Dachshunds are scent hounds that adore hunting badgers and other small critters. They are fearless and tenacious. Dachshunds can become suspicious of strangers and may bark. They also tend to develop intervertebral disc disease, which strains their long backs. Keep them on a healthy diet and support their backs when carrying them.
Personality
Dachshunds are spunky, mischievous and loyal to a fault. They make great family dogs and do well with children. However, they often bond closely with a single person and can become jealous of their owner’s attention. They may also become snappy if they feel irritated or threatened. Dachshunds have long spines and short rib cages, making them susceptible to spinal issues such as intervertebral disk disease (IVDD). They are also prone to patellar luxation—a kneecap dislocation that can strain the spine. Obesity and rough play can increase the risk for both conditions. Dachshunds have floppy ears that are prone to infection. Regularly clean and trim your dog’s ears to keep them healthy. These small dogs can make loud, deep howls to scare critters away. They also enjoy digging holes and burrowing into blankets. Dogs with this breed need lots of socialization and training at a young age. Proper obedience training helps reduce their tendency to become irritable and reactive.
Characteristics
Often described as playful, feisty and stubborn, Dachshunds can be great companion dogs if well-trained and come from a good dachshund breeder. They also have a keen sense of humor and are sometimes quite vocal. They’re prone to back injuries because of their long spines and short rib cages, so they mustn’t jump or get overexerted. Intervertebral disc disease is common in doxies, as is patellar luxation (dislocation of the kneecap) and brittle bone disease. They’re also prone to obesity, which strains the back. Dachshunds have a high hunting drive and may chase tiny animals despite being trained to hunt badgers. Their tendency to dig can cause problems with garden beds and potted plants. Their tenacity is an asset when hunting, but it might annoy you when they dig holes in your yard or burrow into bed with you! They can also be loud when barking. Dachshunds come in smooth, wire-haired and long-haired varieties, with colors including black, red, chocolate, tan, fawn, Isabella, dapple and brindle piebald.
Training
Dachshunds need an owner who is confident, firm and assertive. Otherwise, their independent streak (bred to dig into badger burrows) can lead them to dig up your dahlias, rip out your sofa covers and pester you for treats. They also need to know the pack leader; if not, they may exhibit behavioral issues, including separation anxiety, guarding food, toys and couches, overzealous barking and snapping. With consistent training, these pups can learn to walk on a leash and sit at their side without pulling. It helps to break training sessions into short increments of 5 minutes, repeated 2 to 3 times a day with lots of verbal praise. Dachshunds are low-shedding dogs with little odor and require only occasional bathing. They’re good for city dwellers, requiring only a few half-mile walks daily and indoor exercise to stay fit. They thrive on a well-balanced diet, avoiding high-fat foods that can clog their long ears and contribute to ear infections.
Care
As long as Dachshunds are kept on a healthy diet and get plenty of daily exercises, they are generally healthy dogs. However, they can suffer the same back problems as many other breeds. So, watching their weight and avoiding activities that could strain the spine is important. These floppy-eared pups can also have ear infections, so keeping them clean and dry is a good idea. They need regular brushing, too, to prevent tangling. Though these pups are good with other pets, their natural tendency to chase prey may cause conflicts in a multi-pet household. They can also dig, which might damage potted plants or your yard. You’ll want to address these things through training so your dachshund doesn’t develop bad habits. Also, be aware that dachshunds can suffer from eye problems like cataracts, glaucoma and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). These can lead to blindness. Your veterinarian can screen for these conditions and provide treatment if needed.
