Whether you are a first-time Dachshund owner, haven’t owned one in a long time, or are thinking of getting one, you’ll definitely want to know these 25 important facts about Dachshunds.
I wish I knew some of the things I know now from the beginning so I am going to share them with you below.
Knowledge is power and it makes for a happy healthy life for both you and your Dachshund.
I became a Dachshund owner kind of by accident.
I did my research and chose a different breed of dog to be my first as an adult. But then my roomate brought a Dacshshund puppy home.
I ended up helping her take care of him and when we eventually moved apart he went with me.
I was clueless as to what I was getting myself into.
It was supposed to be a temporary situation but, once I realized that I was in it for the long haul, I figured I better learn about the origin, characteristics, temperament, and health concerns of a Dachshund.
I’ve become pretty knowledgeable about the , both standard and miniature Dachshunds, since that fateful day in 2003.
I can say that there isn’t much I don’t know about Dachshunds now. Some might say I’m a breed expert with.
Dachshunds are scent hounds to be exact.
They were, covering a lot of ground, sniffing out badgers, rabbits, and other small game.
This means that they are they are controlled by 2 things: their nose and their belly!
Killing anything that squeaks is part of their nature.
Anything that is furry and runs fast, or resembles something like that, is seen as prey.
While I have seen Dachshunds learn to live peacefully with a kitty or other pet, they will almost see critters outside of the house as something to be chased, hunted, and eaten.
Hold onto that leash when near small animals and know that random wildlife in your back yard may meet an early demise.
You can help fulfill their natural prey drive by making them feel like they are “hunting” for food and treats.
Great ways to do this are to join a nosework class, buy a snuffle mat like or for home, or let your Dachshund chase using a .
You can also give them plush squeakie toys to “gut”.
Some of the favorited at our house are:
ZippyPaws Hide and Seek Burrow Toy –
ZippyPaws Hide and Seek Burrow Toy –
This you can hide treats in
So you don’t spend all of your money on squeakie toys that your Dachshund destroys in minutes, try these tricks to .
Also remember to work on with your Dachshund so they will come back to you when called.
Both standard and miniature Dachshunds are the same breed of dog.
In the United States, there are two different sizes recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) – .
Note:
They are two different size/weight classifications only.
Genetically, they are the same (besides whatever gene determines whether they stay small or grow larger, color, pattern, etc).
Miniature Dachshunds, and standard Dachshunds that are 22 lbs and under, are considered to be .
Standard Dachshunds over 22 lbs are generally considered to be medium size dogs.
The word Dachshund is made up of two different German words – dachs (badger) + hund (dog).
In German, “chs” is pronounced like “ks”, or “x”, so the word “Dachs” is pronounced DAKS or DAX.
In German, the word “hund” is pronounced HUUNT.
Therefore, Dachshund is pronounced Daks-huunt.
There are also over , and spelling variations, for this funny looking long and low dog.
Be sure to know them so you understand that someone is talking about Dachshunds when they use them, not a different type or breed of dog.
Dachshund were bred to hunt animals that will fight back.
Because of this, they often don’t back down or give up in the face of a threat.
They were also developed to think for themselves because they were frequently down in the burrows without a human telling them what to do.
Unfortunately, that means they may use their superpowers to figure out, or get into, things you don’t want them to.
When I travel with my current Dachshunds, Gretel and Summit, in the car, I use a or a with a strap to hold them in, to keep them from wandering and distracting me.
I also place my groceries, dog food, etc. in a so they can’t eat it while I’m not in the vehicle (they probably COULD still get into it if given enough time, which is why I also use a seat belt tether).
Dachshunds are strong-willed and want their way how and when they want it.
It’s though – they are whip smart – but it takes a lot of patience and consistency.
The is to find what motivates them – a favorite toy or food usually – and use that as a reward during training sessions.
In the end, you will likely have to adjust your routine a little to set them up for success and make sure they, and you, are happy.
My Dachshunds have all been very treat motivated.
My favorite training treats are small and low-calorie like and .
I use the larger when I need something they can see and smell from a distance during photo shoots.
I can easily break off a tiny pieces for a reward instead of giving them the whole thing at once – have to watch those waistlines you know!
While your Dachshund will melt your heart and you will want to give them whatever they want, remember that they are dogs that still need structure and manners.
The is 14-16 years old.
Most live at least until they are 11 or 12 and I have seen many, many Dachshunds live to be between the ages of 17 – 20.
If you own a Dachshund, be prepared to be in it for the long haul.
I help keep my Dachshunds Summit and Gretel healthy by giving them and .
Some Dachshund bark more than others but they are generally dogs that bark at the mailman and blowing leaves with equal vigor.
Also, the pizza delivery guy may think you have a Rottweiler behind that door because this deep-chested breed has a bigger bark than people expect.
You’ll have to work to and keep it under control in most cases.
This is what some of our readers have to say about the barking, to give you an idea:
Many Dachshunds have what I like to call so it can take some coaxing to get them to walk in the rain.
They are short and close to the ground so rain doesn’t just fall on them from the top but it splashes them from the bottom.
Be prepared to meet some resistance if you try walking them in the rain and be prepared to shovel a path if there is snow in your back yard.
Your Dachshund may and do it in the house when you’re not looking instead.
That being said, I am a huge proponent of letting them refuse to go out in inclement weather.
If you start young and teach them that you don’t allow stubborn shenanigans on rainy walks, they will learn that it’s something that can be tolerated.
A warm and waterproof can help them to be comfortable going out when it’s wet or cold.
Also, it’s not just rain.
Although , many don’t like to plunge in the lake or pool.
This distaste also includes getting wet when you .
They may learn to tolerate them but most don’t enjoy the experience.
I didn’t consider my Dachshund Chester 90% potty trained until he was 7!
Honestly though, a huge part of why it took so long is because I had to figure out that it was his separation anxiety that caused him to .
Having accidents in the house might be the #1 reason Dachshunds get surrendered to shelters.
There hope though.
I believe, and have heard the same from several Dachshund owners, that it’s if you are dedicated and consistent.
I was able to potty train my Dachshund puppy Summit in about 6 weeks.
Now she rarely has accidents in the house. If she does, it’s usually because I missed her signals that she needed to go out.
Do keep in mind that their potty training might slip when they become a senior dog.
Find out .
You also might want to keep this natural, on hand.
Dachshunds are funny shaped so you will have a hard time finding harnesses and jackets that fit them properly.
because they help to project their fragile necks and backs.
Many harnesses may not fit right because of the Dachshund’s prominent breast bone.
The chest strap on my Dachshunds always slides off to the left or right.
Because the fit is a little off, the harness may put too much pressure on their delicate windpipe.
One of our favorite casual harnesses is the .
It’s the one Summit and Gretel wear for travel and short, easy walks to potty.
Read our for more info.
For long walks or hikes, especially wet and dirty ones, we use the or the .
These are the only ones I’ve found that fit well and don’t chafe them.
Read our for more details.
Jackets that fit a Dachshund’s deep chest may be too short to cover their back.
Jackets long enough for them may drown them in fabric around the neck and chest.
If you’re having trouble finding a jacket to fit your pup, check out our list of and .
Dachshunds are genetically prone to a condition called Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD).
IVDD is a hereditary disease and your dog will either have or not.
If they have it, no matter how careful you are, they could develop a spinal injury in their neck or back (but not always as there are other factors at play too).
Owning a Dachshund is kind of like roulette in that regard because 1 in 4 Dachshunds are affected by some kind of back issue at some point in their lives.
You won’t know if your Dachshund has IVDD unless they rupture a disk because at this point there are no that are 100% accurate.
For more information on IVDD, read my article .
Commit to memory (and print out the checklist) so you know what to keep an eye out for.
None the less, it’s always best to minimize jumping, and other things that put pressure on their long backs, because that can exacerbate the issue.
I have a for our couch and my mattress/box-spring is laying on the floor to make our bed shorter.
You can read more about how I keep my Dachshund from jumping off our furniture .
On the other hand, they are .
Sports like hiking (yes, it can be ), agility, and Earth Dog can strengthen their backs and keep them supple.
Just know your dog’s limit and try to prevent UNNECESSARY jumping from high objects.
When lifting and carrying your Dachshund, support their chest and bum so their spine is not bent, stretched, or stressed.
Make sure your friends and relatives know how to properly pick up and carry your Dachshund too.
You may also have to remind any pet care professionals you hire like groomers, dog walkers, and dog sitters that Dachshunds have special needs when handling.
The first groomer I took my Dachshund to picked him up by his chest and left this back legs dangling.
Then she proceeded to run around and show everyone how cute he was with his back end “flailing in the wind”.
I about had a heart attack.
Besides IVDD and back or neck issues, Dachshunds are prone to some other health issues too.
Some of the most are:
(dislocated knee cap)
(baldness) due to color dilution or skin allergies
Check out this article for more:
The three most frequent medical issues I’ve seen with Dachshunds are:
Back surgery can easily cost $7,000 – $10,000 and I’ve known Dachshunds to need surgery more than once.
Depending on where you live in the country, and the extent of any dental disease, can range from around $500 to $1,200 or more.
While most pet insurance companies do not cover routine dental cleaning, they do cover medically necessary procedures like extractions.
For this reason, they may cover the dental surgery and required anesthesia portion of the bill.
My Dachshund Chester needed surgery to remove a intestinal blockage twice.
The first time, the cost was around $2,000 but it was over $4,000 the second time due to complications.
The two best backup plans for emergency medical needs, in my opinion, are either to have an emergency fund of $5,000 to $10,000 set aside or to invest in .
That being said, don’t immediately give up if your Dachshund needs back surgery and you can’t afford it.
I know of several Dachshunds that have recovered with conservative treatment – medication and – alone.
You may also be able to get assistance with back surgery costs through a charity, Care Credit (card), a rescue, or by setting up a GoFundMe.
The nickname “sausage dog” may be cute but your Dachshund should not actually look like one!
A Dachshund is likely to tell you they are starving.
It’s up to you to have the willpower to say no when they’ve had enough treats and provide the proper quantity of food.
Obesity is rampant in Dachshunds and can exacerbate IVDD.
It can also bring on other serious medical conditions like diabetes.
Dachshunds at a proper weight should have a tuck behind their rib-cage (think greyhound) and you should be able to see their waist when looking from the top.
If in doubt, check out this .
Two of the most important factors in keeping your are to make sure they are and control their food portions (take into account the number and size of treats they get too).
Because of their small size and short legs, many people think that Dachshunds don’t need much exercise or are not capable of it.
But they are bred to be hunters, remember? They are bred to be active dogs.
Sure, a Dachshund is happy to laze around the house if you let them but they are capable of more than you think when it comes to exercise.
There are many genetic traits that .
Most Dachshunds I know took to hiking 3 – 5 miles their first time out.
I’ve hiked up to 10 miles in one day, three days in a row, with my Dachshunds.
I know many Dachshunds who compete and excel in athletic events such as agility.
Although not typical, (over 26 miles!).
Besides needing exercise to stay physically healthy, it will keep them mentally happy.
A well exercised Doxie is less likely to bark incessantly and chew things in the house that they shouldn’t.
If they have to be cooped up in the house for the day, spend some time playing fetch with them or tug with a toy.
Summit loves and would probably chase it endlessly if I let her.
If you’re not sure your dog is getting enough, check out these
Dachshunds are a small breed dog that can be prone to fear anxiety.
If a Dachshund is fearful, they may act out by barking and lunging at strange dogs and people when out on walks.
While this behavior may be interepreted as aggressive by some, the motivation is different, which matters when trying to find solutions to the behavior.
Most .
Flower beds beware!
Badgers and rabbits live in the ground so hunting dogs like Dachshunds were bred to dig.
Their paddle-like feet, strong nails, and determination make them naturals.
I know plenty of Dachshunds that are not diggers. Just be aware that yours might be.
That means they could destroy your lawn, dig up your flowers, or dig under the fence to escape.
This can help to satisfy their digging instinct indoors.
One of our readers had this to say about a Dachshund’s tendency to dig:
Dachshunds love to sleep under blankets (read this article to learn ).
If there is a blanket on the couch, they are likely snuggled under there so be sure to feel the blanket or look under it before you sit down.
Consider giving them their own place to burrow and nest when they are not on the couch with you – the or the
Dachshunds are loyal to their people.
They love to snuggle with you on the couch, sleep with you in bed, and follow you around the house (including into the bathroom).
They will be protective of their family members and sometimes one particular member of the family.
Socialization is very important so they don’t become super protective and lash out at strange dogs or people ( a person).
This is what some of our readers had to say about a Dachshund’s Velcro nature:
I tell people that this is a breed that will be happy hanging alone all day while you are at work (although every dog is different).
They are very social and can be unhappy when bored and alone.
Many are totally fine if a dog walker stops by during the day to give them a little people time or they have a friend to keep them company.
I will say though, my Dachshund Gretel was an only dog in between when Chester passed away and we got our puppy Summit. She missed the company a little but was generally fine.
One way to help fulfill their desire to be social is to find a .
Dachshund owners will tell you they’re like potato chips – it’s hard to have just one.
Many people have at least two and the “once a dachshund owner, always a dachshund owner” mentality leads people to get several over their lifetime.
One big reason people often get a second one is because so their first Dachshund can have a friend to play with.
Also, getting a second is how a lot of people choose to address their Dachshund’s separation anxiety and their behavioral issues.
Some people can’t stop acquiring Dachshunds and have three or more.
I’ve been for years.
Having three is definitely not as easy as having one, or even two, but it would also be three times the love and cuteness!
Their clownish antics and silly looks will melt your heart.
There are that only owners understand.
Check out these to get more of a feel of how silly they are.
Whether the smell is described as corn chips or popcorn, it’s not unusual if your Dachshund’s feet smell a little.
Many Dachshund owners lovingly refer to their Doxie’s paws as because of this.
Do be aware though that their feet should not smell strongly and the schent shouldn’t change much over time.
If the smell suddenly changes, or your Dacchshund’s feet become smellier than normal, you may want to have your pup checked over at the veterinarian to make sure the smell is not the result of some underlying medical condition.
Be prepared for wiener jokes. Dachshund owners love a great pun.
You will also hear over and over if you hike with your Dachshund.
Owning a Dachshund makes you part of a community. Dachshund people are fanatic and gravitate to one another.
Random people will run up to you on the street to tell you about theirs out home, that they loved one as a kid, or that they know someone who has one.
There are many Dachshund clubs and meetup groups around the country you can join to meet people as passionate about the breed as you.
I have become good friends with several people who belong to the .
Dachshunds aren’t just a pet, they’re a lifestyle!
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Every dog breed has a set of typical characteristics that make them who they are.
Read this article to learn a few more .
Dachshund may certainly be more challenging than some breeds but are less challenging than others.
I LOVE, LOVE them but .
If you already own a Dachshund, you should learn all you can about them and learn to work them instead of against them.
If you are looking to add a to your household, please take into consideration all of the above and be honest about whether a Dachshund is the right breed for you.
So many Dachshunds end up in shelters every year because people don’t know what they got themselves into when they brought home one of these funny little dogs. That makes me sad!
Are you a Dachshund owner? If you have something to add to this list, please do in the comments.
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設立日：2023年03月07日
