Grooming

Grooming a Mini Doxiedoodle is essential for maintaining their health and appearance. Given their mixed heritage, grooming requirements can vary depending on whether they inherit more traits from the Poodle or the Dachshund.  

Coat Care: Mini Doxiedoodles can have a range of coat types, from curly and dense like a Poodle to straight and sleek like a Dachshund. For those with curly or wavy coats, regular brushing is crucial to prevent matting and tangling. Aim to brush their coat at least three times a week, using a slicker brush or a comb designed for curly fur. If your Mini Doxiedoodle has a straighter coat, a weekly brushing should suffice to keep their fur healthy and free of debris. 

Bathing: Bathing your Mini Doxiedoodle every 4 to 6 weeks is typically enough to keep them clean. Use a mild dog shampoo to avoid irritating their skin. Be sure to rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residues, which can cause dryness or itching. If your dog tends to get dirty frequently, you might need to adjust the bathing schedule accordingly. 

Ears: Mini Doxiedoodles, especially those with floppy ears, are prone to ear infections. Check their ears weekly for signs of redness, bad odor, or excessive wax buildup. Clean their ears gently using a vet-recommended ear cleaner and a cotton ball. Avoid inserting anything deep into the ear canal to prevent injury. 

Teeth: Dental care is crucial for Mini Doxiedoodles. Brush their teeth at least two to three times a week to prevent tartar buildup and periodontal disease. Use a dog-specific toothpaste, as human toothpaste can be harmful to dogs. Providing dental chews and toys can also help maintain their oral hygiene. 

Nails: Regular nail trimming is necessary to prevent overgrowth and discomfort. If you can hear your dog's nails clicking on the floor, it's time for a trim. Use a dog nail clipper and be cautious not to cut too close to the quick, which can cause bleeding and pain. If you're unsure about trimming the nails yourself, seek help from a professional groomer or veterinarian. 

Exercise Needs

Mini Doxiedoodles are energetic little dogs who thrive on regular physical activity. Ensuring they get enough exercise is key to maintaining their health and happiness. Here’s what you need to know about meeting the exercise needs of a Mini Doxiedoodle. 

Daily Exercise: Mini Doxiedoodles require at least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise daily. This can be broken up into two or three shorter sessions throughout the day. Regular exercise helps to burn off their abundant energy, keeping them fit and preventing behavioral issues that can arise from boredom. 

Walks: Daily walks are a must for Mini Doxiedoodles. A brisk walk around the neighborhood provides physical exercise and mental stimulation as they explore different scents and sights. Aim for at least one or two walks a day, each lasting around 15 to 30 minutes. 

Playtime: In addition to walks, Mini Doxiedoodles love interactive play. Engage them with games like fetch, tug-of-war, or hide-and-seek. These activities not only provide physical exercise but also strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Puzzle toys and treat-dispensing toys can also keep their minds sharp. 

Off-Leash Play: If you have access to a secure, fenced-in yard, allowing your Mini Doxiedoodle some off-leash playtime can be highly beneficial. They can run, chase, and explore freely, which is excellent for their physical and mental health. Be sure to supervise them, as their small size and curiosity can sometimes get them into trouble. 

Health

Mini Doxiedoodles are generally healthy dogs, benefiting from the genetic diversity of their Dachshund and Miniature Poodle parents. However, like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. It's important for prospective owners to be aware of these potential concerns to ensure their Mini Doxiedoodle lives a long and healthy life.  

Mini Doxiedoodles can be susceptible to allergies, which may manifest as skin irritations, itching, or gastrointestinal problems. Common allergens include certain foods, environmental factors (such as pollen or dust mites), and flea bites. Symptoms of allergies can include excessive scratching, licking, ear infections, and gastrointestinal upsets like vomiting or diarrhea. If you notice these signs, it's essential to consult with your veterinarian to identify the cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan, which may include dietary changes, medications, or environmental modifications. 

Given their floppy ears, Mini Doxiedoodles are prone to ear infections. Their ears can trap moisture and debris, creating an ideal environment for bacteria and yeast to thrive. Regular ear cleaning is crucial to prevent infections. Symptoms of an ear infection include redness, swelling, foul odor, and your dog frequently shaking their head or scratching their ears. If you suspect an ear infection, prompt veterinary care is essential to avoid complications. 

Dental health is particularly important for Mini Doxiedoodles, as small breeds are often more prone to dental problems. Plaque and tartar buildup can lead to periodontal disease, which can cause pain, tooth loss, and infections that may affect other organs. To prevent dental issues, establish a routine of brushing your dog's teeth several times a week using dog-specific toothpaste. Providing dental chews and scheduling regular dental cleanings with your vet can also help maintain good oral hygiene. 

Lifespan

Mini Doxiedoodles typically enjoy a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. This longevity can be attributed to their hybrid vigor, which often results in fewer health issues compared to purebred dogs. To ensure your Mini Doxiedoodle reaches the upper end of this range, provide them with regular veterinary care, a balanced diet, plenty of exercise, and lots of love and attention. 

Training

Training your Mini Doxiedoodle is essential to ensure they grow up to be well-behaved and happy companions. Thanks to their Poodle heritage, they are intelligent and eager to please, which makes them highly trainable. However, their Dachshund side can sometimes bring a streak of stubbornness, so patience and consistency are key. 

Start training your Mini Doxiedoodle with basic commands such as "sit," "stay," "come," and "down." Use positive reinforcement techniques like treats, praise, and play to encourage good behavior. Short, frequent training sessions are often more effective than longer ones, as these dogs have relatively short attention spans. 

House training should begin as soon as you bring your Mini Doxiedoodle home. Consistency is crucial. Take them outside frequently, especially after meals, playtime, and naps. Praise and reward them immediately after they eliminate outside to reinforce the behavior. Crate training can also be a helpful tool in house training, providing your dog with a safe space and helping to prevent accidents. 

Early socialization is vital for Mini Doxiedoodles to develop into well-adjusted adults. Expose them to a variety of people, places, sounds, and other animals from a young age. Positive experiences during this critical period will help them become more confident and less fearful of new situations. 

Mini Doxiedoodles, like all dogs, can develop unwanted behaviors if not properly trained. Address behaviors such as barking, chewing, and digging early on. Provide plenty of physical and mental stimulation to prevent boredom, which can lead to these issues. Consistent training and redirection to appropriate behaviors are key.