The DACHSHUND
Courtesy of Bruce Jenkins
Dachshunds come in two sizes (standard and miniature) and 3 different coats (smooth hair, long hair and wire hair)
1. Personality
The dachshund is a hunting dog and despite its cute looks needs to keep busy to not be destructive or noisy. It has a very strong character and will take over your home it not trained properly.
2. Is this the correct pup for you, which is the best home and why?
Definitely not a dog for a cluster, flat or very built up area as dachshunds have a loud, deep bark and with a keen sense of hearing and smell will bark at every noise they hear or anything passing the gate.
Dachshunds make great family dogs and are definitely indoor rather than outdoor dogs especially with regard to where they sleep i.e. the human bed under the blankets is best.
A home where somebody is at home all day is best as some are prone to separation anxiety, also if they are being entertained by you they are less likely to dig up the lawn, your favourite flowers or bark continuously at nothing special.
with their keen sense of hearing they make excellent watch dogs in that they will raise the alarm.
3. Where do I get my pup from?
From a registered breeder who has tested the sire and dam for health problems. All dachshunds are prone to back problems and there is a new x-ray available that assists breeders in choosing the right dogs to breed from. Not foolproof but a good guide. All miniature dachshunds are prone to night blindness. This is called PRA or progressive retinal atrophy and if the dog is tested as affected it will eventually go blind. Similarly if carriers are mated together or mated to affected dogs the offspring will be affected. Ask to see all test certificates.
When choosing a puppy look for good temperament. See the puppies sire and dam if possible and see if they are friendly and outgoing. Do not choose a puppy that runs and hides.
Buying puppies from pet shops or unregistered breeders means that no health tests are done.
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4.Importance of socialization and puppy school
It is extremely important to attend puppy school and socialising classes from a young age as left alone dachshunds are prone to be one family dogs and will not accept strangers, strange noises or other dogs and will bark continually at these or run away and hide.
5. Which other breeds are most compatible with this breed?
Breeds that do not have a strong personality are best i.e. labradors, maltese, pugs etc
6. Is it wise to have two or more of the same breed?
Yes it is not a problem providing they know that you are the boss and will not accept any dominance issues that may arise. It is best to have a dog and bitch rather than two of the same sex.
7. Do they get on well with other animals?
If raised with other animals from young they will accept them as part of the family but do not expect an adult dog coming into a family not to chase the family cat or chickens as they have an inbred prey drive which means that anything they are not used to can be hunted. Remember for their size dachshunds have big teeth and strong jaws and can do a lot of damage if they bite.
8. Training requirements and grooming.
Basic obedience and on lead training are required.
Grooming - smooth dachshunds need a bath once a month. long haired dachshunds must be combed out at least once a week and bathed and blow dried regularly. Wire haired dachshunds need a weekly brush and depending on the quality of the coat will either need to be tidied up once a month or in the case of a very soft coat will need stripping out or clipping off it not a show dog.
In all varieties nails grow long quickly and need cutting at least once a month or sooner depending on the growth. Also ears need cleaning on a regular basis, at least once a month
9. Health concerns.
Back problems in all varieties
PRA in all miniatures
Lafora disease in miniature wires
Epilepsy in some lines
Skin problems (allergies) in some lines.
“In today’s age, with the rising cost of veterinary care, it really is a wise decision to consider medical insurance for your pets. Depending on the plan you choose, you can ensure that if your pet does develop one of the health issues the breed is prone too, that you will be covered –additionally, just knowing that any accident your pet may have will be covered, will out-weigh the monthly insurance fee for most pet owners. Our own personal choice is Genricpet as they have a ‘no limit’ policy and their rates are comparable to the rest of the industry. To find out the questions and things to look for in a Medical Insurance, please just follow this link”
10. Life expectancy.
Standards about 12 to 14 years
Miniatures about 14 to 16 years
11. Do`s and Don`ts of this breed.
Do not buy a dachshund because it is a cute puppy and looks appealing, they all do but they grow into a large dog in a small frame.
Do not let a dachshund get fat, most love their food and with those appealing eyes will tell you that they are starving all day.
Jumping off beds and running up and down stairs does not cause back problems. It is inherited and at worst will hasten the problem. Make sure you have a big bank balance in reserve should your dog ever need back surgery, it is expensive.
Especially if you live out of town do take note every time your dog barks as with its hunting skills it could have put up a snake or something just as nasty and a dachshund has no fear so it is best to intervene.