Description

The Dachshund, more affectionately known as the Weiner dog, comes in all shapes and sizes. Dachshunds are used as hunting hounds and the breed’s different sizes reflects the purposes that the hunting community uses them for. Due to its goofy looks, the Dachshund has stolen the hearts not only of hunting enthusiasts but also of many dog owners around the world.

The Dachshund has a relatively elongated head, tapering into a bluntly tipped nose. The dog’s flat skull gives in to strongly pronounced brows and falls smoothly into a long, strong, broad muzzle. The dog’s tight lips cover a set of 42 teeth that close firmly into a scissor bite. The dog’s oval, dark brown eyes are set well apart and should impart a friendly yet energetic expression. Its rounded, high set ears should never be excessively long.

Carrying the dog’s head highly and adding to this breed’s lively appearance, the Dachshund’s arched neck should be both proportionally long and muscular. Weiner dogs have a very muscular, compact body that is either equal to or almost double in length as the height at the dog’s withers. The Weiner’s back flows gently from the dog’s neck and blends into the dog’s muscular, broad, sloping rump. The Dachshund has a very deep chest that only clears the ground by a third of its height at the withers. The Dachshund’s chest should smoothly give in to a tucked up belly. Its straight front limbs and slightly backward angled hind limbs are short and stubby. One shouldn’t be fooled into thinking that this is a hindrance for anyone will have a hard time trying to keep up with the Dachshund when the leash is off. The tail must not be set very high on the dog’s backside, and should be carried at the level of the dogs back.

Origin: Germany

Look

Dachshunds come in three coat types.
The Smooth-coated Dachshund is densely covered by shiny, short, harsh hair. On the other hand, the Wire-haired variety is quilted by a very dense, wiry double coat. This variety’s eyebrows are bushy and a beard hangs onto its muzzle. Lastly, the Long-haired variety is draped by a smooth shiny double coat that is longer on the dog’s underside and is at its longest on the ventral side of the tail. The long double coat also gives rise to feathering on the ears, and legs. This breed shouldn’t have any bald patches anywhere on the body.
With the exception of the Wire-haired variety, all varieties come in 3 types of colour. Solid coloured individuals come in red, reddish yellow, or yellow with the possibility black hairs irregularly peppering its coat. Two-coloured individuals come as black or brown with tan or yellow patterns on the eyes, muzzle, lips, chest, legs and underside of the dog’s tail. Dachshunds can also come in a variety of black, red and grey brindle with beige, red or yellow markings.
Besides the above mentioned colours, Wire-Haired Dachshunds also come in light or dark wild boar colour or a colour similar to that of dry leaves. It is desirable for Dachshunds to have strong, black nails.
The Dachshund is a medium shedding breed. The Long-haired and Wire-haired varieties need frequent brushing and an occasional trip to the groomer.

Health

The Dachshund is considered to be a healthy breed. However, there are a number of conditions that are associated with this breed. These are:

• Spinal problems.
• Urinary tract problems.
• Heart disease.
• Mast cell tumors

It is recommended for Dachshund owners to seek their veterinarian’s advice as to the proper feeding of their dog. Adequate feeding and proper monitoring of the dog’s weight will reduce the risk of Diabetes and Spinal problems. It is ideal for Dachshund owners to prevent their dog from using staircases as this will further help with the prevention of future back problems. It is suggested that Dachshunds be taken for a yearly veterinary check-up. These yearly check-ups make sure that some of the above conditions are caught at an early stage, and therefore prevent such conditions from worsening through proper management and treatment.

At Newdoggy.com we promote puppies coming from reputable breeders, who use genetic testing and good breeding practices to remove genetic conditions from their breeding lines. Newdoggy.com’s Health Guarantee certifies that all promoted puppies are in good health.

Learning

Dachshunds are curious, clever dog but they can also be incredibly obstinate. Despite being small and adorable, these dogs need to be managed with an iron fist and given a constant reminder of who’s boss. Failing to do so might result in the development of Small Dog Syndrome, with these dogs showing signs of possessive behaviour, food aggression and unwillingness to be handled. Dog owners ignoring the fact that this dog breed is first and foremost a hunting breed, will be sorely disappointed in their dog’s behaviour when their Dachshund gets used to being spoilt rotten.
Having said that, life shouldn’t be all about order and discipline for the Dachshund. These dogs love doing things with their owners. Taking part in dog sports or taking them on hunting trips would keep their minds occupied and intensity in check. Earthdog trails are a dog sport in which this breed may truly excel. Well exercised and disciplined dogs will grow into well-disciplined individuals that are a joy to be around.
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Temperament

Although Dachshunds can be a bit intense for some, they are mostly known to be brave, amusing and affectionate dogs.
Dachshunds will not shy away from competing with their owners for dominance but not tolerating this behaviour is a sure fire way to keep the dog from taking run of the house. This dog is not recommended for prospective owners that are very fond of their immaculate, curated gardens. The Dachshund was bred to dig, and will not shy away from using its strong nails to dig up your garden if it suspects any critter to be deep below the soil surface. Although usually good with other pets, the Dachshund is a hunting dog and it is unfair for both the dog and small animals like rabbits to be housed under the same roof.

Living with

Dachshunds adapt to apartment life very easily since they are very active when indoors. They would be particularly happy in a house with an adequately sized garden where the owners don’t mind having holes and patches in their lawn. It is still suggested to take your Dachshunds for a daily walk in order to relieve their boredom. The Dachshund would be ideal for families with assertive individuals and older children.