Dachshund

Originally developed in Germany, the hound's duty was to hunt down badgers, and so the breed evolved to be long and low to the ground, the perfect shape to dive down a badger hole. Dachs is actually the German word for badger so the breed's name literally means badger hound. Watch out for this breed's natural instinct to dig.

This breed comes in three size varieties:

• Standard, weighing approximately twenty-four pounds and standing fourteen to eighteen inches high.
• Miniature, weighing about ten pounds and standing up to 14 inches high.
• Toy, weighing up to eight pounds and standing up to 12 inches high.

Each variety comes in one of three coat types:

• Long Haired
• Short Haired
• Wire Haired

Dachshund Personality

The weiner dog is a bold little character, both feisty and affectionate. He can do well as a family pet, but should always be supervised with small children because he is more likely to be accidentally stepped on than larger, more visible breeds.

Dachshunds tend to be a little head strong, so it's important to be loving but firm with them, or else your little canine will have you wagging your tail for him. These short-legged hounds are also known for being a little unpredictable. The sight of a squirrel may propel your dog into a chase without so much as a how do you do, so be sure to keep him on leash when you're out and about.

On the other end of the spectrum, some dogs of this breed can actually be quite laid back. These are the ones to watch for excessive weight gain, which puts too much stress on those long backs and can lead to disc problems.

Trainability

As mentioned, the Dachshund has a strong personality and ideas of his own, which can make training a challenge. Potty training requires persistence and is best carried out when puppies are young. It is difficult to house break an adult Dachshund who never received training as a pup.

Because training can be difficult, that's all the more reason to pursue it. Obedience training is highly recommended in order to gain a measure of control over your pet. Even if your pet doesn't go on to become a top winner in the obedience ring, you'll both still benefit from any manners he picks up.

All this being said, it's important to remember that every dog is an individual, and with proper socialization when young, some weiner dogs are quite capable of learning anything you care to teach them.

Grooming Tips

Grooming your pet will depend on which type of coat it has. Long-haired Dachshunds will need regular brushing to remove tangles and debris picked up from the ground or field.

A short-haired dog is less demanding, only requiring a wipe with a damp cloth in most cases to freshen him up and make his coat shine.

The wire-haired Dachshund presents the biggest challenge to keep him looking his best. Show specimens require hand stripping to remove excess coat and give a cleaner, more tailored appearance. Pet wire-haired Dachshunds are most easily maintained with two to three visits to a professional groomer each year.

All coat types will benefit from a monthly bath, and nail clipping. Be sure to clean out the ears once a month with a cotton ball dipped in alcohol. This will keep your pet from developing an ear infection.

Health Concerns

Not surprisingly, back injuries are the most prevalent health concern for this breed. You can help your pet avoid injury by always supporting him properly when held, discouraging jumping up and down from the furniture, and taking care not to over feed him. Here are the major health concerns for this breed:

• Intervertebral Degenerative Disc Disease (IVDD)
• Urinary Tract Disease
• Canine Diabetes
• Heart Disease
• Obesity

Miscellaneous Facts

• Average life of nine to twelve years.
• Average litter size is three to five pups.
• Expect to pay $600+ for a quality pet puppy.

External links

• Dachshund Club of America
• Dachshund Rescue of North America