Dachshunds or aka “wiener dogs” are a popular breed for many reasons.  Originally bread as scent dogs to hunt tunneling animals like badgers this small breed does well in any home environment in the city, suburbs or country.  The dachshund is known for it’s watch dog bark and it’s protective brave posture.  Though small this is a warrior dog.

 

Breed In Brief:

There are three Dachshund classifications:

• Standard Dachshunds (the largest)
• Tweener Dachshunds (those that fall between standards and minis)
• Miniature Dachshunds

There are three Dachshund Coat classifications:

• Wirehaired Dachshund –  this type has a strong terrier heritage
• Longhaired Dachshunds – this type has a spaniel heritage
• Smooth Dachshund

Height:

• Standard – 8 to 9 inches
• Miniature 5 to 6 inches

Weight:

• Standard – 16 to 32 pounds
• Tweenies – 11 to 16 pounds
• Miniature – 11 pounds and under

Life Expectancy:  12 to 16 years

 

Temperament:

Dachshunds are fine watchdogs.  They take serious their job of barking to warn you of trouble.  They are brave, loyal, charming, lively and curious.  They want to be in on everything and are not afraid of anything.  They do not require a ton of exercise and are OK with apartment or city living.  If you live in an apartment setting you may want to make sure that the barking may not be a problem.

Dachshunds are generally good with the children in the family but they do not always do well with strangers or other children.  Due to their long spine children must understand some rules when playing with their dachshund.  They cannot be played with roughly and they cannot be picked up unless properly supported.

Dachshunds like being around other dachshunds.  They don’t always get along with other dogs or cats..  They can be possessive of their toys and people.

They are known to bite more frequently than a German Shepherd.  You must introduce them to strangers slowly. Exposure to many different people, sights, sounds and experiences while still a puppy will help you end up with a more even tempered dog.

This is a proud breed and will need to be trained by using positive reinforcement like treats and praise.  Housebreaking can be difficult.  Patience and consistency are important.  Dachshunds like to be with people and will not do well if left in a crate all day.

How you raise and train your dog has a lot to do with their individual temperament.

 

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Overall Care:

Feeding:

1/2 to 1 1/2 cups of dry dog food daily.  Dogs like people all have different metabolisms so the amount you feed your dog needs to be based on your specific dog and its’ requirements.

This is a breed that can easily gain weight.  You will not be able to leave food lying around.

Grooming:

Dachshunds are a low maintenance breed.  They shed little and rarely drool.  They generally don’t have a “dog” odor and only need to be bathed occasionally. The longer the hair the more brushing you will need to do.

This breed does have droopy ears so you will need to check them for infection and try to keep them clean and dry.  If the ears appear red or have an odor you should probably take them into the vet.  This can be an indication of an ear infection.

It is always a good idea to start messing with your dogs paws, ears and teeth when they are puppies.  This sets them up to be tolerant of nail clipping and grooming requirements as they age.  You should plan on trimming nails once per month.

Exercise:

This dog was bred for hunting above and below the ground.  Dachshunds with their short long bodies and paddle shaped paws can dig into narrow tunnels to pursue their prey.  Because of this hunting and digging being integral to this breed your dog will have stamina and energy to play.  Fetch and short walks are usually adequate.  But they also like the fun of attacking a squeaky toy.  Expect the toy to be destroyed because of their hunt/kill nature.  But this can provide your dachshund with a fun playtime.

You will want to keep your Dachshund on a leash when out and about.  They are strong hunters and will follow a scent or a squirrel.  Their stubborn nature may make them hard to pull back from the instinct to chase.

 

Health:

This breed is not suitable for living outside and is sensitive to the cold and the heat.  If you live in a climate where the winters are cold you may want to invest in a sweater or coat for your dog.

• Canine Diabetes Mellitus – DM  To limit the risk of this disease keep your dog in a healthy weight range.
• Deafness (Particularly at risk Double Dapple Dachshunds)
• Spinal Problems – The Dachshund is bread with this long back and short legs to help him get into tunnels.  This long back does pose some increased risk for slipped or ruptured discs and back problems that can lead to paralysis.  It is best to keep your dachshund from running up and down stairs or jumping off furniture.  Their spines are not built for that level of activity.  When carrying your dog the back must be supported in both the front and back in order for proper spinal support.  It is also important to make sure your dog stays in a healthy weight range.  Added weight puts strain on the spin.
• Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease – a common canine heart disease for this breed
• Luxating Patella (Knee caps that slip out of the normal position)
• Bloat – This is where the stomach twists on itself.  Symptoms of this can include pacing, drooling, trying to throw up but cannot and licking of the lips.
• Epilepsy
• Eye Issues: Cataracts, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy

 

History:

This breed hails from Germany.  The word dachshund literally means badger dog.  They are mighty hunters and will follow a badger into its underground tunnels.  They were bred to keep badgers off the property.  They are the only AKC breed that hunts both above and below ground.

In 1885 Dachshunds were registered by the American Kennel Club.  They rank in the top ten of breeds today.

 

Costs:

Costs to purchase a puppy can run anywhere from $200 to $3500 depending on pedigree and breeder.  This breed also has options for adoption and rescue if you don’t mind having an older dog.  When you purchase or adopt an older dog you can already determine some temperament issues that aren’t always apparent in a puppy.

Pet insurance can help pay for unexpected expenses.  There are more options for pet insurance today than there used to be.  You may need to do some research or ask your veterinarian.

 

Conclusion:

Dachshunds are a loyal watchdogs that are a more convenient size than many watchdogs.  They have a fun personality and can provide you with hours of entertainment.  They bond well to their family unit and remain protective of those they bond to.