Dachshunds: Dachshund is also fondly known as Wiener-Dog, Doxie, Sausage Dog, and many more. They got their name Dachs meaning badger and hund meaning dog because of their prowess in hunting badgers, foxes, and rabbits. They were also used to trail wild boar before by some hunters.

They are versatile in a way that there are many uses for them besides being your family pet, house companion, show dogs, and hunter’s partner.

Yes, they are small, but they are tough and courageous. They are also good watchdogs and a very loyal companion. Do not get fooled by their puppy-eye, adoring look because they can get fierce if ever there is a need for it.

They may sometimes get into trouble because of how they are wired, which is to be independent when hunting badgers or when they are assisting hunters. When left alone at home, they get bored or anxious cause they don’t want to hang alone all-day with no humans around.

Dachshund is one of the most loyal breeds there are. They love to snuggle with you, and they relish the time you are at home playing with them. They love to sleep on your bed and would like to follow you around and keep their eyes on you.

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The Dachshund has a bit of stubbornness in them, most especially during behavioral training and potty training, and sometimes they want to get their way, so you need to be consistent and do not let them get the upper hand. The way you can do this is by getting a treat ready during training, they love rewards, which can either be a toy or food. Dedication is the key to this dog breed.

Dachshund Stats at a Glance

The Dachshund is a German dog breed that comes in two sizes, being standard and miniature. Standard weight can be anywhere between 16 and 32 pounds. Where, Miniatures weigh anywhere between 9 pounds to 11 pounds. Generally it’s weight ranges 9-32 lbs. Below are the important statistics of Dachshund dog breed.

Dachshund Pictures

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Dachshund Characteristics

Dachshund Appearances

Dachshund Coat Color Possibilities

Isabella

Sable

Black

Red

Cream

Brown

Brindle

Pied

Dachshund Coat Length

Short Medium Long

Dachshund Coat Density

Sparse Normal Dense

Dachshund Coat Texture

Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Dachshund Appearance in a nutshell:

• Dachshunds originally appeared in two sizes, being original and miniature, but the mid-sized Dachshund can be found as well in Germany.
• Standards’ weight can be anywhere between 16 and 32 pounds to some, reaching 36 pounds for being lap dogs, devourer of foods and treats, and for being a couch potato. Miniatures weigh anywhere between 9 pounds to 11 pounds.
• Those that weigh between 11 to 16 pounds are fondly called Tweenies, however, this term is purely for marketing term and not considered a designation.
• They have smooth hair (short hair), wire-haired and long hair.
• Coat colors include black, tan, beige, blue, chocolate, fawn, and red, and various markings are also present, such as brindle, sable, dapple, and piebald. Their fur, though, is not limited to the colors mentioned above and may have slight differences.

Dachshund Temperament

Many factors can affect Dachshund temperaments, such as hereditary, socialization, and training. Doxies have a sunny personality and are not meant to show characteristics of nervousness or shyness, which is not a good sign and better to avoid if you are looking out to get one.

• As a family dog, Doxies are loyal, and they are great watchdogs or even alert dogs.
• They are courageous to a point they do not know their size and the size of their opponent. Since they are fiercely loyal and protective, they will try to fight off other aggressive animals thrice their size or even people whom they may feel threatened.
• They are good with children, but not the too young ones. Not keen on being pulled and shoved and may act towards poor treatment. You should monitor them when they are playing roughly with kids.
• Doxies tends to be difficult to train and may take effort for you to do so. They are stubborn during potty training and some behavioral training. Patience and time are the key factors to ensure that he will learn what is being taught.
• There are differences in personality among the different varieties, and you may like to ponder on this before you get one of your own. The long coat Doxie is calmer, wire coat is outgoing, happy, and clown-like while the smooth-coat variety is a calmer companion also.
• They can be curious, to a point that they will find out what’s on the other side of your wall and will keep digging till they get to it. This is due to their being badger hunters, and it is an innate characteristic for them to dig, be curious, and nosy.
• Doxies need early socialization to other people, sounds, sights, environments, and other animals. This is to ensure that they will not grow to be anxious, a worrier, and will be well-behaved and familiar with the things they see and hear around them

Dachshund History

Dachshund originated from Germany centuries ago. They were used to hunt badgers as their body and size are just right for the job. They are not just courageous but also clever, strong, and persevering. They also have a loud, hound bark to equip them with just the right sound, so his underground location will be marked easily.

• There are smooth, long-coated, and wired varieties. The smooth originated from the mixture of miniature Pointer and Pinscher. It also comes in standard and miniature size.
• The standard size, hunt badgers and wild boar while the smaller-sized Dachshund catches hare and foxes. Mid-sized Dachshund also exists in Germany.
• In 1885, the breed was brought to the US and was recognized by the AKC, although their popularity only increases between the year 1913s and 1914s when their variety was among the top 10 most popular entries in a Kennel Show.
• However, during World War 1, they became the least favorite in the U.S. and England because they came from Germany, where their owners were called traitors for getting such a type.
• After World War 1, though, their popularity peaked again, and in the 1950s, Doxies became one of the most popular breeds in the U.S. once again. They still hold the same status up to this writing.

Dachshund Care

Dachshund Health Problems

Dachshunds or any dog can live a full life being healthy and can have no medical problem. Still, it is best if we are aware of the usual medical issues that may arise.

#1. Intervertebral Disc Disease

Since this breed has a long back and is fond of jumping off furniture, sometimes falling the wrong way and reasons may also be genetic. Back problems often arise with this breed, and you will see the inability to raise the rear leg, there is a loss of bowel and bladder control. Incorrect handling of this breed may also be the reason, most especially when you don’t support his back while you hold him.

We can solve this health issue with confinement and surgery. Rehabilitation is also another choice of treatment and acupuncture.

#2. Epilepsy

This can be a genetic anomaly, or maybe the cause of a fall where the head received a hard blow. We must bring doxies that have epileptic seizures to the vet for proper treatment. Seizures may come and go, but it is always to your dog’s best interest to have him treated the soonest time.

#3. Bloat or Torsion Aka Gastric dilatation-  Volvulus

A life-threatening condition, not just in Doxies but in any dog breed. Large dogs are the most affected by bloating or torsion, but because of the Doxies’ deep chest anatomy, this is not an impossibility.

They will manifest symptoms of difficulty in belching or will vomit to get rid of the excess air in their stomach, which causes the impediment of the blood return to the heart. Your dog can get into shock, and with no immediate medical help, your dog can die.

Beware of your dog’s excessive retching, weakness, lethargy, excessive salivation, depression, and see it as a medical emergency.

#4. Canine Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes is not only an occurrence in humans but also dogs. Since Dachshund tends to become overweight, they are prone to DM. Signs include frequent urination, excessive thirst, and high appetite plus weight loss. They can treat this with insulin injection, diet, and exercise.

#5. Hearing Loss

Deafness is not common, but it happens to Doxies. If you call them and they are not responding to you and are just looking at you as if you are asking him to jump over the bridge, or if he doesn’t seem aware of the sounds inside or outside your home, these are signs. You should have him tested for hearing loss. Some specialists can help you through this health issue.

#6. Degenerative retinal atrophy

An eye disorder in dogs that may eventually cause blindness. This is detectable years before the dog shows any signs of being blind. If your dog is suddenly bumping off of your furniture, seems to smell the treat you are giving him when it’s already in front of him, when they are having trouble finding their food bowl when you changed its position, not knowing where you are when you are in front of them are signs and should alert you to bring him in for check-up immediately.

Dogs can already be blind without us knowing it, and they may already have the issues mentioned above showing no signs, but you as owners must always be one step ahead.

Dachshund Grooming

Considered a low maintenance breed. They do not shed excessively, but there may be some fur falling on the floor. There is no need to bathe them as often, but if they sleep with you on your bed or stays with you on the sofa, a good smelling doggo should be your concern.

• Smooths need an occasional wiping of their coat to keep them clean in between baths, and there is no need for fur brushing for this Doxie.
• For the wire-haired type, they require regular brushing to keep their fur healthy and well-maintained.
• Long-haired Dachshund needs their hair brushed to prevent it from matting. They also need frequent bathing plus blow-drying afterward.
• Ears need attention as well because mites, bacteria, and fungus can thrive inside your dog’s ears. Frequent check-ups and maintenance, again, will do wonders.
• Their nails need trimming now and then as it gets longer fast.
• Dental hygiene is also a priority. Brushing their teeth at least twice or thrice a week is all right as it will remove tartar build-up. Have them experienced it at an early age so they will get used to it.
• As you groom them, learn to inspect the entire body in the process. Every part should be in top shape and no foul smell anywhere.

Dachshund Nutrition

• The daily feeding amount can be between 1/2 to 1 1/2 cups.
• Do not overfeed them cause they get obese most especially if they don’t get a daily exercise.
• The quantity of food can also depend on your Dachshunds size, build, metabolism, age, and activity. If they are keener on sleeping the entire day, you may need to shave off a bit from their feeding bowl.
• If your Dachshund is the type who doesn’t seem to run out of energy and seems to be everywhere around the house, a good amount of feeding is perfect for them.
• Also, feed him nutritious food such as boiled veggies because it is good for them and less of those store-bought dog feed that may have high sodium content.

Dachshund Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dachshund hard to discipline?

They get mischievous and do things that are off the book. You should not tolerate such behavior and show them who’s boss. They will surely fight it off using their charm, but be strict. It is also for their own good and yours.

Does Dachshund breed bark a lot?

They love the sound of their voice, and because of their nature, which is to hunt, they will bark often. Sometimes their barking is loud that it gets to be a bit irritating. Get them used to their surroundings and aware of their environment so they will not bark at anything that moves or anything that makes a sound.

Are stairs a danger to Dachshunds?

Dachshunds love to jump whether it is on your furniture, in or out of your vehicle (not moving, of course), and even on the stairs. This is dangerous for them because they are prone to suffer from IVDD. Make sure you stop them from jumping and carry them instead.

Do Dachshunds have bad breath?

As with any other dog, bad breath is also caused by not maintaining their teeth and gums. Not brushing them as needed will lead to tartar and plaque build-up and sensitive gums or worse – gum disease. Make sure you brush them twice or thrice a week, at least. If the smell persists, have them checked by the vet as there may be other underlying causes for such.

Is a Dachshund good with kids?

As long as it provides care and respect while at play, Doxies can be good around kids. They should be treated nicely and not be shoved, their tails pulled, or their ears tugged at, and the kids and Doxies will be fine.

How long does a Dachshund live?

They can live anywhere between 12 to 16 years, some even live longer. There was a Doxie named Chanel, who only died at 21. They can be a source of happiness for your family, but also do your share of taking care of them the best way.

Does Dachshund make good apartment pets?

They are adaptable to any living space, even apartments. You just need to exercise them once in a while though, so they can walk around the neighborhood and not get bored just confined inside the apartment.

Are Dachshunds a good family pet?

They are great to be a part of your family because they are fiercely loyal, intelligent, protective, and fun to be around. They are good with other family pets too, but keep in mind that you need to get them to warm up to the other dogs/pets in the household first.

Are Dachshunds considered clean dogs?

They don’t shed that much and they do not emit any odor. For them to not smell, you need to keep them clean as needed. Bathing time should also have a schedule for your Dachshund.