One is iconic for their long body; the other is one of the biggest names in the world of designer dogs – But just how much do we know about their puppies? Today we will be answering all your burning questions and more as we explore what you can expect from this Maltipoo Dachshund mix.
Table of Contents
The History of the Parent Breeds
Maltipoo
The history of the Maltipoo is like that of most designer dogs, the impetus for the cross is based on desirable physical attributes. This breed, created at the height of the initial buzz around designer companion dogs, rose to popularity through the attraction to a few key traits.
The first was size and temperament. As with all good companion dogs, they must be loving, loyal, personable, and in most cases a small size. Therefore, the crossing of Maltese and Toy Poodle seems like a foolproof concept.
Along with these highly attractive physical traits, this dog had the USP that it was highly hypoallergenic. While in hindsight we understand that no dog can be truly hypoallergenic – due to allergens in dander and saliva – the idea was that by breeding two low-shedding dogs the puppies wouldn’t trigger any allergies faced by owners.
Of course, the fact that this breed isn’t actually hypoallergenic didn’t dissuade the masses of budding dog owners that brought this then-new breed into their homes, and stats would suggest that this popularity has maintained throughout history. Be it through their low-shedding, or loveable personality and small stature, it’s a fact that the Maltipoo is here to stay.
Dachshund
Dachshunds are an iconic breed thanks to their long body and little legs, but this signature look wasn’t an aesthetic choice. In fact, the reason for this physicality has its origins in 17th century Germany, where these dogs served a very specific purpose.
While colloquially referred to today as sausage dogs, the name Dachshund is German for ‘Badger dog’. This is in reference to their time spent working as a spotting breed which huntsmen would use to sniff out burrowing game such as badgers, and rabbits.
Their long body and small legs made them ideal for both digging and squeezing their way through burrows, and with the nose of a hound, they were the ideal choice for quickly detecting hiding game.
Nowadays they are companion dogs thanks to their size and proclivity for companionship. They are a lap dog in every sense of the word and their remaining curiosity and energy from the hunting days makes them a playful friend in any domestic situation.
How is the Cross Achieved? Is There More Than One Way?
This cross is a great match as the parent breeds align in both temperament and size; with the Maltipoo growing up to 14”, and a Dachshund averaging 12”. For this reason, the cross can be achieved via natural insemination with no issues.
Maltipoos are a great match for this mix (you can read all about them in our ‘Epic Guide to Poodle Mixes’) but due to the complementary traits of both Maltese, and Toy Poodles with Dachshunds, this cross could be achieved with a number of different crosses.
If you were to want to achieve a longer coat for instance you may want to cross a Mauxie (Maltese and Dachshund) with a Toy Poodle. While it is both the parent’s and puppies’ health that should inform breeding above all, the luxury of a breed like this is it can be achieved through a variety of means with no detriment to the dogs.
What Name is the Maltipoo Dachshund Cross Given
But once achieved, what will you be calling your new furry friend? Unfortunately, as of yet this breed has no universally accepted name, so as with many of these guides to niche breeds, we have a solution.
We suggest that Mauxiepoo would be the ideal name for this combination of crosses – representing all three parents fairly in under one simple name!
Why the Mauxiepoo Cross is Being Bred
This cross is being bred for a few reasons, many of which come down to attributes already discussed.
The main one is the shape of the dog. Sausage dogs are iconic, and many choose a Dachshund due to their little legs and elongated body, which comes as a breath of fresh air from other ‘standard’ dog body types.
Along with this remarkable shape is the low-shedding coat. If you find yourself becoming swamped in the hairs your dog leaves around the house, this breed may be ideal for you, as the Maltipoo parent helps offset potential coat residue, especially if your Mauxiepoo is of the long-haired variety.
The Benefits of the Mauxiepoo Cross
The first pro of the Mauxiepoo is its extreme loyalty and small size. These are the must-haves for any companion dog, and unless you are a 17th-century hunter (in which case why would you not get a pure-bred Dachshund?) the main impetus for choosing this breed will be its suitability as a small and loveable friend.
Speaking of, your new friend will be just as at home in a small apartment as a big house. Due to their miniature stature, the Mauxiepoo is at no risk of becoming claustrophobic any time soon, and so, unlike other dogs that may suffer from long-term cabin fever, you can rest easy that your dog will be happy no matter the square footage.
A final advantage is just how low maintenance they are. As you would expect with two lap dog parents, this dog is quite content spending lazy days sleeping on the sofa or entertaining themselves with toys and tasks. While it isn’t recommended you leave them for too long, they certainly shouldn’t suffer from the same separation anxiety as many other breeds.
The Cons of the Dachshund Maltipoo Cross
However, with the good comes the bad, and the first thing to take into consideration is the stubbornness of the Mauxiepoo.
Being low maintenance and having that independent streak is a double-edged sword, as both breeds can suffer from a general hard-headedness that may make training a struggle. Therefore, it is important that your regime starts early, and carries on regularly, to tamper that signature attitude.
Along with a stubborn side, the parent breeds each have their own unfavorable habits that you may find hard to shake in your new puppy. These include nipping, burrowing, and barking. While never carried out in a mean-spirited way, your dog is keen on both exploring and alerting, and this is something you should keep in mind.
Finally, you may find your dog has an unrelenting appetite. Despite their size, the Mauxiepoo has a huge stomach, and if this huge stomach becomes literal it can cause a number of health issues, so it is key that you strike up a good diet plan to avoid overfeeding.
What can I Expect from a Maltipoo Dachshund Mix:
Height & Weight
Depending on the size of the Dachshund parent, your dog size will vary, but all in all you can expect a small dog regardless. This can be between 8-12” in height, and 15-25lbs in weight.
So, in no circumstance can you expect this dog to be too big to handle. Rest assured your new Mauxiepoo will be a manageable size regardless – the only variation will be in how small your new dog is.
Colour & Coat
From a fine to fluffy coat, there Is quite a variety when it comes to hair types for the Mauxiepoo. The same can be said about length, as Dachshunds come with long and short hair. The resulting coat comes down to the parent breeds’ physicality, so with such a great variety, it is worth checking with your breeder to nail down specifics.
In terms of color, the Mauxiepoo is equally as versatile. Ranging anywhere from tan, white, blue, or black, and with one or two colors.
Maintenance
How much maintenance your dog requires is down to the type of coat it inherits. If your Mauxiepoo has inherited the short and slick hair of a Dachshund, then you may brush once a week and expect trips to the groomers exclusively for hygiene purposes.
If you have a long-haired, woolly, or wavy-haired dog, then you will need to brush your dog a minimum of every other day, and book regular grooming appointments every month and a half to keep that notorious Poodle hair in check.
Health
One major health risk to keep in mind is back issues. Being a dog with an elongated spine (relative to other features) your dog may find significant strain being put on its back. This is more common with overweight dogs; however, it may also occur with old age.
Other issues to be mindful of include Epilepsy, Diabetes, Gastric dilation-volvulus, and Acanthosis nigricans.
Temperament
What personality can be expected of a Mauxiepoo? This dog will be fiercely loyal, affectionate, and laid-back. Along with this, you may find that they take great lengths to alert you to any potential issues, and act as a watchdog at times.
They also are known for their energy and independent streak relative to other companion dogs. This is great for those with a little less time to dedicate to their dog, however, they are social animals (with regard to both dogs and humans) and so a healthy dose of interaction is vital to their emotional wellbeing.
Exercise Needs and Feeding Requirements
Due to their little legs, you should aim to take them out for a couple of 10–15-minute walks per day to keep your Mauxiepoo fit and active. Due to their physique, straight walking may tire your dog easily, and so playing fetch or indoor activities can provide a good substitute without risk of overworking.
This breed has a high metabolism and a small stomach, and so you should be giving them on average 1-1 ½ cups of food per day split over multiple meals to allow them time to digest fully.
Final Thoughts
This has been a quick look at all things Mauxiepoo. With a small body and a lot of love to give, this breed is one of the best companions you’ve never heard of. But if you are looking to keep exploring the wonderful world of uncommon crosses then we recommend our article ‘Cockapoo Dachshund Mix: Doxiedoodle Info’.