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Dachshund Dogs
Breed Rating (3 Reviews)
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| Friendliness | |
| Hardiness | |
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History
Although probably around for much longer, the first written evidence of the Dachshund isn't until the 16th century. The name comes from the German 'Dachs - badger and 'Hund' - dog. The dogs were bred to follow badgers into the set, drag them out and kill them. It would also catch and kill foxes and rabbits. Their bodies are long, with muscular legs and large front paws, well adapted to tunnels to help them get to their prey. In Germany they are more commonly known as a 'Dackel' and are often called Sausage dogs around the world. The Dachshund comes in three varieties, smooth coated (shorthair), Long Coated and Wire coat.
Behaviour
Dachshunds are playful, bold and tenacious. They like to keep busy and are always up for an adventure. They are good with families and children, provided they get respect, but are wary of strangers. They love to tunnel under blankets and duvets. For such a small dog they have a loud bark and make good watch dogs. They notice everything and will want to be involved. Dachshunds are generally quite stubborn and training is a challenge. It's not that they don't understand; they are just fiercely independent. The breed tends to bond with one person (usually the main carer), but will be happy in a family setting. They need boundaries to be set from a young age to keep them in check. Some say that training is pointless, but they are an intelligent breed and can learn, when they want to. Dachshunds like company of other dogs, especially other Dachshunds. Due to their prey instinct, it is best to walk them on a lead or in an enclosed area. For dogs with such short legs, they can move surprisingly quickly and will find the smallest gap in a fence to explore. They need a fair amount of exercise daily, but a walk a day and lots of ball chasing in the garden is fine. They can be snappy with strange dogs, so socialising is vital with this breed. Dachshunds can suffer with back problems, usually disk related. They also put on weight easily, so be strict with the treats.
A lovely quote by E. B White on his Dachshund, Fred - "When I address him, I never raise either my voice or my hopes. He even disobeys me when I instruct him to do something he wants to do...."
Temperament
Dachshunds have a brave and loving temperament. Bred to hunt badger and fox underground you shouldn't underestimate this small but courageous dog. They are very loving towards their family and will be fine with respectable children.
Early socialisation with both other dogs and people is important to ensure they become well rounded dogs. This breed may not be suitable for a house with cats although some individuals will be fine. Surprisingly loud barkers they can also make good watchdogs.
Health Problems
Health problems that may affect Dachshunds include canine hip dysplasia (CHD), intervertebral disk disease (pressure on spinal cord which can cause paralysis), patellar luxation (dislocation of the kneecap) and obesity.
Breed Details
- Status: Common
- Life Expectancy: 11 - 15
- Weight: 4.5 - 15
- Height: 8 - 9"
- Rare: No
- Coat: Short
- Grooming Requirements: Once a week
- Town or Country: Either
- Minimum Home Size: Flat
- Minimum Garden Size: No Garden
- Breed Type: Hound
- Size: Small
- Energy Level: High
- Exercise Required: Up to 1 hour
Dachshund Pictures
Latest Reviews For Dachshund (3 of 3)
Really smart - Brian,
Brandy (Brandywine after a local tomato from where I'm originally from) is brilliant. Training at first was difficult with house breaking because she's clever and was trying to hide her business in the house. Now I'm 55 now and she's 10 and I've had dogs in my home for as long as I can remember. So I've trained my fair share. But I've mostly had big dogs so I wasn't keen at first about getting a small dog. Turned out I was wrong. I was also wrong with training process of my usual ways. So we took training in formal facility together specifically for dachshunds. I learned as much as Brandy did. Turns out those little dogs are really responsive to trading when done in a proper way. They also see what the others do right and wrong so being in group environment is beneficial. So she's very well behaved and obedient to my wife and I. Now when I walk her she knows not to pull on the lead, when my walks her she knows that she can get away with more. Walking through the woods where we can take her off the leash she's never out of sight and always looking for where we are. She is super fast and adventurous and love's to jump off a little bit of height into the water. The weirdest thing she does is hunt for rocks out of the rives. Whole head under water and pulls out a good size stone and brings it to our feet and barks to have us throw it back in where she will most likely find the exact same stone. The most surprising thing that I learned about these little dogs is that they don't know that they are little dogs so she has no fear of other dogs and if they try to bother her she will put them in their place. It's pretty funny to see a couple bigger dogs getting chased away from the pool because they keep steeling her toy. But mostly she's great with all animals especially horses, she loves horses. We have two cats as well that she doesn't mind at all. Strange cats as well as rabbits on the other hand she will chase to murder. She's great at restaurants and naps on her blanket and understanding that she needs to act really good in that environment. At home she will stair us down while we eat so doesn't miss a plate licking. She does bark at strangers when they come to the house but out in public she's unbothered and mostly uninterested in other people and most other dogs. She sometimes seems like she's being aggressive but she just wants to know why they are not petting her. All in all, best dog I've ever had the pleasure of sharing some life with. At 10 she's still full of energy and not showing any signs of slowing down. We are careful with letting her jump down from high places and she really loves to swim. A breed that I highly recommend getting and training together with professionals.
My little girl is 5 in September 22. She is so precious yet has a mind of her own. Very loyal to both me husband but knows I am her mommy. She was not hard to potty train and understands it completely - Dianna,
Great fun - Christine,
I have a standard black & tan dachshund - Max aka Mad Max.This dog now 3.5 years old is a clown, knows his own mind & does things in his own time. Very greedy, very loving & I would not be without a dachs in my life. Training was a drawn out process particularly toilet training & recall. Even now if it is raining he will not go out for a wee but will for a poo so use puppy pads. Recall - I used his favourite squeaky toy which he only saw out walking along with a treat for a good recall. Now he is pretty good particularly if I call out 'what's mummy got?' - instant response! His health to date has been fine but I am very careful about his weight & he is fed on high quality food only - Millies Wolfheart. Max loves children but is a bit boisterous with them so best with children 7 years plus. Friendly with all dogs except German Shepherds - only has to see one in the distance & he will sit down & howl. Nor is he keen on brachycephalic dogs such as French bull dogs, boxers & he will chase cats.