Knowing what health issues your pup can develop is priceless which is why we’ve prepared this quick guide of the main dachshund pitbull mix health problems. None of these are necessarily going to befall your dog, of course. What’s more, with the right care, health certificate knowledge, and a bit of luck, the pitbull doxie mix can be as healthy as any other dog.
So, what exactly do you need to know to keep your Doxbull pup healthy and happy?
What Are the Main Dachshund Pitbull Mix Health Problems You Should Be Wary Of?
- Hypothyroidism – all dachshund crosses can develop this condition as early as 2-6 years of age. Weight gain, lethargy, and skin issues are common symptoms of hypothyroidism.
- Cancer – canine neoplasia which is the most common cause of death for pure dachshunds
- Heart diseases – another very common health problem for both dachshunds and pitbulls
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) – a common issue for dogs with elongated bodies like the dachshund. If your pup’s body shape is similar to that of its pitbull parent, this shouldn’t be much of an issue.
- Lafora Disease – this form of myoclonic epilepsy is especially likely if your Doxbull has a miniature wirehaired dachshund parent.
- Eye problems such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), glaucoma, and cataracts are all possible
- Bloating, i.e. Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus is a risk for deep-chested breeds like the pitbull and is even possible for dachshunds.
- Cushing’s Disease or Hyperadrenocorticism is notable for the elevated levels of cortisol. This condition is noticeable through the lethargy, poor hair condition, bloating, and increased appetite that it causes.
- Diabetes – a risk for both pitbulls and dachshunds. Diabetes can be identified by the excessive water consumption and urination it causes. Cloudy eyes, recurring infections, and decreased appetite are also likely.
- Weight issues – dachshunds are very prone to becoming overweight if they are not given enough exercise.
- Deafness – all dogs with merle or white coats are predisposed to be deaf. That applies to pitbulls and therefore – to white Doxbulls too.
- Hip dysplasia – not as common for dachshund but more possible for pitbulls and their mixed sub-breeds.
- Allergies – both parent breeds of the pitbull doxie mix are prone to skin allergies.
Are the Dachshund Pitbull Mix Health Problems More Likely than For Other Dogs?
Predispositions aren’t guarantees. In fact, when we say that a disease is “likely” or “common” that doesn’t even mean that the likelihood is over 50%. Additionally, many of the above conditions are common for either dachshunds or pitbulls, not always for both. So, depending on which parent your Doxbull takes after, many conditions will be very unlikely.
All in all, it’s not really possible to say whether Doxbulls are higher or lower than average on the disease likelihood scale. That’s because they are a pretty new mixed breed and we don’t have enough statistics about them.
However, with the right care and preventative vet visits your Doxbull can easily live up to quite an old age.
What Are the Average Annual Medical Expenses for Looking After a Pitbull Doxie Mix?
This will depend on where you live and what vet you’re working with. Even just in the United States, there is a wide range in the prices between certain states. On average, however, you’re looking at somewhere between $460 and $560 annual medical expenses for your dachshund pitbull mix health problems.
Of course, if you’re lucky and your pup is healthier than average these can be even lower. However, based on some genetic predispositions, sub-par care, or just bad luck, you can be looking at high four digits or even five-digit annual medical expenses.
Should you get pet insurance for your half pitbull half wiener dog cross?
Getting pet insurance can be a good idea if you know or strongly suspect that your dog is going to have some significant health problems in the future. If your pup is young and healthy, however, that may be a waste.
A good way to judge whether your Doxbull needs pet insurance is to have a health certificate from the start.
The Importance of Health Certificates for Genetic Predispositions for The Doxbull
Pet health certificates are one of the many reasons why you shouldn’t get dogs from pet stores. A reputable breeder will always offer you a health certificate for the pup your buying that fully details their health and genetic predispositions.
Additionally, you should also be given the health certificates of the Doxbull’s parents. Getting to see the parents themselves in person is also recommended.
All this will give you a great deal of information as to what the health of your new pup is going to be. Armed with this information you can decide on any of the following:
- How to take care of your Doxbull pup
- When and whether to get pet insurance
- Whether to get the pup at all
What Is the Average Lifespan of a Half Pitbull Half Wiener Dog Cross?
The typical dachshund pitbull mix health problems aren’t the only thing that will decide your dog’s eventual lifespan. An even bigger factor is which parent is your Doxbull resembling more.
The average dachshund lifespan is 12 to 16 years while pitbulls can vary more and range between 8 and 15 years. So, if your Doxbull is more closely related to its dachshund parent, you can be looking at a longer lifespan.
Of course, making sure that your pup has a few genetic predispositions as possible is also very helpful. With that and good care, diet, and exercise, a Doxbull mix can live as long as a healthy dachshund. As for the average, however, that’s usually around 8 to 12 years.
Should You Stay Away From the Pitbull Doxie Mix Because of Health Concerns?
In a word – No. Doxbulls are not the healthiest breed out there but they are not too bad either. As long as you’ve made sure that your dog’s parents are as healthy as possible, everything should be fine. Most of the dachshund pitbull mix health problems are due to genetic predispositions so that’s a big part of the equation. With a positive health certificate and good care, your pitbull doxie mix can live a long and healthy life.
