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Dachshund Breed Card
Dachshund Breed Overview
Group
Hound Group
Height
5-9 inches tall
Breed Recognition
Yes
Weight
11-32 pounds
Country of Origin
Germany
Personality
Affectionate, Protective, Vocal
Lifespan
12 to 16 years
Shedding
Moderate
Dachshund History
The history of the Dachshund, also known as badger dog, sausage dog, Doxie, or Teckel, goes back around 600 years. The purpose of this hunting dog was to dig into badger dens. The job description is included in this scent hound’s name as it is a coin from the German words “Dachs” meaning “badger,” and “hund” meaning “dog.”
The Dachshund’s body is long and slender and was custom-made for this type of work. The cleverness, courage, and perseverance make the small-size dog fit for hunting badgers who are otherwise formidable adversaries. There are also reports of Dachshunds being used against wild boars in packs.
The wiener dog breed is a national symbol of Germany. The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1885 and became popular in the States almost immediately. This induction helped establish a breed standard for the convenience of pet owners.
Cost ✅
COST LEVEL
Low End: $400
High End: $1500
Dachshund Physical Traits
General Appearance💡
The standard Dachshund is a small dog breed with a long and slender body. These dogs have alert facial expressions with beady eyes. The defining feature of this breed is its long back. In addition to being long, it is also well-muscled.
The dog is low to the ground and has a long body with short legs. It also has a robust muscular development. Their skin is often elastic and does not have excessive wrinkling. The dog is well-balanced and does not appear crippled, awkward, or cramped.
Viewed from above or from the side, the head tapers uniformly to the tip of the nose. The ears are set near the top of the head, not too far forward, of moderate length, rounded, not narrow, pointed, or folded. The eyes are of medium size, almond-shaped, and dark-rimmed. They have an energetic, pleasant expression and are not piercing. These eyes are of a very dark color. Their nostrils are well opened.
The coat can be smooth or wiry and long or short. Based on the coat combination, there are Shorthaired Dachshunds, Longhaired Dachshunds, and Wirehaired Dachshunds. The smooth coat is shiny, and the wiry coat is coarse. It comes in many colors (cream, fawn, black, wheaten, chocolate, red) and patterns (dapple, brindle, sable, piebald).
Size & Weight ❤️
Height: 8 to 9 inches
Weight: 16 to 32 pounds
Height: 5-6 inches
Weight: 11 pounds and under
Coat & Color
Eye Color
Dark Brown
Coat Color
Black, Tan, Cream, Blue & Tan, Double Dapple, Piebald
Coat Length
Short or long
Coat Texture
Smooth or wiry
Dachshund Temperament and Personality
The Dachshund is extremely clever and courageous to the point of rashness. They are great in above, and below-ground work and have well-developed senses. The breed is moderately open to strangers and has a protective nature. They are also extremely adaptable and easy to train.
Dachshunds want to please their owners and will do anything for that. The breed has moderate mental stimulation needs. Additionally, the breed is also extremely playful and makes an excellent family dog.
Kid Friendly?
GOOD WITH KIDS
Bad Idea
Excellent Nanny
Yes, Dachshunds are often kid-friendly.
Dachshunds love being around the family and also are expressive dogs. These little dogs can find great joy in playing with your kids and will also work to protect them. However, the kids need to be careful as these dogs are gentle and prone to back injuries.
Good with Other Pets?
GOOD WITH PETS
Bad Idea
Friendly Socialite
Yes, overall, the breed is great with other dogs and pets.
However, make sure that you train them before their hunting instinct kicks in. This can help prevent accidents, especially if you have smaller animals such as rabbits and hamsters.
Barks a Lot?
BARKING LEVEL
When Neccessary
Noise Maker
Yes, Dachshunds are very vocal and bark a lot at times.
Since they are great watchdogs, they spend their time trying to communicate with their owners. And do not be fooled by their size, even Miniature Dachshunds are very vocal and can make a lot of noise.
Can Be Left Alone?
LEFT ALONE
Likes Being Alone
Sepration Anxiety
Yes, to an extent, this dog breed can be left alone.
However, that completely depends on their training. If not trained properly, they can engage in tunneling, chewing, and other destructive behaviors due to boredom or separation anxiety.
Dachshund Training
Dachshunds are often difficult to train because of their stubborn nature. However, consistency is the key. Do not give up on training your dog, and make sure you do it right from their puppyhood.
Some of the best ways to train your pup are through rewards. Use positive reinforcement when it makes mistakes. Additionally, make sure your Dachshund gets enough crate time to better secure their behavior.
Use as few words as possible and keep the training sessions short. Be consistent with the training and socialize with your pet as much as possible. Treats are also a good way to keep your pet under your focus.
One thing that pet owners have to keep in mind is that they should never punish their pets. Some of the problems that owners can face include excessive barking, digging, and chewing. These behaviors can be faded out with crate training. Keeping your dog busy can also help reduce bad behavior. Also, keep in mind that training the Dachshund Puppy is much easier than training the adult.
Dachshund Needs
Dachshunds are prone to several health problems. Therefore, the Dachshund dog has certain needs that pet owners need to think about. Additionally, this dog needs to be brushed periodically. Since Dachshunds are prone to certain health issues like back injuries, vet visits are also on the charts.
Nutritional Requirements
FOOD MOTIVATED
Picky Eater
Voracious Eater
Proper diet is vital for Dachshunds as obesity is a common issue in the breed. Make sure you feed a high-quality dog food that is well-balanced and age-appropriate. Preventing weight gain is important as obesity puts extra pressure on the already tense back, thus increasing the risk of back problems.
Dachshunds are food motivated and excel when given treats. You should buy low-calorie treats or make ones yourself using non-fatty ingredients. Occasional supplementation with fish oil and probiotics is also beneficial for these earthdogs.
Exercise & Activity Levels
ENERGY LEVEL
Couch Potato
Go-All-Day Stamina
Dachshunds are energetic dogs and require constant attention. They love to play and are extremely vocal. They have a natural prey drive that helps them play all the time. But they can be difficult to keep off furniture. Their long backs make them popular dogs, and their activity levels can win the hearts of their owners.
Grooming Needs
SHEDDING LEVEL
No Shedding
Shedding Machine
This dog breed is a moderate shedder and does not require extensive grooming. Running its smooth or wiry and short or long coat with a slicker brush once a week is usually enough. Grooming can also be a platform for socialization between dog and owner. Bathing is done on an as-needed basis and requires proper dog shampoo and conditioner. Plus, it is to be noted that the breed is not prone to drooling.
Dachshund Average Lifespan
Dachshunds live for 12 to 16 years. While they live long life, they are also prone to several health issues. They are particularly prone to obesity and back problems. Regular vet visits are important with this dog breed.
Commom Health Problems
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): As this dog breed has a short but long body, they are prone to a variety of bone and joint problems. Even minimal trauma can cause the disc to pop out of its place.
- Patella Luxation: This is a condition when your dog’s kneecaps pop out from its location. This can be painful and cause mobility issues.
- Hip Dysplasia: This is a common condition in several dog breeds. It is caused by injury or deformity of the hip joint. This can also lead to mobility issues and can make it difficult for your dog to lead a happy life.
- Eye Problems: Eye problems are common among this dog breed. Periodic vet visits can prevent the onset of various types of eye conditions that could otherwise hamper your dog’s quality of life.
- Epilepsy: Dachshunds are prone to genetic or so-called idiopathic epilepsy, which means the seizures are of unknown origin.
Recommended Health Tests
- Patella evaluation
- Cardiac exam
Tips for New Dachshund Owners
Here are some helpful tips for first-time Dachshund owners:
Tip 1
Find a Reputable Breeder: If you plan on buying a Dachshund, make sure you get them from a reputable breeder. This will ensure that your dog was not brought up in a puppy mill. This will also give you an idea about the kind of health problems your dog can encounter in the future.
Tip 2
Get Puppy/Dog Products in Advance: Before you buy your dog, make sure that you get their belongings beforehand. Things like a crate, dog food, utensils, pet beds, toys, and treats can be purchased before your dog enters your home. This can make the process of them adjusting to the new environment a lot easier.
Tip 3
Do Not Overfeed: When it comes to Dachshunds, their physique can lead to a lot of health problems, especially if your dog is overweight. The added weight can put pressure on your dog’s spine. Therefore, regular exercise and playtime are important.
Tip 4
Invest in Ramps: As noted, Dachshunds are prone to back problems, and to minimize the risk, it is important to get bed ramps and car ramps. This will make it easier for your dog to get to higher surfaces without risking injuries.
Dachshund Similar Breeds
– Basset Hounds
– Spaniels
– Drevers
– Pembroke Welsh Corgis
Dachshund Supplies You Need
When it comes to Dachshunds, first, you need to get high-quality food & water bowls. It is also important to invest in dog toys. Dachshunds are clever and need mental stimulation. It would be best to buy interactive toys that will keep them occupied for longer. This will also help build their cognitive abilities and improve their mood.
You should also get a good pet bed. Considering the dog’s risk of back injuries and short legs, you should also get ramps to make accessing high surfaces an easier task for your short-legged canine friend. You can have bed ramps, stair ramps, or even car ramps.
Best Dog Beds for Dachshunds
Best Dog Food for Dachshunds
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Best Dog Supplements for Dachshunds
Dachshund Fun Facts
Here are some fun facts about the Dachshund:
Fun Fact 1
Dachshunds were used to hunt sables and badgers as they could tunnel into the ground to find these creatures.
Fun Fact 2
Dachshunds are available in two sizes – miniature and standard. The miniatures weigh around 11 pounds, but the standard version weighs up to 35 pounds.
Fun Fact 3
Dachshunds have three different types of coats – smooth, wirehead, and long-haired.
Fun Fact 4
Dachshunds were rebranded during World War I into badger dogs due to their decline in popularity caused by the war with Germany.
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