There are three varieties of dachshunds – smooth, wire and long haired and two sizes in Australia – standard and miniature. The name “dachshund” is German and means badger dog. It is a popular breed due to its size and personality. Although small in stature, dachshunds have big personalities and it is often referred to that they are “big dogs” in small bodies.
It must not be forgotten though that this breed are a hound and were bred for hunting – the standard-sized for hunting badgers and the miniatures for rabbits. They are tenacious hunters bred to follow their quarry down into burrows. These bold and independent traits are still very evident in the breed today whether they are house-hold pets or out in the show-ring.
Most dachshund owners will tell you how their dog’s nose does not come off that ground very often when out walking!! Due to this compelling need to pursue a scent, it is recommended that they are walked on a lead at all times. Even the best, well-trained dachshund’s independent streak (and self-chosen deafness) will come to the forefront when there is a scent or something in sight that catches their interest!!
Dachshunds can be quite reserved with strangers and are great little watch-dogs. They have quite a large bark for such a small dog (especially the males) and therefore if not actually in sight, give the illusion of being a lot bigger dog. They become quite attached to their human families and are good with children in their own family but it is best to watch over them with children who they are not used to. As with any breed, it must be remembered that even though they are our beloved pets, their natural instincts of the wild can come through.
Caring for Dachshunds:
Exercise:
This is not just for your health but also for the health of your dachshund. It provides them with stimulation and stops them from being bored. Bored dachshunds can be destructive and whiney. Dachshunds won’t necessarily be your jogging partner but they do love to go for walks and you will be surprised that they are more than ready to outlast you on those walks!!
Grooming:
Dachshunds do not seem to get that “doggy” smell about them. They still require regular washing (especially if they are in-house pets) and some grooming. The smooth-haired dachshunds have the easiest coat to care for. A quick go-over with a grooming glove or brush is all that’s required and they love the attention.
Teeth:
Dachshunds have strong jaws and quite large teeth for their size. A regular brush of their teeth will help with tartar build-up (always use pet toothpaste/gel and never our own). If you start at an early age, they get used to it. Fresh bones are great for keeping their teeth healthy too (do not give them cooked bones as these can splinter).
Nails:
Dachshund's nails need trimming. Start at an early age to get them used to it. Just the tips need to be trimmed and this can be done using nail-cutters or hand-held rotary grinding tool.
Ears:
Dachshund ears flop down and are not erect like some other breeds. This means they can become moist. Using a good ear cleaner for dogs and a gentle wipe out (not too deep) is beneficial.
Diet:
Dachshunds usually love their food therefore it is up to us to manage what they eat. Never just leave dry food out for your dachshund to nibble on because it is almost guaranteed that they will eat every last little morsel. An overweight dachshund is not a good look for these little fellows. As much as they can turn those pleading little dewy eyes on us, we have to be strong and think about what is actually best for their health-care.
Socialisation:
All dogs need socialisation and dachshunds are no different. Dachshunds are very intelligent however, as they are quite independent, they are not necessarily easily trained. Due to their love of food, small treats are always a good training tool along with lots of praise. How they do love pleasing you and getting attention!! They enjoy the company of other dogs and early socialisation with other dogs brings out the best in them.
Back Care:
It must be recognised that dachshunds are long and low to the ground and have little fear. Therefore, it is best to be very cautious in allowing them to jump up and down from furniture. Compare their size to ours and then imagine if we chose to jump from a similar-ratio in height object, how this would increase our risk of eventually having an injury!!
Here are some books on dachshunds that I’ve found really informative:
It must not be forgotten though that this breed are a hound and were bred for hunting – the standard-sized for hunting badgers and the miniatures for rabbits. They are tenacious hunters bred to follow their quarry down into burrows. These bold and independent traits are still very evident in the breed today whether they are house-hold pets or out in the show-ring.
Most dachshund owners will tell you how their dog’s nose does not come off that ground very often when out walking!! Due to this compelling need to pursue a scent, it is recommended that they are walked on a lead at all times. Even the best, well-trained dachshund’s independent streak (and self-chosen deafness) will come to the forefront when there is a scent or something in sight that catches their interest!!
Dachshunds can be quite reserved with strangers and are great little watch-dogs. They have quite a large bark for such a small dog (especially the males) and therefore if not actually in sight, give the illusion of being a lot bigger dog. They become quite attached to their human families and are good with children in their own family but it is best to watch over them with children who they are not used to. As with any breed, it must be remembered that even though they are our beloved pets, their natural instincts of the wild can come through.
Caring for Dachshunds:
Exercise:
This is not just for your health but also for the health of your dachshund. It provides them with stimulation and stops them from being bored. Bored dachshunds can be destructive and whiney. Dachshunds won’t necessarily be your jogging partner but they do love to go for walks and you will be surprised that they are more than ready to outlast you on those walks!!
Grooming:
Dachshunds do not seem to get that “doggy” smell about them. They still require regular washing (especially if they are in-house pets) and some grooming. The smooth-haired dachshunds have the easiest coat to care for. A quick go-over with a grooming glove or brush is all that’s required and they love the attention.
Teeth:
Dachshunds have strong jaws and quite large teeth for their size. A regular brush of their teeth will help with tartar build-up (always use pet toothpaste/gel and never our own). If you start at an early age, they get used to it. Fresh bones are great for keeping their teeth healthy too (do not give them cooked bones as these can splinter).
Nails:
Dachshund's nails need trimming. Start at an early age to get them used to it. Just the tips need to be trimmed and this can be done using nail-cutters or hand-held rotary grinding tool.
Ears:
Dachshund ears flop down and are not erect like some other breeds. This means they can become moist. Using a good ear cleaner for dogs and a gentle wipe out (not too deep) is beneficial.
Diet:
Dachshunds usually love their food therefore it is up to us to manage what they eat. Never just leave dry food out for your dachshund to nibble on because it is almost guaranteed that they will eat every last little morsel. An overweight dachshund is not a good look for these little fellows. As much as they can turn those pleading little dewy eyes on us, we have to be strong and think about what is actually best for their health-care.
Socialisation:
All dogs need socialisation and dachshunds are no different. Dachshunds are very intelligent however, as they are quite independent, they are not necessarily easily trained. Due to their love of food, small treats are always a good training tool along with lots of praise. How they do love pleasing you and getting attention!! They enjoy the company of other dogs and early socialisation with other dogs brings out the best in them.
Back Care:
It must be recognised that dachshunds are long and low to the ground and have little fear. Therefore, it is best to be very cautious in allowing them to jump up and down from furniture. Compare their size to ours and then imagine if we chose to jump from a similar-ratio in height object, how this would increase our risk of eventually having an injury!!
Here are some books on dachshunds that I’ve found really informative:
- “The Dachshund” by Judy Squires and Ian Seath (First published in 2011).
- “The Popular Dachshund” by E. Fitch Daglish (First published in 1952). This book has also been revised by Amyas Biss and Jeff Crawford.
- “Training your Dachshund” by Amy Fernandez (First published in 2008).
Click on the following links for more information about Dachshunds :-
Australian National Kennel Council - Breed Standard for Dachshunds
Dachshund Club of Queensland
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