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Dachshund

The Dachshund, also known as the “sausage dog,” is a dog that wins everyone over with its cuteness. Its long body and floppy ears go hand in hand with a big, energetic personality. Despite being small, it has a unique way of grabbing attention.

These dogs are smart and have a charming stubborn streak that adds to their appeal. Loyal and courageous, they’re always ready to play or, sometimes, get into a bit of trouble. But deep down, they just want to be close to those they love.

Whether you already have a Dachshund or are thinking about adopting one, this article is for you. Keep reading to learn more about this delightful breed, from its characteristics to the essential care needed to ensure a happy and healthy life for your furry friend!

Official Name: Dachshund

Other Names: Sausage Dogs" or "Wiener Dogs, and "Doxies" or "Weenies"

Origins: Germany

Drooling Tendency:

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Level of hair loss:

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Care needs:

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Tendencies to bark:

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Compatibility with other pets:

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Energy level:

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Suitable for living in apartments:

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Can it be alone:

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Family pet:

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Sociable with other animals:

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Cold weather:

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Hot weather:

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Male

Height:
8-9 Inches

Weight:
16-32 Pounds

Puppy age:
0-8 Weeks

Adulthood:
1-9 Years

Elderly age
12+ Years

Baby age:
8 Weeks to 1 Year

Female

Height:
7-8 Inches

Weight:
12-28 Pounds

Mature age:
9-12 Years

Coat:
Short, Long, and Wire-haired Coat

Size:
Small to Medium

Life expectancy:
12-16 Years

Everything you need to know about the breed

The Dachshund, known for its long body and short legs, is a small dog with a big personality. Its compact size makes it ideal for smaller spaces, like apartments, but its energy and curiosity make it an active and engaging companion.

With a bold and courageous personality, the Dachshund isn’t afraid to stand its ground, even with its small size. It loves company and is very loyal to its family, forming a strong bond with its owners.

Though the Dachshund has a unique appearance, it is also a versatile dog, with three different coat types: smooth, long, and wiry. Each coat type requires specific care, but all are equally charming and add extra appeal to this special breed.

Facts About This Breed

The Dachshund is a breed full of interesting characteristics that capture hearts wherever it goes. Here are some curious facts about these adorable dogs:

Loyal companions: Dachshunds are extremely attached to their owners, forming strong bonds and showing constant affection. They love being around the family and make great companion dogs.
Curious nature: Due to their hunting instinct, especially for small animals, Dachshunds are incredibly curious. This often leads them to get into little adventures around the house or yard.
Tendency to bark: They are known for their constant vocalizations, always alerting to any changes in their environment. Their tendency to bark makes them good watchdogs, though they can be a bit noisy.
Adaptability: Despite their small size, Dachshunds adapt well to different living environments, being happy both in small spaces like apartments and in homes with yards to explore.
Long lifespan: With an average lifespan of 12 to 16 years, the Dachshund provides many years of companionship, making it a lasting choice for anyone seeking a loyal and energetic friend.

History of the Breed

The Dachshund has its roots in Germany, where it was created in the 15th century to hunt badgers. Its long, agile body helped it enter burrows and chase prey with precision, making it an excellent hunter.

Over time, the breed became more popular as a pet. In the 19th century, the Dachshund started to be seen more as a companion, captivating people with its unique appearance and fearless personality.

Today, the Dachshund is one of the most beloved dogs, known for its loyalty and energy. Although originally bred for hunting, its role now is to be a faithful family friend, always ready to spread joy.

Canine Anatomy

Ears:

Dachshunds have long, floppy ears that hang close to their cheeks. These ears help funnel scents from the ground up to their noses, making them exceptional trackers.

Head:

Dachshund heads are elongated with a slight arch in the skull and a long, tapered snout. They have strong jaws and a pronounced ridge above the eyes.

Body:

The most distinctive feature of a dachshund is their long body, supported by short, sturdy legs. This shape gives them a low center of gravity, which helps when digging and maneuvering through tight spaces.

Coat:

The Dachshund's coat can be short, long, or wiry, depending on the variation, and the colors include red, black, chocolate, cream, dapple, brindle, and sable.

Tail:

Their tails are long and carried in line with their back, often with a slight curve. It’s believed the tail was used by hunters to pull the dog out of burrows.

Things to Take Into Consideration

Before adopting a Dachshund, it's important to consider some characteristics of the breed that may affect your daily life with the dog. While charming, they require attention in certain aspects of everyday living. Here are a few essential points to consider if you're thinking about getting a Dachshund.

1. Prone to Back Issues

Due to their long body and short legs, Dachshunds are prone to back problems, such as intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). This means extra care should be taken with their posture and avoiding activities that could strain their back.

2. Need for Companionship

Dachshunds are known for being very attached to their owners and may suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for long periods. They need attention and companionship, so if you work outside the home for many hours, consider having someone around to spend time with them.

3. Tendency to Gain Weight

Although small, Dachshunds can easily gain weight. This can put stress on their back and lead to health problems, so it's important to monitor their diet and ensure they maintain a healthy weight.

4. Independent Personality

Dachshunds are known for their courageous and independent personalities, which can make them a bit stubborn. This means you may need to be patient and consistent when dealing with challenging behaviors and establish clear leadership in the home.

5. Temperament Considerations

While generally friendly, Dachshunds can be protective and sometimes possessive of their owners. They have a natural guarding instinct and may be a bit wary of strangers, which requires proper socialization from an early age.

Care for Your dog

Cleaning, Training, and Exercise Tips

Dachshunds, depending on their coat type, may need regular baths to keep their skin clean and healthy. Nail trimming should be done monthly to avoid discomfort, while ear cleaning is essential, especially for those with long ears, to prevent infections.

Although small, Dachshunds are energetic and require daily walks and playtime to burn off energy. It's important to avoid high-impact activities, like jumping from high places, to protect their sensitive spine due to their long bodies.

Training a Dachshund can be challenging as the breed tends to be independent and stubborn. However, with consistency and patience, they can learn basic commands and become great companions, but training should be done in a positive manner to avoid frustration.

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Welcome to DogsOnWings

Dachshund

Male

Female

Everything you need to know about the breed

Facts About This Breed

History of the Breed

Canine Anatomy

Things to Take Into Consideration

1. Prone to Back Issues

2. Need for Companionship

3. Tendency to Gain Weight

4. Independent Personality

5. Temperament Considerations

Care for Your dog

Recommendations

Other Related Breeds

Links

Get In Touch

Social Media