Dachshund (Doxie): Dog Breed Profile

The dachshund is a friendly, active dog breed with a charming attitude. This short-statured breed, often known as the doxie, wiener dog, hotdog, or sausage dog, leaves an indelible impression. The dachshund is available in two sizes: standard and tiny, but the breed's characteristics are comparable in both.

The dachshund is a wonderful companion, lapdog, or even family dog. Despite its small size, the dachshund is a protective and alert breed that makes an outstanding watchdog.

Appearance

GROUP: Hound

HEIGHT: 8 to 9 inches (standard); 5 to 6 inches (miniature)

WEIGHT: 16 to 32 pounds (standard); up to 11 pounds (miniature)

COAT AND COLOR: Smooth (shorthaired), longhaired, and wire-haired coats are available. Black, tan, fawn, beige, blue, chocolate, and red are among of the colours available, along with dapple, piebald, brindle, and sable markings.

LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 to 16 years

Characteristics of the Dachshund

Affection Level- High

Friendliness -Medium

Kid-Friendly- Low

Pet-Friendly- Low

Exercise Needs- Medium

Playfulness- High

Energy Level -Medium

Trainability- Medium

Intelligence- Medium

Tendency to Bark- High

Amount of Shedding-Medium

Dachshund Rescue

The dachshund's grooming requirements are determined by its hair coat. Daily brushing is required for the longhaired species, but professional grooming is not usually required. The smooth dachshund sheds more than the other kinds. Baths should be given to all dachshunds as needed (frequently if skin problems exist).

Keep your nails trimmed on a regular basis to avoid paw problems. Keeping those flap-down ears clean and checking for symptoms of infection or mites is also important. Brush your dog's teeth at least twice a week to maintain healthy oral hygiene.

The dachshund is known for its robust attitude, yet it can also be stubborn, protective, and defensive. The tendency of many dachshunds to bark is well-known. These potential issues can be turned into positive attributes with proper obedience training. They are tenacious, which is an excellent trait in a hunting dog, but it may bother you at home.

Obesity is a natural tendency in Dachshunds. Your dachshund should get regular exercise to avoid gaining weight. Daily walks, at the very least a couple of 10-minute walks each day, are encouraged, as well as some play time, such as fetch. However, sufficient nourishment is also important, and you should avoid overfeeding.

You must take special precautions to safeguard your dachshund's back. Intervertebral disc disease affects up to 25% of dachshunds, causing their spinal discs to deteriorate and become vulnerable to bulging when they experience back strain or injury. When holding the dog, keep his back supported. Jumping up and down from furniture is also frowned upon. You could install ramps or steps to help people get up and down from seats or beds.

Housebreaking Dachshunds can be a challenge. You'll need to be persistent, and crate training may be an option. Make sure you have puppy pads and cleaning tools on hand.

Digging habits might cause damage to your potted plants and yard. Keep this in mind and provide your pet with different hobbies.

Unless you take extensive training and socialisation measures, the dachshund may not be the best breed to have around small children. In general, raising this breed with children is preferable to introducing children later in life. You'll need to teach your kids how to handle this dog securely because his long back can be damaged if handled incorrectly.

Due to their high prey drive, dachshunds may not be a good match for a family with pet rodents. They get along well with other dachshunds, but they want to be the alpha dog in a family with other pets.

Common Health Problems

Responsible breeders aim to uphold the highest breed standards set out by kennel associations such as the American Kennel Club (AKC). Health problems are less likely to be passed down to dogs bred to these criteria. However, the breed is prone to several hereditary health issues. The following are some things to keep in mind:

Intervertebral disc disease is a condition that affects the intervertebral disc

Diabetes mellitus is a type of diabetes that affects people.

Epilepsy

Acanthosis nigricans gastric dilatation-volvulus

Nutrition and Diet

The amount of food required is determined by your dog's size, degree of activity, age, and other factors. Make sure to feed your dog high-quality food and keep an eye on his intake and weight. If you notice your dog is becoming overweight, contact your veterinarian to discuss the best feeding plan, type of food, and amount for your dog to maintain a healthy weight. This will assist your dog in living to its full potential.

History of the Dachshund

The dachshund was developed as a hunting dog in Germany. Though the breed's origins can be traced back to the 15th century, it was developed in 17th century Germany. These short hounds were known as dachshunds, which translates as "badger dogs." They pursued badgers. Their small legs, loose skin, large chests, resolve, and independence made them perfect for digging, tunnelling, and, of course, badger battling. When burrowing, their flap-down ears help keep dirt and debris out.

The breed's development resulted in two sizes. The main size has traditionally hunted badgers and wild boar, while the miniatures have hunted hare and foxes. In Germany, there is also an intermediate size.

Dachshunds were brought to the United States as early as 1885, when the American Kennel Club (AKC) recognised 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 a very popular breed of dog.

Dachshund races, sometimes known as "wiener races," are a popular form of entertainment in some areas. The Dachshund Club of America, on the other hand, is against them, citing worries that racing could harm the dogs.