Dachshund

Let’s Meet the Dachshund

The Dachshund is a clever, curious, lively, affectionate, proud, brave, and amusing pup to own. They travel well but are difficult to housetrain. With all the good, they can be stubborn and have some ugly traits if the owner does not establish dominance and train early. When willing to put in the time initially, the Dachshund is an excellent and fun-loving pet.

The American Kennel Club describes the Dachshund in this way.

“Dachshunds, affectionately called Doxies, are famous for their adorable, funny shape. But their long bodies and short legs were meant for more than just making humans fall in love with them. Here are some interesting facts you may not know about Dachshunds.

The AKC goes on to tell readers the following tidbits about the Dachshund.

  1. They are a German dog that was bred to hunt badgers.
  2. The dog came long before the “hot dog.”
  3. It was the first Olympic mascot.
  4. There are Dachshund races in Australia and more.
  5. Britain’s first cloned dog was the Dachshund.

And they go on with additional fun facts about the Dachshund. In this breed page, we will stick to the basics. So, keep reading here to fall in love with the Dachshund. Of course, if you have any questions we do not answer here, contact the office to get them all answered by our friendly and knowledgeable staff.

Dachshund Appearance

There are three distinct Dachshund varieties. They are the short hair, wirehair, and long hair types. Within those varieties, there are an additional three sizes. Obviously, the dog’s body is longer than it is tall, with muscular but short legs. And the almond-shaped eyes tug at the heart of its owners, not to mention the long floppy ears.

And their coats come in several colors. They are solid black, red, chocolate, isabella (tan or fawn), cream, and blue (gray). In the wirehaired variety, the cream is referred to as wheaten. And the patterns can be brindle, dapple, piebald (bi or tricolor), and solid.

Average Sizes:

  • Standard- 8-11 inches and over 11 pounds.
  • Miniature- 5-7inches and 11 pounds or less.
  • Toy- up to 12 inches and 8 pounds.

Life Expectancy: 12-15 years

Dachshund Care

Caring for a Dachshund takes a few extra steps medium-sized dogs do not take. Like a large dog, size matters here. Knowing how petite the pup is, you may want them for an apartment dog or a lap dog companion. But if you have toddlers and very young children, you may want to think twice about the Dachshund as a pet. They are much too fragile for the roughhousing of a toddler.

In addition, the Dachshund is quicker to bite than other breeds, so introducing them to strangers slowly is advised.

Nutrition

As with most dogs, Dachshunds can become overweight and lazy. That is a big problem for their long back and short legs. So, they should be fed high-quality dog food appropriate for their size, age, and activity level. And remember that treats are great for training, but there can be a point where too many treats are not suitable for dogs.

Grooming

Grooming your Dachshund is different for each coat. Long-haired dogs need daily combing; wirehaired dogs need to be trimmed twice a year, and short-haired ones need a regular wipe down with a wet cloth. Additionally, they are average shedders.

Exercise

Dachshunds have surprising stamina and really need their daily walk. And they should never be encouraged to jump due to potential back issues. However, they can get what they need without a big yard, so apartment living is fine for this breed.

Health

Dachshunds are prone to spinal disc problems, urinary tract infections, heart disease, and diabetes. Furthermore, they may have bloat, deafness, slipping kneecaps, epilepsy, eye problems, and skin issues.

Therefore, the best care you can give your Dachshund is to have an excellent veterinarian to rely on. That is what Animal Care Centers is all about, providing the best care for pets and their owners.

Dachshunds

Trust Your Dachshund to the Loving Care of ACC

From the moment you enter Animal Care Center, you’ll be among the friendly staff, owners, and pets who prefer Dr. Williams. The total preventative care of your pet is our pleasure. So, you need not worry one bit. What’sWhat’s more, the team will welcome your pet with open arms putting your loved ones at ease.

The best care for your furry family member is at Animal Care Center. We provide complete care for all your pet’s health needs, including dental care, internal medicine, and emergency care. Caring for the total pet is our specialty. From eyes and ears to testing and surgery, the people of Smyrna, Georgia, and the Greater Atlanta Area can count on the fantastic staff at Animal Care Center and our own Dr. Williams.