Dachshund Traits and Care
September 8, 2008
The Dachshund is a very popular breed. They make great companions and overall, are pretty easy to care for. The two weight classifications are Miniature and Standard. The Miniature Dachshund is 11 lbs. and less at 12 months of age or older and the Standard 16-32 lbs. My Dachshund, Charlie, is “on the fence”, in terms of weight classification. Sometimes before eating he is a mini and after eating is between the two classifications. You will find that many Dachshunds are borderline between the two weight classifications.
Dachshund personalities come in all shapes and sizes but words like playful, affectionate, bold, intelligent, loyal, curious and, mischevious come to mind. Dachshunds are also known for stubborness which can make them a challenge to train. You therefore need to be firm, consistent and very patient when training your good friend.
From April of 1969
Dachshunds tend to be friendly and outgoing and love to be around people. That being said, Dachshunds and small children tend to not be a good mix. Small kids don’t know how to approach and treat the doxie and this makes the doxie nervous. The Dachshund usually gets along well with other pets.
The biggest health risks these dogs face are obesity and spinal disc disease. Too much weight gain can strain their inherently long and somewhat weak back. You thus must be careful to ensure they do not overeat; they need to have their food intake carefully managed. Try also not to let this dog jump too much as this too increases their chance of spinal injury.
You can do everything right and your doxie can still suffer a back problem from time to time. Charlie has strained/sprained his back three times in 13 years and luckily, came out of it every time. Managing your doxie’s food intake and minimizing their jumping will greatly reduce the chance of a back injury.
Though lively, a Dachshund doesn’t need a great deal of exercise. A short walk once a day or a session of play is enough. Dachshunds do well without a yard so are a good choice for apartments or condos. This versatility is a real plus of the breed; they are at home on the farm or in the high-rise, condo building downtown. Watch your doxie closely when they are outside as they like to dig and chase varmints-a doxie can quickly draw you into an awkward situation.
If you own the Long Haired variety of this dog, you will need to regularly brush their hair. The Wire Haired variety needs to be professionally trimmed twice a year. The Smooth Haired variety just needs to be rubbed down with a damp cloth every now and then. I give my Smooth Haired Dachshund, Charlie, a full bath. Of course you also have to clip their nails from time to time. Brushing their teeth is a plus if you have the time.
Overall, the Dachshund is a great dog to own. They are lots of fun and are very loyal to their owners. Most of them are adorably cute. Just make sure they are right for you before purchasing one.
I love my dachshund so much! I like your new site; it is cute and fun to look at.
Just wanted to say i have had my doxie for four years, I got him as a family pet when my youngest was stil in diapers our doxie was great with him then and even now that he is six they are like peas and carrots. As far as barking my dog is the greatest i have ever owned he only barks at strangers or when someone knocks. great dog overall. got lucky on both accounts i guess
Great article! I love my dogs so very much, they are like one of my children. They love being brushed and massaged, and even bathed! They are so very spoiled and I’m proud of it
I am 37 and can not remeber a time I didnt have a Doxie. We had Heide Marie, then there was Ali MoMo then Schotzee Texana Sesquintential , now I have Sophie Rose and my folk have Gustov Von Veinerschnitzle, all red minis. What gifts they were/are. Sophie is 7 and still doesnt have a job. Come to think of it… none of them had jobs…..Jealous alright. When my boyfriend her comes over I cease to exsist. Dare I touch him or get too close, let alone get angry at him. heheheh. Heidi was the same way with my ex husband. She would actually wet the floor when I argued with him. Sweet sweet breed. I hope to never own another breed other then the unemployed weenies.
I’ve enjoyed reading these articles and the lovely old pictures! My two doxies are my bestest little buddies so I do my best to take very good care of them. Thanks for all the info!
Jenn,
I’ve been sick and your kind words made me feel better! Hugs from me to your bestest buddies!
Sincerely, Link
I have had my doxie about a month now. I am a long haul trucker and Snuggle Baby has been a added joy to my life. although I could not agree on a name with my son and a friend.. His full name is Tex Snuggle baby little guy dexter.. How that came a bout
My son wanted Tex for Texas because everything is bigger in TEXAS and he is stationed in Ft Hood in the army
Snuggle I call him cause he loves to snuggle with me
little guy and dexter is from his fathers name (My little man Dexter)
Baby for his mother (dixie baby)
but his name now for me is Snuggle Baby and for my son he now calls him little brother..all in all the breed is wonderful
Myself and my fiance are talking about getting our first dog and i am desperate for a doxie. My boss has a mini called molly who is adorable and after HOURS of reading i think this is the breed for us (well definately me-he has a love of westies from his childhood but im charming him with the cute pictures). We have a reasonable size grassy garden with secure walls (so no escaping through or digging under) we also plan to microchip, just in case, and an open plan living area where the tiled kitchen, leading to the garden, can be “fenced” off during the potty training period without shutting her/him in (again following advice in your article). I was a little nervous as many people have written about doxies being incredibly difficult to potty train but again after reading your guide and tips i feel a lot happier. I also prefer the idea of a bed as a sleeping area rather than a cage/crate, inless you think they prefer a crate?
We are definatly investing in insurance (having had my car broken into in the past i have experienced its value. The small monthly coslt is definatly worth the piece of mind of not having a big unexpected bill).
I hope i have thought of most things, inevitably you cannot forsee everything, but if you think i have missed anything important please let me know.
Thanks for all t he useful advice and a great website-ive added you to my favourites list.
Love a future doxie fanatic
Helen,
It sounds like you are on the right track! A kennel works great too per the bed topic as a food and water container can hook into the door of the kennel thus serving multiple purposes at the same time. Of course you can do it the way you suggest or also have a bed, in addition to the kennel, and place it elsewhere. Charlie has a kennel serving as his primary bed (with the kennel door always open but the room door gated) and then he also has a secondary bed here next to our computer. I’m definitely not a fan of cages. Our gate can be rotated so the opening I have made in it can allow Charlie to go in and out of the room via the hole in the gate whenever we wish him to have the run of our home. Gates can be modified to serve whatever plan you wish. I’m not a fan of cages.
Your grassy garden area sounds wonderful! I believe you are really going to enjoy having a doxie!
Thanks for your kind words!!
Sincerely, Link