Dachshund

Once a Dachshund is fully mature they are active little dogs and as such they love being out and about doing things which often sees them tiring their owners out well before they are ready to go home. With this said they like nothing more than to curl up with their owners whenever they are given the chance. Dachshunds are renowned for being loyal companions that over the years have become popular family pets and companion dogs for this very reason.

Although they are intelligent Dachshunds tend to have a mind of their own which in short means they are not the best in the obedience stakes. Their instinct to "hunt" also remains very strong and as such a Dachshunds training must start early paying particular attention to the "recall" command and even then a dog might choose to ignore it because something more interesting has caught their attention.

It would be fair to say that in general Standard Wirehaired Dachshunds are the more active and extrovert dogs by nature with Standard Longs being a lot more easy-going and laid-back. Standard Smooths also tend to be more one-person dogs by nature although they can also be "one-family" dogs too.

Dachshunds are not the best choice for first time owners because they are better suited to people who are familiar with the breed and their specific needs which includes the health concerns the breed is known to suffer from. If not trained and handled correctly from the word go these little dogs can become unruly and wilful which makes it hard for owners to manage them. However in the right hands and a lot of patience it is possible to overcome their stubborn streak always bearing in mind as previously touched upon that if a Dachshund picks up a whiff of anything that's more interesting they are liable to take off after it.

They can be a little wary of strangers and are always quick to let an owner known when there is anyone about. For such little dogs the Dachshund boasts a deep bark which often surprises people when they first see them after having heard them bark. Another thing to bear in mind is that if a Dachshund is not given the right amount of daily exercise and mental stimulation they quickly get bored and they will develop unwanted behaviours one of which is separation anxiety.

Are they a good choice for first time owners?

Dachshunds are not the best choice for first time dog owners because they can be a little difficult to train and because they are prone to certain health issues they are better suited to people who are familiar with their needs and who therefore know that it takes time and patience to train Dachshunds which includes when housetraining these little dogs.

What about prey drive?

Dachshunds were bred to hunt and therefore they have a powerful prey drive which is a trait that is deeply embedded in their psyche. As such care should always be taken as to when and where a Dachshund is allowed to run free off their leads.

What about playfulness?

Dachshunds are active fun-loving little dogs and they thrive on being the centre of attention. They adore being entertained while at the same time they enjoy entertaining their owners with all their silly antics. They are renowned for being real clowns when the mood takes them and they quickly learn how to please their owners.

What about adaptability?

Dachshunds are highly adaptable little dogs which means they are just as happy living in an apartment in town as they would be living in a house in the country providing they are given enough exercise and mental stimulation bearing in mind that Dachshunds like to be out and about doing something.

What about excessive barking?

If not taught the "quiet" command from a young enough age some Dachshunds will bark excessively for any reason but because they are such smart dog they can be taught not to providing their education is done gently yet firmly so as not to scare them into being quiet.

Do Dachshunds Like Water?

Because of their build and the fact they have such short legs Dachshunds are not particularly good swimmers and care should always be taken when walking a dog anywhere near anywhere near water just in case they fall in.

Are Dachshunds good watchdogs?

Dachshunds like to let an owner know when there are strangers about or when something they don't feel comfortable about is going on in their environment and they have a surprisingly deep bark for such small dogs which often takes people by surprise.

The Dachshund is known to be an intelligent little dog yet they are not that easy to train thanks to the fact they have a mind of their own and are quite independent by nature which can be put down to the "hound" in them. However in the right hands and when they are given the right amount of positive reinforcement training from a young age as well as a lot of persistence and patience Dachshunds can be trained although they would never be 100% obedient simply because if they spot something in the distance and because they are highly skilled hunters turning a "deaf ear" to a command when they off their leads is something that all Dachshund owners should bear in mind.

They can be a little harder to housetrain than other breeds but with patience gentleness and a firm hand a Dachshund can be taught to do their "business" outside. Puppies must be taught the house rules and boundaries as soon as they arrive in their new homes and although they are incredibly cute it would be a mistake to let a Dachshund puppy get away with too much which could see them develop a condition known as Small Dog Syndrome. This makes dogs a lot harder to manage and handle because they start to show a more dominant side to their natures. Puppies need to be taught the following commands from the word go:

• Sit
• Stay
• Come
• Heel
• Lie down
• Bed
• Quiet

Smooth haired Dachshunds are known to be good around children especially if they have grown up together. However just like any other breed any interaction between the kids and dog has to be supervised by an adult to make sure play time does not get too boisterous.

Generally they get on with other dogs and they rarely show any sort of aggressive behaviour towards them. However when it comes to smaller animals and pets care needs to be taken when a Dachshund comes into contact with them and this includes cats. With this said if they have grown up with a cat they are generally more tolerant of them.

The average life expectancy of a Dachshund is between 12 and 13 years when properly cared for and fed an appropriate good quality diet to suit their ages.

One of the most concerning health issues seen in Dachshunds of all varieties is Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) which affects their spines and this is related to the dwarfism gene which causes their short legs. As a result the breed is known to be at a higher risk of spinal injuries than some other breeds. IVDD X-ray screening is now available for breeding dogs to help reduce the inherited risk. It is also essential that care be taken when sharing a home with a Dachshund puppy. Jumping up on furniture or running up and down stairs can cause damage to a growing Dachshund's spine so must be avoided at all costs.Other health issues that affect the breed include the following:

• Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) - test available
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (NPHP4) - test available (note different form of PRA from that in miniatures)
• Patellar luxation
• Epilepsy
• Thyroid problems
• Cushing’s syndrome
• Allergies/skin issues
• Obesity

How a dog's conformation can affect their health

Dachshunds are robust little dogs that can take as much exercise as their owners give them even though they have such short legs. A Dachshund's chest should never be too deep either. The Kennel Club frowns on any exaggeration or departure from the breed standard because very short legs can seriously affect their ground clearance which in turn can affect their free movement and reduce their ability to walk far.

What about vaccinations?

A Dachshund puppy may have been given their initial vaccinations before being sold and the information relating to when they were given their shots would be included in the puppy pack a reputable breeder would provide to new owners. Once a puppy arrives in their new homes it is up their owners to ensure they are given future vaccinations with the schedule being as follows:

• 10 -12 weeks old bearing in mind that a puppy would not have full protection straight away but would be fully protected 2 weeks after they have had their second vaccination

There has been a lot of discussion about the need for dogs to have boosters. As such it's best to talk to a vet before making a final decision on whether a dog should continue to have annual vaccinations which are known as boosters.

What about spaying and neutering?

The latest evidence suggests that early spaying or neutering can adversely affect the future health of a Dachshund (including the potential impact on muscle and skeletal structure given that they are prone to back issues). If there is a good medical reason to spay or neuter a Dachshund this should preferably not be done before the dog is fully mature (at least 12 months)

What about obesity problems?

In general Dachshunds are such active little dogs that they are not prone to putting on too much weight. However it is crucial for them to be fed an appropriate diet in the right daily quantities and to limit the amount of "food" treats a dog is given to prevent them from ploughing on the pounds. Obesity can seriously affect a Dachshund's health and well-being making it that much harder for them to move and it could shorten their lives by several years thanks to the extra pressure it puts on their joints and internal organs.

What about allergies?

Some Dachshunds are more prone to allergies than others and it can be very hard to establish just what triggers a reaction in a dog. The typically causes of allergies seen in the breed include the following:

• Diet
• A reaction to cereals often used in commercially produced dog foods
• Environment
• Seasonal allergies triggered by pollens and grasses
• Chemicals often found in many household cleaning products
• A reaction to flea and tick bites

Participating in health issues

Any Dachshund that will be bred from should ideally participate in the IVDD Screening Programme more information available from the Dachshund Breed Council.

What about breed specific breeding restrictions?

Dachshund puppies cannot be registered with the Kennel Club if both parent dogs are dapple because of the health risks associated with their mating which can seriously affect a Dachshund's sight and hearing.

Same breed Dachshund parents can produce puppies with a different coat and they can be registered with the Kennel Club to the breed their coats most closely conform too but this rule does not permit the interchange of Dachshunds of two different sizes.

What about Assured Breeder Requirements?

There are no specific health test requirements for Standard Dachshunds under the Kennel Club Assured Breeders scheme.

As with any other breed Dachshunds need to be groomed on a regular basis to make sure their coats and skin are kept in top condition. They also need to be given regular daily exercise to ensure they remain fit and healthy. On top of this they need to be fed good quality food that meets all their nutritional needs throughout their lives.

Caring for a Dachshund puppy

It's important to set things up properly in the home before bringing a Dachshund puppy home and it's also a good idea to get the timing right too. This means making sure that someone will be at home for a few days and even up to a week to help settle a puppy into their new environment. Puppy-proofing the home is essential and it's a good idea to limit the amount of space a puppy can roam around in. Electric wires and other things that a puppy might chew should be put out of their reach and fitting child gates on doors to prevent a puppy from having free access to the whole house is also a good idea. Another option is to invest in a well-made playpen which is a great way of ensuring a puppy cannot get into trouble and it makes it easier to keep an eye on them.

It's also important to set up a quiet area where puppy can nap when they need to bearing in mind that puppies need to sleep a lot which can be up to 21 hours in a twenty-four hour period. With this said it should not be too out of the way because a new puppy needs to know someone is around and they are not on their own while at the same time owners can hear their new pets should they get anxious or in trouble.

It's also important to set up an area where puppy training pads can be placed which can be in the playpen or near the "quiet" area a puppy takes their nap in. With this said a puppy's housetraining must begin as soon as possible which means keeping an eye on when they need to go to the toilet and making sure they are either let outside to do their business or placed on a puppy pad always making sure a puppy is well rewarded when they get it right. It can take a little more time and patience to train a Dachshund but with gentle perseverance they can be taught to do their business in the right places.

The documentation a breeder provides for a puppy must have all the details of their worming date and the product used as well as the information relating to their microchip. It is essential for puppies to be wormed again keeping to a schedule which is as follows:

• Puppies should be wormed at 6 months old
• They need to be wormed again when they are 8 months old
• Puppies should be wormed when they are 10 months old
• They need to be wormed when they are 12 months old

Things you'll need for your puppy

Getting the house ready for a new puppy's arrival is only part of the process because there are certain items which should be purchased well in advance and this includes the following:

• Food and water bowls making sure they are not too deep and ideally they should be ceramic rather than metal or plastic
• A collar of the right size. All dogs should be trained to walk without pulling but for dachshunds it is particularly important as it could put extra pressure on their neck and spine. Some owners prefer to use a harness but this can make training more difficult as dachshunds can be very stubborn!
• A well-made playpen
• Child gates to fit on doors
• Dog specific toothpaste and tooth brush
• Grooming tools which includes shampoo specifically formulated for use on dogs

Keeping the noise down

All puppies are sensitive to loud noises which can stress them out more especially when they first arrive when they are naturally already quite worried having just left their mothers and littermates. It's important not to play loud music and to set the volume of a television or other device at a quieter level so it does not disturb a puppy's sensitive hearing.

Keeping vet appointments

As previously mentioned some puppies are given their first shots before being sold but it's important for them to have their follow-up shots at the right time with the schedule being as follows:

• 10 -12 weeks old bearing in mind that a puppy would not have full protection straight away but would only be fully protected 2 weeks after they have had their second vaccination

When it comes to boosters it's best to discuss these with a vet because there is a lot of debate about whether a dog really needs them after a certain time. However if a dog ever needed to go into kennels their vaccinations would need to be

What about Dachshunds when they reach their golden years?

Because Dachshunds are prone to suffering from spinal issues when they reach their golden years some dogs develop arthritis so it's important for them to be routinely checked over by a vet. Older dogs have weaker immune systems which puts them more at risk of catching an infection so it's important to keep a close eye on their health when they reach their golden years. Other changes that affect an older dog include the following:

• Dogs start to get grey around their muzzles and faces
• Their eyes might look a little opaque which can be age related or it could be because of an underlying health issue that would need investigating by a vet
• The hearing might not be as good as when they were young which often means a dog does not respond as quickly as they once did
• Older dogs tend to sleep a lot more during the day
• They often get a little pickier about their food which is why it's important to rethink a dog's diet and to discuss things with the vet if there are any concerns about the condition of an older dog's overall health and well-being
• Older dogs often seem disoriented which can be put down to the fact their cognitive function is not as sharp as it once was
• An older Dachshund’s immune system might not be as strong as it once was which puts them more at risk of infection and developing diseases and illnesses which is why they need to be seen more often by a vet

Smooth haired Dachshunds are low maintenance in the grooming department thanks to their coats being so short. A quick brush over with a chamois leather keeps their coats gleaming. However these little dogs love the one-to-one contact they get during a grooming session and it allows owners to check their dog's skin and to make sure there are no lumps and bumps developing anywhere on their body.

Puppies need to be taught that grooming is an enjoyable experience from an early age so they look forward to being brushed and don't get upset when their ears or feet are touched. It's a good idea to check a Dachshunds ears on a regular basis and to clean them when necessary.

Grooming tools needed for a Dachshund

Sharing a home with a Dachshund means investing in the right grooming tools to keep their coats and skin in good condition. Regular grooming sessions also help keep an eye out for any skin conditions that may be flaring up and to catch a problem before it becomes harder to treat. The grooming tools needed for a Dachshund are as follows:

• A slicker brush
• A bristle brush
• A chamois leather
• A grooming glove
• Nail clippers
• A pair of round ended scissors
• Dog specific shampoo and conditioner

Although small in stature Dachshunds need to be given quite a lot of daily exercise for them to be truly happy well balanced dogs. A minimum of an hour a day is necessary which means taking a dog out for a quick walk in the morning of 20 minutes or so but in the afternoon their walk needs to be longer and ideally it should be around 40 minutes or so. As previously mentioned if not given enough exercise every day these little dogs can develop some unwanted and destructive behavioural issues which includes suffering from separation anxiety.

They also like to be able to run around a back garden as often as they can so they can really let off steam. However the fencing has to be very secure bearing in mind that Dachshunds are incredibly good at digging their way out under a fence when the mood takes them bearing in mind their front legs are designed for these little dogs to be expert diggers.

If you get a Dachshund puppy from a breeder they would give you a feeding schedule and it's important to stick to the same routine feeding the same puppy food to avoid any tummy upsets. You can change a puppy's diet but this needs to be done very gradually always making sure they don't develop any digestive upsets and if they do it's best to put them back on their original diet and to discuss things with the vet before attempting to change it again.

Older dogs are not known to be fussy or finicky eaters but this does not mean you can feed them a lower quality diet. It's best to feed a mature Dachshund twice a day once in the morning and then again in the evening making sure it's good quality food that meets all their nutritional requirements. It's also important that dogs be given the right amount of exercise so they burn off any excess calories or they might gain too much weight which can lead to all sorts of health issues. Obesity can shorten a dog's life by several years so it's important to keep an eye on their waistline from the word go.

Feeding guide for a Dachshund puppy

As a rough guide a Dachshund puppy can be fed the following amounts every day to ensure they are getting the right levels of nutrients for them to grow and develop properly:

• 2 months old - 66g to 152g depending on puppy's build
• 3 months old - 75g to 179g depending on puppy's build
• 4 months old - 78g to 190g depending on puppy's build
• 5 months old - 78g to 193g depending on puppy's build
• 6 months old - 71g to 193g depending on puppy's build
• 7 months old - 64g to 174g depending on puppy's build
• 8 months old - 56g to 156g depending on puppy's build
• 9 months old - 56g to 139g depending on puppy's build
• 10 months old - 55g to 138g depending on puppy's build

Once a puppy is 11 months old they can be fed adult dog food.

Feeding guide for an adult Dachshund

As a rough guide an adult Dachshund can be fed the following amounts every day making sure a dog is not given too many "food" treats in between meals:

• Dogs weighing 9 kg can be fed 131g to 154g depending on activity
• Dogs weighing 10 kg can be fed 143g to 166g depending on activity
• Dogs weighing 12 kg can be fed 152g to 108g depending on activity

If you are looking to buy a Dachshund you would need to pay anything from £500 to over £1600 for a well-bred pedigree puppy. Insurance costs should also be factored in when buying a dachshund. The cost of insuring a male 3-year-old Dachshund in northern England would be £20.39 a month for basic cover but for a lifetime policy this would set you back £41.22 a month (quote as of April 2016). When insurance companies calculate a pet's premium they factor in several things which includes where you live in the UK and a dog's age and whether they have been neutered or spayed.

When it comes to food costs you need to buy the best quality food whether wet or dry to feed your dog throughout their lives making sure it suits the different stages of their lives. This would set you back between £30 - £40 a month. On top of this you would need to factor in veterinary costs if you want to share your home with a Dachshund and this includes their initial vaccinations their annual boosters the cost of neutering or spaying your dog when the time is right and then their yearly health checks all of which quickly adds up to over a £1000 a year.

As a rough guide the average cost to keep and care for a Dachshund would be between £60 to £100 a month depending on the level of insurance cover you opt to buy for your dog but this does not include the initial cost of buying a well-bred pedigree Dachshund puppy.

When visiting and buying any puppy or dog there are many important things to consider and questions to ask of the breeder/seller. You can read our generic puppy/dog advice here which includes making sure you see the puppy with its mother and to verify that the dog has been wormed and microchipped.

Dachshunds are an extremely popular breed both in the UK and elsewhere in the world which means that well-bred puppies command a lot of money. As such with Dachshunds there is specific advice questions and protocols to follow when buying a puppy which are as follows:

• As previously touched upon Dachshunds are among the most popular breeds in the UK. As such there are many amateur breeders/people who breed from a Dachshund far too often or buy cheaply from puppy farms and claim they are home bredso they can make a quick profit without caring for the welfare of the puppies their dam or the breed in general. Under Kennel Club rules a dam can only produce 4 litters and she must be between a certain age to do so. Anyone wishing to buy a Dachshund puppy should think very carefully about who they purchase their puppy from and should always ask to see the relevant paperwork pertaining to a puppy's lineage their vaccinations and their microchipping.
• Potential owners should be aware the Kennel Club has strict rules on coat colours for the Dachshund and that Double Dapple Dachshunds cannot be registered with the Kennel Club because of the health issues associated with this pattern which results in a dog's hearing and vision being severely impaired. As above ‘dilute’ colours such as ‘blue’ ‘lilac’ or ‘isabella’ colour dogs are at risk at developing severe alopecia Any breeder that advertises puppies with "rare" coats should be avoided at all costs and reported to the right authorities.
• Beware of online scams and how to avoid them. You may see online and other adverts by scammers showing images of beautiful Dachshund puppies for sale at very low prices. However the sellers ask buyers for money up front before agreeing to deliver a puppy to a new home. Potential buyers should never buy a puppy unseen and should never pay a deposit or any other money online to a seller. You should always visit the pet at the sellers home to confirm they are genuine and make a note of their address.