The Golden Dox has an unusual pair of parents: the Golden Retriever and the Dachshund. The huge difference between both breeds’ sizes might lead some dog enthusiasts to wonder how they were able to produce Golden Retriever cross puppies.
Our article will answer this question and also provide useful details about the Golden Dox’s appearance, size, personality, and more.
Golden Dachshund Cross Origins
Accidental mating is believed to play a role in the Golden Dox’s existence like other mixed-breed dogs. However, there is a lack of documentation when it comes to the intentional breeding and development of this hybrid canine.
On the other hand, the history of his parent breeds is well-recorded. Looking into them helps us understand what kind of dog the Golden Dachshund cross is.
The Golden Retriever first served as a gundog that can navigate rocky terrain and marshy bogs to retrieve game. His bright and friendly disposition endeared him to many dog fanciers throughout the centuries.
The Golden Retriever rose to prominence and became one of the most favourite dog breeds of all time. Not only is he wonderful as a canine companion, but he also excels in other canine work such as being a guide or service dog, search and rescue dog, and contraband detection dog.
The Dachshund was developed as a tenacious hunting dog for small to relatively larger game such as badgers, rabbits, wild boar, and foxes. His headstrong and independent nature did not stop dog lovers from keeping him as a beloved pet.
The Golden Retriever and the Dachshund are both officially recognised by major kennel clubs including the UK Kennel Club.
Unfortunately, the Golden Dox is yet to gain his purebred status mainly because he is considered a relatively new mixed breed. However, he can be registered with the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA).
Golden Dachshund Cross Breeding
Crossing a Dachshund dam with a Golden Retriever sire can lead to mating issues like vaginal tearing. Moreover, if a pregnancy does occur, the mother may face birthing issues as large foetuses cannot easily pass through her narrow birth canal.
In this case, a costly C-section is often needed for the safety of both the dam and her puppies.
A safer option for breeders is to have the larger dog as the dam. Natural mating can be challenging but less dangerous. The same goes for pregnancy since the female Golden Retriever has more space in her womb and has a wider birth canal.
Breeders with the means can go for artificial insemination, which does not require dogs to mate. However, this route has its downsides such as the possibility of a pregnancy not taking place.
Golden Dachshund Cross Physical Traits
That being said, many of them share certain similar features. Golden Dachshund cross dogs often have an elongated and well-muscled body and short legs.
Their heads are shaped wider than their Dachshund parents. They have a long muzzle, almond-shaped dark brown eyes, and a black or brown nose. Their floppy and pendulous ears sit high on their head.
The Golden Dachshund cross’s coat has many variations just like his parent breeds. He can possess either short, medium, or long hair. Depending on which parent he takes after, his coat may grow to be straight, wavy, or wiry.
Short-furred Golden Doxies will have single coats whilst those with wirehair and longhair may sport double coats.
The coat colours of the Golden Dachshund cross come in several varieties too. Some of the most common are cream, gold, red, and yellow.
Golden Dachshund Cross Size
Since these mixed-breed dogs are relatively small, they can live in both large and less spacious homes.
However, their owners must provide ample physical and mental exercise to keep them from getting restless and bored.
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Golden Dachshund Cross Grooming
Taking trips to a professional groomer is also recommended every 4 to 6 weeks for wirehaired Golden Dachshund cross dogs to avoid mats and tangles in their fur.
Bathing these mixed-breed canines should be done once a month. Refrain from frequently washing their coats as this dries out their skin and hair.
Floppy-eared dogs like the Golden Dachshund cross need once-a-week ear cleaning since they are highly prone to ear infections. Trim their nails weekly and brush their teeth daily.
Golden Dachshund Cross Temperament
Many Golden Dachshund cross dogs inherit the overly people-loving nature of their Golden Retriever parent. These pooches are wonderful canine companions but not guard dogs because they can be quite trusting towards strangers.
With this in mind, never leave a Golden Dox outdoors without a guardian to keep him safe from dognappers.
Although the Golden Dachshund cross is generally a friendly dog, he requires proper socialisation and training during puppyhood much like any canine. These are integral in shaping him into a well-mannered and approachable pooch.
The Golden Dox is a good fit for families with children provided that their interactions are supervised. His small size makes him very susceptible to injuries if roughly handled during playtime.
This mixed-breed dog does well with other canines, especially those of the same size as him. However, housing the Golden Dachshund cross with smaller animals is not recommended since he tends to have a high prey drive like the Dachshund.
Golden Dachshund Cross Training
However, the stubborn streak of their Dachshund parent may appear from time to time. Dealing with their obstinacy can be frustrating, but never use heavy-handed correction methods as they will do little in improving their training results.
Use positive reinforcement to keep them motivated every training session. Be sure to hand out treats and praises at the right moments to solidify ideal behaviours.
Obesity is one of the most common health issues in the Golden Retriever and Dachshund dog breeds. So make the appropriate adjustments to the amount of the Golden Dox’s dog food whenever you give him training treats.
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Golden Dachshund Cross Exercise Needs
Both parents of the Golden Dachshund cross are working dogs. Thus, they naturally have high levels of energy and the same goes for their offspring.
The Golden Dox will need at least 60 minutes of exercise per day. Apart from giving them walks, provide them with physically and mentally stimulating activities such as hide-and-seek, fetch, nose work, and obstacle course.
It is also a good idea to let him participate in dog sports that engage his high prey drive like agility, flyball, and treibball.
Keep the Golden Dachshund cross on a lead when walking him outdoors unless he has good recall skills. Or else he might chase after any small animals that come to his path.
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FAQs About the Golden Dachshund Cross
1. What Is a Golden Dachshund Cross?
The Golden Dachshund cross is a mix between the Golden Retriever and the Dachshund.
When producing this dog breed, using a Doxie dam is greatly discouraged. Her small body will have difficulties in supporting and giving birth to large foetuses, which can result in fatal pregnancies.
2. Do Golden Dachshund Cross Dogs Shed?
Golden Dachshund cross dogs do shed in moderate amounts daily. Brushing their coats every day prevents loose hairs from piling up in your home and minimizes mats and tangles.
As the Golden Dox is a moderate shedder, he is not the best canine companion for people with dog allergies.
3. What Is the Temperament of a Golden Dachshund Cross?
The Golden Dachshund cross has a gentle and jovial temperament. A trusting and people–loving dog, he can quickly befriend various types of people, even shady strangers.
So always keep an eye on Golden Doxies, especially when spending time outdoors, to avoid the risks of dognapping.
4. Are Golden Dachshund Cross Dogs Aggressive?
Golden Dachshund cross dogs are not aggressive, but they can inherit their Dachshund parent’s wariness toward unfamiliar people.
For this reason, Golden Dachshund puppy mixes need early socialisation and training. These prevent them from viewing all strangers as a threat and help them grow into friendly yet discerning canine companions.
Conclusion
The Golden Dox is essentially a Golden Retriever in a smaller package. His friendly and joyful personality makes him a great match for dog lovers of all ages.
Breeding the Golden Dachshund cross can be difficult and dangerous if not done correctly due to the stark size difference between his parents. When searching for a breeder, get to know their breeding practices to ensure that they are ethical and value their dogs’ lives.
