Dachshunds and Beagles are two extremely popular dog breeds, so it makes sense that some breeders would attempt to combine them. These hybrid Dachshund Beagle mixes are usually called Doxles, but sometimes they’re referred to as Beashunds or Beaweenies. These playful, social dogs make excellent family pets, but their high intelligence and stubbornness require patience when it comes to training.
Quick Comparison: Dachshund vs Beagle vs Doxle
| Items | Beagle | Dachshund | Doxle |
| Type | Hound dog | Hound dog | Designer dog |
| Origins | 19th century | 15th century | 20th century |
| Country of Origin | Great Britain | Germany | United States |
| Size | Medium | Small | Small to medium |
| Height | 13” to 15” | 8” to 9” | 8” to 15” |
| Weight | 18 to 30 lbs. | 16 to 32 lbs. (standard) or 11 lbs. max (miniature) | 11 to 30 lbs. |
| Life Span | 10 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 15 years |
| Coat | Smooth, short double coat | Smooth, wire-haired, or long-haired | Depends on the Dachshund parent |
| Coloring | Tricolor (black, tan, white), bicolor | Any solid color except white, bi-color, dappled, brindle, piebald | Any solid color except white, many patterns possible |
| Shedding | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Brushing | Once a week | 1-3 times a week (dependent on coat length) | 1-2 times a week |
| Grooming | Minimal | Minimal to moderate | Minimal to moderate |
| Temperament | Sweet, outgoing, inquisitive, stubborn | Clever, stubborn, mischievous, playful | Curious, attentive, stubborn, independent |
| Trainability | Hard | Hard | Hard |
| Kid-friendly? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dog friendly? | Yes | Moderate | Yes |
| Family-friendly? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Apartment friendly? | Moderate | Yes | Moderate |
| Good with other pets? | Yes | No | No |
| Good for new owners? | Moderate | Yes | Moderate |
| Touchiness | High | High | High |
| Tolerance to solitude | Very low | Moderate | Very low |
| Tolerance to heat | High | Moderate | High |
| Tolerance to cold | Low | Low | Low |
| Barking | Very high | Very high | Very high |
| Exercise needs | 60 minutes per day | 30-60 minutes per day | 30-60 minutes per day |
| Tendency to gain weight | High | High | High |
Doxle Highlights
- Doxles are mixed breed dogs with one purebred Dachshund parent and one purebred Beagle parent.
- The Doxle is a combination of two hound breeds with very sensitive noses, so Doxles can sniff out treats very easily.
- Doxles can come in nearly any solid color (except white) or combination of colors, though black/white/tan and red are the most common.
- The Beagle’s good nature and pack mentality help balance out the Dachshund’s more guarded personality, making the Doxle an ideal family dog.
- The Doxle’s highly social nature means they thrive on affection and love from members of the family.
- Doxles are very playful, energetic dogs who will provide endless amusement.
History and Original Purpose of Doxle
As a mix of two pure breeds, the Doxle is a designer dog. Unfortunately, there’s not much known about the history of designer breeds, since they’ve only become popular in the last few decades. It’s thought that the purpose of breeding Dachshunds with Beagles is to create offspring that are small to medium companion dogs that are as affectionate and sweet as the parent breeds without the health problems that come from generations of pure breeds. In general, hybrid breeds tend to be healthier dogs because of greater genetic variation in their bloodlines.
However, much more is known about Doxle’s parent breeds. The Dachshund is a hunting breed that dates back to 15th century Germany. This dog’s unusual stature, with its short legs and long body, meant it could track burrowing animals like badgers with its sensitive nose and then follow these animals into their lairs. Over the years, Dachshunds have become a companion breed more than a working breed, and now they’re beloved as pets, especially for people in small living spaces. They consistently rate high in popularity among dog breeds, and in 2020, the AKC listed the Dachshund as the 10th most popular breed in America.
Similarly, Beagles are the 7th most popular breed. Their origins, however, are in England and the UK rather than Germany. Although the breed’s ancestors can be traced back to the days of William the Conqueror, the modern Beagle dates from the mid-1800s, when the breed was developed as a scenthound for use in hunting hare. Today, Beagles are often companion dogs, but they may also be deployed as search and rescue or explosive detection dogs because of their keen senses of smell.
Pros and Cons of Getting Doxle
As with any dog breed, there are both benefits and drawbacks to the Doxle as a pet.
Pros
- Friendly with other dogs and humans, even strangers
- Playful, affectionate pups
- Don’t require much grooming
- Excellent family dog
Cons
- Likely to be stubborn and difficult to train
- High prey drive means they don’t mix well with other small animals
- Prone to separation anxiety
- High tendency to bark and howl
Dachshund Beagle Mix Temperament
The Doxle is a high-energy, good-natured, playful dog. They thrive on affection from humans and playtime with other dogs. Although Dachshunds can be suspicious of strange dogs, Beagles think every dog is their friend, and Doxles tend toward the latter temperament. This makes them ideal candidates for playtime at the dog park, where your Doxle can meet and play with many new people and dogs.
However, the downside to this highly social nature is that Doxles don’t do well when left by themselves for long periods of time. They may become loud or destructive by barking, howling, or digging. The ideal environment for a Doxle is a large family that nearly always has someone at home to keep them company. They also do very well with other dogs in the family, although they don’t mix well with cats, birds, or other types of pets. Both Dachshunds and Beagles were bred to hunt small animals, so they’re likely to see these pets as prey.
Their sensitive noses also mean that Doxles are highly curious, inquisitive dogs. You’ll need to lock up their food and treats carefully because they’ll track down and try to get into anything that smells good. They also may follow their noses out of your yard, so always keep a close eye on them when they’re outside or they may escape. However, with a little care and patience, Doxles make for highly amusing family pets that always like to be the life of the party.
Doxle Coat Color
Beagles are traditionally either tricolored – a mixture of black, some shade of brown, and white – or bicolored. Bicolor Beagles are white and a darker color, usually black, a shade of brown, or red. Dachshunds, on the other hand, can be any solid color except white or have one of several coloring patterns. That means there’s a great deal of variation in Doxle coloring, and the specifics of any Doxle litter will depend on the coloring of the parents.
Beagles have a medium-length double coat that consists of a dense outer coat and a softer inner coat that sheds seasonally. Dachshunds have far more variations in coat length and texture and can be smooth (short-haired), long-haired, or wire-haired. Again, the type of coat your Doxle inherits will depend on its parents.
Doxle Grooming
Both the Dachshund and the Beagle shed moderately and seasonally, so your Doxle will, as well. However, the amount of time you’ll spend on grooming will depend on the coat of the Dachshund parent and how much of it your Doxle has inherited. If your Doxle is descended from long-haired Dachshunds, you’ll need to do a bit more brushing to make sure their coat stays clean and tangle-free. However, Doxles typically have short, smooth coats that are relatively low maintenance and only require brushing about once a week.
As for other types of grooming, your Doxle will have floppy ears, which means they don’t get as much air circulation. This means you will periodically need to check your Doxle’s ears for debris, insects, waxy buildup, or signs of infection. A gentle swab with a cotton ball every other week should be sufficient. As with every dog, you should trim your Doxle’s nails regularly. If you’re not comfortable doing this yourself, you can take your dog to a groomer.
How long does a Dachshund Beagle Mix live?
Beagles and Dachshunds are both relatively long-lived dogs, so your Doxle should live for an average of 12 to 15 years.
How big a Dachshund Beagle Mix will get
Dachshunds come in miniature (11 lbs. and under) and standard (16 lbs. and over) size and Beagles come in 13-inch (as measured at the shoulder) and 15-inch varieties. That means there can be significant variation in size from one Doxle to the next. Designer dogs don’t have breed standards, so a Doxle may be anywhere from 8 to 15 inches tall and weigh between 11 and 30 pounds. This makes them small to medium dogs.
Likewise, a Doxle is likely to have some features from their Beagle parent and some from their Dachshund parent. They will have rounded drop (floppy) ears and long snouts. While your Doxle probably won’t be as long of back and short of legs as a purebred Dachshund, this mixed breed will almost certainly have a longer body than your average dog.
Doxle’s Health Concern
While Doxles tend to have fewer back problems than purebred Dachshunds – one advantage of creating mixed breeds – they do still have the risks that come with their longer stature. Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is somewhat common among Dachshunds, and there is a chance your Doxle might inherit it. Alternatively, as your Doxle ages, they might start to display back and joint problems, so an important part of caring for your Doxle’s health is to ensure that their backs are supported and they aren’t jumping up and down from heights. Anything that puts strain on the spine should be avoided.
Epilepsy is somewhat more common among Beagles than other breeds, as are eye problems. Glaucoma, corneal dystrophy, and retinal atrophy are the most common, though that doesn’t mean your Doxle, in particular, is likely to develop them. By far the most common health problem for Doxles is obesity since both parent breeds are highly food-motivated. Excessive weight can strain a Doxle’s joints and make back problems worse, so it’s important to keep a close eye on the scale.
How much exercise does a Doxle need?
The good news is that Doxles are very active dogs, so they can burn off plenty of calories through walks, runs, and playtime. Although their shorter legs means that they’re not the best jogging companions, they’ll still love to run and play, so it’s imperative that you have access to an outdoor space. A Doxle needs between 30 and 60 minutes of exercise a day, which can include walks and active play like fetch, tug-of-war, or running with other dogs. If they don’t get to burn off their energy outdoors, they may become destructive inside.
As with all dogs, you should brush your Doxle’s teeth regularly. Daily is ideal, but 2-3 times a week is essential. Keep up with regular vet check-ups so you can catch any potential health problems early on.
Doxle Feeding
The best food for a Doxle is formulated for a highly active small-to-medium breed dog. The actual amount will vary substantially based on your Doxle’s age, size, and activity level, but will probably be between ¾ and 1½ cups of dry food divided between two meals. Because of the risk of obesity, make sure you aren’t overfeeding your Doxle. Experts recommend that no more than 10% of a dog’s caloric intake comes from treats each day, so ration them out carefully and look for low-calorie treat options when possible.
If you get your Doxle from a breeder, you can ask them if they have any specific recommendations for food brands. Here are some brands we recommend at each stage of your Doxle’s life (puppy, adult, and senior).
| Dog Foods | Why you should buy |
| Fromm Family Gold Puppy Food | It’s an excellent choice for Doxle puppies. Its small pieces and easily digestible ingredients are perfect for young, small dogs.
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| Purina ONE SmartBlend Healthy Puppy Dog Food | It’s another protein-first option for puppies at a reasonable price point.
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| Taste of the Wild Appalachian Valley Flavor Small Breed Food | It’s a grain-free option for adult Doxles. Its first ingredient is venison, and it contains probiotics to help with digestion.
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| Diamond Premium Adult Dry Dog Food | It’s a good choice for working breeds like Dachshunds and Beagles, so it’s great for Doxles as well.
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| Nutro Wholesome Essentials Senior Dog Food | It has easily digestible proteins for the senior dog. Made in the USA, it also contains antioxidants and fatty acids that will help keep your Doxle active.
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| Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula Small Breed Senior Dog Food | It’s a higher-end food with a price to match, but it contains micronutrients that protect your dog’s joints – important for any Dachshund mix. |
No matter what food you pick, remember that you’ll also need to keep your Doxle active and exercising regularly to ensure they remain healthy.
Is it easy to train a Doxle?
Hound dogs were bred to work independently and follow their own judgment, which unfortunately means that although Doxles are intelligent dogs, they are often stubborn. This means obedience training, and especially housebreaking, can be difficult and time-consuming. However, it is possible with patience, and there are things you can do to make the process easier. Keep training sessions short and positive. Doxles are very sensitive to their owner’s moods, so if you become frustrated, so will your dog.
If housebreaking is a problem, consider crate training your Doxle. When done correctly, this helps your dog realize that the crate is a safe, relaxing place to call their own, and they won’t dig, chew, or make a mess while you’re out of the house. However, never leave your Doxle in the crate for more than a few hours at a time. If you do, you’re likely to get complaints from the neighbors, because a lonely, anxious Doxle will bark, bay, and howl constantly. This is likely to present a training challenge as well, so don’t adopt a Doxle if you can’t handle some noise from time to time.
As far as rewards for progress, Doxles love treats, but remember their propensity for obesity. If your Doxle responds to other rewards like toys or praise, mix those in, as well. The good news is that early socialization, while still important, isn’t as important with this breed as it is with some other, more aloof breeds. Your Doxle will naturally want to be around people and dogs. The key to obedience training is starting early and being consistent, but with some persistence, the time you put in will pay off.
Where to Find a Doxle
If a Doxle sounds like the right dog for you or your family, you typically have two options: adopting a Doxle or buying from a breeder. We always recommend adopting over shopping whenever possible, since there are so many dogs out there – mixed breeds in particular – who need a safe, loving home.
Doxle Adoptions
Although Dachshunds and Beagles are both popular breeds, Doxles are a little difficult to come by. Unfortunately, there don’t seem to be any rescue organizations dedicated specifically to fostering and rehoming Doxles. However, that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Most rescue agencies and shelters that focus on Dachshunds or Beagles also work with mixed breeds, so you can always check in with any breed-specific rescues near you. Of course, you can always pay regular visits to your local humane society shelter; you might get lucky and find just the right dog for you.
Doxle Breeders
If you can’t find the right dog for you after looking at multiple adoption sites, or if you have your heart set on a puppy with clearly established lineage, you can look for a responsible Doxle breeder. A responsible breeder will have a good reputation in the community, treat its breeding dogs well, and pair dogs together to create offspring with few health problems. Again, it can be difficult to find breeders that work exclusively with mixed breeds like Doxles – most focus on purebred dogs. You may have some luck asking your vet if they know any Doxle breeders.
As with rescues, there are websites that act as message boards for people buying and selling puppies. Once again, however, you will have to do your own research on the seller to make sure you’re getting what you pay for. If you don’t, you run the risk of getting a dog of uncertain lineage or even inadvertently supporting a puppy mill. However, we include these websites for the sake of completeness.
FAQs
Is a Doxle the best dog for me?
While this is a question you’ll have to answer for yourself, we can outline some families and/or households that are a good fit for a Doxle. These households have…
- At least one family member at home during the day to keep the dog company.
- Access to an outdoor space that can tolerate a little digging.
- The ability to visit a dog park regularly.
- Family members with plenty of time for exercise and play.
- Patience and consistency when it comes to obedience training.
- Other dogs to keep a Doxle company.
On the other hand, households would not be a good fit for a Doxle if…
- The dog would be left alone in a crate all day.
- You want an easily-trained dog.
- There is nowhere for the dog to run and play.
- Family members or neighbors are sensitive to barking and howling.
- You are unable to commit to providing the dog with regular exercise.
- There are other small pets like birds or cats.
Is Doxle good with children?
Yes, Doxles are excellent with children – though with a few caveats. First, Doxles can be relatively small dogs, and their Dachshund heritage means that their long backs need to be protected from injury. This means that very small or roughhousing children might accidentally injure a Dachshund. Just as dogs must be taught to play nicely with children, so children should learn how to play gently with dogs.
In the case of the Doxle, this becomes especially important around mealtime. Make sure children know not to interrupt your Doxle while they’re eating or try to take their food bowl away from them. Doxles are highly food-motivated, and although they’re unlikely to be aggressive, they may become defensive over food.
Do Doxles get along with other pets?
Doxles typically get along with other dogs very well. Beagles were bred to hunt in packs, which means they’re very social creatures. Dachshunds are more independent, but the Beagle’s sociability is a bit more likely in a Doxle mix. However, you’ll need to take great care when your Doxle is around other small animals including but not limited to birds, cats, rabbits, and hamsters.
Both Beagles and Dachshunds were bred to hunt small animals, so Doxles may see these other pets as prey to be chased or even killed. Of course, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible for a Doxle to get along with these other animals. However, you will need to socialize the animals carefully from a young age to ensure that they get along. Additionally, you may not want to leave them alone together.
Conclusion
Hopefully, you now have the information you need to decide whether a Doxle is a right dog for you and your family. Remember that no dog breed – and no individual dog – is perfect. However, with the right training and enough persistence and patience, even a stubborn dog like a Doxle can learn to fit in. At least you’ll never have to worry about affection – your Doxle will be a sweet, playful companion for years to come.
Other Dachshund Mixes
You might want to see more Dachshund mixes, check out the list below:
