| Training | |
| Sensitivity to strangers | |
| Affection for family | |
| Suitable for first-time owners | |
| Ease of grooming | |
| Energy level |
Contents
We are talking about the Dachshund, also known as Sausage Dog, one of the most famous dogs in the World.
The Dachshund appeared for the first time in the 17th century, but it is possible that this dog breed already existed in Ancient Egypt. Sometimes it can be stubborn, but is it also an affectionate and a really charming dog.
The Dachshund, also known as the wiener dog, sausage dog, or badger dog, is a short-legged, long-bodied, hound-type dog breed.
Dachshund: Origins
Although the Dachshund was seen for the first time back in the 17th century, it is possible that its history started in Ancient Egypt; some experts and passionate theorists confirm that through some remains found in Egypt, it can be determined that during this period there was a short-legged dog breed.
Additionally, besides appearing in various illustrations in this time, some mummified remains similar to the Dachshund were also found in ancient burial chambers.
However, we can assure that the Dachshund officially appeared around the 17th century; German breeders created this dog breed for hunting and to drive away the prey from its burrow.
Later, this dog breed was accepted and bred at the royal court in the old continent; so we can say that this short-legged dog had a long history.
Dachshund: Physical Characteristics
There are three varieties or sizes of the standard Dachshund:
- Standard Dachshund: it height over 13 inches (35 cm.) and has a maximum weight of 19 lb. (9 kg.);
- Miniature Dachshund: its height can be of 11-13 inches (30-35 cm.);
- Toy Dachshund or Kaninchen: its height is less than 11 inches (30 cm.).
These measures are not to the withers, they are the measures of the thoracic circumference.
The Dachshund could also be:
- Smooth or short-hired.
- Long-hired.
- Wire or rough-hired.
Also, we can find the Dachshund in the following colors:
- Black,
- Black and Tan,
- Dark Blue,
- Steel Blue,
- Beige,
- Red and Beige,
- Cream and Tan,
- Brindle: Black, red or grey with some irregular cream spots.
Dachshund: Temperament
The Dachshund is a small dog with a peculiar muzzle; it has a cheerful temperament and loves playing, hunting, running and swimming. It adores spending time and playing with other Dachshunds, and obviously with its owner. Also it is very attached to its owner and to its family; it is a completely loyal dog.
Despite its small size, it is a very brave dog, nothing can stop it, it is truly fearless, and has a stubborn and dominant temperament. Two of its main characteristics are: courage and curiosity, which always takes the Dachshund to explore new things.
As we mentioned before, this dog is a bit tenacious but always listens to its owner; it is important that the Dachshund gets trained since puppyhood as it tends to have a dominant character with other dogs and people.
The Dachshund is very affectionate with its owner and family. It loves to play and get constant attention. We can say that it has a Lion’s temperament; you must always keep an eye on your dog and train it during its first months of life to avoid aggressive and dominant behavior caused by its stubbornness.
If you have the intention of adopting a Dachshund you should know that this beauty needs a lot of time and dedication as well as proper training.
Dachshund: Ideal Environment
Among the amazing characteristics of the Dachshund, we must mention its warmth and loyalty to its owner. During puppyhood, the Dachshund is always willing to play and cuddle, it is the dog that everyone wants; this fluffy friend is smart and if it is well-trained it can be very obedient. There is not another dog breed that has its unique devotion and affection to its owner and family; also it is very communicative with everyone, especially children. Moreover, it is a dog that can easily get adapted to live in an apartment, this short-legged friend needs to live inside the house.
The Dachshund is the perfect dog for an apartment due to its small size; it is common to see this dog breed around the city. Its liveliness and desire to play makes it a highly active dog, so a backyard is the ideal place for this short little dog to run around and satisfy its curiosity.
It is important for the Dachshund to play and run because it needs to be active. The ideal environment for this dog breed is a familiar home, as this dog adores playing with children and as we said before it gets very attached to its owner and family.
Dachshund: Common Uses
This little four-legged friend suffers a lot from cold temperatures, thereby it needs a warm environment during the winter, where it can enjoy its cozy heated bed or maybe a well-protected little dog house outside.
The Dachshund was born as a hunting dog, mainly to catch foxes and rabbits, as well as to find injured deer and wild boars. This dog breed was also used for badger hunting. We can say that it kept its instincts; therefore, sometimes you will find it making holes on the ground, because this dog was created to dig.
Nowadays, the Dachshund is no longer used for these activities, it became a companion dog with a comfortable lifestyle and it relates more with humans than with wild animals.
Thanks to its joyful and sociable temperament, we can say that the Dachshund is the perfect dog to stay at home and play happily with children. It is affectionate and creates a sweet and loving bond with its owner.
Dachshund: Health
We recommend providing your dog with a suitable diet, especially created for Dachshunds, and also it must make a lot of exercise. In fact, due to its long body shape it might present some orthopedic conditions, therefore it is advised to keep your dog in shape and feed it properly to prevent overweight or obesity.
The spine is a weak point of this dog breed, they may be prone to degenerative disc diseases, a pathological malformation which affects the correct growing and developing of bones of this dog, but it can have a healthy life even though it will be a little bit smaller in size.
Due to Its physical structure, it is not recommended to use dog harnesses as it may affect its extremities; it is better to use a dog collar and leash. It is a strong and robust dog, but you should allow it to sleep inside the house.
The short-haired Dachshund does not need special care; but the long-haired ones need more frequent baths and grooming.
Dachshund: Relationship with Children
If you bring a Dachshund puppy to your home, you will instantly notice that it is the perfect four-legged friend for your children. It is a smart dog that loves to play with kids, and it is very careful and cautious with small children.
Warm, cheerful and full of energy, the Dachshund, loves to be in the company of people. This dog does not trust strangers so it will protect your children; as soon as someone unfamiliar shows up, it will start to bark to warn you.
The Dachshund is an excellent nanny and a great playmate. A Dachshund puppy and children is the perfect match, as they will get along right away. If your kid wants a dog, this is the most suitable dog breed for your family; a smart, affectionate and sometimes a little noisy friend. You can easily find it at a specialized breeder establishment of Dachshunds.
Dachshund: Relationship with other Dogs
The Dachshund loves to be in the company of its owner, family and other Dachshunds, but it will get along better with a dog of the opposite sex. It is well-known for being fearless and never staying quiet; these characteristics make it willing to face anything.
Even though it is a small dog; the Dachshund is brave and also a bit “bully”; it would not stop even if the other dog is twice its size. To avoid these issues, the Dachshund must be trained and socialized since puppyhood, otherwise it will always try to fight and it will not play with other dogs. We can say the Dachshund is a dog with a well-defined temperament.
If you decide to get a Dachshund and your neighbor has a dog, do not hesitate and wait for it to grow up, you must introduce them immediately so they can become best friends!
Dachshund: Price and Puppies
Do you want a Dachshund puppy for you or your family? So you must know that the Dachshund is the one of the most requested puppies.
If luck is on your side and you see a Dachshund, you will instantly fall in love. Its price can be between 600-1100 dollars, 500-900 English pounds; this difference in cost can have many reasons, so it is very difficult to say a specific price. But with the ones mentioned above, you can get your puppy from a certified and official breeding establishment.
Dachshund: Breeders, and Puppies for Sale
In this section you can find the best registered breeders in countries such as: the US, Canada and UK; but also Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Scotland, India and South Africa; where you can find all the information you need. It is important to purchase from a reliable breeder, to insure that your puppy has been:
- Raised to have good character and good health;
- Carefully selected (its parents were chosen without any genetic diseases);
- Properly socialized, so that it is not too aggressive or fearful;
- Vaccinated and well-cared for.
When you adopt a puppy, a reliable breeder provides you with an official veterinarian certificate, in which it is formally stipulated that the animal is in perfect health and dewormed.
You can ask for a pedigree certificate, which allows you to check your dog breed´s purity. An animal with pedigree has certain characteristics that distinguish it among the others.
Now that we have mentioned the most important aspects, you can go to your new four-legged friend, who is certainly waiting for you.
