Aug 1, 2024

Discover Everything About Dachshunds: The Ultimate Guide to Caring for Your Wiener Dog

About the Author:
Lisa Papageras is a Digital Marketing Manager for Doggie Dailies. She is a devoted "dog mom" and animal rights advocate. Her dog, "Magic", just celebrated the anniversary of his rescue adoption date. His Doggie Dailies favorites are Advanced Probiotics and Advanced Hip & Joint Supplements.

Whether you call them wiener dogs, sausage dogs, doxies, or their proper name, dachshunds, these adorable pups are instantly recognizable thanks to their distinct long bodies and short legs. Known for their playful, curious, and spirited nature, dachshunds make excellent companions and family pets.

Keep reading for all you need to know about dachshunds, plus some fun facts that will make you love them even more!

What Are Dachshunds?

The dachshund is a member of the hound group and is famous for its unique appearance, which was designed for a very specific purpose: hunting. Dachshunds come in three different coat types: longhaired, wirehaired, and smooth. While the most common colors are reddish-brown and black with tan markings, dachshunds can come in a variety of colors and patterns, including dapple and piebald.

There are two recognized sizes of dachshunds: standard and miniature. Standard dachshunds typically weigh between 16 and 32 pounds, while miniature dachshunds weigh 11 pounds or less.

Fun Fact: Did you know that dachshunds have a ferocious bark despite their small size? They make excellent watchdogs, alerting you to strangers even before they’ve had a chance to ring the doorbell.

History of the Dachshund: From Badger Hunter to Beloved Pet

The dachshund’s history goes back over 600 years. Originally bred in Germany, they were designed to dig out badgers, a task they excelled at thanks to their long, low bodies. Their name literally means “badger dog” — with “dach” meaning badger and “hund” meaning dog.

Beyond badgers, dachshunds were also used for hunting larger animals, such as wild boar and deer. Their tenacity and fearlessness make them remarkable hunters, and even today, many dachshunds retain those same bold instincts.

The breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1885, which helped establish them as a favorite among American dog lovers.

Temperament and Personality: What to Expect from a Dachshund

Dachshunds are well-loved for their loyal and playful personalities. Here's what you can expect when living with a dachshund:

Loyal and protective: Dachshunds are alert watchdogs, often barking at strangers until they’re familiar.
Playful and spirited: These dogs love to play and bring energy to any household. Don’t be surprised if they demand attention, especially when they think they’ve earned it!
Stubborn yet smart: While highly intelligent, dachshunds can be a bit stubborn, so consistent training is key. They respond best to positive reinforcement such as treats and praise.

Training Tip: Due to their high intelligence and strong will, dachshunds benefit from early socialization and training. They tend to get along well with other pets but can be a bit possessive over toys or attention.

How to Care for Your Dachshund

Caring for a dachshund is not overly complicated, but like all pets, they require attention and proper care to ensure they live a long, healthy life.

Nutritional Needs
One of the most important aspects of dachshund care is managing their weight. Due to their long backs, dachshunds are prone to obesity, which can lead to serious back problems. Maintaining a healthy weight through portion control and balanced meals is essential to prevent conditions like spinal cord compression and herniated discs.

Grooming
The grooming needs of a dachshund depend on their coat type:

Longhaired dachshunds need regular brushing to prevent tangles and matting.
Wirehaired dachshunds require plucking 2-3 times a year and regular eyebrow and beard trimming.
Smooth-coated dachshunds are low-maintenance, needing just occasional wiping with a grooming mitt.

Pro Tip: Regardless of coat type, all dachshunds need their nails trimmed monthly.

Exercise
Although small, dachshunds are energetic and require regular exercise to stay healthy. On average, they need 45-60 minutes of physical activity each day, which can be split into two or more sessions. This exercise helps prevent obesity, maintain muscle strength, and keep their joints healthy.

Mental Stimulation Tip: Dachshunds also need mental stimulation, so include interactive play and training sessions in their routine. Games like fetch and teaching new tricks will help keep them sharp.

Common Health Issues in Dachshunds

While dachshunds are generally healthy and can live 12-16 years, they are prone to certain health problems, particularly related to their unique body structure:

Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): This degenerative disease can cause pain, loss of mobility, and even paralysis. It’s important to avoid letting your dachshund jump off high places like stairs or furniture to reduce the risk of back injuries.
Obesity: Extra weight can stress their spine, making it crucial to maintain a healthy diet and exercise routine.
Ear Infections: Dachshunds' floppy ears are adorable, but they can also trap dirt and moisture, leading to infections if not cleaned regularly.

Fun Facts About Dachshunds

Here are some quirky and fun facts about dachshunds that you may not know:

Three coat types: Longhaired, wirehaired, and smooth-coated dachshunds each have different temperaments.
World Records: Two dachshunds have held the Guinness World Record for the “World’s Oldest Living Dog.”
Famous dachshunds: Picasso’s dog, Lump, and Andy Warhol’s dachshund, Archie, were both famous canine companions.

Are You Ready to Adopt a Dachshund?

Dachshunds are loyal, fun, and spirited companions that can make a great addition to your family. If you’re considering adopting one, be sure to check out reputable organizations like Dachshund Rescue of North America or the Dachshund Club of America to find a loving dachshund to welcome into your home.

Whether you're drawn to their iconic appearance, fascinating history, or lovable personalities, dachshunds make wonderful pets. Their loyal and spirited nature, combined with their intelligent minds, ensures that they will provide you with many years of joy and companionship.

Engage with Us!

Do you have a Dachshund or are you considering adopting one? Share your experiences and questions in the comments below! And don’t forget to share this article with fellow Doxie lovers.