An increasing number of designer dogs and hybrid dogs are appearing in the world of dogs. The Golden Retriever Dachshund mix, or Golden Dox, is one of those breeds. You will see and hear praise and criticism about any of them. The reasons vary from disappointment with the expected result of the mix, to the fact that many of the breeds are so popular that puppy mills are jumping on the opportunity to make a lot of money.
The Golden Retriever is a medium sized dog that has been one of the most popular dogs in the United States for years. They were originally developed to be gun dogs for the hunting of ducks and game birds. They love the water and are fantastic family pets.
Dachshunds are short-legged dogs with long bodies. The standard dachshund was bred to flush out badgers and other burrow animals. The work by scent and chase. That is the primary method of their hunting ability. They too, have been in the top five in popularity in the United States for many years.
The temperaments of both dogs are noticeably different. The temperament of the Golden Retriever is one of its notable attributes. They are kind, confident and patient with children. It is not uncommon to hear about a child taking a nap with their little head on the Golden. The Golden will stay there until the child wakes up or moves away. Not all are like that, but many are. They are also very intelligent, easy to train, and eager to please. They are not good guard dogs due to their trusting nature and gentle disposition.
The Dachshund is a playful dog but is known to be stubborn. They are also famous for their chasing birds, tennis balls and small animals. They are usually a challenge to train due to their stubbornness. They are aggressive towards dogs and strangers. They are considered to be an average working dog on the intelligence scale. They have the persistent ability to follow commands about half of the time.
The Golden Dox can have the traits of either breed. Any designer mix is originally a 50/50 mix of both pedigree breeds. Breeders combine the breeds hoping that the best traits of both will be dominant. This can be the case, but is not always the case.
The Golden Retriever Dachshund mix is a dog with short legs and a long body. The coat usually resembles that of a Golden. It is a muscular dog.
A few of the facts about the mix:
- Most of the Golden Dox are good with kids but not with other small animals including cats. They bark primarily around strangers.
- The dogs will usually grow to 40 pounds.
- The Golden Retriever Dachshund mix is comfy on your lap or at your feet. They truly appreciate sharing your bed and their size allows you to have room as well.
- Their feet turn outward, as a rule.
- The coat is either white or golden or a combination of both. It is rough and medium in length.
- They are loyal and protective and generally healthy. Their major health issue is serious allergies to ear mites and fleas. There have been very few other health issues.
A lot of research should be done before investing in any dog. Knowing the history can prevent unexpected issues. Breeders should provide the history of both parents. It is also important to note that breeding two pedigree dogs does not always give the desired result. Investigating the traits of both breeds will allow you to know the good and the bad in both breeds. There is always the possibility that some of the negative traits will be dominant in the mix. As a puppy, it is hard to be sure that this dog will be what you want. Multi-generational breeding can ease your mind. It is also important to realize that some breeders do not always breed with the 50/50 mix with their dogs. If some of the traits are undesirable in the adult Golden Dox, they may take of the mixed breeds and breed it with the pedigree of the favorable breed.