The Pomeranian Dachshund mix has a number of different nicknames. Most commonly referred to as the Dameranian, it has also been called a Pom Weenie, Doxie Pom, Pom-A-Weenie, Pomeranian Weiner Dog, Pom-Dach, Dach-Pom, and more.
The Dameranian is an affectionate small to medium-sized crossbreed with a long life span. Each breed has its own unique personality traits and history, which combine to create a wonderful little designer dog.
In this guide, we’ll look at everything you need to know about Dameranians. This will include a breed comparison, pros, and cons of the breed, temperament, life expectancy, size, and appearance, as well as their grooming and exercise needs.
Quick Comparison: Dachshund vs. Pomeranian vs. Dameranian
| Breeds | Dachshund | Pomeranian | Dameranian |
| Type | Hound | Spitz | Cross |
| Origins | 15th century | 19th century | 20th century |
| Country of Origin | Germany | Poland/Germany | North America |
| Size | Small to medium | Small | Small to medium |
| Height | 8” to 9” | 6” to 7” | 5” to 11” |
| Weight | 16 to 32 lbs (standard) or 11lbs max (miniature) | 3 to 7 lbs | 8 to 25 lbs |
| Life Span | 12 to 15 years | 12 to 16 years | 12 to 16 years |
| Coat | Smooth, wire-haired, or long-haired | Long | Long |
| Shedding | Moderate | High | Moderate to high |
| Brushing Needs | 1-3 times a week depending on coat length. | Daily | At least 4 to 5 times per week. |
| Grooming Needs | Minimal to moderate depending on coat length. | Moderate to high | Moderate to high |
| Temperament | Clever, stubborn, mischievous, playful | Perky, friendly, intelligent | Clever, playful, friendly, clingy |
| Trainability | Hard | Moderate to easy | Moderate |
| Kid-Friendly? | Yes | Yes, supervision with children under age 10 | Yes |
| Dog Friendly? | Moderate | Moderate | Moderate |
| Family-Friendly? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Apartment Friendly? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Good with other pets? | No | Moderate | Moderate |
| Good for new owners? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Touchiness | High | High | High |
| Tolerance to solitude | Moderate | Low | Low |
| Tolerance to heat | Moderate | Low | Moderate |
| Tolerance to cold | Low | High | Moderate |
| Barking | High | High | High |
| Exercise needs | 30-60 minutes per day | 30-60 minutes per day | 30-60 minutes per day |
| Tendency to gain weight | High | Moderate | Moderate to high |
Dameranian Highlights
- Keeping up with appearances
The Dameranian is a small to medium-sized breed that can range in size from 8 to 25 pounds and 5 to 11 inches tall! They can also be found in a variety of different colors depending on their parentage. - Long live the Dameranian
This small to medium-sized breed lives for 12 to 16 years! That tends to be a bit longer than larger breeds, which means you’ll have your best friend around for years to come. - Your best friend
The Dameranian is affectionate and protective of their owner. They are known as velcro dogs because they often grow very attached and want to spend every possible minute at your side! - Quirky personalities
Dameranians are intelligent and clever, but can sometimes be a bit stubborn. Starting early with obedience training will help them build confidence and trust in you. - Great for families and new owners
Due to their loving nature and small size, they are a great dog for families as long as you supervise them with children under 10 years of age. They’re also a great choice for inexperienced dog owners because they can be relatively easy to train and adaptable. - Good choice for apartment living
Their small stature also makes them ideal for living in smaller dwellings. They can have a tendency to bark when you are out of the house, though, so be sure to implement some training. - Protective watchdog
Dameranians are protective of their people and they love to bark. You can put that tendency to be vocal to good use by letting them alert you to strangers around your house!
History and Original Purpose of Dameranian
The Dameranian itself is a relatively new designer crossbreed that seems to have emerged sometime in the 1990s. Most likely the first crossbreed happened somewhere in North America due to the designer dog craze. However, the Pomeranian and Dachshund are each well-respected breeds with lengthy histories dating back hundreds of years.
The Pomeranian originated in Pomerania in northeastern Europe, which is now where Poland and western Germany reside. In some places, it’s actually known as the Zwergspitz and is the smallest of the spitz-type dogs. They have been bred to be smaller and smaller throughout the years, but originated from sled-pulling dogs! They gained popularity due to being Queen Victoria’s favorite breed.
The Dachshund originated in Germany as a hunting dog. The name literally means “badger dog” in German. This breed was developed to hunt and repel pests, like badgers, by getting into their burrows and forcing them out – hence their unique body shape. Their bravery, stubbornness, and intelligence have persisted through the centuries.
Pros and Cons of Getting a Dameranian
Pros of a Dameranian
That being said, it’s of course not all bad and there are also reasons why someone might want to choose a Dameranian. Both parent breeds pack a lot of personality into a small body and they are incredibly entertaining.
The first is that they are so social and affectionate that they would make a great family pet. Having multiple family members around also decreases the likelihood of separation anxiety is a problem. There is one caveat that smaller breeds require supervision with small children because of their size.
The second is that the Dameranian is a small to medium-sized breed, which is perfect for small spaces. That being said, it’s important to keep in mind that separation anxiety can result in a lot of barking and whining when you leave, so this is where being a family pet can really help since they would seldom be alone. The third is that they can be good watchdogs when their barking is directed in a productive manner. They will alert you to strangers and possible danger. It is a natural tendency to be on alert and protective of their owners.
Cons of a Dameranian
Dameranians blend two super adorable and coveted breeds. While they are very cute and carry that designer dog status, there are a few reasons why you might not want to get a Pomeranian Dachshund mix.
The first is that they are vocal dogs. They will bark at just about anything, which makes them a problematic choice for anyone who lives in an apartment or enjoys peace and quiet. They want you to know about the stranger passing by your house and the leaf blowing on your lawn.
The second is that they are velcro dogs, which might sound desirable but can be a pain when you need to leave them alone for any length of time. They are prone to separation anxiety and often take out their displeasure by destroying your property or exhibiting other bad behavior. It’s important to implement the appropriate crate training to prevent separation anxiety early on.
The third is that they require a lot of grooming and they shed a lot. That distinctive fluffy pomeranian coat is cute and soft, and also ends up on everything you own. They will blow their coat a couple of times a year as well, which will result in a pile of fur that could be your dog’s twin in size and stature. If you aren’t prepared to spend a lot of time properly brush and maintain their coat (or money to pay a groomer), then it would be best to avoid the Dameranian.
Dameranian Temperament
Don’t be so quick to write this designer breed off as being little and cute. They are that, but they are also so much more. Their parentage lends some quirky personality traits and temperaments that are important to know.
As we mentioned above, the Pomeranian evolved from large spitz-type dogs into their compact form. However, they kept their big dog’s bravery and attitude in that little dog’s body. They continue to believe that they are big dogs that rule the roost, which is common with many small breed dogs.
The Dachshund is also equally as brave, persistent, and clever today as it was hundreds of years ago when it was hunting badgers.
This combination has been passed on to the Dameranian, which is protective of its family members. They are good watchdogs and often bark at strangers passing by or a knock at the door.
That being said, they are also affectionate and clever. They thrive off of mental stimulation such as interactive dog toys and playing with their owner. They often grow very attached to their closest family member. Combined with their persistent and stubborn demeanors, this can make them prone to separation anxiety.
What is the Life Expectancy of the Dameranian?
Dachshund Pomeranian mix tends to live around 12 to 16 years if their health is properly maintained. There are various health conditions that they can be prone to. Some might be inherited from a parent, so checking for good lineage when possible can help prevent some of these.
Health issues common to Dachshunds and Pomeranians include dental disease, back problems, eye disease, bloat, Cushings, diabetes, patellar luxation, trachea collapse, allergies, Legg-Perthes, and hip dysplasia.
Size and Appearance of Dameranians
Dameranians can vary largely in appearance depending on their lineage. They range in size from about 8 to 25 pounds and around 5 to 11 inches tall. They tend to be classified as small to medium dogs depending on the size of their parents.
Depending on which parent’s genes they inherit, their coats can also vary widely from short smooth coats like smooth Dachshunds to longer fluffy coats like Pomeranians – and everything in between! More often than not, they tend to get long soft coats from their Pomeranian parent. It tends to get fluffier around their head and neck, similar to the Pomeranian.
They tend to have larger ears that may flop down or stand up straight. Many inherit the deer head shape from their Dachshund parent with a longer snout, but some will get the apple head shape from their Pomeranian parent with a shorter snout.
Dameranian Coat Color
Pomeranian Dachshund mixes can have so many different colors, all depending on what colors their parents were.
Pomeranians can be black, chocolate, blue, cream, cream sable, orange, red, orange sable, black and tan, brindle, wolf sable, white, beaver, merle, or particolored.
Dachshunds can be black, chocolate, blue, cream, red, black and tan, brindle, wild boar, chocolate and tan, piebald, black and cream, dapple, brindle piebald, double dapple, tri merle, chocolate, and cream, or piebald dapple. Phew!
With all these variations, there are so many possibilities for coloring. However, Dameranian coloring is most often brown, white, black, grey, blue, or tan.
Dameranian Grooming Needs
Dameranians tend to have moderate grooming needs as most of them have the long fluffy coat from their Pomeranian side. They can also be moderate shedders. This requires brushing multiple times at least – daily brushing is even better. Brushing regularly will help to prevent painful matting as well as help remove any shedding fur.
A couple of times a year, when the seasons change, your Dameranian may blow their coat, which means that they will lose their old coat as a new seasonally appropriate one grows in. For example, when transitioning from winter to spring, they will blow their thicker winter coat to make room for a lighter spring coat that’s better for warmer weather.
A longer coat will also require more frequent washings to clean away any dirt and debris. Only do this as needed and make sure to use a dog-friendly shampoo because dog skin is very sensitive. It’s also important to make sure you rinse out shampoo thoroughly.
Regularly check your pup’s ears for any signs of infection and gently wipe them clean about once a week or so.
Keeping nails trimmed every four to six weeks will prevent the quick (the blood vessel in the nail) from growing too long. Once nails become too long, it is better to get a professional groomer or a vet to help. Nail clipping can be scary, so make sure you use lots of positive reinforcement! You can even use a Dremel tool for keeping nails short, which reduces the risk of accidentally cutting the quick.
Dameranians are prone to dental disease just like most other small breeds. It is important to include dental care as part of a grooming routine. Brushing the teeth at least a few times a week is important to prevent dental disease. There are also dental chew treats, water additives, and toothpaste to help with dental hygiene.
How much exercise does a Dameranian need?
The Dameranian is a moderately active dog and needs about 30-60 minutes of exercise per day. This can be broken up into 2 or 3 daily walks outside or even some indoor play!
The benefit of having a small dog means that you can toss a dog toy around indoors (preferably something plush!) and they can run around chasing after it or playing fetch. This is a low-maintenance way for them to get their steps in if the weather isn’t great or if you’re feeling crunched for time.
Making sure they get enough activity is important not only for physical wellbeing but tiring them out will prevent destructive behaviors. Mental stimulation such as interactive puzzle dog toys is also really great for providing enrichment that will tire them out.
How easy is it to train a Dameranian?
These Pomeranian Dachshund mixes are relatively easy to train. While Dachshunds can be on the stubborn side, Pomeranians are very good trainers and often compete in obedience shows! Your Dameranian will fall somewhere right in the middle.
Lots of positive reinforcement in the form of treats and praise will go a long way to encourage them to learn. On the other hand, be very careful not to use any negative scolding because Dameranians are sensitive and it can easily discourage them from trying.
Start obedience training early when they are young in order to build good habits and socialization. This will make it easier to train them throughout their life. It also helps to establish dominant hierarchy where you are at the top of the pyramid.
Dameranian Health Problems
As mentioned above, Dameranians can be prone to health issues that are common to both Dachshunds and Pomeranians. This includes things like dental disease, back problems, eye disease, bloat, Cushing’s, diabetes, patellar luxation, trachea collapse, allergies, Legg-Perthes, and hip dysplasia.
To prevent severe health problems, getting regular checkups from the vet is important. Annual medical costs including regular vaccines, bloodwork, flea and tick preventatives, and more can add up quickly but are vital. You may spend between $500 to $600 annually on routine preventative vet care.
Sometimes emergencies or illnesses happen and can get very expensive – into the thousands of dollars. Having pet insurance can help cover these high medical costs for a low monthly premium. It’s definitely worth looking into a pet insurance plan. At the very least, you should be putting away money into savings each month for if and when an emergency comes up so that you aren’t faced with the difficult decision of whether or not you can afford to save your family member.
Dameranian Feeding and Nutrition
As small dogs, Damerianians don’t require large amounts of food at each meal. The amount that you should feed them will depend on the food you have chosen as well as their size. Generally, about 1 ½ to 2 cups of food per day is standard.
Pick a premium dog food and follow the measurements on the label, which will tell you how many cups of food to feed them each day. You can break this amount up into 2 or 3 meals per day if you wish.
Beware of choosing a “boutique” diet such as raw or grain-free. Grain-free diets are associated with a life-threatening heart condition and raw diets can increase the risk of antibiotic resistance and salmonella poisoning (not only for your pup but for you as well!). If in doubt, check with your vet!
You can also opt to feed your Domeranian supplements such as fish oils, which will help them maintain a healthy coat and prevent skin issues. Glucosamine is great for adult dogs to prevent arthritis too – but it is not a treatment, so prevention is key with glucosamine.
Is Dameranian good with children?
The combination of Dachshund hound and Pomeranian spitz-type breeds even out into a great family dog. Dameranians love to play and chase, which can be great for kids. They are also very affectionate and grow very attached to their family.
With all that being said, smaller dogs should always be supervised with children under the age of 10 because of how vulnerable they can be. Both children and dogs should also be trained before ever being left alone together. This will help foster good communication and prevent any accidents from happening.
Do Dameranians get along with other pets?
Dachshunds have a notoriously high prey drive. Not only is it in their name – hound – but they were historically bred for hunting small prey. Thankfully, the Pomeranian part in a Dameranian tone down the high prey drive, so they can be acceptable with other small pets such as guinea pigs, rabbits, and hamsters. However, any dog should always be supervised with a smaller animal due to it being more vulnerable and natural prey instincts.
In general, Dameranians get along well with other pets like cats and dogs. It’s important to ensure proper introductions with any new pet and to monitor for a probationary period to make sure that all pets are safe in the company of each other.
Proper training and socialization are important parts of the story here. They go a long way to a well-behaved dog that can be around other pets and people!
Costs involved in owning a Dameranian
If you are buying a puppy from a reputable breeder, then a Domeranian puppy will likely be over $1000. Sure, you might find cheaper puppies in online marketplaces or a pet store, but you likely aren’t buying from a reputable breeder and more likely supporting a puppy mill. More on that below.
You may also find a Dameranian from a rescue organization. Adoption fees can range from $50 to $500 depending on the organization. It’s important to note that buying a dog from someone on Facebook Marketplace or Craigslist is not the same as adopting from a rescue and you could still likely be supporting a puppy mill.
Final Thoughts
Dameranians are a clever combination of two very popular breeds. The combination of a hound with a spitz type of dog helps with leveling out the dominant characteristics of each (e.g. the prey drive in the hound is lessened by the spitz). The result is an affectionate and playful companion that would make a great pet for a variety of situations.
They are great for families who are often home, even if they live in a smaller dwelling. They are also a good choice for a first-time dog owner because they are relatively low maintenance and well-behaved. Early training and socialization are the keys to their success!
Other Dachshund Mixes
You might want to see other 24 most popular Dachshund mixes, check out the list below:
