Pitbull Dachshund Mix (Pitwee) Breed Information Guide 

If you’re on the hunt for an incredibly unique dog, look no further than the Pitwee. With a name that sounds straight out of a Doctor Suess book, the Pitwee may not be as “wee” as you imagine.

In fact, the Pitwee, (AKA the Pitbull Dachshund Mix) can vary greatly in size and his temperament may not be ideally suited for first time dog owners.

Are you prepared to take on a Pitbull Dachshund Mix? Let’s find out!

Contents

The Pitbull Dachshund Mix – A Brief Overview

1 a brown dachshund mix in grass
The Pitbull Dachshund mix could look more like his Dachshund parent or more like his pitbull parent. Or he could fall somewhere in between.

Other Names: Pitwee, Pitweenie, Doxie Pit, and Pitschund, The Dachshund Pit

Height: 18 to 19 Inches

Weight: 40 to 70 Pounds

Temperament: Intelligent, Affectionate, Protective, Loyal, Playful, Spirited

Best Suited For: Experienced, Active and Committed Dog Owners

Lifespan: 8 to 12 Years

Health Issues: Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, Heart Disease, Hypothyroidism, Intervertebral Disk Disease, Eye Issues, Epilepsy, Diabetes, Obesity, Cushing’s Disease, Gastric Dilation-Volvulus (AKA Bloat) Deafness and Allergies

Overview:

A cross between the purebred Pitbull and the purebred Dachshund, the Pitbull Dachshund mix is certainly a sight to behold. With an elongated body and a large, boxy head, there are some who would coin this dog the Frankenstein of hybrids. However, not all Pitbull Dachshund mix dogs will look like those you come across in your Google Images search.

In fact, when it comes to hybrid dogs, many aspects of their physical appearance will often be left up to chance.

What we can say about the Pitbull Dachshund mix is that he’s a very new hybrid to the scene, and it can be difficult to get the full picture of the breed without taking a deeper dive into the histories of his parents.

With that noted, let’s talk about the Pitbull Dachshund mix dog’s origin.

Where Does The Pitbull Dachshund Mix Come From?

2 a pitbull dachshund with a boy in a red shirt
Pitbull Dachshunds are incredibly rare, and there is still very little we know about them.

It’s tough to predict what you’ll get with any crossbreed dog, but the Pitbull Dachshund mix is an especially vague shot in the dark when it comes to appearance. This is because the Pitbull Dachshund mix is a cross between two very different purebred dogs.

But why mix a Pitbull Dachshund? Historically, crossbreeding was utilized to hone in on certain characteristics and to combine desirable traits from different dogs into a single breed.

These characteristics were typically for working purposes, but many historians have also noted that plenty of our history’s dog’s were also bred for appearances sake.

The same is true today. Though crossbreeding is considered somewhat controversial, this is an age-old practice that has been going on since the beginning of the human and canine relationship.

When it comes to the Dachshund Pitbull in particular, it could be far-fetched to say this dog is a bred working dog.

More likely than not, Pitbull Dachshund mix dogs came about due to curiosity or accident. With that being said, there’s not very much of a demand for this unique hybrid. While crossbreed dogs are increasing in popularity, the Pitbull Dachshund mix still has yet to find his place as the hybrid kingdom’s top dog.

But that doesn’t mean you should count him out. The Pitbull Dachshund mix is incredibly fascinating and comes from two amazing and intelligent parents.

The Pitbull

The term “Pitbull” is a broad term used to describe several dogs that fall under a singular category. This category includes dogs with thick, muscular bodies, boxy heads, and a bloody history.

Sadly, the Pitbull was born from a violent past, and this history has left a dark cloud over the different breeds that fall under the Pitbull category.

Although Pitbull dogs were bred originally for bull baiting and fighting, they were the ideal dogs not so much for their aggressive nature, but instead for their incredible devotion, affectionate, and bravery. Their large jaws do give them an incredible bite force, however, and as with all dogs, it’s important that Pitbulls be raised in the right home with responsible and committed owners.

When socialized and trained properly, Pitbull dogs have the potential to make amazing companions. Many have even worked as service dogs, police dogs, military dogs, therapy dogs and more.

The Dachshund

Dachshunds, also affectionately referred to as weenie dogs or sausage dogs, are nearly impossible to misidentify. With their long bodies, stocky legs, long ears and spirited temperaments, Dachshunds are some of the world’s most popular purebreds.

These dogs come in two size varieties and three coat types. They also come in an endless array of coat colors and combinations.

Historically, Dachshunds were bred hunting dogs. In fact, the name Dachshund roughly translates in German to “badger dog”.

Though small, the courageous Dachshund is a bred hunting dog born for digging. His pointed nose, paddle-like paws and long body made him the perfect digging machine, especially when it came to digging badgers out of their dens.

Today, Dachshunds still maintain that feisty temperament. They have a quirky personality and, though comedic and affectionate, can be bossy and temperamental if not properly trained, raised and socialized.

What To Expect Out of A Pitbull Dachshund Mix

When you consider combining the Pitbull and the Dachshund, it can be difficult to imagine what you would get as far as temperament, health and appearance.

The truth is, and as we mentioned above, most of these characteristics can and will be left up to chance and genetics.

However, there are a few things we can tell you about what to expect with the Pitbull Dachshund mix.

But first, let’s talk about their health.

What You Should Know About The Health Of A Pitbull Dachshund Mix

3 a brown pitbull dachshund laying down
Due to his unique body shape, the Pitbull Dachshund can be prone to some serious back issues.

Like all dogs, the Pitbull Dachshund mix can be prone to a number of genetic health issues. However, one of the benefits of a hybrid dog like the Pitbull Dachshund mix is that they have the benefit of hybrid vigor.

Hybrid vigor is the idea that mixed dogs like the Pitbull Dachshund mix are less likely to inherit certain genetic health issues due to their widened gene pool.

However, it should also be noted that crossbreed dogs also have a longer list of health issues to contend with as they have two different parent breeds they could take after.

With all that noted, it’s important to care for your Pitbull Dachshund mix in the same way you would care for any dog when it comes to being proactive with their health.

We suggest doing plenty of research and understanding the most common ailments associated with this kind of dog, and then looking into ways to combat certain health issues.

It’s also important to remember that the Pitbull in particular is not a breed, but instead an umbrella term used to describe a number of dog breeds. Each Pitubll breed can suffer from different ailments, so the issues your unique Pitbull Dachshund mix could be predisposed to will vary based on his particular parentage.

The Pitbull Dachshund Mix Average Lifespan: 8 to 12 Years

The Pitbull Dachshund Mix Dog’s Most Common Health Issues:

  • Elbow Dysplasia
  • Heart Disease
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Intervertebral Disk Disease
  • Eye Issues
  • Epilepsy
  • Diabetes
  • Cushing’s Disease
  • Gastric Dilation-Volvulus (AKA Bloat)
    • Obesity

Although the above health issues are the health issues most commonly seen in a Pitbull Dachshund mix, it’s important to remember that these dogs can be predisposed to any of the same health issues as their parent breeds.

It can be difficult to know exactly what your unique Pitbull Dachshund mix could be at the highest risk for developing as he ages, but there are steps you can take as an owner to help combat certain health issues and ensure your Pitbull Dachshund Mix lives his healthiest and happiest life.

Diet:

From day one, your dog’s diet will play a major role in his development, mental soundness, health, and physical well being.

For this reason, it’s imperative that you invest in a quality dog food specified for your dog’s age, weight and activity level.

You should also note that dogs like the Pitbull Dachshund Mix have been found to suffer more predominantly from allergies, foot sensitivity and Bloat, all of which can be exacerbated by a poor diet.

When it comes to the PItbull Dachshund mix in particular, we recommend a dog food rich in real animal protein, carbs, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and a dog food that contains a good source of water.

Along with diet, you might also consider investing in a slow feeder or puzzle feeder.

Outward Hound Puzzle Feeder

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A slow feeder like the one listed above can help combat serious digestive issues and health problems like Gastric Dilation-Volvulus. Gastric Dilation-Volvulus, also known as Bloat, is a serious and often life threatening condition that is often brought on when a dog eats or drinks too quickly, thus swallowing air.

Slow feeders work by forcing your dog to slow down during mealtimes. Not only does this help improve digestion and help prevent Bloat, but it also helps make mealtime more fun for your dog which is always a plus.

Early Health Screening:

Along with ensuring your Pitbull Dachshund Mix maintains a quality diet from puppyhood on, you might also consider health screening.

If you get your Pitbull Dachshund Mix through a reputable breeder or source, you’ll often be provided with paperwork proving your dog has been screened and cleared of any serious health issues.

However, if you go through other sources to obtain your Pitbull Dachshund Mix, you may not have been provided with information on his parentage or pedigree.

Health screening is an easy way to get a better idea of what your dog may be predisposed to. Many dog DNA kits, which you can order online, are also a fun way to learn more about your dog’s unique history and origin.

Routine Vet Visits:

Like people, pets should be seen at least once a year by their veterinarian for routine wellness exams and physicals. For a medium to large dog like the Pitbull Dachshund mix, it is also recommended that he see the vet bi-annually once he reaches the age of seven.

We understand that caring for a dog’s medical needs can be expensive. The good news is that you have the option of investing in pet health insurance, which can help drastically in cases where serious medical issues crop up unexpectedly.

Proper Exercise, Mental Stimulation and Grooming

Ensuring your Pitbull Dachshund mix is properly groomed, exercised and kept mentally stimulated will also play a major role in his overall health and mental wellbeing.

But just how much commitment will it take for you in order to keep up with these important routines with your Pitbull Dachshund Mix?

Keep reading to find out.

Let’s Talk About The Pitbull Dachshund Dog’s Temperament

4 a pitbull dachshund mix puppy
When properly raised and socialized at an early age, a Pitbull Dachshund mix can make a loving and affectionate family companion.

The Pitbull Dachshund Mix is a unique dog with a unique temperament. On the one hand, both Pitbull dogs and Dachshunds are known for their spirited and quirky personalities. On the other hand, Pitbulls are fiercely loyal and devoted while Doxies can be a bit, well, indifferent to your requests from time to time.

Both dogs are affectionate, however, and both are very playful. This means you can expect your Pitbull Dachshund mix to be just as affectionate and fun loving.

However, this is also a mixed breed that can be quite a handful. The Pitbull Dachshund mix is sure to be energetic, outgoing and perhaps even rambunctious from time to time.

Without proper training and socialization, he could be overwhelming for the unprepared dog owner.

Pitbull Dachshund mix dogs could get along well with other dogs they are raised with, but they may not always be fond of strange dogs they meet in the streets or through the fence.

We should also note that, while a Pitbull Dachshund mix can make a good family pet under the right conditions, it’s important to never leave children unsupervised around the family dog.

If you plan on raising your Pitbull Dachshund mix with children, we suggest working with children to teach them how to understand basic canine body language.

It’s also important to note that the Pitbull Dachshund mix could be prone to digging. This comes from his Dachshund parent breed, and the behaviors could present themselves more heavily if your Pitbull Dachshund mix becomes bored or is under stimulated.

The Pitbull Dachshund Mix And Exercise

5 a dachshund mix with a black harness
Dachshund and Dachshund mix dogs have a unique body shape, so finding the right fitting harness is important.

In spite of his stocky stature, Pitbull Dachshund mix dogs require plenty of daily routine exercise. However, this exercise will need to be customized for your unique dog’s body shape.

If your Pitbull Dachshund mix is built more like his Dachshund parent, he may be more prone to some serious back and joint issues. Routine exercise can help combat back issues in the dog, but improper exercise may also make these issues worse.

A good walk once or twice a day through your neighborhood along with plenty of free playtime in a securely fenced in yard should help keep your Pitbull Dachshund mix looking and feeling his best.

Remember, the Pitbull Dachshund dog comes from two parent breeds with a high prey drive, so when you are out and about walking your dog be sure you are doing so with the proper leash and harness.

Easy Walk Front Clip Harness

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Finding a harness that fits your Pitbull Dachshund Mix correctly could be difficult, but we think that the Easy Walk Front Clip Harness listed above should do the trick. This harness is designed to clip in the front to reduce pulling and pressure put on your dog’s throat and trachea.

Not only is this more comfortable and safer for the PItbull Dachshund Mix, but it also allows you better control if your dog pulls ahead of you. If this happens, the front clip harness will gently redirect him back to your side.

Walking on this type of harness and utilizing treats and praise during outings can even help teach good walking manners with your dog if kept consistent.

Along with walking your dog and keeping him properly exercised, it’s also important to keep his mind active.

Pitbull Dachshund Mix dogs are intelligent and are used to having jobs to do. You can help keep your Pitbull Dachshund mix mentally stimulated by investing in puzzle toys, snuffle mats, KONG toys, and quality chews that help keep them busy and active, especially while you are away.

Remember, if not kept properly trained and metally stimulated, a Pitbull Dachshund mix can be prone to boredom that can lead to serious destructive behaviors including barking, marking, chewing and digging.

Tips On Socialization and Training A Pitbull Dachshund Mix

6 a happy pitbull mix
Training and socialization will help ensure your Pitbull Dachshund mix is happy and well rounded.

As with all dogs, training and socialization are foundational tools the Pitbull Dachshund mix needs early in his life in order to thrive.

Though they can be stubborn from time to time, the Pitbull Dachshund Mix can be a joy to train when owners take the time to build a strong and trusting bond.

In fact, the Pitbull Dachshund Mix dog will even enjoy learning from you so long as you keep sessions short, gamelike and fun.

When training, avoid using aversive training techniques like punishments and scolding. Instead, use positive reinforcement and utilize treats, praise and patience.

Dogs learn best under this type of guidance, and negative punishments during training may not only hinder your dog’s ability to learn, but even harm the bond built between the two of you.

It’s never too early to begin training a Pitbull Dachshund mix. In fact, you can begin from the moment you bring your puppy or rescue dog home and continue with training throughout your dog’s lifetime.

The same goes for socialization. When socializing your dog, it’s important to begin as early as possible and introduce your Pitbull Dachshund mix to as many new experiences, people, places, sounds, sights and other animals as possible.

The most important thing to remember when socializing any dog is to try and help your dog have a positive first impression of different experiences. This will help him associate the world around him with positivity instead of negativity that could lead to fear.

With that being said, avoid forcing your Pitbull Dachshund mix into any situation that you can see clearly frightens him. Forcing your dog to “face his fears” may actually exasperate these fears and lead to further behavioral problems down the road.

Grooming A Pitbull Dachshund Mix – What You Should Know

7 a close up of a pitbull dachshund mix
Grooming a Pitbull Dachshund mix properly is important as these dogs can be prone to skin sensitivities.

The Pitbull Dachshund mix dog’s coat can vary depending primarily on his Dachshund parent. For the most part, Pitbulls have short, smooth coats that shed moderately. Dachshunds, on the other hand, can have smooth coats, wire-coats, or long coats.

Regardless of which type of coat your Pitbull Dachshund dog inherits from his parent breeds, he is going to be a shedding dog that requires routine brushing and grooming in order to keep him looking and feeling his best.

On average, the Pitbull Dachshund Mix should be brushed once or twice a week with a quality deshedding tool. He should also have his ears checked often to keep them free of buildup and debris to help avoid ear infections, and his nails will need to be trimmed down every few weeks to keep them from cracking or splitting if they become too long.

You should also note that Pitbull Dachshund mix dogs can be prone to allergies and skin sensitivities. For this reason, we recommend not overbathing your Pitbull Dachshund mix.

Wash him once every six weeks or so using a hypoallergenic dog shampoo that is soothing and helps alleviate skin sensitives and itchiness.

The Natural Dog Company Itchy Dog Shampoo

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For dogs with potential skin sensitivities, we like the Natural Dog Company’s Itchy Dog Shampoo. This shampoo is made with all natural ingredients and is unscented. Most importantly, it is hypoallergenic and made with quality ingredients that can soothe itchiness and reduce allergies in dogs with skin issues.

Outside of brushing, bathing, ear cleanings and nail care, it’s also important that you care for your Pitbull Dachshund dog’s teeth. Just as with people, oral care with dogs should be administered at least once a day using a dog safe toothbrush and toothpaste.

If your dog doesn’t let you brush his teeth, you can always use alternatives like dental water additives, oral wipes or dental chews. We also recommend bringing your Pitbull Dachshund Mix into your vet annually for a professional dental cleaning.

Is The Pitbull Dachshund Mix Right For You?

8 a tan do glaying in a brown bed
The Pitbull Dachshund dog may not be ideally suited for first time dog owners.

The Pitbull Dachshund Mix is a unique dog with many winning qualities, but he is certainly not the right dog for everyone.

In fact, most experts agree that the Pitbull Dachshund Mix is best suited for more experienced dog owners. This would include dog owners with a basic understanding of high-energy working breeds and breeds with a tendency to be stubborn or have a high prey drive.

However, if you are equipped and prepared to raise a Pitbull Dachshund Mix, and if you take the time to commit to training, exercise, socialization and mental stimulation, this is a hybrid dog that has the potential to make a fabulous family companion.

With all that noted, the ideal home type for this type of dog should be considered. Because of his energy level, the Pitbull Dachshund mix likely does not make the best apartment dog.

He will do best in homes with active owners who are able to exercise him once or twice a day and allow him free play time in a securely fenced yard.

And while some Pitbull Dachshund Mix dogs can get along well with other dogs, it is likely that the Pitbull Dachshund mix will be best suited for a single dog household.

How To Find A Pitbull Dachshund Mix Puppy Or Rescue Dog

9 a woman on a computer
Finding a Pitbull Dachshund Mix will likely take time and plenty of research.

Have you been searching for a Pitbull Dachshund Mix puppy or rescue? If so, you’ve likely come across very scarce information.

The Pitbull Dachshund mix is still a relatively new hybrid to the scene and he’s incredibly rare.

In fact, at the time this article is being written, we have been unable to find certified breeders of Pitbull Dachshund mix puppies.

Of course, that doesn’t mean you should give up hope. If you have your heart set on a Pitbull Dachshund Mix, we suggest doing plenty of extensive research.

Look for a breeder that is qualified and has a history or understanding of these types of dogs. We also suggest breeders who will go the extra mile to ensure proper and responsible breeding practices.

Avoid backyard breeders, online sellers, or those selling Pitbull Dachshund mix dogs for much more or much less than the average price of these types of dogs.

The average cost of these dogs, however, is yet to be established as they are still quite rare.

On the flip side, you may have a better chance of finding a Pitbull Dachshund mix in a rescue or shelter that has been accidentally bred. While this dog may not be a true hybrid and more along the lines of a mutt (a mix of more than two purebred dogs), you can still have all the benefits of hybrid vigor and the wonderful qualities of both the dachshund and the Pitbull combined.

We hope this has been a helpful guide on the PItbull Dachshund mix! We would love to hear what you think about this incredible hybrid and if you have had any luck with finding a breeder.

Leave us your opinion about this unique dog in the comment section below.

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