Breed Profile

DESCRIPTION

There are three varieties of Dachshund: the short-haired, the wired-haired, and the long-haired. With each of these varieties there are three sizes. The sporty and devoted Dachshund is an elongated, vigorous, muscular dog with short legs. He/she carries him/herself proudly and has an intelligent expression. Their eyes are dark red or brown-black with an energetic and friendly expression. The short-haired Dachshund's coat should be shiny, sleek and uniform. Solid-colored Dachshunds may be tan or yellow. Bi-color Dachshunds may be deep black, brown, or gray with areas of bright chestnut. There are also piebald, speckle-streaked, or harlequin varieties. Dachshund – Standard puppies and dogs make excellent family dogs. Despite their small size they make a good watch dog with a surprisingly loud bark. Dachshund – Standard puppies and dogs may be slightly aggressive to strangers. This breed has an intelligent, alert, facial expression. There are six varieties of Dachshunds; smooth-haired, wire-haired and long-haired in two sizes, Standard and Miniature. The smooth-haired Dachshund is the originally strain, the wire-haired and the long-haired were attained by crossing the smooth-haired with other breeds.

TEMPERAMENT

The Dachshunds are lively and affectionate; proud and bold, almost rash. They can be willful and curious, clownish and mischievous. These dogs are very clever. Dachshund – Standard puppies and dogs are devoted to their family. The wire-haired variety is more outgoing and clown-like. All are slightly difficult to train. Dachshunds are good dogs to travel with. These dogs are best with older, considerate children and are moderately protective. Dachshund – Standard puppies and dogs are generally okay with other pets, however, they can be jealous, irritable, obstinate and very quick to bite. These dogs like to bark (their barks are surprisingly loud for their size) and are compulsive diggers. Dachshund – Standard puppies and dogs should not be over fed, for this breed tends to gain weight quickly.

GROOMING

Smooth-haired - dense, short and smooth, long-haired - soft and straight, and only slightly wavy, wire-haired - short, straight and harsh with a long undercoat. Long-haired require daily combing and brushings; wire-haired need professional trimming twice a year, and smooth-haired require regular rubdown with a damp cloth. Dachshund – Standard puppies and dogs are average shedders.

HEALTH

Prone to disc problems - do not let Dachshund – Standard puppies and dogs become overweight or jump from heights, as their backs are prone to injury. They are also subject to genetic eye diseases and skin problems. Other health concerns include epilepsy, hypothyroidism, and bloat. Bloat is a health issue to most dogs, being the second largest killer of dogs other than cancer, but Dachshund – Standard puppies and dogs can be particularly susceptible to it because of their deep chests.

EXERCISE

Regular exercise is important to the Dachshund – Standard puppies and dogs, as they have a tendency to put on weight and become lazy. Dachshunds need care to control their diet as they will normally eat whatever is placed before them. Obesity can lead to back problems.

TRAINING

Long-haired Doxies are easier to train than smooth-haired, but they have a mind of their own and require patience and consistency.

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