Dachshund Breed Information

Its long torso and stubby legs easily identify the tiny and enthusiastic Dachshund dog breed, and they have long been a family favorite. Learn more about doxies and how to live with them. Dachshunds are scent hound canines developed to hunt badgers, rabbits, and foxes. Hunters even employed Dachshund groups to track down wild boar. They make great family pets, show dogs, and small-game hunters because of their adaptability.

Weight

• Male: 16-32 lbs
• Female: 16-32 lbs

 Height

• Male: 8-9 inches
• Female: 8-9 inches

 Life Span

• 12--16 years

Appearance

The Dachshund dog breed, also known as a Doxie, Sausage dog, or Weiner dog, is a tiny hunting hound with a prominent personality that is appreciated worldwide for its short and thick shape. The Dachshund was developed in Germany to burrow into prey dens and stand much longer than tall. Smooth, longhair, and wirehair coats are available and regular and small sizes.

Smooth dachshunds have a short, glossy coat that can be pure red or cream, black, and tan, mottled (also known as merle), with equally scattered light and dark hues; brindle, with dark stripes on a lighter background; and sable, according to the breed club's criteria. Smooth dachshund eyes vary in hue depending on coat color and pattern.

Smooth dachshunds with solid or bicolor coats have black eyes, whereas dapple dachshunds have partially or entirely blue eyes.

Wirehaired dachshunds have a soft undercoat covered by a wiry topcoat that is short, dense, and rough. A large beard and eyebrows are also seen on these dachshunds. Wirehairs are available in the same range of colors and patterns as smooths, but their most common hues are wild boar (brown with blonde highlights), black and tan, and different shades of red.

The hair on the ears, beneath the neck, torso, and behind the legs of longhaired dachshunds is smooth, glossy, and often wavy. The smooths come in the same hues as these Doxies.

 Temperament 

The Dachshund is regarded as intelligent, energetic, and brave to the point of recklessness. He's been raised for tenacity, which is another way of saying he's obstinate. Dachshunds are known for being lively and brave, yet their genuine desire is to snuggle with their owners. For many Dachshund owners, this trait surpasses having to cope with the breed's insistence on getting his way.

The personality of a Dachshund might also differ according to the coat type. Wirehaired Dachshunds may be cheeky troublemakers since they have a terrier heritage. Smooths have a disposition somewhere in the middle, whereas Longhairs are peaceful and quiet. Although some Mini Dachshunds are frightened or shy, this is not typical of the breed. Avoid pups that exhibit these traits.

Various variables influence temperament, including inheritance, training, and socialization. Puppies with good temperaments are interested and active, and they like approaching people and being held. Choose a puppy amid the pack, rather than one who is abusing his littermates or cowering in the corner.

Always meet at least one of the parents—usually, the mother is the available one—to make sure they have pleasant personalities. Meeting the parents' siblings or other relatives can also help you assess what a puppy will be like as an adult.

Dachshunds, like other dogs, benefit from early socialization, which includes exposure to a variety of people, sights, noises, and activities.

Socialization is essential for your Dachshund puppy's development as a well-rounded dog. Enrolling him in puppy kindergarten is a fantastic place to start. Regularly inviting guests over and taking him to crowded parks, dog-friendly businesses, and strolls to meet neighbors can all help him improve his social skills.

Living Conditions

Dachshunds like living in apartments. They don't require a backyard because of their tiny size, but they like going for walks outside. Dachshunds enjoy a challenge, and as long as you provide lots of opportunities for them to chase and locate things, they will be content.

These dogs adore their human parents and do not want them to abandon them. Your dog may be more anxious while apart from you, and when they miss you, they are more prone to chew. You may wish to utilize a crate if you leave your house without your dog.

Like many tiny dogs, these pups are prone to aggressiveness toward strangers and other dogs, and a loud bark might hinder the dog training process. Dachshunds are more prone than other dogs to bite their owners; therefore, families with small children should only adopt one if they are dedicated to rigorous training and regular socializing.

However, there is a reason why these dogs are so popular. If you train it properly, you'll get a vibrant and affectionate friend with many personalities. Dachshunds are intelligent, independent, and energetic dogs, but they can also be naughty and obstinate. They aren't the simplest breeds to train or housebreak. If you need assistance training your dog, you might want to consider hiring a trainer.

Dachshunds have individual personalities, but that doesn't mean they don't like participating in family activities. This tiny breed can be fine with family children, but she may require further training and socialization to be calm among strangers. A dachshund is an excellent choice for a single adult, a family, or the elderly, as long as her owner is patient, forgiving, and has a sense of humor to match this pup's spirited demeanor. It's crucial to think about your lifestyle before getting a dog.

Care

The grooming requirements for different dachshund coat types are slightly varied. Despite spending time outside, all three kinds are low-shedding, low-odor, and relatively clean (though their paws may need attention after a vigorous digging session). However, they are not considered a hypoallergenic breed. Bathing should be limited to once a month for all dachshunds; any more than that might cause their sensitive skin to dry up.

Brush smooth and longhaired Dachshunds once a week to keep them clean and tangle-free in the case of longhaired Dachshunds. They shed moderately, so brushing them regularly can help prevent stray hair from slipping off the dog and into your clothes and furnishings.

A particular sort of grooming is required for the wire. Stripping is the process of removing dead hairs from his coat twice a year. You can learn how to do it from your dog's breeder. You'll also want to keep his bushy beard and brows tidy by trimming them. Trim extra hair between the paw pads on longhair and wire.

Use a solution prescribed by your veterinarian to clean your Dachshund's drooping ears. Cotton swabs should not be used inside the ear since they might push muck farther down. Wipe the ear out with a cotton ball, avoiding going more profound than your first knuckle.

Trim his nails regularly, generally every two weeks. They should never be so lengthy that they make a clicking sound on the floor.

Health

The Dachshund, like all breeds, is susceptible to certain illnesses, and the breed's lengthy body can cause significant health problems if not properly nourished and exercised. Breeders should have full cardiac, patella, and eye tests, according to the Dachshund Club of America, the official breed club.

Of course, not all dachshunds will have significant health problems, but it's vital to be aware of these systematic risks if you're thinking about getting one. All dogs should be purchased from reliable breeders who will show you the dog's parents and siblings. If you're thinking about adopting, make sure you get all of the health information you can from the rescue.

Obesity is common in Dachshunds, which can cause significant spinal issues in this long breed. It's critical to follow a strict diet and get enough exercise every day. Allowing your Dachshund to jump on furniture or into or out of automobiles can cause slipped discs in this breed. Infection is also a risk with their floppy ears.

This breed, like many others, has a penchant for specific health problems. Dachshunds are more prone to epilepsy, granulomatous meningoencephalitis, Cushing's illness, thyroid and immunological issues, as well as ocular abnormalities. Hearing and visual issues are more common in double-dapple dogs such as these.

However, the dog breed is prone to back issues like slipped or herniated disks and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) because of their extended backs. Because a large percentage of dogs will develop IVDD, it's critical to care for your dog's spine. Pet health insurance is a popular choice among pet owners.

History

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The Dachshund was developed as a hunting dog in Germany. Though the breed's origins may be traced back to the 15th century, it was developed in 17th-century Germany. These small hounds were known as dachshunds, which translates as "badger dogs." They pursued badgers. Their tiny legs, loose skin, large chests, tenacity, and independence made them excellent for digging, tunneling, and, of course, badger combat. When digging, their flip-down ears help keep dirt and debris out.

The breed's evolution resulted in two sizes. The regular size has traditionally hunted badgers and wild boar, while the miniatures have hunted hares and foxes. In Germany, there is also a medium size.

Dachshunds were imported to the United States as early as 1885 when the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the breed, but their popularity grew in the 1930s and 1940s. In the United States, they were temporarily dubbed badger dogs to avoid being shunned during World War II. To this day, they are modern dog breeds.

 Final Thoughts

The Dachshund is a dog with a lot of personality. In the right home, these active, clever small dogs are excellent family companions, and they get along well with other pets and older children who are adequately treated and handled. The Dachshund is a dog that may be used in various situations. Thanks to his wide range of sizes, colors, coat kinds, and personality, there's a Dachshund for virtually everyone. If you adopt a Doxie, you must be willing to exercise and dedicate time to grooming him, especially if you regularly pick a longhaired or wire-haired breed.