Description

Sporty and devoted the Dachshund makes an excellent family dog. Despite Dachshund’s small size he makes a good watch dog with a surprisingly loud bard. Dachshund may be slightly aggressive to strangers. Given the nickname the “sausage dog” he is low to the ground, long in body and short of leg with robust muscular development. The Dachshund has an intelligent, alert, facial expression. There are six varieties of Dachshunds; smooth-haired, wire-haired and long-haired in two sizes, Standard and Miniature. The smooth-haired Dachshund is the originally strain, the wire-haired and the long-haired were attained by crossing the smooth-haired with other breeds.

Size of Male: Height: 8-9 inches Weight: 11-32 pounds

Size of Female: Height: 8-9 inches Weight: 11-32 pounds

Temperament

Dachshund is lively and affectionate; proud and bold, almost rash. Dachshund is tenacious. Dachshund can be willful and clownish. Curious and mischievous, they are very clever and may attempt to train the owner rather than allow the opposite. Devoted to his family, some fanciers feel the long-haired variety is calmer than the other two types. The wire-haired variety is more outgoing and clown-like. All are slightly difficult to train. Dachshunds are good dogs to travel with. They are best with older, considerate children and are moderately protective. These little dogs like to bark (their barks are surprisingly loud for their size) and are compulsive diggers. They are generally ok with other pets, however, they can be jealous, irritable, obstinate and very quick to bite. Sometimes they will refuse to be handled. They should not be over fed, for this breed tends to gain weight quickly.

Living Conditions

The dachshund is good for apartment living. Dachshund are fairly active indoors and will do ok without a yard. However do ensure it is socialized well during its earlier stages and are exercised well.

Upkeep

Although Dachsund are active, their exercise requirements can be met with moderate walks on leash and games in the yard. Dachsund are amenable to city life or apartment living, but it is still a hunter at heart and enjoys foraging into forest areas. Although Dachshund can live outdoors in warm weather, it does best when sleeping inside. The smooth coat requires minimal grooming. The long coat requires brushing or combing once or twice weekly and occasional trimming of stray hairs. The wire coat requires brushing or combing about once a week, with occasional trimming of stray hairs and stripping to remove dead hair twice a year.

Health

Major concerns: intervertebral disc disease

Minor concerns: Eye problems, Patellar luxation, Obesity

Life expectancy: 12 – 16 years