The famously long, low silhouette, ever-alert expression, and bold, vivacious personality of the Dachshund, have made him a superstar in the canine kingdom.
They come in two sizes (Standard and Mini) and in three coat types (Short, Long, and Wire) of diverse colors and patterns.
They aren’t built for distance running, leaping, or strenuous swimming, but otherwise these tireless hounds are game for anything. Smart and vigilant, with a big-dog bark, they make fine watchdogs. Bred to be an independent hunter of dangerous prey, they can be brave to the point of rashness, and a bit stubborn, but their endearing nature and unique look has won millions of hearts the world over.
Generally a healthy breed, the Dachshund lifespan means they can be expected to live 12 to 16 years with proper care, so long as he’s kept on a good diet and has enough exercise to maintain good muscle tone. To prevent disc damage to the it’s long back, be vigilant about keeping him from becoming overweight, and always monitor his activities to avoid back injury. Like most dogs with drop ears, ear infections can be common if their ears aren’t kept clean
Many owners think that because they are so small, Dachshunds do not require more exercise than just running around the house. However, they do need regular exercise not only to stay fit but also to build strong muscles to support and protect their back. Two walks every day of moderate length should be sufficient. To avoid injury, never allow your puppy/dog to run up and down stairs or jump on or off furniture. Because they are very social, they do not do well as outdoor dogs want to be with their humans.
It is extremely important that a fur kid not be allowed to become overweight. This is not only because of general health reasons but also to avoid strain on its long back, which can lead to slipped or ruptured (herniated) discs. Ignore the pleading eyes and give only the recommended amount given by the manufacturer of the quality dog food of your choice. Give table scraps very sparingly, if at all, especially avoiding cooked bones and foods with high-fat content. Remember that their nose can get him into trouble, and always keep food well out of his reach.
Every food has a different amount of Kcal which is how many calories the individual food is. We feed Country Vets Naturals butcher blend which is a 26/14. We chose this kibble because it has glucosamine chondroitin already in the kibble which is good for a dachshund’s back health. Recommended daily amount: .3/4 to 1 cup of high-quality dry food a day, divided into at least two meals for puppies and 1 meal for adults. There have been studies that prove that replacing just 30% of your dog’s diet with raw food can increase their chances for a happy and healthy life. Click here to read the study.
Dachshunds are moderate shedders, clean, and have little or no body odor. The breed’s grooming needs vary with the three coat types. Smooth-coated Dachshunds are ‘wash and wear,’ needing little beyond a wipe with a towel or hound glove to look dapper. Long hair Dachshunds may require more frequent brushing, depending on the thickness of the coat. The Wirehaired coat can be plucked or hand-stripped several times a year to look its best, but beyond that, it is easy to maintain between grooming with occasional trimming of the beard and eyebrows and brushing or combing once or twice a week. All Dachshunds should have their nails trimmed every month.
The most important aspect of owning a Dachshund is making sure that they get enough exercise to ensure that their backs have enough muscle to keep them from hurting their backs. They must also be kept at a reasonable weight for their frame since obesity is especially hard on their long back.
A breed’s level of tolerance and patience with childrens’ behavior, and overall family-friendly nature. Dogs should always be supervised around young children, or children of any age who have little exposure to dogs
If you want an outdoor dog who can be left alone for long periods, the Dachshund is not the breed for you.
Dachshunds are excellent snugglers. Be it under a blanket or right next to you on the couch they are always ready to share their body heat whether you want it or not.
Dachshunds will happily clean up any food mess that you leave on the floor. They will gladly do this job whether you ask them to or not. Just be careful that anything that hits the floor is an acceptable food for your doggie family member.
“Dachshund” is a German word meaning “badger dog,” and the breed’s German history goes back some 600 years. And, as the breed name suggests, thet were developed to enthusiastically dig his way into a badger den and dispatch its occupant. Their long, low body was custom-made for this dirty subterranean work.
The cleverness, courage, perseverance, and strength that are hallmarks of today’s Dachshund were first bred into his long-ago ancestors to best equip them for battling a deadly foe. The little dog’s surprisingly loud, hound bark is also a throwback to his working roots: It allowed their above-ground human hunting partner to mark his hound’s underground location.
In addition to the breed’s short, smooth coat, selective breeding produced types with wire coats for work in thorny brier patches, and long coats for cold climates. Dachshunds of various sizes were bred to work on different kinds of quarry. Packs of Dachshunds, according to breed authorities, were often used on wild boar. By the late 1800s, the process of standardizing the breed according to size, coat, and color varieties was well underway.
The Dachshund has long been a national symbol of Germany, so closely associated with Kaiser Wilhelm II who had a well-known love for Dachshunds that during World War I American fanciers took to calling them Liberty Hounds due to anti-German sentiment. Admitted to the AKC Stud Book in 1885, their popularity in America was immediate and enduring.