Dachshund:
The Dachshund Dog is intelligent, vivacious, brave, and amusing. Dachshunds are scent hound dogs that were developed to hunt rabbits, foxes, badgers, and other creatures that burrow. Even groups of Dachshund Dog were employed by hunters to pursue wild pigs. Today, because of their adaptability, they make great family pets, show dogs, and small-game hunters.
But don’t be duped by this pooch. The famous literary critic and comic writer H. L. Mencken once claimed that this breed of dog is “half a dog high and a dog and a half long,” but this little, drop-eared canine is tough enough to fight off a badger. They actually obtained their moniker in this way (Dachs meaning badger; Hund meaning dog).The nicknames Wiener Dog, Sausage Dog, Doxie, and others may be how you are most familiar with them. This breed could be right for you if you’re searching for a little dog to keep you on your toes and offer you plenty of love. Choose adoption if you can!
Recommended by Petlifehealth, It’s crucial to keep in mind that dogs of any breed may experience health problems at any time during their lifetime. Your ability to provide your dog with the care they require at any age can be aided by a decent pet insurance coverage.
A complete list of Dachshund characteristics and information is provided below.
Dachshund Dog Breed
Dachshund Dogs come in three different coat types: smooth (shorthaired), wirehaired, and longhaired (pronounce them DAKS Hund, never dash-hound). Dachshund Dogs can be normal (11 pounds or less as an adult) or tiny in the US (usually between 16 and 32 pounds as an adult). A tweenie Dachshund is one that weighs between 11 and 16 pounds. The sizes vary more widely in other nations. For instance, Dachshund Dogs are classified as Standard, Miniature, or Kaninchenteckel in Germany, the official birthplace of the breed, based on a chest measurement obtained at the age of fifteen months.
Dachshund Dogs, regardless of size, are a wonderful addition to any family, which is why they have always been towards the top of lists of the most popular dogs since the 1950s.Many loving nicknames for the breed—including wiener dog, hot dog, sausage dog, Doxie, Dashie, and (particularly in Germany) Teckels, Dachels, or Dachsels—have been inspired by their endearing look and vivacious nature.
The Dachshund Dogs playful side comes out at home. He enjoys being close to you and “assisting” you with tasks like tying your shoes. Because of his intellect, he frequently has his own ideas about the rules of play, which may differ from yours or even those of other breeds of dogs. Dachshund Dog are noted for their energy and love to chase toys, birds, and other small creatures. The Dachshund breed standard, which is a written description of how the dog should behave, probably best captures their personality, saying “The Dachshund Dog is intelligent, vivacious, and brave to the point of recklessness. It is persistent in above- and below-ground work and has highly developed senses. Any act of timidity is a grave sin.”
Longhaired Dachshund Dogs can have the same colors as the Smooth Dachshund and have smooth, somewhat wavy hair. To avoid mats from growing, they should be combed every day, especially around their elbows and ears. The Longhaired Dachshund Dogs is seen by many to have a more placid disposition than the Smooth or Wirehair.
Dachshunds with wiry hair have short, rough, thick coats, bushy eyebrows, and a beard. They are frequently naughty, just as Smooth Dachshunds. They won’t require a sweater in the cold, but frequent brushing is necessary to keep mats from developing. Their coat colors can be identical to those of the Smooth Dachshund, but in the United States, wild boar—a blend of black, brown, and gray—black and tan, and different shades of red are the most popular.
Dachshund Dogs are frequently viewed as a representation of Germany. During World War I and World War II, Dachshund Dogs suffered a decline in popularity in the United States as a result of this link. However, their attraction was too strong for this to withstand, and they rapidly saw a surge in popularity. A Dachshund Dog named Waldi was selected as the first official mascot for the 1972 Summer Olympics due to its connection to Germany.
Dachshund Dogs are a suitable breed for those who live in apartments and don’t have a backyard. Because of their compact size and simplicity of maintenance, they are well-liked by city inhabitants. They often love being active indoors and taking walks. Just watch out that they don’t become too obese or leap off furniture and hurt their backs. When you are holding them, make sure to support their backs as well. They are more prone to herniated (slipped) or ruptured (slipped) discs in their backs because of their long backs, which can cause partial or complete paralysis.
Due to its widespread popularity, many Dachshund breeders do so for financial gain rather than out of a love for the breed and a desire to produce healthy, well-behaved dogs. Make sure the breeder you buy your Dachshund from screens his or her breeding animals for both temperament and health issues.
The Dachshund makes for an adaptable friend. There is a Dachshund out there for just about everyone because to his wide range of sizes, hues, coat kinds, and personality.
Dachshund History
The Dachshund Dog was developed in Germany, where dachs is German for badger and Hund is German for dog. The 15th century saw the first depictions of dogs resembling Dachshunds, and papers from the 16th century refer to the “soil dog,” “badger creeper,” and “dachsel.” The Dachshund’s prey did not simply include badger. He was also applied to foxes and other den animals, and wild boar was tracked by packs of Dachshunds. The sizes of the early Dachshunds varied widely. The canines employed to hunt boar and badgers weighed between 30 and 35 pounds. Smaller 12-pound Dachshunds pursued hares and weasels, whereas larger 16 to 22-pound Dachshunds hunted foxes and deer. Five-pound Dachshunds were used for a brief period in the early 20th century to bolt cottontail rabbits.. The breed, also known as the Teckel in Germany, was developed over a long period of time by German foresters in the 18th and 19th centuries. They sought to create a courageous, long-legged dog that was capable of entering badger burrows and, if necessary, fighting the badger to the death within. The Braque, a diminutive French pointing breed, and the Pinscher, a diminutive terrier-like breed, were crossed to produce the original kind, known as the Smooth. The evolution of the Dachshund may possibly have been influenced by French Basset Hounds. The wirehairs and long-coated Dachshunds were likely produced by crosses with terriers and other spaniels, respectively.
The Dachshund Dog is the only breed recognized by the AKC that hunts both above and below ground, thanks to years of careful breeding. Dachshunds were able to enter deep, constrained tunnels to hunt their prey thanks to their small, strong legs. Hunters could “pull” the Dachshund out of the burrow using their long, strong tails that extended straight from the spine. The paddle-shaped paws and exceptionally enormous size of the Dachshund made for effective digging. As the Smooth Dachshund moved through narrow tunnels, its loose skin held together without tearing. They had the endurance to hunt because to their deep chest and large lung capacity, and their long noses made them effective scent hounds. Even their loud, deep bark had a purpose: it helped the hunter find his dog after it had entered a tunnel.
Of course, they also needed to be brave and persistent. Even in the tiniest variety, you can still detect the fearlessness for which the breed was bred, even though the original German Dachshunds were bigger than the Dachshunds we know today. If you give your Dachshund a noisy toy, he’ll probably “kill” it by squeezing out the squeaker as fast as he can. Keep in mind that these dogs were raised to kill their prey in addition to hunting it.
In the 1800s, especially in Great Britain, Dachshunds began to be bred more for companionship than for hunting. The hunter was able to locate his dog after it had entered a tunnel thanks to the purpose of even their loud, deep bark.
Of course, they also had to be courageous and tenacious. Even if the original German Dachshunds were larger than the Dachshunds we know today, you can still see the fearlessness for which the breed was created in the smallest variant. Your Dachshund will likely “kill” a noisy toy by squeezing the squeaker out as quickly as he can if you offer it to him. Keep in mind that these canines were trained not just to hunt, but also to kill their victim.
In the 1800s, Dachshund Dogs started to be bred less for hunting and more for companionship, particularly in Great Britain.
Early in the 20th century, the breed had significant growth in popularity. In 1913 and 1914, they were among the top 10 entrants in the Westminster Kennel Club Show. However, due of its close ties to Germany during World War I, the breed struggled in the United States and England. Dachshund owners were occasionally referred to as traitors, and their pets were stoned. Following World War I, several American breeders brought some Dachshunds over from Germany, and the breed began to regain popularity. Although not nearly as badly as during World War I, the breed suffered a similar fate during World War II. Dachshunds have maintained their position as one of the most well-liked family dogs in the United States since the 1950s. While dachshunds are rarely employed as hunting dogs in the United States or Great Britain, they are nevertheless regarded as such in other countries of Europe, particularly France. Among the 155 breeds and types that the AKC recognizes today, the Dachshund is now ranked sixth.
Dachshund Puppy Size
Standard and Miniature Dachshund Dogs are the two sizes that are bred and displayed. Smooth, Wirehair, and Longhair Standard Dachshunds typically weigh between 16 and 32 pounds. All types of miniature Dachshund Dogs reach adulthood weighing no more than 11 pounds. Tweenies are the name given to Dachshunds who weigh between 11 and 16 pounds. Tweenies are not punished in the show ring even though this is not a recognized classification. Some breeders of extremely tiny Dachshunds refer to them as “Toy Dachshunds,” although this is only a marketing phrase and not an official classification.
Dachshund Personality
The Dachshund Dog is characterized as intelligent, vivacious, and brave to the point of recklessness. He is bred for tenacity, which is another way of stating that he has a tendency toward stubbornness. Although they have a reputation for being amusing and daring, Dachshund Dog really want want to be cuddled by their owners. This trait surpasses having to put up with the breed’s insistence on doing things his own way for many Dachshund owners. The kind of coat can also affect the personality of a dachshund. The wirehaired Dachshunds may be cheeky troublemakers due to their terrier heritage. Smooths have an in-between disposition, whereas Longhairs are quiet and composed. Although it’s not typical for the breed, some Mini Dachshunds might be anxious or reserved.
Dachshund Temperament
Different factors, including training, socialization, and inheritance, have an impact on temperament. Puppies with good dispositions are interested and lively, approachable, and want to be cuddled. Select a puppy that is in the midst of the pack rather than one that is bullying its littermates or cowering in a corner. Always meet at least one parent to make sure they are pleasant and comfortable with you. Usually, the mother is the one who is available. It’s also beneficial to meet the parents’ siblings or other family members to get a sense of what the puppy will be like as an adult. It might surprise you to learn that dachshunds were originally trained to be vicious hunters given their charming looks and silly demeanor. The is true, that little sausage-shaped dog used to dig burrows and battle to the death or flush out its victim. The bravery and spunk of the breed have been preserved, despite the fact that current dachshunds are more lap dogs than Lancelot.
The creator of the Connecticut-based training center The Great Pets Resort, Brian Kilcommons, claims that because they were developed to hunt badgers, they are not shy tiny dogs. They are incredibly predatory and loud, but yet adorable as a button.
Dachshunds are energetic and alert dogs with powerful, deep howls that will be sure to raise the alarm at the sight of guests, but they aren’t suitable as guard dogs for obvious reasons. Due to their lively nature, dachshunds require a fair amount of daily social interaction. They frequently dig holes in the backyard or burrow beneath blankets in bed. They also have a tendency to dig and burrow.
Dachshunds, like other dogs, require early socialization, or exposure to a wide variety of people, sights, noises, and experiences, while they are young. In order to guarantee that your Dachshund puppy develops into a well-rounded dog, socialization is important. He should start by enrolling in a kindergarten class for puppies.
Dachshund Health
Not every Dachshund Dog will contract one or more of these illnesses, but if you’re thinking about getting one, you should be aware of them.
Epilepsy: Dachshunds have a high risk of epileptic seizures. It is believed that the problem in afflicted dogs is either inherited or the result of a fall or a strong hit to the head. Take your Dachshund Dog to the vet if he experiences seizures so they can identify the best course of action. Medication is often effective in controlling epilepsy.
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): Back issues are very common in dachshunds. Genetics, improper body movement, falling off of or jumping off of furniture are all potential causes of this. Inability to stand on the back legs, paralysis, and occasionally loss of bowel and bladder control are signs of a problem. When handling your Dachshund, it’s crucial to support his back and tail. The dog may be kept in a box while taking anti-inflammatory drugs, have the problematic discs surgically removed, or even be restrained to a doggy wheelchair as part of the treatment. Some owners have discovered that taking their Dachshunds to chiropractors, acupuncturists, or rehabilitation therapists with experience dealing with dogs can help prevent issues.
- Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) Also called Bloat or Torsion: Large dogs are most frequently affected by this life-threatening illness, but because Dachshunds have deep chests, it can also afflict them. When the stomach is bloated with gas or air and twists, GDV develops (torsion). The regular flow of blood to the heart is hampered because the dog is unable to belch or vomit to get rid of the extra air in its stomach. The dog has a dip in blood pressure and shock. A medical emergency has occurred. The dog might die if not given timely medical care. If your dog has an enlarged belly, increased salivation, and retching without vomiting up, you might suspect bloat. He could also be agitated, melancholy, listless, feeble, and have a fast heartbeat.
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): This degenerative eye condition eventually results in blindness due to the loss of photoreceptors in the retina. Years before the dog exhibits any evidence of blindness, PRA is evident. Fortunately, dogs can compensate for blindness with their other senses, and a blind dog may lead a long and content life. Just remember not to rearrange the furnishings frequently. Reputable breeders do not breed dogs with this condition and have the eyes of their dogs confirmed by a veterinary ophthalmologist each year. It is possible to screen a tiny longhaired dachshund for PRA using DNA.
- Cushings Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism): When the body makes too much of the hormone cortisol, this disease develops. It could be brought on by an imbalance in the pituitary or the adrenal glands, or it might happen when a dog has too much cortisol as a result of other health issues. Excessive urination and excessive drinking are the most typical symptoms. Take your Dachshund to the vet if he displays any of these symptoms. This condition can be treated with medicine or by removing a gland, among other options.
- Deafness: Although it is uncommon in the breed, double dapple Dachshunds are susceptible to hearing loss. Inquire as to whether hearing loss in the puppy’s parents and the BAER (Brainstem Auditory Evoked Response) test results. The majority of big specialist offices and teaching hospitals at veterinary colleges offer this, while it is not accessible everywhere. After the puppy is five weeks old, you can do it whenever you want.
- Dog Diabetes Mellitus (DM): Dachshunds can infrequently get diabetes, especially if they are obese. Dietary changes and regular insulin shots help treat diabetes. Weight loss despite having an insatiable desire and extreme thirst are symptoms.
Dogs may receive health certificates from breeders, but these are not given to puppies under the age of two. That’s because certain health issues don’t manifest themselves until a dog is fully mature. Because of this, it’s frequently advised to wait until dogs are two or three years old before breeding them.
No matter how well-bred your dog is when you first bring them home, you should be ready for any problems that can arise down the road. You may be prepared for any veterinary requirements your dog may have with the aid of a pet insurance policy.
Dachshund Care
Dachshund Dogs are extremely resilient and energetic. They like hunting and digging, as well as going for walks or playing outside with other dogs. As long as they get a modest amount of daily activity, they may thrive in limited living spaces and are active even within the home. It’s ideal to take two daily half-mile walks that last around ten minutes each. Sometimes, when there isn’t much time, playing fetch will satisfy their urge for action.
They should reside inside the house because they are not suitable for living outside or in a kennel. Get a ramp or set of stairs and train your dachshund to utilize them instead of leaping up onto furniture to avoid back injuries. A Dachshund should always have his chest and back supported when being held.
If properly motivated, dachshunds can pick things up rapidly. To sustain their interest, use positive stimuli like food prizes or a beloved toy, and keep training sessions brief. If the Dachshund is forced to perform the same activity again, boredom will set in soon. Make obedience training enjoyable and engaging.
With this breed, housetraining can occasionally be a challenge. Some Dachshunds might not feel the urge to relieve themselves outside. Consistency and patience are essential. Crate training is also beneficial.
Crate training is a gentle technique to make sure that your Dachshund doesn’t get into things he shouldn’t, in addition to housetraining. Like other dogs, dachshund pups may be destructive. Early crate training can also prepare your Dachshund to tolerate confinement if he ever needs to stay at a boarding facility or be hospitalized. However, never leave your Dachshund in a crate all day. He shouldn’t stay there for more than a few hours at a time, unless he’s sleeping at night, as it’s not a jail. Dachshunds are household pets, not animals designed to be confined in kennels or crates.
While the Dachshund Dog is an excellent watchdog, he can also be boisterous. Particularly minis may be yappy.
Dachshund Exercise
Many owners believe that because Dachshunds are so little, they only need to run about the house for exercise. However, they do require regular exercise in order to maintain their fitness and develop powerful back muscles. Two moderately long walks each day should be adequate. Never let your Dachshund run up and down stairs or jump on or off of furniture to prevent injuries. Dachshunds don’t fare well as outdoor dogs since they want to be with their owners because they are such sociable creatures.
Dachshund Training
Dachshund Dogs can be difficult to teach since they are incredibly bright but also independent and often obstinate. They thrive under positive, incentive-based teaching and like both giving and receiving attention. Due to their sensitivity, they will not respond well to strict orders or punishment. The trick is to be persistent and patient. Dachshunds have a high hunting drive and a great sense of smell. They may not always pay attention to you if they are preoccupied with anything more intriguing since they were developed to maintain concentration and follow a route without being sidetracked.
Living With
Due to their long backs and propensity for disc issues, Dachshund Dog are not a desirable dog breed for anyone with a lot of steps in their home. The dog shouldn’t be let to leap on and off of furniture, and his weight should be controlled to further safeguard the dachshund’s back.
Other than the occasional rubbing down or brushing, the smooth-coat dachshund requires minimal maintenance for its coat. Daily brushing and combing are indicated for the long-haired type, while stripping is needed at least twice a year for wire-haired dachshunds. The breed is regarded as a typical shedder.
Dachshund Food
Half to one and a half cups of high-quality dry food per day are advised.
Note: Your adult dog’s appetite is influenced by his size, age, build, metabolism, and degree of exercise. Like people, each dog is unique, thus they don’t all require the same quantity of food. A very active dog will require more than a couch potato dog, which should almost go without saying. The kind of dog food you purchase also matters; the better the food, the more effectively it will nourish your dog and the less you will need to shake into the bowl.
Dachshund Grooming And Coat Color
The Smooth Dachshund Dog has a short, glossy coat. Smooth Dachshund Dogs of a single hue are frequently red or cream, maybe with some black hairs. Most two-colored Smooth Dachshund Dog have tan or cream markings and are typically black, chocolate, wild boar (grizzled), grey (blue), or Isabella (fawn). The coats of dappled dachshunds have an equal distribution of bright and dark colored regions, creating a dappled (merle) pattern (neither the light nor the dark predominates). While solid- and parti-colored Dachshunds must have black eyes and little to no white hair on the breast, dappled Dachshunds must have partially or completely blue eyes and a lot of white hair on the chest. The coat of Wirehaired Dachshunds differs greatly from that of Smooth Dachshund Dogs. They have an undercoat that is softer and a topcoat that is short, thick, and stiff. Except for the mouth, eyebrows, and ears, the body is covered in the hard topcoat hair all over. While the Wirehair can be any of the hues found in the Smooth Dachshund, wild boar is the most popular.
The long, shiny hair that Longhaired Dachshunds have gives them a refined appearance. They are available in the same shades as Smooth Dachshund Dogs.
Instead of the varied brown shades, light-colored Dachshunds typically have light grey, light hazel, green, or blue eyes. In rare instances, such as with double-dapple coloring (when varied degrees of white coloring appear across the body in addition to the dapple pattern), dachshunds can have eyes that are both blue and brown.
The dachshund breed requires little upkeep. They don’t shed a lot, though. They typically don’t require frequent bathing and are odor-free unless they’ve rolled in anything unpleasant. Between bathing, smooths may be kept clean by wiping them with a moist towel. For the finest appearance, Wirehaired Dachshund Dogs should be brushed often and have their coats “stripped” two to three times every year. You can have your Wirehaired Dachshund’s breeder or your groomer to demonstrate how to accomplish this for you.
To get rid of tartar and germs, brush your teeth every day, or at least twice or three times a week. Start early for your puppy to become acclimated to it.
While grooming, keep an eye out for sores, rashes, or infection-related symptoms including redness, soreness, or inflammation on the skin, in the ears, nose, mouth, or eyes, as well as on the feet. Eyes should be clean, without redness or discharge, and ears should have a pleasant scent and not have too much wax or other debris within. You may identify any health issues early on thanks to your thorough weekly exam.