Dachshund
A complete guide to dachshund dogs
The dachshund and miniature dachshund both have a unique and easily recognizable elongated body. Developed as hunters, these dogs have outstanding scent-tracking and chase capabilities and display strong personalities and independent thinking.
Appearance
Height: The dachshund and mini dachshund are often described as "half a dog high and a dog and a half long." A standard dachshund dog will top out at about 10 to 12 inches, and a miniature dachshund will be, on average, 2 to 4 inches shorter.
Weight: A regular dachshund dog should top out at about 32 pounds. The mini dachshund rarely weighs more than 12 pounds.
Coat: Both the mini dachshund and its full-sized cousin are bred with three types of coat: smooth, wire-haired and long-haired. Their fur comes in a complete range of patterns and colors, including everything from white and lemon to black, dark chocolate and mahogany.
Ears and Eyes: This breed has medium-sized, round eyes that are, without exception, very dark in color. Dachshund breeder standards dictate that these dogs have rounded ears that are set close to the top of their heads.
Tail: A dachshund puppy should have a narrow, tapered, medium-sized tail set in continuation with its spine.
Disposition
These dogs are courageous, outgoing and buoyant. Playful and fun-loving, they have strong hunting instincts and are well-known for chasing just about anything they can once they're unleashed. In this regard, they're much like the Welsh corgi and beagle.
AKC Group: Hound
Training: Dachshunds are notoriously stubborn, independent and difficult to housebreak since they'd rather go to the bathroom on the rug than go outdoors in the winter, even though they know better. Positive reinforcement strategies tend to work best. Talk to a dachshund breeder for professional training recommendations.
Ideal Environment: As a member of the hound group, the daschund has natural hunting instincts and thrives in the outdoors. They're best off living somewhere they can run, hunt and play with little restriction.
Health and Care
Feeding: Some dachshunds display a sedentary nature, and proper dog nutrition must be carefully observed to prevent weight gain.
Grooming: A dachshund dog with smooth hair requires little grooming, though its wire-haired and long-haired cousins both require regular brushing and coat care, generally on a weekly basis.
Exercise: Miniature dachshund puppies and their regular-sized counterparts have a high energy level, which may abate as the dog matures. For the most part, though, this breed enjoys exercise and requires, at minimum, a daily walk.
Health Problems: A dachshund breeder will generally warn prospective owners that these dogs are prone to spinal problems due to their elongated bodies. Ear infections are also common, and owners need to clean their dog's ears regularly to minimize risk. Weight gain can also lead to canine arthritis and canine diabetes.
Average Lifespan: These dogs enjoy a relatively long life of 12 to 15 years.
Adopt a Dachshund from a Dachshund Rescue Center
Check local dachshund rescue facilities for an affordable and socially conscious way to adopt a dachshund. These centers help abused dogs find loving homes, and it's possible to save a significant amount of money rather than paying the $300 to $500 breeders generally charge for dachshund puppies.
One cost-cutting measure to be avoided is purchasing a pet through a puppy mill. These farms disregard both the health and safety of their animals.
