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Description
The Dachshund, also known as the Weenie or Sausage Dog, is a very popular breed of dog that originated in Germany. They belong to the Hound dog breed which is recognized for their hunting skills. Dachshunds are generally bred for the purpose of scenting, chasing, and hunting. The breed has distinctive short legs and long bodies. They come in two known sizes: the Standard and the Miniature. Their coat has three variants: smooth or short hair, long hair, and wire hair. Their color patterns may be of single color, dappled, or a single color with tan points. Most Dachshunds commonly have red as its dominant.
Standard Dachshund Height and Weight
Both the male and female members of the Dachshund breed share a common weight of 16 to 32 lbs., and a height of 8 to 9 in as measured at the withers.
Miniature Dachshund Height and Weight
Miniature Dachshunds generally have a height of 5 to 6 in at the withers, and a weight of not more than 11 lbs.
Temperament
Dachshunds are generally playful. They can run after tennis balls with tremendous determination as well as ferocity. This breed has tendency to chase small animals and birds. But they can be stubborn, too. Dachshund’s stubbornness makes training difficult. They are believed to be more aggressive to strangers and other dogs than a Rottweiler. They are also significantly aggressive even towards their masters. In addition to that, some Dachshunds tend to bark a lot. Training may be required to stop them from this unnecessary behavior. Nevertheless, the breed is devoted and loyal towards their owners. More often than not, Dachshunds whine when left alone. Some members of the breed are even prone to separation anxiety, and may have the propensity to chew house objects for stress relief. In addition, Dachshunds have an average level of working and obedience intelligence. They like to burrow themselves into blankets when tired or bored. They can become unmanageable to housebreak. This makes patience and consistency necessary.
Dachshunds are lively, clever, and courageous, though can be snappy and obstinate. They do not bond well with small children. They generally require extensive socialization at young age for they tend to become aggressive to the point of attack towards unfamiliar people. A well-trained Dachshund around a well-behaved child, however, will do just fine.
Grooming
Dachshunds with smooth coat only require minimal grooming. Those with wire coats have to groomed at least once a week. Long-haired types, nonetheless, need to be groomed a couple of times a week.
Health Concerns
Most members of the Dachshund breed are likely to gain weight. Owners have to monitor their diet really closely to keep them fit and healthy. The breed is also prone to back problems due to their extended spinal cord, and short ribcage. Other health issues associated with Dachshunds are luxating patella, canine diabetes, progressive retinal atrophy, and elbow dysplasia. They have an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years.
Best Environment
Dachshunds love to be the center of attention. They are suitable to live in the city, and could thrive well in apartment-living. They enjoy sleeping indoors, and being exposed outdoors during a warm weather. The breed rarely requires plenty thorough exercise. A more frequent short walk every day is already adequate.
Russell
says:Your statement should be updated from “They like to burrow themselves into blankets when tired or bored” to “They like to burrow themselves into blankets when tired, bored or cold”
Veronica
says:I have a minnie Doxie, on 7-29-13 we will have had her for 1yr and she will be about 18 months old. She has to boxer brothers and housetraining was going really well in the beginning because she would see them going outside to potty. Now within the last few weeks she seems to be regressing and making potty in the house even if we were just outside for 20 -30 mins waiting for her to go. I figured she gets really obsessed with hunting bugs & lizards she forgets to go, so I chase her away from the bugs and her hunting to go potty and walk around the outside with her and still has times when she will go inside. Its very frustrating. Oh and I must say she has become the boss of the her 2 brothers! She knows I am the boss and when she does it she runs or when I find it she puts her head down. Why is she doing this and what am I doing wrong? I beginning to think she is doing this on purpose. Thanks
Sandy
says:I have owned Doxies since the sixties.I’m on #6&7 at this time.The only dogs for me.I just love everything about them. Although each one of them have their own personality.Their clean,don’t have an odor to them and they don’t shed.Their very playful,loving and dedicated to their owners.
Ronda
says:I disagree with some of the content in this post. I have had standard dachshunds all of my life. A well bred dachshund does not have the temperment issues stated here. Ethical breeders take temperment into consideration when selecting breeding individuals. Because of this, you don’t have the aggression issues. Yes, they are hunting dogs, so depending on the level of hunting instict within the individual dog, you could have issues with other small animals including cats. Their braveness is unwavering in the face of any danger, large or small, which can get them in trouble at times, especially with larger/agressive animals. Though, in regards to humans, other than being reserved at times with strangers, or picking up on hostility/threat toward their ‘family’, these dogs are remarkably friendly.