The original purpose of the dachshund was to hunt badgers, and that is how their name came about. Dachs means badger, and hund means dog. They could also hunt other burrowing animals such as rabbits and foxes. This breed’s versatility has made them great small game hunters and show dogs and family pets. The dachshund is also affectionately known as a Wiener Dog, Sausage Dog, and Doxie.
Everything you need to know about owning a dachshund:
1. Size Of Dog
A standard dachshund is about 8-9 inches tall and weighs 16-32 pounds. You can also get a miniature dachshund, which is 5-6 inches in height and will weigh in at 11 pounds or less.
The build of the dachshund means that it is not able to run long distances. He will not do a lot of swimming or jumping. Otherwise, this companion is up for almost anything. The dachshund makes a good watchdog, hunter, and pet.
2. Exercise Requirements
Though not into strenuous activity for long periods, the dachshund needs a fair amount of exercise. An overweight dachshund will have health issues because of the strain extra weight would put on his little legs.
They need to be exercised regularly to maintain healthy muscles that will support their weight. They should be taken on a couple of moderate walks each day. It is also essential to make sure your Doxie is not running up and down stairs or jumping off furniture. Doing so can cause injury.
3. Feeding Your Dachshund
Remember that an overweight dachshund is an unhealthy dog who will be prone to injury. You do not want to overfeed him. Follow the manufacturer’s feeding guidelines for the amount of food and don’t give in to those pleading stares.
If you do give the occasional table scrap as a treat, do so in extreme moderation. Do not give him cooked bones or foods that are high in fat. Dachshunds have a scent sniffer, so make sure any food he should not have is well out of his reach.
Treats
Dachshunds, like most dogs, love when you give them treats. Make sure you give them healthy treats that are low in fat.
Dachshunds love:
- Dog biscuits
- Animal ear chews
- Carrots
- Zucchini
- Bully Sticks
- Beef tendon dog chews
- Apples
- Mangos
- Beef dog food rolls
- Sweet potato slices
Any of the above treats are perfectly acceptable when given in moderation. Dachshunds are greedy when it comes to food, and they will eat as much as you give them. Ensure that your doxie is not becoming overweight, so that she is not in danger of injuring herself.
4. Temperament
Dachshunds are small but mighty dogs. They tend to be courageous and will take on animals larger than they are because they were bred to hunt. This makes them potentially aggressive with strangers and other dogs.
They are great family dogs since they are loyal, and they also make a good watchdog. They may be small, but they have a mighty bark. They can be good with children as long as the child treats them well.
Dachshunds can be hard to train. They like to do their own thing.
It is said by some that the temperament of the dachshund differs depending on the variety of the breed. Long-haired dachshunds seem to be calmer than the smooth-coat dachshund. It has also been said that the wire-coat dachshund is more outgoing and can be quite silly.
Dachshunds rank high for destructive behavior. They were bred as hunters, so they like to dig and bark.
5. Your Dachshund With Other Pets
Most dachshunds do okay with other dogs if they are properly introduced. Having a playmate will help him keep from becoming bored, which could also help with destructive behavior. That being said, the dachshund can also be territorial, so you would need to introduce a new family member properly and make sure you do not accept any malicious behavior. Dachshunds get along best with dogs who have a similar temperament.
Because dachshunds are hunters, other small pets are not a good idea. A dachshund may want to hunt small pets, and they may feel territorial and intimidated by larger pets. It is best to stick to smaller breed dogs who are similar in nature.
6. Training Your Dachshund
Dachshunds are very strong-willed dogs. They can be trained, but it takes a lot of work. Patience, perseverance, and positive reinforcement will pay off.
You will need to be consistent in your training. And repeat it frequently. Dachshunds need to be challenged, and they need to understand what you want them to do.
1. Use Positive Reinforcement
Like most dogs, the dachshund will work for food. Get your doxie to trust you by rewarding good behavior and encouraging them with favorite treats.
2. Use A Reward He Loves
If the reward you are offering does not interest your dachshund, he is less likely to comply with your commands. Make the treat irresistible and offer it with lots of praise. This will help to motivate your dachshund to do as you ask.
3. Eliminate Distractions
Make sure your doxie will be focused on you and the task at hand. He may be easily distracted, so you will want to do your training in a quiet place where nothing else is going on.
4. Keep Training Sessions Short
You do not want to keep your dog working for too long. If he loses focus, he needs a break. Doing several shorter sessions is far more effective than trying to do one long training session.
5. Be Consistent
Try to teach one command at a time to the mastery level and then move on to a new one. If you use consistency and repetition, your dachshund will be doing your bidding in no time.
7. Grooming
Because there are three different coat types, grooming needs will vary. The breed is generally clean and does not have a body odor. Smooth-coat dachshunds need little more than a wipe down with a towel on occasion. A long-haired dachshund will need to be brushed. Wirehaired dachshunds will need to be plucked several times a year to keep their coats looking nice.
Dachshunds, regardless of coat type, should have their nails trimmed monthly.
In A Nutshell
A dachshund makes a good family pet. They are loyal and loving dogs who will want to protect their people. Be aware that dachshunds do bark a lot, and they will take a while to train. Once trained, you will have a pet and loyal companion for many years to come. A dachshund can live for 12 -1 6 years.
