Dachshund Dog Breed Information

Dachshund Coat

The Dachshund comes in three different varieties. The Smooth Haired Dachshund, Wirehaired Dachshund, and the Longhaired Dachshund. He also comes in two different sizes being standard and miniature. The Longhaired Dachshund has a long and straight coat, with hair slightly feathered and longer on the underbelly, ears, chest, and legs. The Smooth Coat has a straight, smooth, short, and glossy coat that should all be of equal length along the body of the dog. The Wirehaired has a coat of broken appearance with wiry, coarse, and harsh hair.

Dachshund Character

Dachshunds are a very clownish breed and can be very mischievous at times. A very intuitive dog, the Dachshund is now most commonly seen as a companion rather than a hunter. This breed loves to be around people and should never exhibit signs of aggression or timidity. The Dachshund is an all around friendly dog, is very outgoing, and is sure to steal the hearts of everyone he meets.

Dachshund Temperament

The Dachshund is a fun loving dog, tenacious, and lively, but can become jealous and be very irritable. This breed does not do well with smaller children, but can do very well with older and more considerate children. Due to his small size and tiny legs, this breed should not be placed in a home with larger dogs unless they were raised around each other. The Dachshund has the tendency to become jealous, however can do very well with many other toy breeds in the home providing they are not snippy.

Dachshund Care

The Long Haired variety requires quite a bit of grooming. Being that this dog is so low to the ground, he is prone to getting burrs, sticks, and twigs stuck in his coat which should be removed daily if any are present. Brushing of the coat should be done on a regular basis to prevent tangling and/or matting. The Smooth Haired variety doesn't require much grooming and would respond well to an occasional wipe down with a damp towel, or a harsh towel to remove any dead or loose hair.

Dachshund Activity

The Dachshund can be lively and vivacious, however he does not need much exercise. A short walk per day would suffice for this short-bodied breed. The Dachshund tends to tire out easily so any exercise provided should be given at different times rather than one long walk. This breed is prone to back problems so high jumping and/or running should never be allowed.

Dachshund Health and Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of the Dachshund is around 12-15 years, and there is a number of health problems linked to this breed. This includes cataracts, diabetes, epilepsy, spinal problems, luxating patella, PRA, elbow dysplasia, and obesity. The parents of the Dachshund puppy should have OFA and CERF certificates.