents can still be passed onto the hybrid Golden Dox puppy.
Golden Doxies are generally healthy pups, but there are some health risks lurking in their genetic code.
Golden Retriever Dachshund Mix Health Problems
Health problems that Golden Doxies are prone to come from both of the purebred parent breeds. They include:
• Hip dysplasia
• Obesity
• Ear infections
• Bloating
• Epilepsy
This does not mean that the Golden Dox will acquire all of these health issues and that you will have to deal with a sick puppy for the rest of its life.
Health issues like bloating can develop during playtime and exercise. If your dog likes socks and happens to eat one, you may have to take it to the vet because of potential obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract.
Golden Retriever Dachshund Mix Lifespan
When I first heard about his unique hybrid dog, I was surprised about its longevity. The Golden Doxie’s lifespan ranges between 10 and 15 years!
A large dog such as the Golden Retriever parent lives up to twelve years, while a Dachshund’s lifespan is a bit longer, reaching 16 years. Now you see where the Golden Dox puppy’s longevity comes from!
How Much Does A Golden Retriever Dachshund Mix Cost?
A roughly estimated cost of a Golden Retriever Dachshund mix is between $500 and $1,500, which makes it among the most expensive hybrid dog breeds.
Due to the fact that both the Golden Retriever and the Dachshund are very sought after pooches across the United States, it shouldn’t be too big of a problem to find a Golden Dox puppy.
However, the price of this golden hybrid dog may vary, depending on your location, breeder’s competence, and the pedigree of both purebred parent breeds.
Taking Care Of Your Golden Retriever Dachshund Mix Puppy
Photo from: @brianbsantacruz
Before we wrap this up, we will leave you with a mini guide on how to take care of your Golden Retriever Dachshund mix puppy. Don’t worry, it’s not as difficult as you may think! The Golden Dox is actually one of the most low-maintenance dogs!
When caring for a Golden Dox puppy, there’s one thing to which you will want to pay the most attention — separation anxiety.
Dachshunds are notorious for being needy and clingy towards their owners and when they are left alone for longer periods of time, they start to feel afraid and anxious. Your Golden Dox can easily develop this behavior and you may even hear it crying at night in its crate.
Especially when they are little, Golden Dox puppies need quite a lot of attention. You can read more about this in our article “How much attention does a puppy need?”
So, it’s important to keep this in mind and start getting your Golden Dox puppy used to either going everywhere with you or keeping it entertained while you’re at work.
Provide Healthy Diet
Healthy diet for your Golden Dox puppy is a way to go! Let this golden sausage boy eat lots of healthy and nutritious dog food to keep its muscles and immune system in tip-top condition.
The overall health of your Golden Dox greatly depends on high-quality food and a healthy feeding schedule.
While quality dog food for Dachshunds and Golden Retrievers will do the trick, most Golden Dox owners swear on the BARF diet. Don’t get confused, it doesn’t have anything to do with your dog barfing!
The BARF diet stands for “Bones And Raw Food” which basically means to feed your Golden Dox raw meat and raw veggies to keep overall health in the best condition possible.
Exercise, Exercise, Exercise!
Include a healthy amount of exercise to your Golden Dox daily routine. Don’t overdo it!
Golden Dox puppies need to stretch their short legs and go out on walks two to three times a day. They will enjoy running around the dog park with their canine friends.
Some Golden Doxies will be too busy digging holes, so you might want to keep an eye on them in case they dig out a small animal! That being said, don’t be surprised if your Golden Dox puppy rolls on dead animals, it’s just the way it is!
The Golden Dox loves having a job to do and the best way to calm its excessive energy levels is by quality playtime and training! You can also use different dog toys for Dachshunds that you can find on Amazon.
Dog Training Is A Must!
Golden Dox puppies need to be socialized and trained from a very early age — as early as 8 weeks!
Showing dominance to your dog is usually effective in most breeds, if you do it right. If you are being bossy and yelling at your Golden Dox puppy, then it might not take it very well.
The best way to train a Golden Dox is to introduce positive reinforcement with yummy dog treats. Be careful not to get your Golden Dox too much used to dog treats because it may not want to eat its food but will want to eat treats!
Leash training is also a must if you want to walk carefree with your Golden Dox puppy. Due to the fact that it is a small to medium-sized hybrid dog, the best choice for leash training will be harnesses for Dachshunds.
Groom Those Golden Dox…I Mean Locks!
Even though you can expect your Golden Dox to shed minimally, its medium length coat will require some grooming.
Whether you decide to groom your Golden Dox puppy at home or go to a professional groomer depends on your schedule and preference.
Golden Doxie’s coat will do well with daily brushing and detangling.
Due to the fact that the Golden Dox inherits a thick double layered coat that resembles the Golden Retriever the most, you may want to bathe your Golden Dox puppy just like you would bathe a Golden Retriever.
As a general rule, bathing your Golden Dox puppy should be done every six to eight weeks. But, this is not a must.
Keep Up With Vet Appointments
Of course you want the best for your Golden Dox puppy’s health. That’s why you have to be up to date with vet appointments. You don’t have to wait until there is something wrong with your beloved Golden Dox puppy.
Yearly health check-ups will provide insight into your Golden Dox health and the veterinary team will let you in on more tips about caring for your hybrid dog.
Final Thoughts
The Golden Retriever Dachshund mix has the potential of becoming a loving family member and more than just a four-legged friend!
If you ask any Golden Dox owner what’s it like to own this cute hybrid dog, rest assured that they will tell you that there is never a dull moment.
This medium-sized mixed breed is going to be a great choice for singles or couples who live in a small apartment, as well as a family with children who live in a bigger household.
Its unique character makes the Golden Retriever Dachshund mix puppy a great choice for aspiring owners that want a Golden
Retriever and Dachshund personality all in one!
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