Dachsador
Hybrid Breed Description
The Dachsador is a cross between the Dachshund and the Labrador Retriever. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Dachsador. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Dachshund
The Dachshund presents one of the most recognizable silhouettes in the canine world with its long body and remarkably short legs creating the distinctive low-slung profile that earned the breed affectionate nicknames like sausage dog or wiener dog. This unique body structure results from a form of dwarfism called chondrodysplasia. The breed comes in two size categories: standard Dachshunds typically weigh between sixteen and thirty-two pounds and stand around eight to nine inches at the shoulder, while miniature Dachshunds weigh eleven pounds or less and stand only five to six inches tall. Dogs falling between these weights are informally called tweenies, though this is not an official classification. The breed exhibits three distinct coat varieties, each with different grooming requirements and textures. The smooth or shorthaired coat is sleek and glossy with minimal grooming needs. Longhaired Dachshunds feature flowing, silky fur that is longest on the ears, chest, legs, and tail, creating an elegant appearance. The wirehaired variety displays a coarse, wiry outer coat with a softer undercoat, along with distinctive facial furnishings including a bushy beard and prominent eyebrows that give a more rugged, terrier-like appearance. Coat colors present tremendous variety including solid red, black, chocolate, cream, or wild boar coloring. Bicolor combinations like black and tan, chocolate and tan, or blue and tan are common, with additional patterns including dapple, brindle, piebald, and sable. The head features an elongated muzzle that tapers toward the nose, combined with large, floppy ears that hang well below the jaw and dark, almond-shaped eyes that convey an alert, intelligent expression. Front paws are disproportionately large and paddle-shaped, perfectly adapted for digging—a trait developed from the breed's badger-hunting heritage. The loose skin allows these dogs to maneuver through tight burrows without tearing. A long tail carried in line with the back completes the package. The Dachshund's entire physical structure reflects centuries of selective breeding for hunting burrow-dwelling prey, with every feature serving the practical purpose of pursuing animals underground. Despite their small stature, these are muscular, athletic dogs built for endurance and determination in the field.
Key Characteristics
The Dachshund exhibits a bold, courageous temperament that belies its small size, often displaying fearlessness when confronting animals much larger than itself. Originally bred to pursue badgers and other dangerous quarry into underground burrows, the breed retains a tenacious, determined personality that can border on stubbornness. These dogs are intelligent and independent thinkers, qualities that helped them work autonomously when hunting but can present training challenges for owners who expect immediate obedience. They respond best to patient, consistent training using positive reinforcement methods with treats and toys as motivators, though their strong-willed nature means training requires persistence and creativity. As family companions, Dachshunds form strong bonds with their people and display deep loyalty and affection toward family members. They can be excellent with children when treated respectfully, though their long backs make them vulnerable to injury from rough play or improper handling. The breed functions well as a watchdog, using its surprisingly loud bark to alert owners to anything unusual. However, some individuals can become excessive barkers without proper training. Dachshunds may show aloofness or even aggression toward strangers and unfamiliar dogs if not properly socialized from puppyhood. Personality variations exist among the three coat types, with longhaired varieties reportedly being calmer, smooth-coated dogs having more moderate energy, and wirehaired Dachshunds displaying more outgoing, clownish personalities. The hunting heritage manifests in strong prey drives and an irresistible urge to follow scent trails, making secure fencing and leash use essential in unfenced areas. Many Dachshunds love to dig, a behavior deeply ingrained from generations of burrowing after prey. The breed exhibits moderate to high energy levels and requires daily exercise through walks and play sessions to maintain physical and mental health. Without adequate stimulation, these dogs may develop destructive behaviors. They adapt well to various living situations including apartments, provided their exercise and attention needs are met. Dachshunds can be possessive of toys and food, and may not appreciate other small pets like rodents. Overall, the breed offers a unique combination of courage, loyalty, playfulness, and determination that appeals to owners who appreciate their spirited personality and can provide the patient, consistent leadership these independent-minded dogs require to thrive as beloved family members.
The Dachshund typically enjoys a lifespan of twelve to sixteen years, though their distinctive elongated body structure predisposes them to several serious health concerns that prospective owners must understand and monitor throughout the dog's life. The most significant and potentially devastating condition is intervertebral disc disease, affecting up to twenty-five percent of Dachshunds at some point in their lives. This spinal condition occurs when the cushioning discs between vertebrae bulge, rupture, or herniate, causing pain, nerve damage, and potentially complete paralysis. A genetic mutation that causes shortened legs also leads to premature disc degeneration, making virtually all Dachshunds vulnerable regardless of lifestyle factors. Preventing back injuries requires vigilant management of the dog's activities throughout life. Dachshunds should absolutely not jump on or off furniture, run up and down stairs, or engage in movements that twist or torque the spine. Proper support when lifting the dog—always using both hands to support the chest and hindquarters—is essential. Maintaining ideal body weight through careful feeding proves critical, as obesity places tremendous additional strain on the vulnerable back. Swimming and controlled walking provide excellent low-impact exercise that strengthens supporting muscles without risking injury. Despite these precautions, some dogs still develop disc problems due to the genetic predisposition. Other orthopedic issues include patellar luxation where the kneecap slips out of position, causing intermittent lameness and discomfort. Hip dysplasia can occur though less commonly than in larger breeds. Diabetes affects Dachshunds more frequently than many other breeds, causing excessive thirst, urination, and weight changes that require lifelong insulin management. Eye problems including cataracts, glaucoma, and progressive retinal atrophy can lead to vision impairment or blindness. Skin conditions and allergies manifest as itching, rashes, and ear infections, particularly in dogs with long, floppy ears that trap moisture. Dappled or merle-coated dogs carrying double merle genes face increased risks of deafness and vision problems. Dental disease develops readily without regular tooth brushing and professional cleanings. Working with reputable breeders who test for genetic conditions, maintaining healthy weight, avoiding activities that stress the back, providing appropriate exercise, and seeking prompt veterinary care when issues arise all contribute to helping Dachshunds live full, comfortable lives despite their structural vulnerabilities.
Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever stands as a medium to large breed displaying an athletic, well-proportioned build that reflects its heritage as a versatile working dog. Males typically measure twenty-two and a half to twenty-four and a half inches at the shoulder and weigh sixty-five to eighty pounds, while females stand twenty-one and a half to twenty-three and a half inches tall and weigh fifty-five to seventy pounds. The body appears short-coupled with length from shoulder to rump equal to or slightly longer than height at the withers, creating a balanced, square to slightly rectangular profile. Strong, muscular construction throughout provides the power and stamina needed for retrieving work, yet the breed should move with effortless efficiency and never appear cloddy or lumbering. The most distinctive physical features include the famous otter tail—thick at the base, tapering toward the tip, and covered in short dense fur creating a rounded appearance—and the characteristic double coat. The outer coat is short, straight, and dense with a weather-resistant quality, while the soft undercoat provides insulation and water repellency. This coat requires regular brushing but serves Labs well during extended periods working in water and harsh conditions. The breed comes in three solid colors: black, yellow ranging from pale cream to deep fox red, and chocolate from light to dark brown. A small white spot on the chest is permissible though not desirable. The head displays a broad skull with a moderate stop, a clean-cut appearance without excessive skin, and powerful jaws capable of carrying game gently without damage—the soft mouth being a prized trait. Medium-sized eyes set well apart express intelligence, good temperament, and a kind, friendly character, with color being brown or hazel in yellow and black dogs and brown or hazel in chocolate dogs. Ears of medium size hang close to the head in a pendant fashion and are set rather far back. The neck rises strongly from well-laid-back shoulders with moderate arch, providing proper length for comfortable retrieving. Legs are straight and well-boned with large round feet, and the paws feature webbing between the toes that aids swimming. Overall, every aspect of the Labrador's physical structure serves the practical purpose of functioning as an efficient retriever of game on land and in water, with a balance enabling movement with little effort whether working in the field or showing in the ring.
Key Characteristics
The Labrador Retriever exhibits an exceptionally friendly, outgoing temperament that has made the breed consistently one of the most popular in the world. Kind, eager to please, and non-aggressive toward people or animals, Labs display a gentle disposition combined with intelligence and trainability that makes them excel in countless roles from family companion to service dog to search and rescue work. They form deep bonds with their families and thrive on human interaction and companionship, showing affection toward all family members including children. Their patient, tolerant nature combined with playful energy makes them wonderful with kids, though supervision remains important with young children due to the breed's exuberance and strong tail that can accidentally knock over toddlers. The strong retrieving instinct bred into Labs for generations manifests in an overwhelming urge to carry objects in their mouths, pick things up, and bring items back to their people. This trait makes them naturally motivated during training and eager participants in games of fetch, but also means they may mouth people or become destructive chewers if not provided appropriate toys and outlets. Many Labs retain intense enthusiasm for water and swimming, reflecting their heritage as water retrievers. Intelligence and desire to work as partners with humans makes Labradors highly trainable using positive reinforcement methods with treats and praise as rewards. They learn quickly and enjoy having jobs to perform, though their food motivation requires careful management to prevent obesity. Labradors possess high energy levels throughout most of their lives and require substantial daily exercise—typically an hour or more—to maintain physical and mental health. Without adequate activity and stimulation, these dogs can become destructive through chewing, digging, and excessive barking. Field line Labs tend toward especially high energy and drive, while show line dogs may be somewhat calmer though still active. Labs generally get along well with other dogs and pets when properly socialized, showing the pack-oriented nature of their hunting heritage. They typically greet strangers with friendliness rather than suspicion, making them poor guard dogs despite their tendency to bark when announcing visitors. The breed does not do well when left alone for extended periods, potentially developing separation anxiety and related behavioral problems. Overall, the Labrador Retriever offers an ideal combination of gentle companionship, intelligence, trainability, and working ability that appeals to active families who can provide the exercise, training, and attention these devoted dogs require to flourish as beloved family members.
The Labrador Retriever typically lives eleven to thirteen years, though chocolate Labs may have slightly shorter lifespans averaging around ten to eleven years. While generally healthy, the breed's popularity and body structure predispose Labs to several significant health conditions that owners must understand and monitor throughout the dog's life. Regular veterinary care, appropriate nutrition, weight management, and adequate exercise all contribute to maintaining Labrador health and longevity. Orthopedic problems represent the most common and serious health concerns for Labrador Retrievers. Hip dysplasia affects a substantial percentage of the breed, occurring when the hip joint develops abnormally so the ball and socket do not fit properly, causing grinding and rubbing instead of smooth movement. This leads to cartilage deterioration, chronic pain, arthritis, and reduced mobility over time. Elbow dysplasia similarly affects the front leg joints with abnormal development causing pain and lameness. Both conditions have strong genetic components, making health screening of breeding dogs essential. However, environmental factors including rapid growth, obesity, and overexercise during puppyhood also contribute to development and severity. Maintaining lean body weight throughout life proves absolutely critical for protecting joints from excessive stress. Obesity itself represents a major health issue for food-motivated Labradors who will eat almost anything and tend to gain weight easily. Excess weight not only worsens joint problems but also increases risks for diabetes, heart disease, and reduced lifespan by up to two and a half years. Careful portion control, limited treats, and daily exercise help maintain healthy weight. Progressive retinal atrophy causes gradual vision loss leading to blindness, while cataracts can also develop. Exercise-induced collapse is a genetic condition causing sudden weakness in the hind legs after excitement or strenuous activity, with affected dogs sometimes collapsing though most recover. Ear infections occur frequently due to floppy ears that trap moisture, particularly in Labs who love swimming. Other conditions include bloat or gastric dilatation-volvulus where the stomach twists, cutting off blood flow in a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate veterinary intervention. Hemangiosarcoma, an aggressive cancer often originating in the spleen, liver, or heart, can cause sudden internal bleeding. Labs may develop allergies causing skin irritation and infections. Some lines carry genetic mutations affecting coat color that can be associated with health issues. Working with reputable breeders who screen for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye problems, and exercise-induced collapse, maintaining ideal weight through proper feeding and abundant exercise, providing regular veterinary care including ear cleaning, and monitoring for signs of illness all help Labrador Retrievers live long, active, healthy lives as treasured family companions who continue bringing joy and devotion throughout their years.
Important to Remember
Each hybrid dog is unique and may inherit any combination of traits from either parent breed. The information above represents the characteristics of the purebred parent breeds. Your Dachsador may favor one parent over the other or display a blend of both. We strongly encourage you to read the complete breed profiles for both the Dachshund and Labrador Retriever to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.