Dachshund vs. Maltipoo: An In-Depth Comparison for Dog Lovers
Are you trying to decide between welcoming a dachshund or a maltipoo into your family? As a veterinarian and lifelong dog lover, I‘m here to provide insights into the history, traits, and care needs of each breed to help you determine which one might be the best fit for your lifestyle. While both can make wonderful companions, there are some key differences to consider before you commit.
History and Original Purpose
Dachshunds and maltipoos were developed in very different times and places to fulfill distinct roles. Dachshunds are an old breed, with written records of dogs resembling them dating back to the 1500s in Germany. They were specifically bred to fearlessly hunt den animals like badgers and foxes, even following them underground into their burrows. Their name comes from the German words "dachs" meaning badger and "hund" meaning dog. Smooth-coated and long-coated varieties existed by the 1800s, and miniature dachshunds were developed in the early 1900s to hunt smaller prey like rabbits. Dachshunds were also used in packs to trail wild boar. They were first imported to the United States in the late 1800s and recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1885.
Maltipoos, on the other hand, are a much more recent cross between a Maltese and a toy or miniature poodle. They started being intentionally bred in the 1990s in the United States and Australia as a hypoallergenic, low-shedding companion dog. Poodles originated in Germany as retrieving water dogs, while the Maltese is an ancient breed from Malta that historically served as a companion dog for noblewomen. Maltipoos aim to combine the friendly, affectionate Maltese temperament with the intelligence and low-shedding coat of the poodle.
Popularity and Recognition
Dachshunds have consistently ranked as one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States for decades. In 2020, they were the 12th most popular breed according to AKC registration statistics. They‘re especially favored in certain regions like the Midwest and the South. While maltipoos are not an AKC-recognized purebred, they‘ve gained popularity as a so-called "designer breed" since the 1990s. The Maltipoo Club of America estimates that maltipoos now rank among the top 30 most popular breeds and mixes in the US.
Physical Characteristics
Dachshunds and maltipoos have distinctly different builds and appearances. Dachshunds are famous for their elongated bodies and short, stubby legs. They come in two sizes:
- Standard: 16-32 pounds
- Miniature: 11 pounds and under
There are also three coat varieties:
- Smooth (short and sleek)
- Long-haired
- Wire-haired
Dachshund coats come in a wide range of colors and patterns, including:
- Solid colors like red, cream, black, chocolate, and fawn
- Two-colored coats like black and tan, chocolate and tan, and blue and tan
- Patterns like dapple (mottled), brindle, and sable
Maltipoos have a more compact, proportional build compared to dachshunds. They typically weigh 4-6 pounds when full grown, with a height of 8-14 inches at the shoulder. Their single-layer coat is medium-length and ranges from wavy to curly, with a soft, silky texture. Maltipoo coats can come in a variety of solid colors, with the most common being:
- White
- Cream
- Apricot
- Red
- Black
- Brown
Some maltipoos may have a mix of two or more colors in their coat.
Temperament and Training
Both breeds are intelligent, but they can have very different personalities and trainability. Dachshunds tend to be independent, stubborn, and strong-willed. They‘re bred to work alone and make decisions on their own, so they may not always be eager to please their humans. This can make them challenging to train, as they bore easily with repetition and may choose to ignore commands. Dachshunds need patient, consistent training with plenty of positive reinforcement in the form of treats and praise. Due to their hunting instincts, they have a strong prey drive and like to dig, so a securely fenced yard is a must.
Maltipoos, in contrast, are typically very attached to their humans and eager to please. They‘re usually easier to train than dachshunds, responding well to reward-based methods and learning tricks readily. However, they can also inherit an energetic, bouncy play style from their poodle heritage that some owners find overwhelming. They also tend to bark enthusiastically to sound the alarm about any new sights and sounds. While maltipoos can adapt well to apartment living, they still need at least 30 minutes of exercise daily and plenty of human interaction to be happy.
Lifespan and Health
Both dachshunds and maltipoos have a relatively long lifespan compared to larger breeds. Dachshunds live an average of 12-16 years, while maltipoos typically live 12-15 years. However, both breeds are prone to certain health issues that potential owners should be aware of.
For dachshunds, the most common health problems are related to their elongated spine. They have a high risk of intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), which can cause pain, weakness, and even paralysis in severe cases. Keeping dachshunds at a healthy weight and limiting high-impact activities like jumping can help reduce the risk of back problems. Other orthopedic problems like hip dysplasia and luxating patellas can also occur. Eye disorders such as progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, and glaucoma have been reported in the breed. Some dachshunds may be born deaf or develop hearing loss with age.
Maltipoos may inherit several health issues from their parent breeds. Luxating patellas (trick knees) are common, as is tracheal collapse and portosystemic shunt (a liver disorder). Some maltipoos may develop eye conditions like progressive retinal atrophy or glaucoma. White maltipoos are at higher risk of deafness. They may also suffer from skin allergies and ear infections due to their floppy ears and long coat.
According to a 2004 health survey by the UK Kennel Club, the leading causes of death for dachshunds were:
- Old age (23%)
- Cancer (16%)
- Heart disease/failure (13%)
A 2010 study of small breed dogs in veterinary clinics found that the most common causes of death in maltipoos were:
- Old age
- Congestive heart failure
- Liver disease
Responsible breeders of both dachshunds and maltipoos perform genetic health testing on the parents before breeding to help reduce the risk of inherited disorders. When searching for a puppy, look for a breeder who:
- Shows you health test results and family health history
- Allows you to visit their home or kennel to see the conditions
- Provides vaccine records and a health guarantee
- Socializes the puppies and ensures they‘re healthy before sending them home (typically at 8-12 weeks old)
- Asks you questions to ensure their puppies are going to good homes
Avoid breeders who always seem to have puppies available, let them go before 8 weeks old, won‘t show health records, or seem to care more about money than the puppies‘ welfare.
Grooming and Care
Dachshunds and maltipoos have different grooming needs based on their coat type and texture. Smooth-coated dachshunds are the easiest to maintain, only requiring weekly brushing and monthly baths. Long-coated dachshunds need to be brushed a few times a week to prevent tangles and mats, and they may need regular trims. Wire-coated dachshunds should have their coats "stripped" by hand or with a stripping knife twice a year to remove dead hairs.
Maltipoos have a long, silky coat that requires daily brushing to avoid matting. They typically need a bath every 3-4 weeks, and many owners opt to have them professionally groomed every 6-8 weeks to keep them looking tidy. The hair around their eyes, ears, and paw pads may need to be trimmed more frequently. Maltipoos also need their teeth brushed several times a week and their nails trimmed monthly to keep them healthy.
Both breeds should have their ears checked weekly for redness, odor, or discharge that could indicate an infection. Dachshunds may need to have the hair plucked from their ear canals to allow proper air flow. Maltipoos and dachshunds can be prone to dental disease, so regular teeth brushing and professional cleanings are important.
Cost and Where to Find Them
The cost of a dachshund or maltipoo puppy can vary widely depending on factors like the breeder‘s reputation, location, coat color/pattern, and show quality. In general, expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1500 for a dachshund puppy from a reputable breeder, with show-quality dogs costing even more. Maltipoos typically cost $1000 and up from a breeder, with some "teacup" or rare-colored pups selling for $3000+.
If you‘re not set on a puppy, adopting an adult dog from a rescue organization can be a great way to save money and give a home to a dog in need. There are several dachshund and maltipoo rescue groups across the country, as well as all-breed rescues that may have these dogs available. Adoption fees typically range from $50 to $500 depending on the dog‘s age, health, and the rescue‘s policies.
When adopting an older dog, be sure to ask about any known health or behavior issues so you can be prepared. Many rescue dogs come from unknown backgrounds and may need extra training and socialization to feel secure in a new home.
Which Breed is Right For You?
Choosing between a dachshund and a maltipoo ultimately comes down to your lifestyle, living situation, and preferences. Dachshunds may be a better fit for experienced dog owners who appreciate an independent spirit and have a securely fenced yard for playtime. They‘re better suited for households without young children or small animals that could trigger their prey drive.
Maltipoos are typically a good choice for first-time dog owners, apartment dwellers, and families with kids who want a playful, portable companion. They‘re usually more social with strangers and other animals than dachshunds are. Maltipoos are also a good option for allergy sufferers thanks to their low-shedding poodle heritage.
No matter which breed you choose, be prepared to provide plenty of love, attention, and veterinary care to keep your new best friend happy and healthy for years to come. Both dachshunds and maltipoos thrive on human companionship and can develop separation anxiety if left alone too often. If you work long hours or travel frequently, you may need to budget for a pet sitter or doggy daycare.
Welcoming a dog into your home is a big decision, but the unconditional love and joy they bring is truly priceless. By doing your research and selecting a breed that fits your lifestyle, you‘ll be well on your way to a wonderful friendship with your new canine companion.
