Dachshund Dog Breed

Caring for a Dachshund dog breed involves more than just privilege—it’s a responsibility where they rely on us for essentials like food and shelter, deserving of our full commitment and care.

HEALTH

Dachshunds are generally healthy dogs with a lifespan of 12 to 16 years under proper care, including a balanced diet and regular exercise to maintain muscle tone and prevent back issues. It’s crucial to manage their weight to avoid potential disc damage in their long backs and to monitor their activities to prevent injuries. Like other breeds with droopy ears, Dachshunds need regular ear cleaning to prevent infections. Recommended health tests by the National Breed Club include evaluations for patella problems, cardiac health, and regular eye examinations.

NUTRITION

When it comes to your Dachshund’s nutrition, it’s crucial not to let them become higher weight. This isn’t just about their overall health, but also to prevent strain on their long back, which can lead to slipped discs. Stick to the recommended amount of high-quality dog food suggested by the manufacturer, and resist the urge to give in to those pleading eyes. If you do give table scraps, do so sparingly, avoiding cooked bones and fatty foods. Remember, your Dachshund’s keen sense of smell can lead them into trouble, so always keep food well out of their reach.

TRAINING

Dachshunds are intelligent but independent and can be stubborn, making training a challenge for you. They respond best to positive, reward-based methods due to their sensitivity, so avoid harsh commands. Consistency and patience are key, considering their strong sense of smell and prey drive may distract them during training.

EXERCISE

A lot of people think small dogs like Dachshunds don’t need much exercise beyond running indoors, but they actually benefit from regular activity to stay healthy and keep their muscles strong for back support. Two moderate walks each day should do the trick. It’s important to prevent them from running stairs or jumping on furniture to avoid injury. Dachshunds are social creatures and prefer being with their humans indoors rather than being outdoor dogs.

GROOMING

Dachshunds are moderate shedders and generally clean, with little body odor. Grooming varies by coat type: Smooth-coated Dachshunds are easy to maintain with a quick wipe down; Longhaired ones may need more brushing depending on their fur thickness; Wirehaired Dachshunds benefit from occasional plucking or hand-stripping for a neat appearance, along with trimming their beard and eyebrows and weekly brushing. Don’t forget to trim their nails monthly for all types!

APPERANCE

Dachshunds are known for their distinctive appearance, characterized by their long bodies and a wide variety of coat colors and patterns. Whether you prefer black and tan, red, dapple, or piebald markings, these dogs offer a range of glossy coats that are both soft and wiry. Long-haired Dachshunds are particularly famous for their elegant, wavy fur, reminiscent of a salon-worthy style, while short-haired varieties boast smooth, colorful coats. Their alert expressions, warm eyes, and elongated snouts give them a charming and always alert look, complemented by their floppy ears and long, thin tails that are perfect for wagging.

PERSONALITY

It’s not a strict rule, but generally, wire-haired Dachshunds tend to be more energetic compared to the laid-back long-haired ones. Smooth-coated Dachshunds fall somewhere in between—they’re less feisty than wire-haired ones but more spirited than their long-haired counterparts.

FAQS ABOUT DACHSUND DOG BREED