We love our dogs, that's a given. But with Dachshund owners that
devotion reaches new heights. It's easy to see why when you understand that
Dachshunds are special in many ways.
The name, translated from the German means 'badger dog' as Dachshunds
were originally bred in the early 1600s to hunt badgers. The long body and
short legs of the Dachshund were ideal for burrowing into tunnels in pursuit
of their quarry. The other required attributes for such a career were
aggression and fearlessness, and those characteristics can still be present in
the breed today. Many Dachsie owners will attest to the feisty personality of
their dogs.
That feisty nature can be a positive or negative. Dogs with an
independent streak can make great companions, since they are also curious and
playful with lots of energy and a willingness to try new things. Independence
can also become willfulness and may mean that training them requires extra
patience and skill. The breed is more inclined than many to strive for alpha
status in the household. Establishing the human as boss may require some
tenacity.
Training must always be appropriate to the breed's mental and physical
attributes. With their long bodies and short legs, Dachshunds are much more
prone to spinal problems than other breeds. They weigh between 10-30 lbs and
are 9 inches high at the shoulder. Toy varieties are quite a bit smaller,
often under 8 lbs and only 5 inches high. Their average lifespan is 13-17
years.
Their assertive nature sometimes manifests as a tendency to become
over-excitable, and Dachsies can be relentless barkers. This is where your
training skills will be tested as there is no point in yelling or trying to
dominate your Dachshund with your superior size and strength. Calm headed
persistence and repetition are your best assets if you are to avoid making the
Dachsie fearful, or worse, hostile and aggressive in response to your efforts.
With some tolerance and a kind approach, your Dachshund will become an
excellent pet and companion.
There are three Dachshund varieties - Smooth-Coats, Wire-Coats and
Long-Haired, and all three have different personaities.
Smooth-haired Dachshunds more often attach themselves to a single family
member. While they will tolerate other humans, they tend to be stand-offish
and wary of other animals. The Wire-Haired is usually more playful and
outgoing. Long-haired Dachsies tend to be a little more placid. Though, like
any Dachshund, they are up for a game of fetch whenever the opportunity exists.
Raising any dog is a challenge, and you must be available and attentive
to have a healthy and happy pet no matter what breed you choose. Dachshund
owners are often crazy about their dogs and will stick with the breed for a
lifetime, knowing that the rewards far outweigh the challenges. Dachshunds are
extremely affectionate and very loyal, just like their humans.