Have you ever heard of a Golden Weenie, Golden Weiner, or Golden Dox? Well, Golden Weenie is short for Golden retriever Dachshund Mix, it’s a crossbreed pooch, and it’s the cutest thing you’ll see today!
It kind of sounds unbelievable, there is a combination of a little dachshund and a Golden retriever!
We admit it is a very unusual mix that combines two popular breeds with very, very different personalities and even body shapes.
A Golden Weenie sounds kind of funny but also great. However, there are a few things you need to take into consideration before getting a Golden Retriever Dachshund Mix.
Golden retriever Dachshund Mix – All about the unique designer breed
Designer dogs or mixed breeds are always specific. We can never know exactly what the puppies will look like, there isn´t that much information. Will they look more like one parent breed or the other?
What color will their eyes be, and which personality traits will they inherit? With purebred dogs, this is never a question because there is a certain standard of what the dogs look like. With Golden Retriever we know what the puppies will look like. We know how large they might get and we know what their personality is like. It´s the same with Dachshunds, we know exactly what they look like. But with a mix of these two breeds, it´s difficult to say. Just think about it, when you hear Golden retriever Dachshund mix, what do you imagine?
The Golden Dachshund mix has been around for a couple of years, even though we don´t know when exactly they were created or who created them. Given the fact that they have been around for quite some time now, we can give you a vague picture of what this mix can look like.
Golden Retriever Weiner appearance
It’s hard to figure out how a Golden Retriever Dachshund mix will look because it has two very different parent breeds. This is because there is a huge difference in size, coat, and body shape.
The Golden Dox is incredibly adorable and it resembles Golden retrievers. It’s needless to say that Goldens are the most popular breed among dog owners, we all know that by now. They are famous and loved for their charming and innocent look. In addition to that, they are quite social with people.
When it comes to the Golden Dox size, we can’t say precisely, because of the huge difference in the size of the parents. However, we can say that the mix weighs on an average between 30 and 60 pounds. Their height ranges anywhere from 10 to 23 inches. Their lifespan is between 10 and 14 years.
Interesting fact: To get the Golden Weenie you can only combine a male Dachshund and a female Golden Retriever. This is due to their notable physical differences because the opposite is too much of a risk to both mother and puppies.
The length and texture of the Golden Retriever Dachshund mix’s coat might vary depending on which parent breeds it takes after. For example, when we talk about coat length your puppy might have a wavy or straight double coat. They could also have a long or medium coat. When it comes to the possible coat colors there are many possibilities, dark or light golden, tan, black, brown, red, and yellow.
To get a better picture of what a Golden Retriever Dachshund mix will look like, we need to focus on the appearance and physical traits of both parent breed dogs.
Golden retriever physical traits
A male Golden Retriever weighs between 65 and 75 pounds, while females range between 55 and 65 pounds. Male Golden Retrievers stand between 23 and 24 inches tall, while females stand between 21 and 22 inches tall.
The Golden Retriever’s physique is well-balanced, with a deep chest and a robust and large head. The ears are positioned high on the head, right below the jawline. Members of this breed have a flat or wavy water-repellent coat. They also have featherings on the thighs, legs, neck, tail, and underbelly.
Their coat is available in three distinct shades:
- Golden
- Light Golden
- Dark Golden
According to the American Kennel Club, their coat is bright, lustrous gold in various gradations. The muzzle might be lighter in color than the rest of the fur. Except for graying fur due to age. White markings, except for some white chest hair, are uncommon. White marks should not be confused with permissible light hues. It is bad to have a dominating body color that is either exceedingly pale or extremely dark.
Golden retrievers have a double coat made of a water-repellent outer coat and a soft undercoat. That undercoat regulates their body temperature in both chilly and warm temperatures. You can assume your Golden retriever to shed just as much as other dogs with a double coat.
So, brushing a Golden retriever regularly, at least every other day. But when the shedding months come around, in autumn and spring, it is essential to brush them every day. This way you will prevent matting. As for baths please don’t bathe your Golden often, only once in two to three months will be enough. Of course, if your rolls in mud or stinks you can (and should) bath them. Just make sure you use a gentle dog shampoo.
Dachshund appearance
Dachshunds belong to the small dog group. This breed is long and strong with short, stubby little legs. In comparison to the rest of its body, its front paws are huge, paddle-shaped, and very good for digging. It has skin that isn’t too tight so it won’t tear when it burrows into tight places to look for prey. The dachshund has a chest that is very deep and his nose is long.
Every one of the three dachshund kinds — the smooth-coated, wire-coated, and long-coated — may be obtained in two sizes: standard and miniature. Standard Dachshunds usually weigh between 16 and 32 pounds. Miniature Dachshunds weigh 11 pounds, and their weight goes down as they get older.
In the American Kennel Club, miniatures do not compete in a distinct classification. But rather in a class division for “11 pounds and under at 12 months of age and older.” The typical size weighs between 16 and 32 pounds, depending on the model. Even though there is no specified height for the dachshund, they are often less than nine inches in height.
Every one of these breeds is distinguished by their long backs and short strong legs. This also explains their harsh nicknames such as “sausage hound” and “hot dog.” Their other distinguishing characteristics include a large nose, long and floppy ears, and a tail carried in line with the back.
The coat of the dachshund may be any color, including red, black, chocolate, white, and gray. Some have brown markings, some are speckled or mottled, while yet others are completely white. Dachshunds have an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
The personality of the Golden Weenie
The Golden Dox has many characteristics of a Golden retriever. For example, they are real people lovers! They love being around humans and cuddling. The Golden Weenie especially loves children, this is why they make the ideal house pet! Golden Weenies are also very smart, so they’re quick to pick up on commands and learn tricks! It’s important to state that this mix is highly energetic, which means they need at least 60 minutes of play a day to release all their pent-up energy! So if you’re a couch potato, this dog might not be for you.
This mix requires mental stimulation since it is a clever dog. If the Golden Dox becomes bored, it may resort to destructive behavior such as gnawing and digging. This breed often reacts well to puzzle games, which will keep it intellectually and physically active, so be sure to provide lots of opportunities for playing for your canine companion.
Not confrontational
However, just like the Golden retriever, they aren’t confrontational and aren’t meant to be guard dogs. To be honest, they are more likely to welcome strangers than scare them off!
When it comes to other animals, generally they do get along with other dogs and cats, but, because they are part Dachshund they might view smaller animals (like hamsters for example) as prey.
This combination requires a great deal of care and attention from your side. It will join you in bed, rest on your feet or your lap, and generally love any type of care you give it. A harsh tone from its owner will cause it to growl, bark, and chew, as well as filthy the carpet if left alone.
According to the Guinness World Records, the Golden Retriever holds the world record for the loudest bark, with 113.1 decibels, which is higher than any other dog on the planet. That is ten decibels louder than a jackhammer, to put it another way. When you combine it with the Dachshund parent’s reputation for constant barking, you may find yourself with a very noisy dog. Simply put, the Golden Retriever Dachshund mix is very loud and loves to bark.
Golden retriever personality traits
Golden retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world because of their personality and kind nature. These dogs have a calm demeanor and are clever as well as loving.
That sweet grin on the Golden Retriever’s face says everything. This is one of the best family dogs on the planet: happy, demonstrative, trustworthy with everyone, and forgiving of any errors made by novice owners. It is a wonderful addition to any family.
Despite their active nature, Golden retrievers are gentle with youngsters, and they get along well with other pets and strangers.
These dogs are eager to please, which may explain why they react so well to obedience training and why they are so popular as service dogs in many communities. They also like doing manual labor, whether it’s bird hunting or retrieving their guardian’s shoes.
Bad watchdogs
Golden retrievers do not bark much and do not have strong guard instincts, so do not expect them to serve as effective watchdogs in the home. The exception is that certain golden retrievers will alert you if an unfamiliar person approaches.
You must curb his proclivity to chew on items and mouth your hands — offer a box loaded with toys so that he may carry things around in his mouth while you are away.
Because Golden Retrievers retain their puppy-like enthusiasm for many years, early obedience training is needed to develop tranquility and excellent manners in the dog.
He is eager to please and extremely sensitive, but he is often distracted by interesting sights and noises, so you must be patient and persistent with him as well as with yourself.
The Golden Retriever’s intellect and heart are lovely and compassionate, but his body is strong — unless he’s trained not to tug on the leash, you’ll need strong biceps to walk him.
Dachshund personality traits
Despite their small stature, dachshunds are noted for their bravery, and they have been known to take on creatures that are considerably bigger than themselves. Some dogs may be violent toward visitors and other dogs, while others may be timid.
Dachshunds make excellent family pets because they are devoted friends and good watchdogs and they simply adore their human family. If they are managed and trained right, they are excellent with children. We have to say, they might be a little challenging to train at the beginning.
Also, note that some Dachshund enthusiasts believe that there are distinctions in personality between the numerous types of the breed. For example, the long-coat dachshund is said to be calmer than the smooth-coat kind, while the wire-coat dachshund is said to be more outgoing and clown-like in appearance.
Hunters at heart
Dachshunds were originally intended to be hunters, so it should come as no surprise that many of them like digging. These dogs are well-known for being very intelligent canines. Because of their intellect, they are a handful. Engaging with them and caring for them will include frequent canine exercise, training sessions, and playtime as part of their routine. Dachshunds are an excellent choice for those who don’t work long hours outside of the house and can devote the time necessary to their pet’s care.
In addition to their feisty and headstrong nature, Dachshunds are notorious for being difficult to train. This trait can be quite irritating for first-time owners when it comes time to socialize with their pets. Because they were trained to hunt and make choices on their own, they have a strong independent streak that causes them to be tough to teach and socialize with others.
Weiner dogs are known for their independence, which allows them to be very resourceful without the need for much training. While their independent thoughts may occasionally conflict with their owners, patience and perseverance will be required while they are puppies, particularly during training sessions, to ensure a successful outcome. But never the less they are great family dogs.
Issues with the Golden Weenie
The Golden Weenie sounds like a great dog. Friendly, loving, cuddly, amazing with children and other animals. However, there are a few facts about these dogs you should know as well as reasons why the Golden Weenie is not the best dog to have.
The practice of cross-breeding dogs is a source of debate all around the globe. Many dog lovers feel that crossbreeds are unclean and that they are just the result of an experiment gone wrong. Many other dog owners, on the other hand, believe the exact opposite, claiming that the process of cross-breeding enhances the vitality and strength of the breeds that are produced.
In addition to that, many people believe that crossbreeding or breeding hybrid dogs is a violation of nature. You see the pairing of a female Dachshund and a male Golden Retriever will put the former at risk because of their difference in sizes. On the other hand, pairing a male dachshund with a female Golden Retriever will be difficult because the latter dwarfs the former in size.
Overpopulation crisis
One of the main issues people state with crossbreeding is that breeders are contributing to the overpopulation of dogs. But, wouldn´t that be the case with purebred dogs too? If there are too many dogs in shelters and on the streets, if breeders are breeding too many puppies, then it makes no difference if the puppies are crossbreeds or purebred dogs?
According to PETA, this is a serious issue of all breeders:
Regardless of size, every breeder is responsible for exacerbating the overpopulation crisis. In a time of extreme companion animal overpopulation, breeding dogs is always irresponsible and cruel. Dog breeders treat living individuals as commodities to be genetically manipulated for profit.
The truth is, there is no right or wrong response. Just like it is with many other things, the decision is ultimately up to the individual and the strength of their principles and beliefs of the topic in question. We can’t say that crossbreeding is entirely right or entirely wrong, there are advantages and disadvantages to both sides of the debate. So, it is not as easy as stating that one point of view is more valid than the other.
Health risks
The Dachshund and the Golden Retriever have different health problems, so crossbreeding the two different dog breeds can double the risk of the offspring.
To better understand why so many people are concerned about this extreme hybrid we´ll take a quick look at the health risks of the average Golden Dox. It is because of all the health problems we will mention that these dogs also have special food requirements. Many dog owners put their Golden Weenies on a so-called BARF diet. It´s basically where they will feed their dog only raw foods like meat, vegetables, fruit, and so on.
Some of the health issues a Golden Weenie might experience:
- They have a high tendency to gain excessive weight because of overeating and lack of exercise.
- If they gain weight this also can put too much pressure on their joints. This can be a deadly combination with the history of joint problems that come from the Golden Retriever.
- Running up and downstairs and leaping from high places may lead to leg and back problems.
- Less likely to have spinal issues compared to purebred dachshunds because of their slightly varied body structure.
The most common illnesses that are present among Golden Weenies are:
- Epilepsy (can be very common with dachshunds)
- Bloating
- Canine Cushing’s Disease (when the pituitary glands produce too much cortisol)
- IDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease)
- Diabetes
- Deafness
- Heart Problems
- Cancer
- Eye Problems
- Joint Dysplasia
- Hip Dysplasia (abnormal formation located at the hip socket)
Conclusion – Golden retriever Dachshund Mix
If there is a perfect mix, then the Golden Retriever Dachshund mix is it! These adorable and lovable dogs are a great addition to active families and families where someone is always at home. Thanks to their Golden retriever side the Golden Dox makes a wonderfully goofy and loyal companion. But they are also quite a bit of work with a very high energy level and exercise requirements.
Potential owners of the Golden Retriever Dachshund mix need to understand that this breed is a handful. We have already said this, but we need to stress it again. They require a lot of training and exercise. You need to understand that the decision to get a dog, any dog for that matter, comes with a great deal of responsibility and tasks like potty training, leash training, clicker training, command training and so much more. We know that it might seem easy to potty train your dog or leash train them, but in fact, it requires a lot of skill and patience.
So, while Golden Retriever Dachshund mix training might not be easy, we are positive that anyone can manage it. But, if you do feel a bit discouraged or scared, you can always get help from a professional dog trainer or enroll your puppy in puppy kindergarten. One tip we can give you is to always use positive reinforcement when training your dog.
A lot of work
There is another problem with these dogs. While they are cute and fun to be around, they also come with many health hazards. There are so many amazing Golden retriever mixes like for example the Gollie. But, all of these mixes, all of these dogs tend to have a lot of health issues. We agree that they are beautiful and amazing dogs, but you need to decide whether or not these dogs are worth getting for you.
If you don´t want to buy a Golden Weenie, and you’re looking into adopting one you might want to check out different rescue center sites in your area that are specializing in Golden Retrievers or Dachshunds! The majority of these adoption centers will have a crossbreed of these dogs!
You might check out breed-specific rescue sites if you want to find a Golden retriever mix dog or a Dachshund mix dog.
Read some of our other articles:
- Brindle Pitbull Dog: Everything That You Should Know
- Cane Corso Blue: The Rare And Mystery Cane Corso
- Onofrio Dog Shows: Everything That You Should Know
- Cane Corso Dogo Argentino Mix
- Doberman Pitbull Mix: Best Of Both Worlds?
- Bordoodle: The Intelligent And Energetic Doodle
- Should I Wake Up My Puppy To Pee At Night?
- Lycan Shepherd: A mix of three breeds
- Tibetan Mastiff: A Protective & Fearless Giant