DACHSHUND

Temperament: Friendly, Curious, Spunky

Height:  8-9 inches (standard), 5-6 inches (miniature)

Weight:  16-32 pounds (standard), 11 pounds & under (miniature)

Life Expectancy: 12-16 years

Group: Hound Group

ABOUT THE DACHSHUND

Dachshunds are a delightful addition to any family, which is why they have ranked near the top of most popular dogs lists since the 1950s. Their cute appearance and lively disposition have inspired many affectionate nicknames for the breed, including wiener dog, hot dog, sausage dog, Doxie, Dashie, and (especially in Germany) Teckels, Dachels, or Dachsel

Dachshunds are a good choice for apartment dwellers and people who don’t have a backyard. At home, the Dachshund’s playful nature comes out. He loves to be close to you and “help” you do things like tie your shoes. Because of his intelligence, he often has his own ideas about what the rules are when it comes to playtime-and those rules may not be the same as yours or even other breeds of dogs.

PERSONALITY

The Dachshund is described as clever, lively, and courageous to the point of rashness. He’s bred for perseverance, which is another way of saying that he can be stubborn. Dachshunds have a reputation for being entertaining and fearless, but what they want most is to cuddle with their people.

Like every dog, Dachshunds need early socialization-exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences-when they’re young. Socialization helps ensure that your Dachshund puppy grows up to be a well-rounded dog.

FEEDING

Recommended daily amount: 1/2 to 1 1/2 cups of high-quality dry food a day

Note: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level.

HEALTH

Not all Bouviers will get any or all of these diseases, but it’s important to be aware of them if you’re considering this breed:

Intervertebral Disc Disease

Epilepsy

Progressive retinal atrophy

Gastric dilatation-volvulus Also called Bloat or Torsion

Cushings Disease

Canine Diabetes Mellitus

Deafness

If you’re buying a puppy, find a good breeder who will show you health clearances for both your puppy’s parents. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.

CARE

They’re not suited to living outdoors or in a kennel but should live in the home. Dachshunds can injure their backs jumping on and off furniture, so get a ramp or steps and teach them to use it if they want up on the sofa or bed. When you hold a Dachshund, always be careful to support his rear and his chest.

Housetraining can sometimes be a problem with this breed. A Dachshund may not see the need for eliminating outside. Patience and consistency are musts. Crate training helps as well.

Never stick your Dachshund in a crate all day long, however. Dachshunds are people dogs, and they aren’t meant to spend their lives locked up in a crate or kennel.

GROOMING

Wirehaired Dachshunds require regular brushing, and they’ll need to have their coats “stripped” two to three times a year to look their best. Ask the breeder from whom you got your Wirehaired Dachshund or your groomer to show you how to do this.

Longhaired Dachshunds must be brushed regularly to prevent mats from forming. They need to be bathed more often than the Smooth Dachshund, and you must blow-dry them afterward for their coat to look good.

Source: dogtime, akc.