The world of dog crossbreeds is full of fascinating characters. A great example of that is the dachshund and Lhasa Apso mix – a royal family hound. Descendant from the German badger-hunting dachshunds and the Himalayan temple guardians Lhasa Apso, the Dachsi Apso is a special dog and a great family pet.
What Does The Dachshund And Lhasa Apso Mix Look Like?
As there’s no set-in-stone standard for this crossbreed, it can really look like anything between its two parent breeds. As both parents are small and short-legged, however, so will the Dachsi Apso be. The expected size of this crossbreed is a maximum of 8 to 11 inches of height (20 to 28 cm) and 15 to 30 pounds of weight (7 to 13 kg). The exact length of this dog will vary between the standard Apso and the extra-long Doxie.
As for their coats, this really can be all over the place. Depending on the parents (and luck), a Dachsi Apso can be white, fawn, brown, or have other color tinges. The hair length will likely be medium and longer but it can be short too with a short-haired Doxie parent. It will always be dense and double-coated, however, and it will require daily brushing. This is especially true for long-haired Dachsi Apsos if you want to avoid tangling and all the problems that come from that.
The facial features of this breed can vary too. Dachshunds typically have long and narrow muzzles, while Lhasa Apso dogs are the exact opposite. The Apso breed is not just short-nosed, it’s Brachycephalic, meaning that its nose is so short it can have breathing difficulties. So, your Dachsi Apso can vary anywhere between these two extremes.
The Temperament Of The Doxie Lhasa Apso Mixes
This crossbreed’s temperament is one of its main selling points. Both dachshunds and Lhasa Apso dogs make for great family dogs, so it’s hardly a surprise that the same applies for the Dachsi Apso.
The two-parent breeds are a bit different though. Lhasa Apso dogs are a bit more aloof with strangers and also have a tendency to bark. Dachshunds, on the other hand, can have a slight prey drive toward small pets such as cats and rabbits and are also quite opinionated. So, a Dachsi Apso can inherit either or all of those “drawbacks”.
At the same time, however, both parent breeds and their crossbreed are very social and gentle with their families, love to play, and get along with children of all ages.
Some good obedience training is, of course, always required as is extensive socialization while the pup is young. Some no-bark training is also a good idea, especially if you live in an apartment building. And, if your Apso cross behaves more like a Doxie, get ready for a tough potty training period. Do that and you’ll get an adorable and playful family companion that will give you and your kids a lot of happy moments.
Exercise Needs Of A Lhasa Apso Dachshund Cross
Another great thing about this breed is that it doesn’t need all that much exercise to stay healthy. Because of their short legs and small size, Dachsi Apso dogs can feel perfectly fine with 45 to 60 minutes outside a day. These should typically be divided into two slow and leisurely walks around the block or to the nearby dog park.
If you don’t have a yard, that also won’t be a problem as the Dachsi Apso is small enough to get all its other playtime needs at home, in the comfort of your living room.
Is The Dachsi Apso A Healthy Breed?
It can be, but it can also inherit some possible health issues from its parent breeds. That’s normal for all crossbreeds, especially those between two drastically different parent breeds. For example, a Dachsi Apso will either inherit the dachshund’s long body and corresponding back problems or it won’t. It will either have the Lhasa Apso’s Brachycephalic syndrome and breathing difficulties or not.
In general, the possible health problems to watch out for include:
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
- Brachycephalic Syndrome
- Hip Dysplasia
- Allergies
Avoiding these and other problems is not an impossible task of course. It really is a two-step process. First, you need to make sure that you get a healthy pup. If you’re adopting, ask for a detailed medical history from the shelter or rescue. If you’re buying, be certain that you’re not shopping from a pet store and/or a puppy mill. Instead, only shop from reputable dog breeders who offer health certificates for all their dogs.
The second step is to simply make sure that you take good care of your dog. Quality food, regular exercise (without overexercising), and routine vet check-ups should ensure that your Dachsi Apso remains as healthy as possible and easily reaches and surpasses the breed’s 15-years average lifespan.
Pros And Cons Of Getting A Dachshund And Lhasa Apso Mix?
Pros:
- Adorable family dog
- Great with kids
- Low exercise requirements
Cons:
- Requires extensive daily brushing and grooming
- Has a tendency to bark
- You’ll need to watch out for certain health problems
Is A Dachshund And Lhasa Apso Mix The Right Dog For You?
The Dachsi Apso is a great option for families with small kids that want a nice indoor companion for their children. The Dachsi Apso breed doesn’t need that much outdoor time, it’s playful and social, and it always has a unique and adorable look.
These dogs do need quite a bit of grooming too, however, as well as proper socialization. If you’re an outdoorsy family, you should also keep in mind that these dogs neither tolerate being left home alone nor are they suited for long hikes outside. You should also be on the lookout for some possible health concerns such as back or breathing problems. But if all this doesn’t sound like too much trouble to you, a Dachsi Apso can give you a lot of joy and happiness for ~15 or even more years.
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