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dachshund

dog

Lively, intelligent and brave, Dachshunds thrive with pet parents who can provide them with love, attention and daily, relaxing walks. They'll thrive if they get mental challenges through puzzle games or scent-tracking sports and make wonderful companions for those willing to dedicate time to their care and training.

Temperament

Problem Solver, Confident, Playful

Weight

Standard: 16-32 pounds

Miniature: 11 pounds or less

Height

Standard: 8-9 inches

Miniature: 5-6 inches

Life Expectancy

12 to 16 years

Maintenance Level

Low maintenanceHigh maintenance

Friendliness

More reservedSocial butterfly

Coat Color

Black and Tan, Chocolate and Tan, Cream, Wheaten, Wild Boar, Red, Blue and Tan, Fawn (Isabella) and Tan, Black and Cream, Fawn (Isabella) and Cream, Chocolate and Cream, Blue and Cream

The heart of a warrior beats strongly in this little pup. The Dachshund is on alert and will give you regular updates on what’s happening on the block—whether it’s a squirrel or a neighbor passing by. However, their serious soldier side disappears when you’re ready to play hide-and-seek with their favorite treats. But watch out—they’ll try to tell you how the game should be played. And at the end of a hard day of keeping your home safe and secure, they choose to reward themselves with snuggle time next to their favorite person—you, of course!

Dachshund Characteristics

Remember: Dogs are individuals and not all dogs, even those of the same breed, will exhibit all the same qualities.

Care
Personality
Adaptability
Social Life

Exercise Needs

Couch PotatoStar Athlete

Health Issues

Few Known Health IssuesMany Known Health Issues

Grooming Needs

Minimal GroomingExtensive Grooming

Training Needs

Requires Minimal TrainingRequires a Lot of Training

Shedding Level

Sheds a LittleSheds a Lot

Dachshund Appearance

Dachshunds’ proud eyes reflect the confidence they carry in every small step. These “wiener dogs” make up for their diminutive size and short legs with a huge dose of bravery. Their appearance can vary depending on whether they have a short, sleek coat; a wiry coat; or a long coat. They can also have a variety of patterns and colors in their coats, ranging from black to chocolate, red, blue or gold, with tan or cream markings. Every Dachshund dog has an adorably courageous demeanor, always ready to defend the honor of their loved ones.

dog

Ears:

Their rounded ears hang down and may pull slightly forward when they're animated or feeling playful.

Eyes:

Their dark, almond-shaped eyes carry a playful, inquisitive expression.

Nose:

The wiener dog's noses are typically black or dark brown but may occasionally match the color of their fur.

Coat Length:

Dachshunds, affectionately known as "sausage dogs," have three coat varieties: A short, smooth coat is the more commonly known characteristic, but they can also have a short and rougher, wire-haired coat or a long-haired, wavy coat.

Coat Color:

Dachshunds come in two dozen standard colors, highlighted with tan or cream markings, including black, chocolate, blue and fawn. Their coats are typically marked with one of four patterns: brindle (subtle tiger stripes), dapple (mottled patches of color), piebald (a white spotting pattern) or sable (hair is lighter at the base and darkens toward the tip). They can also be solid red, wheaten (a golden color), or wild boar (a tan base with black over it.). It's rare, but you can find black, chocolate or fawn-colored Dachshunds, although they are not considered to be breed standard.

Tail:

A Dachshund's tail shape depends on their coat type. A smooth coat typically has a tapered, sleek tail, a wire-haired coat's tail is thick and tapers to a point and a long-haired Dachshund dog's tail is longer and carried gracefully, almost like a flag.

Dachshund Temperament

Dachshunds may look playful and cute, but their little hearts carry the bravery of a strong soldier. They’re loyal to a fault to their human family, but they don’t always get along so well with other dogs or cats.Because of their fragile backs and protective personalities, they do better in homes without young kids and babies. A child who plays too roughly could seriously injure your Doxie, so early socialization, training and supervision with small kids and babies are important.These small-sized but confident pups love to bark, so while they can be just fine in a small or large home, they might not be the best choice for apartment living. And if you have a yard, be warned: Dachshunds were bred to keep badgers off property, so they’ll chase any small animals in your yard and may dig a few holes to search for critters underground.Dachshunds are smart problem solvers who might figure out a way to get at your uneaten food if you leave it out too long. While they aren’t couch potatoes, they also aren’t hyperactive; they’ll enjoy a moderate walk with you every day.In the right home, these sausage dogs are a joy. Be ready for quite a few laughs when you have a playful Dachshund. They might even steal the socks right off your feet from time to time.

How to Care for a Dachshund

Grooming

A Dachshund’s brushing needs vary depending on which type of coat they have: A short-haired Dachshund can be brushed when needed, but you’ll want to wipe their fur regularly with a hound glove. Long-haired and wire-haired varieties are more likely to get mats or tangles, so they should be brushed at least once a week, but a few times a week is ideal. A slicker brush will help get the tangles out, then use a bristle brush to keep the coat shiny. Because Dachshunds’ bodies are low to the ground, they may need extra brushing if they’ve been outside to remove burrs or stickers. Thankfully, shedding isn’t a big issue with Doxies. You won’t have a hair-free home, but they shed much less than longer-haired breeds, like Huskies. As for bathing, you only need to bathe your Dachshund once every few months, although longer-haired varieties may need a bath once a month. Of course, if your pup is outside and rolls in something stinky, you might want to make an exception! The Dachshund breed is more likely to develop tartar than other breeds, so, it’s important you brush their teeth every day. Start brushing their teeth while they’re puppies to get them used to the experience. If you’re not sure how to brush their teeth, your veterinarian can teach you. Also, remember to get their teeth professionally cleaned by your vet once a year. Dachshunds need their nails trimmed about once a month; you’ll know it’s time when you hear them tapping on your hardwood floors. This may be difficult for some pet parents to do, but your groomer or vet can help. Close

Training

Dachshunds thrive with positive reinforcement training. This method uses special treats, toys and lots of praise to motivate the pup. Because they can sometimes be stubborn, it’s best to keep the training sessions short. Use treats they absolutely love to help keep them excited about learning. If they lose patience and get distracted by a sound or smell, just let them wander away and continue their training later. Doxies also have a powerful nose, so they respond well to any scent-based game. Play hide-and-go-seek with treats to grab their attention and give them much-needed mental stimulation. It’s a good idea to start socializing your Doxie as a puppy. Early socialization helps them get used to having other people and dogs around, and group obedience classes are a good place to start. Doxies do well with older children, but young children will need to be supervised when your dog is in the room. And while they do OK with other dogs in the home, they often prefer to be your one-and-only pup. Close

Diet

Dachshunds typically do well with a high-quality, commercial dog food. Make sure the food you choose meets the nutritional standards of the Association of American Feed Control Officials. (Look for the AAFCO statement on the package.) Factor in your dog’s age and use a nutrition formula designed for their stage in life, whether they’re a puppy, adult or senior dog. Your veterinarian can help you nail down a feeding chart to guide you on how much and how often to feed your dog. You’ll also want to consider their activity level when choosing how much to feed them each day. It’s important that your Dachshund doesn’t become overweight since they are short with long backs. Also, the extra pounds can exacerbate any back problems. (Dachshunds are prone to spinal issues.) Be sure to keep track of the treats you give them (snack calories count, too!), so you don’t accidentally overfeed them. But again, consult with your veterinarian, as they are in the best position to help you pick the best food and diet for your dog based on their individual needs. Close

Exercise

Dachshunds have moderate energy levels, so their exercise needs aren’t as intense as some other breeds. They do, however, need activities that avoid putting stress on their fragile backs. Walking your dog every day (about 30 minutes) at an easy-going speed, along with daily play and training, is really all your pup needs. Avoid intense exercises that includes jumping or rough play since this can exacerbate their back issues and possibly aggravate any cases of intervertebral disk disease. Dachshunds were bred as hunting dogs for badgers, so they’ll love participating in sports like Earthdog, where they hunt rodents in tunnels. (The rodents are kept safe from the dogs during the sport.) If they’re left alone in a yard, they’ll gravitate toward this instinct by hunting any small-sized animal they see and digging lots of holes, so it’s best if you can give them a healthy outlet for their digging instincts instead. Close

Environment

Dachshunds thrive in quieter homes where they have quality time with their humans and soak up all of their love and attention. They also thrive with pet parents who can provide regular walks. They need a moderate amount of exercise without any rough play, because they can suffer back issues. For households with young children, teach them how to properly interact with dogs (again, no rough play!) and supervise them when they’re together. With proper socialization and introductions, Dachshunds can learn to get along with other pets, too. Although experienced pup parents might do best with Dachshunds, a first-time pup parent will be just fine as long as they do their research first. These loving dogs can be equally happy in a small or large home, as long as they have daily walks and lots of time with you. Overall, Dachshunds are smart, confident and loyal. If they think something is amiss, they’ll let you know. And even though they love outings that challenge them mentally and physically, they also love to snuggle up with you at the end of each day. Close

Dachshund Health

Dachshunds have a lifespan of 12-16 years, but the breed does have a few health issues you’ll want to watch for. To reduce the odds  of health problems, work with a Dachshund breeder who screens for these issues and ask to see the test results of the litter and parents you’re considering.

  • Back Issues: Dachshunds are prone to back problems that can lead to paralysis if not treated promptly. This includes intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), caused by a bulging or slipped disc. As many as 25 percent of Dachshunds may have IVDD at some point. If you notice any change in your dog’s movement or trouble walking, talk to your veterinarian right away. Depending on the severity, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory may be all that’s needed. There are several steps you can take to help safeguard your Dachshund’s back

Dachshund History

  • Dachshunds’ origin dates back more than 600 years ago to Germany where they were bred to hunt badgers. In fact, their name is German for “badger dog.” Their narrow, low-to-the-ground body is perfect for digging into badger tunnels, and their confident, brave personalities make them mighty hunters. They were also bred to have a loud bark to alert their humans whenever they found badgers underground. Sometimes, packs of Dachshunds were used for hunting wild boar.

  • Doxies were bred for three different types of coats depending on their climate. Their original coat was short and smooth. Some were bred to have longer coats for colder climates, and others were bred to have wiry coats to help them avoid thorns when they worked in regions with brier patches.

  • Dachshunds were first recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885. But during World War I, they were used in German propaganda. As a result, the AKC temporarily rebranded them as Badger Dogs or Liberty Pups in the United States. Today, they’re widely beloved dogs. There are numerous clubs dedicated to them, including the Dachshund Club of America.

  • Where is the best place to find a Dachshund puppy today? You can find a list of reputable breeders on the American Kennel Club’s website. The average Dachshund price can be anywhere from $200 to more than $3,500 for a Dachshund puppy, depending on the breeder, pedigree papers and health screenings. Dachshund rescue organizations and local shelters can also help you find a purebred to adopt.

FAQs

Are Dachshunds hypoallergenic?

No, Dachshunds are not hypoallergenic. However, short-haired Dachshunds tend to have less dander than the other two coat varieties, so they may cause fewer allergies in people allergic to dander. But “allergy-free” is not a Dachshund trait.

How do you pronounce Dachshund?

The word “Dachshund” is pronounced dahk-suhnd. In German, “dachs” means badger and “hund” means dog. The letters “chs” are pronounced like “ks” (as in the sound you’d make to imitate crashing cymbals).

Are Dachshunds smart?

Yes, Dachshunds are definitely smart. They are great at solving problems and would love puzzle toys to play with every day. However, they can also be stubborn, which can sometimes cause them to take a little more time to be trained.

What are the most common Dachshund mixes?

Dachshund-Chihuahua mix (Chiweenie) Dachshund-Pit Bull mix (Dox-Bull or Doxiebull) Dachshund-Corgi mix (Dorgi) Dachshund-Labrador mix (Dachsador) Dachshund-Poodle mix (Doxiepoo) Dachshund-Golden Retriever mix (Golden Dox)

**Content sourced from www.chewy.com

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