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Introduction

The Dachshund (sometimes referred to as the Doxie or Wiener-Dog) is one of the more popular dogs in the USA, especially among those living in apartments and smaller dwellings. They come in two sizes: standard and miniature and three distinct coat types: smooth long and wirehaired. Their long elongated body, short legs, powerful paws and wondeful floppy ears make the one of the easiest breeds to recognize.

History

The Dachshund originated in Germany by inter-breeding various hounds and terriers in an effort to produce a hound with the digging abilities of a terrier. Their primary purpose was to hunt badgers, foxes and rabbits. During the late 19th century they became popular with royalty. Nowadays the breed is a popular choice for those living in apartments and urban areas.

Temperament

Dachshunds are usually described as loyal and devoted dogs, but they can be wary of strangers and quite hostile at times. Doxies are very much a pack dog and fret when separated from their owners for a long time. They require their owner to pay plenty of attention to them, but will be equally affectionate in return.

Coat

Doxies have 3 types of coat. Short-haired - a short smooth coat, long-haired - a long silky coat with feathering on the legs and ears and the not so common wirehaired variety. Typical colors are shades of cream to red, black and tan, tan and chocolate and tan and blue, which can be dappled or bindled.

Do Doxies do well in Apartments?

Dachshunds will do very well in apartments if not left alone for long periods of time and given plenty of exercise. It may not be a good breed for an apartment dweller who is out most of the day. One of the most popular apartment dogs.

Barking

Some bark quite a lot and may need training to stop, while others will not bark much at all Many dachshunds do not like unfamiliar people, and many will growl or bark at them. They are highly confident dogs and tend to bark at strange dogs to let their presence be known - even when the other dog is much larger.

Do Doxies Get Along With Children & Other Pets?

The Dachshund usually gets along very well with children and other dogs. However, some may have problems with smaller animals - remember they were bred to hunt foxes, rabbits and badgers, so you need to be very careful if you have small mammals around the house. They will usually get along with cats if they have been socialized with them from an early age.

Exercising a Dachshund

These dogs are full of energy, but have short legs so a couple of short walks a day is usually good enough for them. A medium sized yard is a bonus for these adorable creatures- they love to run around and check this out - always following an interesting scent, Remember they are diggers, so if you are going to leave them alone in the back yard - it better be secure.

How to Groom a Dachshund

The amount of grooming a Dachshund requires really depends on the type of breed you own. The short haired variety is easy to groom while the long haired and wire haired varieties will take more effort. The best way to groom the wire haired Dachshund is to do in in 3 stages. First go over the dog with a pin brush, then brush it again with a bristle brush and finish with a rubber bush to remove any remaining dead hairs.

Doxie and Shedding

The dachshund sheds all year as the old hair to fall out and new hair to grow, however they are not heavy shedders.

Doxie Health Problems?

Back problems are probably the greatest worry of most Dachshunds - their long spine in relation to their height makes them prone to back injuries. They can also suffer from some hereditary conditions such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy, Cushing’s syndrome and epilepsy.

Are Doxies Intelligent?

Dachshund have an average intelligence when compared to most breeds. The main thing holding them back from learning is their independent nature, and the fact that they can be easily distracted.

Dachshund

They are not that easy to train due to the fact they have a 'hound mentality' and can be easily distracted, but persistence and patience by the owner usually pays off. Even when fully trained they can still be easily distracted if they feel they have something better to do than obey the owners command. They have a reputation to be difficult to house train.