Dachshunds, affectionately known as Weiner Dogs, have an iconic appearance and a playful personality for families who love to have fun with their pets.
The Dachshund’s History
As you might have gathered from their Germanic name, Dachshunds originated from Germany in the 16th century. Doxies have ancestors that go as far back as ancient Egypt, however. They were developed originally as hunting companions during fox or badger hunts - their name literally translates to “badger dog”. Over time, three coat variations arose - long, wirehaired, or smooth. Today, they do well as lap dogs or hunting companions; flexible for any family!
Dachshund Characteristics
Appearance and Coat
Dachshunds are instantly recognizable with their short, stubby legs and elongated bodies. Their muzzles are long and they always have droopy ears. Their coats come in three varieties, long, wirehaired, or smooth, and come in a variety of shades, like red, black, chocolate, white, or gray.
Temperament
All Dachshunds are loyal companions that are a bit stubborn at times but still have playful attitudes. Their temperament varies a little by their coats. Long-haired Doxies are calm and quiet, while their wire-haired counterparts are a bit mischievous. Smoothcoated Dachshunds are a good middle ground between the two temperaments.
Health
Because of the elongated body, weiner dogs are at a higher risk of developing spinal injuries. You should also be on the lookout for obesity, hip dysplasia, eye conditions, seizures, and patellar luxation. If you adopt from a reputable breeder with health screenings, however, you’ll reduce your risk of these conditions.
Caring for a Dachshund
A Doxie’s Ideal Home
Dachshunds do well in most homes, with or without children, so long as their owners can accommodate their exercise needs. They need to run around the yard or at least go on a walk twice a day because of their hunting energy. They do well in multi-dog households and can make for a good watchdog to alert you of intruders.
Training Best Practices
Dachshunds are very intelligent and can learn tricks, but they are stubborn when learning them. They are very affectionate with family, so the best way to train them is with positive reinforcement. They won’t react much to harsh commands or punishments. Persistence is key, but end a training session if they start getting distracted by other animals or noises.
Exercise Needs
It’s important to exercise Dachshunds twice daily because of their elongated back. Exercise will strengthen their back muscles, which will prevent spinal injuries. Do not let them run up and down stairs or jump on or off furniture, as this can hurt their spines.
Grooming & Hygiene
The amount of grooming you’ll need for your Dachshund depends on its coat. Smooth coats only need the occasional bath and wipe-down with a towel. Wirehaired Doxies need to be plucked and hand-stripped every couple of months. Longhaired pups will need to be brushed daily to avoid tangles.
Does the Dachshund sound like the right fit for your family? Adopt one today from a reputable breeder on Lancaster Puppies!