The Dachshund Breed

Friday, May 8th, 2009 at 7:01 am

Dog owners love their dogs. But with Dachshunds that devotion reaches new heights.The reasons are not hard to understand.They are special in many ways.

Translation from the German "badger dog" shows just one of those ways. Bred in the early 1600s to hunt those ferocious little animals, the Dachshund became ferocious himself. That assertive and fearless attitude remains today.

That feisty nature can be a negative or positive.

Dogs that are independent can make great companions, being as that also makes them exploratory and playful.It gives the dog a willingness to try new things and lots of energy.It also means that skill and extra patience are required to train them.Dachshunds are more inclined than many other breeds to strive for alpha status in the household.Reminding them that the human is alpha may require a long struggle.

That training has to be appropriate to the breed's physical and mental attributes.

They weigh between 10-30 lbs and are 9 inches high at the shoulder.Toy varieties are quite a bit smaller, often only 5 inches high and under 8 pounds.They have an average lifespan of between 14-17 years.

They are much more prone to spinal problems than other breeds due to their short legs and long bodies.Serious problems can be caused by rough handling.

At the same time, because they are assertive, simply screaming won't work.At best that produces a fearful dog, at worst, they can become aggressive and hostile in response. They may look at their trainer as an enemy badger.Owners should be prepared due to barking being more common in Doxies, too.

With the right approach, though, they make for excellent companions and pets.

There are three basic varieties - Long-Hairs, Smooth-Coats, and Wire-Coats.The difference goes beyond the type of fur they have. The personalities of the three types tend to follow a pattern, as well.

Smooth-haired Dachshunds more often attach themselves to a single family member.They tend to be wary and stand-offish of other animals but will tolerate other humans.The Wire-haired is usually more outgoing and playful.Long-haired Dachshunds tend to be a little more placid. Though, like any Dachshund, they are up for a game of fetch whenever the opportunity exists.

Apart from spinal problems, they less often suffer from diseases that are more prevalent in other breeds.Abdominal cancers, diabetes and other disease are possible but much less common in this breed.Stones or urinary tract problems can occur, but they are more likely in special varieties such as Double Dapples and those with blue eyes. These types tend to have more eye and hearing problems, too.

Raising a happy and healthy dog is a challenge.Doxie owners commonly report that the rewards in their case are especially large. Dachshunds are highly affectionate and very loyal. The people who live with them tend to return the favor.

Dachshund supplies and gifts can be found at Ony-Dachshunds.com