Dachshund

The dachshund dog breed and what you should know about it!

Size 

A dachshund is a small dog with short legs and a long torso. In some cultures, they are called sausage dogs as they resemble sausages. Dachshunds usually stand about eight or nine inches tall and are generally relatively small. Miniature dachshunds, a variation of the dachshund breed, stand about five or six inches tall, so if you’re looking for a pocket-sized dachshund, a miniature one might be the best option for you.  

Weight

Dachshunds should typically weigh around 16 pounds, and their weight can go up to about 32 pounds. However, the heaviest dachshund ever recorded weighed about 70 pounds, more than double what would be considered on the high side of the weight spectrum for dachshunds. Miniature dachshunds, on the other hand, should only weigh around eleven pounds or less, as I said – pocket-sized. 

Color

Dachshunds come in a dark-shaded rainbow of colors, from chocolate brown to black to tan to a lighter shade of brown. Some dachshunds even have coats in lighter colors like red or cream. The color of a dachshund is referred to as blue and tan; the color appears blue and looks similar to an off-black color. Another fascinating color found on dachshunds is what is referred to as wild boar, a combination of both black and brown pieces of fur without specific markings on a single dachshund.

Another notable thing about the colors of dachshunds is that they sometimes have patterns and markings like dapple, sable, double dapple, piebald, and brindle. Not every dachshund has these markings, but every dachshund is unique and beautiful in their way. 

Dachshund Coat for Dachshund Dog Breed

As with their colors, dachshunds also have different types of coats. They either have long-haired coats, smooth coats, or wire-haired coats. Most dachshunds have smooth skin, which has a smooth and shiny appearance, but the fur is still thick and should feel soft. Long-haired dachshunds look like they belong in a high-end hair salon commercial with beautiful long and flowy hair.

It is mostly smooth, with waves and ropes around its legs and ears. Lastly, the wire-haired coat is more on the coarse side. It is said that the purpose of the rougher wire-haired jacket is to be more sustainable in extreme weather conditions. 

Dachshund Shedding

The dachshunds with the smooth coat have a single layer coat and only shed lightly throughout the year. In contrast, the long-haired and wire-haired dachshunds have double coats, meaning they have an undercoat and a top coat. They shed moderately throughout the year and have excessive shedding when the seasons change from winter to spring and summer to autumn. This is like a human packing away their winter wardrobe and getting their summer clothing out.

No matter what type of coat a dachshund has, regular, maybe even daily, brushing will aid significantly in minimizing any potential shedding. As with most breeds of dogs, excessive shedding outside of their regular shedding timetable may be a sign of trouble. Excessive shedding outside the expected timeframe can indicate allergies, stress, or an undiagnosed disease and disorder, so it would be wise to have a vet check them out if they are shedding uncontrollably. 

Dachshund Temperament 

Dachshunds are loyal animals who are great with children when appropriately treated. Dachshunds can be very independent and overconfident. One thinks they have never recognized their size in the mirror when you see them confronting a dog of a much larger breed with absolutely no hesitation.

Since they have an independent nature, dachshunds are challenging to train. Dachshunds are excellent watchdogs as they tend to be aggressive toward strangers and can be somewhat territorial over their homes. Dachshunds may not be the most friendly towards other dogs that they have not grown up with because of their aggressive personalities.

Dachshunds were originally bred to hunt dogs; some have not outgrown the instinct to dig. It is interesting to note that within the variation of coats within the breed, there are also some noticeable personality differences. Some say the long-haired coat variety of dachshunds is much calmer than those with smooth skin. 

Dachshund Health

Dachshunds are prone to issues with the discs in their backs because of their shape, so it is best to avoid them having to climb any stairs. They are also at risk for joint problems like other small breed dogs.

One of the common issues that may arise is having ‘loose knees,’ otherwise known as patella luxation. They are also at risk for hip dysplasia. They are at high risk for obesity because of their small stature. For this reason, their diet and weight should be well-monitored, and their diet should be intentional, which we will speak about shortly.

Dachshunds may also struggle with some eye problems like cataracts and dry eye, but if you monitor their health and take them for their vet checkups regularly, any possible health concern can be dealt with before it becomes a problem. 

Dachshund Lifespan

Dachshunds typically live between 12 and 16 years, with the oldest recorded dachshund having lived to be 25 years old. 

Dachshund Best Diet

Since dachshunds are pretty prone to obesity due to their small stature, their diet plays a crucial role in keeping them in healthy shape. One should avoid feeding them food made up of the majority of grains and avoid grain-free food as these can have profound health implications. Instead, your dachshund should be fed a well-balanced food with protein as the key ingredient.

As they age, they should consume fewer calories and less fat once again due to the possibility of gaining too much weight too quickly. Dachshunds also have large appetites and can eat quite soon, so getting your dachshunds a slow feeder bowl is worthwhile to help with their portion control. The best thing to do for your dachshund’s health when it comes to diet is to consult your vet to help you assess your dachshund’s needs and plan a diet accordingly. 

Dachshund Origin

Dachshunds originated in Germany, and their name directly translates into “badger dog” as we mentioned earlier, dachshunds were initially bred to hunt, which one won’t necessarily say in today’s culture where we see dachshunds snuggled up under the blankets next to their humans.

They were intended to hunt badgers. In Europe, dachshunds are still used as hunting dogs. The benefits of the dachshund dog breed’s small stature and strong legs were that they could go inside the caves to dig out their prey. Some of the larger dachshunds were used for hunting foxes and deer, and the more miniature dachshunds were beneficial when hunting ferrets and rabbits.

Dachshunds are said to originate from the pinscher and a small French pointer. French pointers are well-known as hunting dogs, so this may explain where the hunting part of the spirited dachshund’s nature comes from. Then again, that is the exact purpose for which they were bred.