The standard Dachshund was primarily bred as a tracker, and he was used to hunt badgers and wild boars. The miniature was largely bred down from the standard to hunt rabbits and go to ground. Lively, alert, comic, and kind, the Dachshund is a companion who may be short of leg but is not short of personality. He is still a talented hunter the world over, and those instincts are clearly visible in his love of digging and chasing after backyard prey—even groundhogs. When threatened or suspicious, he is a great protector of his family, whom he loves.
The Dachshund is an active and inquisitive hound who is curious about everything. This desire must be expressed and fulfilled in several daily walks—preferably long but not strenuous ones. He is built to hunt and can handle rough terrain and the vigor of a good dig. But he is not bred for long, sustained periods of exercise, and when his work or walk is done, he is ready to nap. The wirehaired needs the most grooming attention, as the coarse hairs must be trimmed and kept neat, ideally by a professional groomer.
Dachshunds are scenthounds and therefore easily distracted by scents all around them. If you're bringing a dachshund to a home with a yard, ensure the yard is fully fenced-in and reinforced along the base. It's a good idea to keep an eye on your dachshund while outside, both for her safety and for the sake of your landscaping. Dachshunds are also notoriously slow to housetrain, and may take up to a year to understand the concept.
Even then, they may just find going outside inconvenient. It's recommended to teach your dachshund to use a piddle pad indoors, for those times it's too cold or your pet is feeling too lazy to go outside.
Dachshunds tend to have independent personalities, but that doesn't mean they don't like to join in on family fun. This small breed can be good with children in the family, but may need extra training and socialization to be calm around those she doesn't know. A dachshund is a great fit for a single adult, a family, and the elderly alike, so long as her owner is patient, forgiving, and has a sense of humor to match this pup's spunky attitude.
It's important to consider your lifestyle before committing to any dog. Talk to a dachshund breeder or rescue group about expectations to see if a dachshund is a good fit for you. The dachshund coat varieties have slightly different grooming needs.
All three varieties are low-shedding, low odor, and remain fairly clean despite time spent outdoors though their paws may need attention after a vigorous digging session. They are not, however, considered a hypoallergenic breed. All dachshunds should be bathed sparingly , no more than once a month—any more and their sensitive skin can dry out. Smooth-coated dachshunds are very low maintenance, requiring little more than a wipe-down with a towel or a quick brushing once a week.
Longhaired doxies will need more frequent brushing, paying special attention to possible matting. Wirehaired dachshunds are the highest-maintenance of the three, requiring weekly brushing and, often, frequent trimming of the beard and eyebrows though this is based more on preferred appearance than necessity. This guide gives great tips and resources for grooming your longhaired dachshund.
Regular brushing is a good time to check for things like coat sheen dull hair can mean a lack of nutrients in her diet , nail length, and ear and dental health. Dachshunds will require extra weekly care to their ears , as their floppy shape can prevent proper air circulation and lead to infections. It's important to talk to your vet about the proper way to check and clean your dachshund's ears. Dachshunds were bred to be focused and independent-minded on the hunt, but that doesn't mean they're impossible to train.
In fact, this breed can be eager to learn most obedience training —just remember to keep things positive and fun. As with most hounds, food can be a great motivator, but Kilcommons recommends playing to a different instinct. It's all about leaning into the dog's strengths and hardwiring. Get a toy out for training, and use that as a reward. The dachshund is considered a generally healthy breed with a lifespan of 12—16 years. Like all breeds, the dachshund is prone to certain diseases, and if not properly fed and exercised, the breed's long body can lead to serious health issues.
The Dachshund Club of America , the official breed club, strongly recommends breeders complete thorough cardiac, patella, and eye exams.
Of course not all dachshunds will encounter serious health issues, but it's important to be aware of these common concerns when considering this breed. It's important to purchase all dogs from reputable breeders who will introduce you to the dog's parents and siblings.
If adopting, ask the rescue for all available health history. Dachshunds are prone to obesity, which can lead to serious back problems in this long breed.
It's important to stick to a strict diet and ensure proper daily exercise. It's also important to never allow your dachshund to jump on or off furniture or in or out of cars, which is a common cause of slipped discs in this breed. Their floppy ears are also prone to infection. Follow your vet's guidelines for proper and frequent ear evaluations.
Don't be fooled by this friendly face and little frame: The dachshund has long been a ferocious hunter. This hunting hound first appeared some years ago in Germany, according to the American Kennel Club. The breed's long, slender body coupled with a clever and courageous personality made her a formidable opponent for badgers, foxes, and hares. According to some authorities on the breed, packs of larger dachshunds were even used to hunt wild boar.
The first British dog to be successfully cloned was a Dachshund named Winnie. Scientists took a skin sample from Winnie and created Mini-Winnie. Her owner says Mini-Winnie looks exactly like Winnie looked when she was a puppy. Mini-Winnie is quite healthy and is expected to live a long life. Compare Breeds Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side. Dog Name Finder Browse our extensive library of dog names for inspiration. Find out the best and worst foods for your dog and which to avoid.
Additional Resources AKC. Clubs Offering: Training Classes. By Katherine Ripley Aug 16, 2 Minutes. Aug 16, 2 Minutes. Here are some interesting facts you didn't know about Dachshunds: 1. The Dog, Not the Hotdog, Came First Dachshunds are sometimes called wiener dogs because their long bodies resemble hotdogs.
There Are Dachshund Races Dachshund races started in Australia in the s and have since spread around the world. Selecting a Puppy How do you know what breed is right for your family? How do you find a reputable breeder?
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