Alice White
Dachshunds are hunting dogs, they have fearlessness and passion, they like to dominate. Loyalty and reliability are inherent in them. These dogs are very intelligent and active, self-confident, hardy. Among burrowing hunting dogs, the Dachshund is recognized as one of the best. They are ideal for hunting beavers, otters, badgers, wild birds. Caring for a Dachshund at home is easy, so the breed is widely popular among hunters and small dog lovers.
Before the appearance of the Dachshund puppy in the house, be sure to study – the breed, features, and possible difficulties that you and the dog will have to face. You will have many questions, the most frequent of them you will find answers in our article.
What kinds of Dachshunds are there?
If you are interested, then you have already decided on the breed – this is Dachshund. But you still have to decide which of the Dachshunds varieties you want. Dachshunds come in three coat varieties – smooth-haired, long-haired, and wire-haired. And also each of these breeds has three varieties in size – standard, dwarf, and the smallest – rabbit.
What colors do Dachshunds have?
Dachshunds are distinguished by a wide variety of colors. There are so-called classic ones – red and black and tan, and for stiff ones, it is a boar color. There are also all kinds of other colors – marble, brown and tan, brindle.
How long do they live?
The average life expectancy is 10 -12 years, but centenarians are often found. Conversely, a dog with poor heredity has a great chance of not even living up to eight years old. So, having good heredity, with good care, uniform physical exertion, and a constantly maintained interest in life, Dachshunds live up to 16 and older.
How big will Dachshund be when it grows up?
It depends on which variety you have purchased. The Rabbit Dachshund weighs on average three kilograms. Dwarf about 4.5-6. Standard 8-10, but there are often instances of 15 kilograms. The breed standard defines an upper weight limit of 9.5kg.
Who is this breed for?
Like most other dog breeds, this breed requires movement and communication. And if you do not have time, then it is certainly better not to start at all.
Since the dog is small and has a structure of the spine different from other breeds, due to its elongation, children should be especially careful, who sometimes do not understand how to properly lift a puppy of this breed, can cause pain or injury. But at the same time, a properly grown Dachshund is quite a strong dog, so it will be happy to go with you on a long walk to the park, but at the same time, it will not refuse to lie on the sofa.
Do Dachshunds shed?
Like all dogs. Of course yes. Even people brushing their hair leave it on their comb. Wire-haired Dachshunds shed minimally with correct and timely trimming. “Do smooth-haired Dachshunds shed the same?” – people very often ask this question. But wool, although short, is present, which means it sheds. So only your care will depend on whether you have wool at every corner or its amount is minimal.
How do Dachshunds relate to children?
Dachshunds are an excellent breed for families with children, provided that the child is very gentle and careful in relation to animals. Young children should be taught how to handle a dog properly. We have already talked about how you can damage a puppy of this breed. Dachshunds are great at getting along with children, they love to play and run, play with toys, they are cunning and simple-minded at the same time. But this requires compulsory education of the puppy. If you are buying a puppy over 3 months old, you should get it from a reputable breeder who has socialized and trained the puppy to interact with children and teens. And it is also worth explaining to the children that if Dachshund has gone to her place, then she wants to rest. And you can’t forcefully pull it out of there.
Do they get along with other dogs?
Yes. But no matter how strange it may seem, Dachshund will most likely prefer a society of his own kind. And if you have several Dachshunds, then most often they communicate in their separate circle.
Will Dachshund get along with the cat?
Despite the fact that the Dachshund is a hunting breed and can attack cats in the yard, at home they most often love each other dearly. And they even sleep together. Sometimes there are conflicts for a while, but usually, they find a common language.
Is it true that they bark and bite a lot?
If you don’t train the dog, then, of course, it will. Or if the puppy is nervous or hysterical from birth. But if you take a dog from a good breeder, then this problem will not be. Of course, the dog will bark at the bell or at the cat he sees, but the problem, in this case, can be minimized by teaching the puppy to shut up on command.
What health problems do Dachshunds have?
By purchasing a Dachshund in a good kennel, where attention is paid to the health of dogs during breeding, it is unlikely that the dog will cause you any trouble. As already mentioned, many Dachshunds are prone to obesity. Proper nutrition, and most importantly a certain norm per day, solve this problem once and for all. Avoiding obesity will reduce the chance of another problem – spinal problems. And also sufficient physical activity and prevention of traumatic situations will allow you to consult a doctor only for preventive vaccinations.
How to feed the Dachshund?
Most breeders and owners prefer to feed them with ready-made professional feed. Adult Dachshunds are usually fed 2 times a day. Puppies are fed more often. Depending on the type of feed, age, and size, different feeding rates are set.
What should I purchase before buying a puppy?
If you have thought everything over and decided to buy a puppy, then before taking him home, you need to buy food the same as he eats from the breeder (a sudden change in diet can adversely affect the health of the puppy). A couple of bowls for food and water, preferably a sippy cup. A bed in which the puppy will sleep, Dachshunds especially love something that looks like a mink. Several toys. Ask the breeder which shampoo to buy, whether you need vitamins and minerals, and other care products. If you are buying a grown-up puppy, you will also need a collar and leash, and in the summer, flea and tick repellent.
How to choose the right puppy?
It will be helpful for you to read the breed standard before purchasing a puppy. This does not mean that you will immediately begin to understand everything, but at least you will acquire some knowledge. And of course, the most important thing is to choose the right breeder. It is he who will help you not to make a mistake when choosing. Especially if you clearly outline the situation for what you are looking for in a dog. Do you want to go to exhibitions or plan to engage in inbreeding in the future? Or maybe you just need a dog in your family and you do not pretend to be a prospect show and accordingly, you can put up with, for example, a lack of a tooth. So we conclude that clearly stated requirements and the choice of a good breeder are the keys to success.
Is it true that rarer colors are more valuable and more expensive?
When buying a dog, you should be interested in its exterior, health, and mental qualities. If a rare color is added to all this, that’s great. But you should not take a dog just because of the color, especially to overpay for it.
What is the best age to take a puppy?
This issue always causes a lot of controversies. Officially, registration is carried out no earlier than 45 days and from that time you can buy puppies. If you can provide the puppy with regular companionship and feeding, you may well take the baby. Many people love this age. Puppies are small, touching, require your love and care. If you are working, it may make sense to take an older puppy, when he no longer requires such frequent feedings. People looking for a dog for shows, the same try to take a grown puppy, about which you can already say something in terms of the exterior.
Do they say all Dachshunds sleep in beds?
No, of course not all. It depends on the owner. But more often than not, yes, they sleep in beds and preferably under a blanket. Brave on the street, they are gentle at home and love comfort. It’s so warm and cozy with her. But if this is not at all in your style, of course, you can teach them Dachshund to sleep in its place. Better if it is a house. And of course, it should be located in a warm, windproof, not in a passable place.
