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Posts Tagged ‘Dachshund Breed’

Dog owners love their dogs.With Dachshunds that devotion reaches new heights.  The reasons aren’t hard to understand.They are special in many ways.

The German translation “badger dog” shows just one of those ways.Bred in the early 1600s to hunt those ferocious little animals, the Doxie became ferocious himself.That fearless and assertive attitude remains today.

That feisty nature can be a bad thing or a good one.

Dogs that are independent can make great companions, since that also makes them exploratory and playful.It gives the dog lots of energy and a willingness to try new things.  It also means that training them requires extra patience and skill.  The breed is more inclined than many to strive for alpha status in the household.Reminding them that the human is alpha may require a long struggle.

That training has to be appropriate to the breed’s physical and mental attributes.

Doxies are 9 inches high at the shoulder and weigh between 10-30 pounds.Toy varieties are quite a bit smaller, often under 8 pounds and only 5 inches high.They have an average lifespan of between 14-17 years.

They are much more prone to spinal problems than other breeds due to their short legs and long bodies.Serious problems can be caused by rough handling.

Screaming won’t do the trick because they are assertive.At best that produces a fearful dog, at worst, they can become aggressive and hostile in response.Dachshunds may look at their trainer as an enemy badger.Owners should be prepared due to barking being more common in Dachshunds, too.

With the right approach, though, they make for excellent companions and pets.

There are three basic varieties – Long-Hairs, Smooth-Coats, and Wire-Coats.The difference goes beyond the type of fur they sport.The personalities of the three varieties tend to follow a pattern, as well.

Smooth-haired Dachshunds more often attach themselves to a single family member.While they will tolerate other humans, they tend to be wary and stand-offish of other animals.  The Wire-haired is usually more playful and outgoing.Long-haired Dachshunds tend to be a little more placid.Like any Dachshund, they are up for a game of fetch whenever the opportunity presents itself.

Apart from spinal problems, Dachshunds less often suffer from diseases that are more prevalent in other breeds.Abdominal cancers, diabetes and other diseases are possible but much less common in Doxies.Stones or urinary tract problems can occur, but they are more likely in special varieties such as those with blue eyes and Double Dapples.These types tend to have more hearing and eye problems, too.

Raising any dog can be a challenge, if they are to be healthy and happy.But Doxie owners commonly report that the rewards in their case are especially large.Doxies are highly affectionate and very loyal.People who live with them tend to return the favor.

Dachshund supplies and gifts can be found at Ony-Dachshunds.com