Dogs in Harmony

This content shows Simple View

dogs

The Dachshund, a Loyal Companion

The Loyal Dachshund

The Dachshund hails from Germany and was originally bred as a badger hunting dog. Dachshunds, often referred to as wiener dogs, are part of the hound family. They have short, muscular legs and a long body, perfect for chasing their prey in tight burrows.

Today, they are mainly bred for pets. The dogs come with three different types of coats- short hair (smooth coat) long haired (silky coat) and wire-haired. The coloring on the them can vary. Some are either red (most common), black, tan cream or bluish gray. The color will depend on the genetic makeup of the parents.

Dachshunds are available in three sizes – standard, miniature and kaninchen (rabbit). Full grown, the dog will weigh between 8 pounds and 32 pounds, depending on the breed. The dog’s eye color is typically brown; however, they can also have amber, green or even blue eyes.

dog

Temperament & Training

Because these small breed were originally bred as hunting dogs, they can be stubborn. Typically, they will enjoy chasing small animals and birds. You can help prevent this by throwing a ball often. They can also be aggressive towards strangers and other dogs. However, once they are trained they are devoted and loyal to their owners.

Dachshunds are social dogs and can experience separation anxieties when left alone. This can lead to chewing of shoes and other items. Putting them in a crate when you are not home can help prevent this issue.

Since dachshunds were originally bred to burrow and track their prey, they enjoy burrowing under blankets and other items in the home. Keep plenty of dog-friendly blankets around to give them items to practice this behavior.

Housebreaking a dachshund can be difficult and will require time and patience. Many owners find that obedience training is needed to avoid and correct inappropriate behaviors. However, once the dog is properly trained, he will be a loyal companion for many years.

Health Considerations

This breed can be prone to spine problems due to its elongated spinal column. Obesity, too much exercise and jumping can cause the dog to develop disk disease. Additionally, dachshunds can have knee problems, vision loss and deafness.

The dachshund is the smallest breed of hounds. They are very intelligent and loyal to their owners. Because the dog is small, he is a perfect choice for apartment dwellers. This child-friendly lovable dog will bring years of enjoyment and love to the life of his owner.




top