The Doxie Scot is a unique and charming mixed breed that combines the qualities of the Scottish Terrier and the Dachshund. This hybrid dog, also known as a “Doxie Scott” or “Scottie Doxie,” inherits traits from both parent breeds, resulting in a small to medium-sized dog with a distinctive appearance and personality. Doxie Scots are known for their loyalty, intelligence, and spirited nature, making them popular companions for individuals and families alike.
Key Facts
- Size: Small to medium (8-11 inches tall, 15-25 pounds)
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
- Coat: Short to medium length, wiry or smooth
- Colors: Black, wheaten, brindle, or combinations
- Temperament: Intelligent, loyal, stubborn, playful
- Exercise needs: Moderate
- Grooming: Regular brushing, occasional trimming
Character Traits
Doxie Scots inherit a blend of personality traits from their Scottish Terrier and Dachshund parents. They are typically intelligent, loyal, and affectionate with their family members. These dogs often display a confident and sometimes stubborn nature, which can make training a bit challenging but also adds to their charm. Doxie Scots are known for their playful and energetic demeanor, enjoying interactive games and activities with their owners.
They can be protective of their family and may be wary of strangers, a trait inherited from both parent breeds. This makes them excellent watchdogs, alerting their owners to potential threats. Doxie Scots often have a strong prey drive, thanks to their terrier and hound lineage, which may lead them to chase small animals. With proper socialization, they can get along well with other pets and children, although supervision is recommended due to their sometimes feisty nature.
History & Origins
The Doxie Scot is a relatively new mixed breed, likely originating within the last few decades as designer dogs gained popularity. While the exact origins of this specific mix are not well-documented, understanding the history of the parent breeds provides insight into the Doxie Scot’s background.
The Scottish Terrier, one of the parent breeds, originated in Scotland and has a history dating back to the 1500s. These dogs were initially bred for hunting and controlling vermin on farms. The Dachshund, the other parent breed, has roots in Germany and was developed in the 16th century to hunt badgers and other burrowing animals.
The combination of these two distinct breeds results in a dog that inherits the tenacity and hunting instincts of both parent breeds, along with their unique physical characteristics. As with many designer dogs, the Doxie Scot was likely created to combine the desirable traits of both breeds into a smaller, companion-sized package.
Health Concerns
The Doxie Scot, being a mix of Scottish Terrier and Dachshund, may inherit health issues common to both parent breeds. Potential concerns include:
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): Due to their long backs inherited from the Dachshund side
- Scottie Cramp: A neurological disorder affecting movement, more common in Scottish Terriers
- Von Willebrand’s Disease: A blood clotting disorder found in both parent breeds
- Skin allergies and sensitivities
- Dental issues due to their small jaws
Regular veterinary check-ups, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding excessive jumping or stair climbing can help mitigate some of these risks. Responsible breeding practices can also reduce the likelihood of inherited health problems.
Exercise Needs
Doxie Scots typically have moderate exercise needs, reflecting a blend of the Scottish Terrier’s energy and the Dachshund’s more relaxed nature. Daily exercise requirements include:
- 30-60 minutes of physical activity per day
- Short walks or play sessions spread throughout the day
- Mental stimulation through puzzle toys or training exercises
While they enjoy outdoor activities, care should be taken to avoid overexertion, particularly in hot weather. Their short legs and long backs make them unsuitable for high-impact activities like jumping or intense agility training. Interactive play and gentle games are ideal for keeping them physically and mentally stimulated.
Space Requirements
The Doxie Scot is adaptable to various living situations due to its small to medium size. Ideal living conditions include:
- Apartments or small homes with some outdoor space
- Houses with securely fenced yards
- Urban or suburban environments
While they can adapt to apartment living, access to a small yard or nearby park is beneficial for their exercise needs and natural digging instincts. Indoor living is suitable as long as they receive adequate exercise and mental stimulation. Doxie Scots may not tolerate extreme weather conditions well, so a comfortable indoor environment is essential.
Nutrition & Feeding
Proper nutrition is crucial for maintaining the health of a Doxie Scot, particularly given their potential for back problems and weight gain. Key nutritional considerations include:
- High-quality, age-appropriate dog food formulated for small to medium breeds
- Portion control to prevent obesity, which can exacerbate back issues
- Avoiding table scraps and high-fat treats
- Feeding schedule of 2-3 small meals per day rather than free feeding
The exact amount of food will depend on the dog’s age, size, activity level, and metabolism. Consult with a veterinarian to determine the best diet plan and to adjust portions as needed. Fresh water should always be available, and any dietary changes should be made gradually to avoid digestive upset.
Grooming Tips
The Doxie Scot, being a mix of Scottish Terrier and Dachshund, may inherit a variety of coat types, ranging from short and smooth to longer and wiry. Regular brushing, at least 2-3 times a week, is essential to prevent matting and reduce shedding. For wire-haired varieties, hand-stripping may be necessary every few months to maintain coat texture. Bathing should be done as needed, typically every 4-6 weeks, using a gentle dog shampoo.
Pay special attention to the ears, checking and cleaning them weekly to prevent infections. Trim nails regularly, ideally every 2-3 weeks, and brush teeth several times a week to maintain good oral hygiene. If the Doxie Scot inherits the Scottish Terrier’s beard, it may require daily cleaning to prevent food buildup and staining.
Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks can help maintain the coat’s shape and overall appearance, especially for dogs with longer or more challenging coat types. Always introduce grooming routines early in the dog’s life to ensure they become comfortable with the process.
Training Approach
Training a Doxie Scot requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement techniques. These dogs can inherit the stubborn streak of both parent breeds, so establishing yourself as a calm, confident leader is crucial. Start socialization and training early to prevent the development of small dog syndrome and to ensure they grow into well-adjusted adults.
Use short, engaging training sessions to maintain their interest, as both Scottish Terriers and Dachshunds can have short attention spans. Reward-based training with treats, praise, and play works well for this mix. Focus on basic obedience commands, leash training, and recall, as the hunting instincts from both parent breeds may make off-leash reliability challenging.
Address potential barking issues early, as both parent breeds can be vocal. Crate training can be beneficial, especially given the Dachshund’s tendency for separation anxiety. Patience is key when house training, as Dachshunds can be notoriously difficult in this area. Consistent, positive reinforcement and a regular routine will yield the best results. Remember that mental stimulation through puzzle toys and training games is just as important as physical exercise for this intelligent mix.
