Dachshund - Dog Breeds

By John M Williams

Group: Hounds

Weight: 11-32 lbs

Height: 5-9 inches

Overview

The Dachshund is originally from Germany, and has been developed there hundreds of years ago. They were initially bred to hunt Badgers, for this reason the name Dachshund as "Dachs" is the German word for Badger. The long body and the short legs were bred into this dog so that they could dig the prey out and go inside their burrows. This way they were forced to leave their dens. The Miniature Dachshund variety was bred to chase hare and stoat. This breed is also notorious for hunting foxes and otters next to the badger.

Temperament

Dachshunds love to play - they can however be stubborn. They are full of energy and can at times also be very envious and short-tempered. These dogs do not get along well with small children, but better with older children that is more considerate. Although the Dachshund has a tendency to become jealous, they can however get along with other toy breeds.

Care

The Dachshunds with longhair requires to be brushed on a daily basis for them to be free from mats and tangles. The short haired versions of these dogs will need a weekly brushing, and the wire haired varieties should be trimmed at least twice during the year. The Dachshund is an average shedding dog, and hair shedding can be kept to a minimum by wiping them down with a damp towel.

Training

The Dachshund needs positive and consistent training. Once these dogs are trained, they make wonderful companion dogs that are very devoted. They should understand from very early on that you dominate, as they have a tendency to be very obstinate and opposed to training. Dachshunds need socialization at an early age otherwise they will be wary of strangers and full of fear. This breed should also be taught early on about improper barking and also not to jump as this can cause them to have spine problems later on. It is advisable to leave these dogs in their crates when you leave the home as they can become destructive when bored or left alone for too long.

Health problems

Dachshunds are likely to suffer from spinal disc problems. This is due to their very long spinal columns and short rib cages. Dachshunds with this problem can become totally paralyzed. This breed is also prone to heart disease, urinary tract problems and diabetes. Seeing that these dogs become inactive when they age, they might also have problems with obesity. This will in return put additional stress on their backs.

Visit the following links for more info on the Dachshund or a full list of Dog Breeds.