The breed currently known as the Dachshund was developed by German breeders and includes different hereditary elements extracted from various French, German and English dogs and terriers.
Originally bred to hunt badgers, the Dachshund breed has been kept in royal courts throughout Europe, including by Queen Victoria. The first historical reference to the breed that has been verified comes from books written in the early 18th century: these texts mention “badger dogs” called “Dachs Kriecher” (badger tracker) and Dachs Krieger (badger warrior).
Even if you’ve never seen or interacted with a Dachshund dog in person, you probably already know what they look like. Sometimes called “wiener dogs,” Dachshunds are known for their long bodies and short, stubby legs.
Although they may not look like it, Dachshunds are actually talented hunting dogs – they were developed to sniff out and chase burrow games like badgers, flushing them out of their underground burrows so the hunter could shoot at them.
Although they were originally developed for hunting, the Dachshund plays many roles today. In the US, the breed has been used to track wounded animals and they are also frequent participants in field tests, conformation shows, and other dog sports.
According to registration statistics from the American Kennel Club (AKC), the Dachshund is the 10th most popular breed in the United States. With dozens of different breeds accepted by the AKC, this is no small feat.
Dachshund Dog Facts
While all Dachshunds exhibit the characteristic long body and short legs, there are a number of breed differentiation in terms of size, coat, and color. There are three different fur types seen in the Dachshund breed: smooth coat, long-haired, and wirehaired.
- The smooth coat variety is the shortest hair and comes in an unlimited variety of colors and patterns.
- The longhaired variety has long, silky fur with broad feathers on the ears and legs.
- The wirehaired coat has a medium-length coat that is rough and wiry in texture. This variety of fur is the least common in the United States, but is very popular in several European countries, particularly in Germany.
In terms of color and pattern, Dachshunds vary a lot and there is no standard coloration. Many Dachshunds have a single base color of red or cream and many exhibits a pointed coloration of tan dots combined with another base color such as black, brown, or blue.
Tan dots appear as markings on the eyes, ears, legs, and tail. Other patterns that can occur in Dachshunds include merle, saber, piebald, and tabby. A single litter of Dachshunds may display a wide range of colors and patterns.
In addition to having long bodies, Dachshunds also have fairly long snouts. Their snouts are long and somewhat sharp towards a dark nose and they have large, flexible ears that hang on either side of their heads. The AKC prefers darker eye colors in Dachshunds, although a range from light brown or amber to green is possible in this breed.
Dachshunds may also have two different colored eyes, although it is generally only seen on mottled pattern Dachshunds.
In terms of their size, Dachshunds vary. There are three different sizes: standard, miniature, and kaninchen.
The standard Dachshund is 8 to 9 inches tall and weighs 16 to 32 pounds at maturity, while the miniature Dachshund is 5 to 6 inches tall and weighs up to 11 pounds. The Kaninchen variety is the smallest and its name comes from the German word for rabbit: this variety grows to a maximum size of between 8 and 11 pounds.
Types Of Dachshund Dogs
There is only one Dachshund breed, but there are many variations in terms of coat size and length. As you have already learned, there are three different sizes for the Dachshund breed: Standard, Miniature, and Kaninchen.
You also know that there are three different types of fur: Smooth-coated, Longhaired, and Wirehaired. To help you better understand the differences between these types of Dachshunds, you will find useful information on the following sections:
Smooth-coated Dachshund
Dachshunds of this variety are the most common in the United States. These dogs have short, shiny fur that has a smooth texture and needs very little grooming. Because its layers are so short, the shedding may not be as noticeable as with other types of layers, but it is still present.
Also, because their coats are short, they may need an additional layer of cold weather protection in winter. For colorations, smooth-coated dachshunds are commonly seen in combinations of red, cream, black, and tan. There are also some patterns that you may see as mottled, saber, tabby, or pale.
Long-haired Dachshund
As its name suggests, this type of Dachshund has long, silky hair. Most long-haired dachshunds show some degree of feathers on the fur of the ears and the back of the legs. These dogs come in the same colors and patterns as the plain coat variety but need much more care due to the length and texture of their coats.
Some Dachshund owners believe that long-haired Dachshunds have a more tame temperament than the other varieties.
Wirehaired Dachshund
Wirehaired Dachshund coat is not common in the United States but is popular in Germany and other European nations. The Metallic-haired Dachshund has a short to medium coat of thick, stringy hair that has a rough texture; They also have bushy beards and eyebrows. This type of coat needs daily brushing to avoid mats, but the thickness of the coat helps protect the dog a little better against cold weather.
Wirehaired dachshunds come in the same colors and patterns, though wild board coloration (a mix of black, brown, and gray) is popular in the United States.
Temperament
When it comes to the temperament of the Dachshund breed, there is great variation. For the most part, Dachshunds are playful and lively companions – they form strong bonds with family and can be protective in the presence of strangers.
These dogs tend to bark and, in some cases, can be very aggressive against strangers. According to a 2008 study by the University of Pennsylvania, dachshunds were rated by 6,000 dog owners as the most aggressive breed, with 20% of them have bitten someone. Because these dogs are so small, the injuries caused by these attacks are not as severe as they would be with the larger breeds, but it is still important to note.
With the aggressive tendencies of the breed being so clear, it is absolutely essential that you train and socialize your Dachshund from a very young age and that you maintain that type of training throughout its life.
Dachshunds are intelligent and generally very trainable, although they tend to develop a stubborn streak, as is common with small breed dogs. Also common with smaller dogs, the Dachshund can be a little tricky to housebreak, but most homeowners find that crate training methods are effective.
In addition to their potential to become aggressive towards strangers, Dachshunds are generally loyal and loving to the family. They are quite active and enjoy training for dog sports, although in reality they only need a moderate amount of exercise on a daily basis.
Dachshunds may not be a good choice for children, although they may be fine when raised from an early age in the presence of children; The same is true for keeping Dachshunds with other dogs. In terms of their behavior with other pets, you shouldn’t be surprised if your Dachshund chases cats and other small animals because of its hunting origin.
Lifespan
As a small breed dog, the Dachshund has a very long lifespan with an average of around 12 to 15 years. Unfortunately, these dogs are prone to a number of serious genetic health problems, particularly back problems. Intervertebral disc disease is common in Dachshunds, as are other musculoskeletal problems such as patellar dislocation.
Many Dachshunds develop eye problems like progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, or glaucoma and are also prone to skin allergies and other skin conditions. It may surprise you to learn that Dachshunds are also at high risk for gastric torsion, a condition most commonly seen in large and giant breeds, this is due to their deep chest stature.
Dachshund Dog As Pet
Now that you have a better understanding of what the Dachshund breed is like, you are well on your way to making an informed decision about whether this is the best breed for you. To help you, in this article, you will find practical information on keeping Dachshunds as pets. Here you’ll learn if you need a license to keep a Dachshund, if they get along well with other pets, how much it costs to keep a Dachshund as a pet, and some practical pros and cons for the breed.
Do You Need A License?
Before purchasing a Dachshund dog, you should be aware of the local licensing requirements that may affect it. The licensing requirements for dog owners vary from country to country, so you may need to do a little research on your own to determine if you need a dog license or not.
In the United States, there are no federal requirements for dog licensing – it is determined at the state level. While some states do not, most states require dog owners to license their dogs annually.
When you apply for a dog license, you will need to provide proof that your dog received a rabies vaccine. Dog licenses in the United States cost around $ 25 per year and can be renewed annually when you renew your dog’s rabies vaccine.
Even if your state doesn’t require you to license your dog, it’s still a good idea because it will help someone identify it if it’s lost so they can return it to you.
In the UK, the licensing requirements for dog owners are slightly different. The UK requires that all dog owners license their dogs and the license can be renewed every twelve months. The cost of licensing your dog in the UK is similar to that in the US, but you don’t need to vaccinate your dog against rabies.
In fact, rabies does not exist in the UK because it was eradicated through careful control measures. If you are traveling with your dog to or from the UK, you will need to obtain a special animal transfer license and your dog must undergo a period of quarantine to ensure that it does not bring the disease into the country.
How Many Dachshunds Should You Keep?
Some breeds of dogs are very sociable and prefer to stay home with other dogs. For Dachshunds, there is no clear answer on how they will interact with other dogs and whether they should be kept in homes with multiple dogs. Some Dachshund owners find that their dogs perform better in single-dog homes, but that they can get along with other dogs when they need it.
However, for some Dachshunds, having other dogs nearby can lead to an increase in unwanted behavior such as barking, especially if the Dachshund feels that it is not receiving enough attention.
If you plan to keep your Dachshund with other dogs, or if you want to get more than one Dachshund, your best option is to get all the dogs at the same time. Many dogs can learn to get along with other dogs when they are raised together from an early age.
Just make sure that all of your dogs receive socialization and training early; This will help minimize behavioral problems in the future.
Do Dachshunds Get Along Well With Other Pets?
Just as there is no clear answer regarding the Dachshund’s ability to get along with other dogs, there is no “yes” or “no” answer to the question about Dachshunds and other pets. It is important to note that Dachshunds were bred from terriers to some extent; This, in addition to the fact that they were developed to eliminate small games, means that they are likely to have strong prey.
Some Dachshunds will relentlessly chase cats and other small pets, while others show no interest in them. Your best bet is to raise your Dachshund with other pets from an early age to socialize with them.
Costs Of Owning
One of the most important things to ask yourself before bringing a new pet home is whether or not you can afford it. Dogs can be very expensive to buy, especially for purebreds, but you should also consider the monthly costs of food, veterinary care, and other expenses.
In this section, you will receive an overview of the initial costs and monthly costs to maintain Dachshund dogs so you can decide if it is the right pet for you. Make sure you can cover the initial and monthly costs before deciding to get a Dachshund.
Initial Costs
The initial costs for keeping a Dachshund dog include the costs that you must cover before you can bring your dog home. Some of the costs you will need to cover include your dog’s crate, food/water bowls, toys and accessories, the microchip, the initial vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery and grooming and nail trimming supplies, also includes the cost of the dog itself.
Purchase Price
Your highest initial expense will be the purchase price of your dog. Keep in mind that you will see a wide range of prices when buying Dachshund puppies and you shouldn’t be buying the cheapest puppy you can find, it probably came from a puppy mill or hobby breeder and could be carrying hereditary diseases.
Your best bet is to buy from an AKC registered breeder or find a breeder through a national or regional breed club. For a show-quality purebred Dachshund, you can expect to pay up to $1,500 (£1,350).
On the other hand, for a pet-quality dog, you can find one from an AKC breeder for $ 500 to $800 (£450 – £720). If you want to adopt an adult Dachshund from a rescue, your costs could be less than $200 (£180).
Crate
Because the Dachshund is such a small dog, you won’t need a very large box and you probably won’t need a different box for when your dog is a puppy and as an adult. The average cost of a small dog cage is around $30 (£19.50) in most cases.
Food / Water Bowls
In addition to providing your Dachshund with a crate, you should also ensure that it has a set of high-quality food and water bowls. The best materials for these are stainless steel because it is easy to clean and bacteria-free; ceramics is another good option. The average cost of a quality stainless steel bowl set is approximately $20 (£18).
Toys
Dachshunds are quite active dogs and tend to be destructive when bored. For this reason, you should have a wide variety of toys on hand to keep your Dachshund busy. For starters, you may want to budget a cost of $50 (£45) for toys just to make sure you have enough to last the puppy phase.
Microchipping
In the United States and the United Kingdom, there are no federal or state requirements that your dog should be microchipped, but it is a very good idea. Your Dachshund could slip out of its collar on a walk or lose its identification tag.
If someone finds you without identification, they can take you to a shelter to have your microchip scanned. A microchip is something that implants itself under your dog’s skin and carries a number linked to its contact information. The procedure takes only a few minutes and only costs around $30 (£19.50) in most cases.
Initial Vaccinations
During your dog’s first year of life, it will need several different vaccinations. If you buy your puppy from a reputable breeder, it may have had some already, but you will need more in the coming months, as well as booster shots each year. You should budget around $50 (£32.50) for initial vaccinations just to get ready.
Monthly Costs
Monthly costs for keeping a Dachshund as a pet include costs that are repeated monthly. The most important monthly cost to keep a dog is, of course, food. However, in addition to food, you will also have to think about things like grooming costs, annual license renewal, toy replacement, and vet exams.
Food and Treats
Feeding your Dachshund a healthy diet is very important to their health and well-being. A high-quality dog diet isn’t cheap, so you should be prepared to spend around $35 (£31.50) on a large bag of high-quality dog food that will last you at least a month. You should also include a monthly budget of approximately $10 (£9) for treats.
Grooming Costs
The cost of grooming your Dachshund will vary depending on the type of coat your dog has. Smooth Coated Dachshunds only need occasional brushing and bathing, while long-haired, wire-haired Dachshunds need frequent brushing and bathing, as well as occasional grooming.
To be prepared, you should budget enough for two professional grooming sessions per year. A single session will cost you around $40 (£36), so the cost of two sessions divided into 12 months is approximately $7 (£6.30) per month.
License Renewal
The cost to license your Dachshund will generally be approximately $ 25 (£ 16.25) and you can renew your license for the same price each year.
The 12-month license renewal fee is approximately $2 (£1.30) per month. If you are not sure that your dog is licensed, consider the expense of printing “lost dog” posters and the pain of having to search for your lost pet; You will find it worthwhile to spend a few extra dollars to get a dog license.
Veterinary Exams
To keep your Dachshund healthy, you should take him to the vet approximately every six months after the puppy passes his puppyhood. You may need to take it more often during the first 12 months to make sure you get your vaccinations on time. The average cost of a visit to the vet is approximately $40 (£26), so if you have two visits per year it averages approximately $7 (£4.55) per month.
Other Costs
In addition to the monthly costs for food, grooming, license renewal, and visits to your Dachshund’s vet, there are also some other costs you may have to pay occasionally. These costs can include things like worn toy replacements, a larger collar as your puppy grows, cleaning supplies, and more. You should budget around $15 (£9.75) per month for additional costs.
Pros And Cons Of Dachshunds
Before buying a new pet, no matter what type of pet it is, you need to make sure you understand the ups and downs. When you’re considering buying a Dachshund as a pet, it can be tempting to think only of the good things, but if you want to be really prepared, you should also think of the bad things.
Pros For The Dachshund Breed
- Their small size makes them a good option to live in an apartment or condo
living; you don’t need much exercise. - Unique appearance and choice of three different coat sizes and types for the breed.
- Smart and trainable for the most part, although some can become stubborn at times.
- The short coat variety is very easy to groom.
- Very loyal to the family, some form very strong bonds with one person.
- Alert and active are generally a good watchdog because they bark at strangers.
Cons For The Dachshund Breed
- Barking can become a problem, especially with strangers.
- Some Dachshunds do not get along well with children, especially young children.
- It may develop a stubborn streak during training and sometimes it can be difficult to housebreak.
- Some Dachshunds develop behavioral problems like digging, especially if they are bored.
- Can develop possessive tendencies with toys, especially if other dogs are present.