Need information about the Dachshund puppy, its temperament, training etc? Then this brief guide covers most of the points that pet owners need to know about this German native. The Dachshund or the Doxie, as it is popularly known, was first bred to flush out small prey. Note that Dachshund pronunciation in UK English is ‘dahks-hunt’ whereas in US English it is ‘docks-hund’. The word literally means ‘badger dog’ in German.
Interesting facts about the Dachshund
- Height- Both females and males typically stand at 5-9 inches from ground to withers.
- Weight- Between 5 and 32 lbs.
- They have short bodies, short legs and long ears. Dachshunds come in 2 varieties- one is miniature, the other is standard. The miniature Dachshund is smaller than the standard variety.
- Their coats can vary from smooth (S), to long hair (L) to wiry coat (W).
- Dachshunds come in several colors- red, brown, cream, tan several shades of brown, and even with striped patterns.
- Their peculiar shape has earned them the nicknames like wiener dog or sausage dog. They are also called Dachsie, Dackel or Dachels.
- Today, many Dachshunds are employed for search and rescue work owing to their intelligence and superior sniffing qualities.
Is the Dachshund a good family dog?
Dachshund makes a great pet and they can make great friends with young kids. However, this stubborn little dog needs training and socialization to become obedient and fit into the family. In general, Dachshunds are easy to care for as long as they get a snuggly bed, a couple of small, nutritious and tasty meals a day, vet care, exercise and 100% devotion from their humans! Dachshunds are also included in our list of Top 10 Most Affectionate Dog Breeds.
Where to find a Miniature, Standard or Dachshund Mix
The American Kennel Club and the Dachshund Club of America are the top resources for finding registered breeders near you. This is a popular breed so you should not have a problem finding a Doxie breeder near you. You can also visit dog shows to find Miniature Dachshund lovers or owners who can point you in the direction of reputable breeders near you. Dachshund price varies from breeder to breeder; be prepared to pay anywhere between $500 and $1000 for a well bred pet.
Temperament
When you buy your Doxie from a reputable breeder, you can expect a classic, funny, brave and intelligent dog. Both male and female Dachsies make great companions but each sex has some unique characteristics. A neutered male will be quiet and sweet; at the same time, these dogs are known to be rowdy, boisterous and always ready for an adventure. Females, even the spayed ones, can sometimes be quite bitchy! They love to cuddle but they can be bossy. Always study the entire litter and choose your pet based on your own personality. Choose a dog who is outgoing, and self confident. If you are compliant by nature, choose a Dachsie who is calm but not bold-a bold Dachsie will take advantage of you.
Dachshund names
Pretzel, Crusoe, Missy, Peter, Max, Trixie, Bart, Zach, Vicky, Meg, Sport, Aspen, Bandit, Houdini, Chewy, Daisy, etc are some popular Dachshund names. Check out our Dog Names section for more ideas for Dachshund names.
Training your Dachshund puppy
Timing is important in training. You can use clicker training with a reward system. Use commands in same tone of voice and help your pet perform the desired action. As soon as he/she has performed the action, reward your pet while saying ‘good’. Crate and kennel training are also essential for your Dachshund pups. A good dog training is the key to having great communication with your pet. Without training, there is only so much your dog can do and in addition your relationship will also suffer. So keep training sessions fun and communicate with your dog constantly.
Typical health issues
Doxies being small breeds tend to live long, healthy lives. Common health issues include spinal problem. Their short bodies and legs along with elongated spines mean that they should refrain from jumping from heights. Inter-vertebral Disc Disease or IVDD is a common issue that causes the vertebrae to weaken. Keep your dog from jumping from height and ensure giving him daily exercise to maintain weight. Also, when carrying your dog, keep its spine horizontal. Patellar luxation or slipped kneecap is another common problem in this breed. Doxies are also prone to hip dysplasia where the thigh bone does not fit into the hip socket. Dry eyes, progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts are some other issues in Dachsies.
Grooming and feeding
Dachshund long hair breed requires regular grooming after every few days to keep its coat free from knots and tangles. Always make sure there are no mats before bathing as water can make them worse. You may want to purchase a toothpaste and brush for taking care of your Doxies teeth. Also invest in nail clippers and get your Dachshund puppy used to clipping and grooming at a young age. Feed your dog based on its health-if he is thin, feed him a bit more. Also, with dog food, you get what you pay for. High quality, nutritional meals are the best. Learn to read food labels and always feed your Dachsie on a set schedule.
