14 Aug Interesting Facts about the Dachshund Breed

If you also love small and dwarf dogs, you have probably heard the name a dachshund dog. The dachshund dog is also called a sausage dog because of his long body. He’s a short and cute breed that’s a perfect choice as a pet dog. Of course, this dog needs special care and maintenance to be always healthy and cheerful. In this article, we would like to introduce you to the dwarf Dachshund breed and talk about his history, appearance, behavioral characteristics, and how to maintain and care for him. So stay tuned.

History of the Dachshund breed

The primary origin of the dachshund dog is in Germany, and this breed’s breeding has started seriously since the 17th century. This breed was originally a hunting dog, and just like the Basset Hound breed in France, he was used with his owner to follow and find prey. Many people even know this dog as a sausage dog because of his appearance. The word Dachshund is derived from the German word Dachs, which means badger, and hunds means hunting dog. This dog was named because the dachshund was used for hunting badgers. In addition, this breed looks very similar to badgers in terms of his muscular, strong body and short legs. Short legs, broad and a big chest, high will, and inherent independence of this dog are perfect for digging holes and tunnels to find and hunt badgers.

Dachshunds were later brought to America in early 1885 and recognized as a dog breed by the American Kennel Club (AKC). But the fame and popularity of this dog happened in the 1930s and 1940s. Today, this dog breed is one of the most popular domestic dogs in America and around the world, and it’s considered one of the most famous short-haired dog breeds.

The appearance and characteristics of the dachshund dog

These dogs look so special and unique that they can’t be confused with other dogs. Their short legs and long body give them a distinctive appearance, and that’s why they’re called sausage dogs. Dachshunds have a muscular body and a stable and broad chest that helps them to dig holes and tunnels. These dogs can live about 12-13 years if they’re well taken care of.

Dachshund hair grooming

There are three different types of hair in this breed:

• Short-haired Dachshund
• Wirehaired Dachshund
• Long-haired dachshund

The short-haired dachshund breed has straight, shiny, short hair and needs little care. Brushing his hair once a week will help remove dust and excess hair and make it look more beautiful.

The wire-haired dachshund results from combining and mating the Steiner + Dandie Dinmont and the short-haired dachshund. The body hair of this type of dachshund, except for the face and ears, is very rough and thick. So it’s called wire hair! This hair needs a lot of attention and care; Because if you don’t brush it regularly, it may get tangled and become felt.

The long-haired dachshund was born from the mating of the short-haired dachshund and the spaniel dog. He has long, wavy and soft hair. The hair of this type of dog also needs regular brushing to keep his beautiful, wavy, and magnificent appearance.

Moral characteristics

Despite his small appearance, this short breed is courageous and bold. He isn’t afraid of animals more significant than himself. Some of these dogs may be aggressive towards strangers and other dogs, Especially if they weren’t socialized well in childhood. Dachshunds are family dogs; they’re incredibly loyal and good watchdogs. If this breed is trained correctly, he has a good and friendly relationship with children. Of course, this dog is a bit stubborn, and his training may be challenging. Some people believe that the temperament and moral characteristics of different types of dachshund dogs are other. For example, long-haired dachshund dogs are calmer; But short hair types are more playful and more interested in going out and outdoors.

Essential points about keeping a dachshund breed

Dachshunds can be a bit stubborn and difficult to train. In the first step, it’s necessary to start training them by using a cage and a dog park. This breed is brilliant and has an independent and playful spirit. For this reason, he may be a little mischievous and not listen to you soon. You must be patient, decisive, and serious in training this dog and teach him the necessary training with perseverance, practice, and repetition. These dogs were created to dig holes and find badgers; Therefore, they have unique behavioral characteristics such as burrowing and hunting instincts.

Despite his small size, the sausage dog has a booming and robust voice and loves to bark. The dachshund breed is highly prone to obesity and overweight; if you aren’t careful about his diet, he will quickly get fat. Obesity harms the short joints of the legs and the sensitive back and causes many problems for him. This breed is prone to lumbar disc problems that may cause paralysis and difficulty walking. Therefore, don’t let your dog jump from a great height and take care of his back and spine when you hug him. This breed becomes attached to one person and is very suspicious of strangers due to his hunting instinct. So, it’s necessary to socialize him well from a young age so that he learns friendly behavior.

Keeping a dachshund dog in the apartment

This short and cute dog easily adapts to life in the house and apartment; However, because he used to be a hunting dog, he also enjoys being outdoors. But the vital thing you need to know about this dog is that dachshunds love to bark, and their voices are thunderous for their size! However, if you teach your dog the “quiet” command from a young age, you can prevent his barking to a large extent.

Physical activity of dachshund dogs

Although this breed is very energetic and playful, due to his bones and short legs, you shouldn’t perform vigorous activities, especially jumping from a height, because it may damage the spine and back and the sensitive joints of his legs. A gentle walk with a collar and all kinds of exciting games in the yard is enough for this dog.

Training

Dachshunds are brilliant dogs, and they understand what you mean quickly. This breed has an independent and free nature and may be stubborn and obstinate initially and may not listen to you. Also, due to his hunting instinct, this dog is inherently pessimistic and suspicious of strangers and doesn’t have a friendly relationship with them.

Punishment and fighting isn’t proper training method at all, and worse, they will make your dog more stubborn. The best way to train a dachshund and any other dog is to use positive confirmation; Instead of fighting him for doing something wrong, encourage him to do the right thing and give him a treat. In addition, you should socialize with this breed from a young age and introduce him to strangers, other dogs, and animals to associate with him. If you do this, your dog will behave well and be friendly with strangers and other animals as an adult.

Racial diseases

Dachshund dogs, like other breeds, are susceptible to some diseases. You can prevent many diseases with primary care and maintenance, proper and high-quality nutrition, complete and timely vaccination, and regular vet visits. Most breed diseases of dachshunds are due to bone structure, short legs, and long-shouldered body. The short legs of this dog, which is the main reason for his popularity, can cause many problems and discomforts.

• Intervertebral disc disease(IVDD):
• Progressive retinal atrophy
• Patella dislocation of the dog’s knee
• Epilepsy
• Thyroid problems
• Cushing’s syndrome in dogs
• All kinds of allergies and skin sensitivities
• Obesity and overweight

Nutrition

Dwarf dachshund dogs are highly prone to obesity and overweight. Due to their bones and short legs, they will suffer from joint and spine problems if they get fat. Therefore, it’s vital to choose a high-quality and suitable diet for your dog that, while providing the necessary energy and nutritional needs, doesn’t cause obesity. In addition, you can make homemade food for your dog. But it’s essential to note that you must balance the composition, amount, and type of raw materials; Otherwise, it will cause nutritional and digestive problems such as malnutrition in the long run. Each dog has different dietary needs; for example, in each period of life (adolescence, adulthood, and old age), he needs exceptional food.

To wrap up

The Dachshund breed is a German hunting dog with many fans because of his unique appearance and short legs. This dog is very loving and loyal. Because of his strong sense of protection towards his owner, he doesn’t behave well with strangers, So it’s vital to train him from childhood and make him social. To have a healthy and lively dog, you need to pay attention to nutrition, activity, health, grooming, etc. You can prevent the disease and have a healthy dog in this case. In all these steps, you can count on the specialized team of MishkaGrooming. Our experienced and precise groomers have carefully and accurately groomed your dogs, so they count the moments for the next session.