Dachshund Sadie - Female #275

Dachshund

Breed: Dachshund
Pet ID: 25832-02
Color: Chocolate

The famously long, low silhouette, ever-alert expression, and bold, vivacious personality of the Dachshund have made him a superstar of the canine kingdom. Dachshunds come in two sizes and in three coat types of various colors and patterns. The word “icon'”is terribly overworked, but the Dachshund with his unmistakable long-backed body, little legs, and big personality is truly an icon of purebred dogdom. Dachshunds can be standard-sized (usually 16 to 32 pounds) or miniature (11 pounds or under), and come in one of three coat types: smooth, wirehaired, or longhaired. Dachshunds aren’t built for distance running, leaping, or strenuous swimming, but otherwise these tireless hounds are game for anything. Smart and vigilant, with a big-dog bark, they make fine watchdogs. Bred to be an independent hunter of dangerous prey, they can be brave to the point of rashness, and a bit stubborn, but their endearing nature and unique look has won millions of hearts the world over.

Brief history

This dog breed originated from Germany and back then they were referred to as the badger dog. In essence, the ‘Dachs’ in Dachshund stands for badger while the ‘hund’ means dog. This dog breed can be traced to the 15th century and they came in different sizes. 

However, in the 18th and 19th centuries ‘Teckel’ as called in Germany was refined and elongated. The purpose of this was to create a dog that could fit into the burrows of a badger and lure him out or kill him. 

A lot of years went into this development and in the 1800s people started keeping Dachshunds as pets rather than hunting dogs. 

Temperament

Environment

This petite dog can thrive in an apartment setting. However, they have a low tolerance for cold weather as their fur is thin, but they can handle the heat. Any loving environment where the dachshund will have a good amount of exercise or walks is fine with this breed. 

They’re very sensitive breeds and love pleasing its owners. This dog breed is known to develop better in an environment with kids around as they’re very kid-friendly. 

Exercise

Many owners think that because they are so small, Dachshunds don’t require more exercise than just running around the house. However, they do need regular exercise not only to stay fit, but also to build strong muscles to support and protect their back. Two walks every day of moderate length should be sufficient. To avoid injury, never allow your Dachshund to run up and down stairs or jump on or off furniture. Because they are very social, Dachshunds don’t do well as outdoor dogs’¿they want to be with their humans.

Grooming

Dachshunds are moderate shedders, relatively clean, and have little or no body odor. The breed’s grooming needs vary with the three coat types. Smooth-coated Dachshunds are somewhat ‘wash and wear,” needing little beyond a wipe with a towel or hound glove to look dapper. Longhaired Dachshunds may require more frequent brushing, depending on the thickness of the coat. The Wirehaired coat can be plucked or hand-stripped several times a year to look its best, but beyond that is easy to maintain between groomings with occasional trimming of the beard and eyebrows and brushing or combing once or twice a week. All Dachshunds should have their nails trimmed every month.