About the Breed: Dachshund
Breeds
Dachshunds originated in Germany, where its very name signified its purpose—“dachs” meaning badger and “hund” meaning dog—and has been one the most popular dog breeds in the United States since the 1950s.
History
The Dachshund was bred as a scent hound, with the determination to go into the earth as a terrier does, in order to hunt the badger, a formidable and notoriously vicious adversary. As a result, the Dachshund’s is designed for burrows, with “courage to the point of rashness” says the breed standard.
In 1888 the German Dachshund Club (Deutscher Teckelklub -- Dachshunds are called “Teckel” in Germany) was founded to standardize the breed’s conformation. They aimed to produce a dog whose beauty was commensurate with its intelligence. They developed three coat varieties; smooth, wirehaired, and longhaired, as well as two sizes — the medium (standard), and the miniature.
Personality
Dachshunds are the only breed recognized by the AKC that hunts both above and below ground. They are extremely strong in bone and muscle, making them faster than one expects for such a small dog.
Despite their fierce determination, Dachshunds are happiest when with people. They love to be the star of the show and can keep a room entertained with antics. They are very smart, and will cleverly learn to anticipate your every move, so it’s good to keep them on a set schedule. Because Dachshunds can live a long time, they need an owner who is willing to commit to them for the duration of their lifetime.
Pros
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You become their world.
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Fun, adorable, compact.
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Love to go everywhere with you.
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Great companions, very affectionate and love to cuddle
Cons
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You become their world.
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Can have separation anxiety.
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Can have housebreaking issues.
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Can be stubborn and vocal.
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Hate to get their tummies wet.
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Bed hogs.
Best With
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A squeaky toy or ball.
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A spot next to you in your bed.
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A safe fenced yard.
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A warm place to snuggle.
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A lot of patience and loving.
Not For
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People who are gone a lot.
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White carpets.
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People who expect perfect obedience.
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People who don’t treat their dog as a family member.
More Info
Characteristics
Size:
Miniature: <11 pounds or less, Standard: 16+ pounds.
Colors:
Red, black and tan, chocolate, wild boar, gray and fawn, dapple.
Coat Types:
Smooth, wirehaired, and long.
Energy Level:
Lively and alert into their senior years.
Life Expectancy:
On average, 15 years.
Children:
Young children are often not recommended with this breed.
Other Animals:
Dachshunds are typically fearless, and usually do well with other dogs. If you are away frequently or for many hours at a time, they prefer to have another buddy while they anxiously await your return.
Abilities:
Great at keeping a smile on your face all day. Can keep up with an active lifestyle, can walk a lot farther than you would expect, and are great ball players.
Shedding/Grooming:
Low maintenance; can be groomed at home with ease. Minor shedding and minimal grooming.
Health:
Because Dachshunds can be prone to disc disease, use caution with jumping and keep them at a healthy weight. It's important to keep their teeth cleaned to avoid teeth and gum problems.