When it comes to small dog breeds, the dachshund is often the first pup that pops into mind. These little ones pack a massive personality in a tiny size. They’re wonderful watchdogs thanks to their bark and independent bravery. Plus, they’re sweet and cuddly, making them excellent companions.
Due to their short legs and cute shape, these loyal and loving pets are fun to be around. However, they don’t back down from anything and are quite headstrong. Originally bred as hunting dogs, the dachshund goes by many names because of its unique look. Badger dog, sausage dog, doxie, and wiener dog are just a few of these nicknames.
This dog breed has three different styles of coats: smooth, wire-haired, and long-haired. Coming in an assortment of colors, they’re relatively easy to maintain. Perfect for seniors or families, the dachshund is great for anyone who wants a loving and devoted friend.
Dachshund Dog Breed Pictures
Appearance
What Does A Dachshund Look Like
Stout dogs, doxies come in a miniature or standard size. They range from around 10-30 pounds, though they are quite short, with adults averaging well under a foot tall. Depending on the type of dog, they have very distinct eye color, as it often reflects their fur. Those with dappled hair tend to have blue eyes, while solid or bi-colored animals typically have darker eyes.
Their fur covers a broad spectrum of colors. Cream, blue, grey, chocolate, and red are just some of their shades. Yet they can have mixed coats, too. Often, their tones offset each other, blending light and dark, such as black and tan. Assorted mixes like merle, sable, and brindle aren’t uncommon, either.
When it comes to the texture and appearance of their fur, dachshunds vary. Smooth puppies have a soft coat that shines. Long-hairs also have a similar look, though with some differences. Their fur tends to be a lot longer, especially on their ears, necks, and back legs. The wire-haired variety has a silk undercoat with short, coarse hair covering it. This type of hound dog has a furry beard and eyebrows.
Temperament
This cute little pup is more than just a lapdog. Believe it or not, dachshunds were bred to be hunters. Geared to burrowing and digging for small prey, they haven’t lost their touch over the years. So, it’s not uncommon to find them tunneling through the dirt in search of excitement. They’re brave and want to be wherever there’s action.
Full of energy, these tiny dogs are always on the alert. They’re ideal for sounding the alarm whenever something out of the ordinary happens. Faithful protectors, they look out for their clan with love and devotion. Though, they do need to be socialized to keep their attitude in check. Otherwise, they could get a bit wild.
Dachshunds aren’t too aggressive, but they can be defensive and will react when irritated. Therefore, early human interaction is a must. But this goes both ways, especially with children. You must teach your kids how to properly act with this or any breed of dog. Adult supervision is important when it comes to playtime behavior.
Living Needs
If you’re considering doxie adoption, there are a few things you should know about. For starters, due to their small size, they can become overweight quickly. Therefore, it’s important to keep their weight in check. It’s ideal to make sure they exercise daily, as they tend to be a bit lazy if not encouraged.
Sausage dogs are great for limited spaces. Perfect for apartment life, these pets fit in well but will bark a lot. Dachshund barking is a feature that was bred into their personalities due to the hunt. You can’t avoid it, but you can decrease it. Owners need to give plenty of attention to their pup. Don’t let them get bored, as they will likely get loud.
They also need certain accommodations. Because of their short legs, they’ll have to have some extra assistance. It’s best not to let them jump too much, as they can injure themselves. Instead, set up ramps or little steps so they can access areas with ease. Lifting them also helps, as this will cause less wear and tear on their bodies.
Care
How to Groom a Dachshund
Since there are different types of dachshund hair, each has different grooming needs. The good news is that they’re all low-shedding and hypoallergenic, which makes them great for people with allergies. Plus, they shouldn’t have a bath more than once a month, as this will dry out their sensitive skin.
Smooth puppies are low-maintenance, requiring very little work. Long-haired dogs need grooming at least once a week, with careful attention focused on regulating matted fur. Wire-haired dogs are the most complex of the breed. In addition to frequent brushing, they need regular trimming, especially when it comes to their beards and eyebrows.
How to Train a Dachshund
Dachshund training needs to begin at an early age. They should be socialized so they can get along with both children and adults. Plus, rewards, kind words, and plenty of love go a long way with them. Especially since these pups can be a bit of a challenge.
Puppy training requires patience, as these animals have an instinct to focus on a particular task. It’s hard to get and keep their attention if they show interest in something else. So, you have to make things fun and exciting for them at all times.
How Much Exercise Does a Dachshund Need
According to the AKC, these little pets need plenty of exercise to keep them fit, strong, and at an ideal standard. Health issues such as back problems can affect them if they don’t have adequate opportunities to be active.
Proving two walks per day is a good goal to have. This will keep their muscles working and their weight at a healthy level. Playing at home or in a fenced-in yard is also beneficial.
Feeding
Pet parents can cut down on health problems with a dry-food diet. Feed pups around one cup daily.
Health
Whether you are adopting from your favorite rescue or considering breeders, you need to know what you’re getting into. These small dogs, just like all breeds, are prone to certain health issues. But if you take care of your pup, their lifespan will average 12-16 years, which is quite high.
To keep your doxie healthy, regular heart, knees, and eyes exams are a good idea. They’re prone to slipped discs from excess jumping thanks to their short legs, so watch out for this, too. Exercise and a quality diet will help them build more strength and stamina.
Dachshund ears should get special attention. Long and floppy, they have a tendency to become infected from time to time. Therefore it’s important to take care of them. Frequent inspections and vet care will help prevent any long-term effects and problems. Just by following common sense and instinct, you can give your puppy a long and happy life.
History
This history of dachshunds is quite a journey. Of German origin, they first made an appearance around 600 years ago. Used for hunting foxes, badgers, and hares, they developed a fierce and stubborn nature. In packs, they even went after wild boar. Today, they’re still used for this in Germany.
Once they left the region and made their way to other parts of the world, things changed. In the 1800s, the dogs became smaller, finding roles as companions. Though retaining their intelligence and courageous temperament, they now boasted a cute and sweet side. Funny and full of charm, they won the hearts of many, including royal blood.
Queen Victoria was a big fan of these pretty puppies. Therefore, it became stylish to own one. In the later part of the 19th century, they were introduced to the United States. These pets were an instant hit till the wars came about. At this time, they bore the stigma of Germany, which used them as military propaganda.
Their popularity gained a full resurgence in the 1950s that continues to this day. They have celebrity status and are well-loved tiny friends who are loyal and true. Doxies are one of the most famous breeds in the world today.
Fun Facts About Dachshund
- In German, “dachs” means “badger,” and “hund” means “dog.” After WWII, they were known as the “badger dog” for a while in an effort to market them.
- This hound actually goes by two other names. Hunters in Germany call them “teckel,” while others use “dackel.” This leads some people to incorrectly think they’re different animals.