Dachsi Apso
The Dachsi Apso is a cross between the Dachshund and the Lhasa Apso. Because each hybrid inherits a unique combination of traits from both parents, we recommend thoroughly researching both breeds before choosing a Dachsi Apso. Pay special attention to temperament, health issues, and care requirements, as your dog may express characteristics from either parent breed.
Dachshund
The Dachshund possesses one of the most distinctive silhouettes in the canine world, featuring an elongated body set low to the ground on remarkably short legs. This breed comes in two recognized sizes: standard specimens typically weigh between sixteen and thirty-two pounds, while miniatures weigh eleven pounds or less at twelve months of age. The breed exhibits robust muscular development despite its compact stature, with elastic and pliable skin that shows no excessive wrinkling. The overall build appears well-balanced, allowing for surprisingly agile movement despite the unconventional proportions that earned nicknames like wiener dog and sausage hound. The breed displays three distinct coat varieties, each with unique characteristics. Smooth-coated Dachshunds have short, shiny fur that lies close to the body and requires minimal grooming. Longhaired varieties feature sleek, slightly wavy coats with elegant feathering under the neck, on the forechest, behind the legs, and on the ears. Wirehaired specimens sport a uniformly short, thick, rough outer coat with a softer undercoat, along with distinctive facial furnishings including a beard and bushy eyebrows. All three coat types appear in an impressive array of colors including solid red, cream, black and tan, chocolate and tan, blue and tan, and wild boar, with patterns such as dapple, brindle, sable, and piebald adding further variety. The head tapers uniformly from the skull to the nose tip when viewed from above or in profile. Medium-sized, almond-shaped eyes display an energetic and pleasant expression with very dark coloring in most varieties. Ears are set near the top of the head with moderate length and rounded tips, hanging close to the cheeks. The tail extends as a continuation of the spine without kinks or twists, carried in line with the back or slightly elevated. The breastbone appears prominently in front, creating slight depressions on either side, while the chest extends downward to provide ample lung and heart capacity for this breed originally developed for hunting badgers and other burrowing game.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament The breed's temperament varies somewhat among the three coat varieties. Wirehaired Dachshunds typically display the most outgoing and clown-like personalities, while longhaired specimens tend toward gentler and calmer dispositions. Smooth-coated dogs often show strong attachment to single individuals or families. All varieties share high affection levels and desire close contact with their people, earning them the nickname shadow dogs for their tendency to follow owners throughout the house. They thrive on attention and may develop separation anxiety or destructive behaviors if left alone frequently. Despite their stubborn reputation, Dachshunds respond well to patient, consistent training that incorporates positive reinforcement and respects their independent nature.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Obesity represents a particularly dangerous condition for this breed, as excess weight places tremendous strain on the already vulnerable spine and joints. Dachshunds have hearty appetites and owners must carefully monitor food intake and maintain appropriate body condition. The breed also experiences higher rates of dental disease due to crowded teeth, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, and portosystemic liver shunt. Responsible breeders conduct health screenings including spinal radiographs and genetic testing to reduce the incidence of inherited conditions. With proper care, weight management, and regular veterinary attention, Dachshunds typically enjoy lifespans of twelve to sixteen years.
Lhasa Apso
The Lhasa Apso presents as a small, well-balanced, and sturdy dog with a distinctly rectangular outline reflecting its Tibetan heritage as an indoor sentinel. This breed ideally stands ten to eleven inches at the shoulder, with females sometimes slightly smaller while maintaining clearly feminine characteristics. Weight typically ranges from twelve to eighteen pounds at maturity, providing a well-proportioned body that appears longer than it is tall. The breed exhibits moderation in all aspects without exaggeration of any body parts or hint of massive bone structure. Their build demonstrates the agility and capability for maneuvering that served them well in the mountainous and rugged terrain of their native Tibet. The most distinguishing feature of the Lhasa Apso is its magnificent coat, which consists of heavy, dense, straight hair parted in the middle from head to tail. The texture should feel hard rather than silky or woolly, with individual hairs detectable when rubbed between fingers. A moderate undercoat provides additional protection and body to the outer coat. This double coat drapes elegantly to each side, creating a cloak of hair that historically protected the breed against extreme temperatures in the Himalayan mountains. All colors are equally acceptable under breed standards, with common colorations including gold, cream, red, white, black, and various parti-color combinations. Dark tips on the hair are also frequently seen. The head features heavy furnishings including a good fall of hair over the eyes, substantial whiskers, and a distinctive beard that enhance the proper Lhasa expression. Dark brown, almond-shaped eyes display an alert, thoughtful, and intelligent expression beneath full pigmentation on eye rims and lips. Pendant ears set slightly above eye level hang close to the cheeks with heavy feathering. The tail is well-feathered and set high enough to be carried in a curl over the back, often draping to one side. Straight legs are heavily furnished with hair, leading to round, catlike feet with good pads and abundant feathering. The overall impression is of a regal, aristocratic dog with dignified bearing.
Key Characteristics
Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Temperament Independence and stubbornness represent hallmark Lhasa traits that require patient understanding from owners. Unlike breeds that live to please their masters, Lhasas often seem to consider whether commands are worth following before deciding to comply. This independent nature means they do not typically suffer from separation anxiety and can entertain themselves when left alone. Training requires positive reinforcement methods, as harsh discipline may result in retaliation or withdrawal. Early socialization proves essential for developing well-rounded adults, as the natural wariness toward strangers can become problematic without proper exposure to various people, animals, and situations during puppyhood. Lhasas mature slowly and may take several years to develop their full adult temperament.
Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations Health Considerations The breed's somewhat short legs relative to body length predisposes Lhasa Apsos to intervertebral disc disease, similar to other chondrodystrophic breeds. Patellar luxation, where the kneecap slips out of its normal position, also occurs commonly and may require surgical correction in severe cases. The dense, heavy coat can contribute to skin problems including sebaceous adenitis, an autoimmune condition affecting the sebaceous glands that causes dry, scaly skin and hair loss. Dental disease represents another significant concern due to the small jaw structure, making regular dental care essential. Brachycephalic airway syndrome may affect dogs with flatter facial structures, causing breathing difficulties particularly in hot weather or during exercise. With attentive care and regular health screenings, Lhasa Apsos typically enjoy long lifespans averaging thirteen to fifteen years, with some individuals living well beyond twenty 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 Dachsi Apso 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 Lhasa Apso to fully understand the range of possible temperaments, health concerns, and care requirements.