The Dachshund
“Sausage Dog” “Teckel”

Dog breed info
Dachshund “Doxie”
Weight: Miniature Under 11 lbs
Weight: Standard 16 — 32 lbs
Height, Miniature 5” — 6”
Height, Standard 8” — 9”
AKC Rank 2008 #7
Lifespan: 15—18 yrs
Group Hound
Origin Germany

• Doxie Breeders And Rescue Groups
• Health, Dog Illness, Medical For The Doxie

NOTICE — The DOG BOOK Isle is being revised and so far, 7 pages are now online for you.

Dog Breed Info — The Dachshund

A very busy black Dachshud
racing across an open field.

Breed Overview

The original function of the “Doxie” was to flush badgers and rabbits out for hunters. The dog is low enough to the ground to go into caves and other low places including holes and burrows.

With over 300 pages, the “Everything Dachshund” book covers just about everything for the “would-be” and present owners. From adopting the right one to caring for and training and understanding your Dachshund, this book has it all in breed-specific terms. The book is rated 4-1/2 stars with mostly excellent reviews by customers who bought the book.

Difficult. The breed is strong-willed and can be quite stubborn, set in his ways. PATIENCE and REPETITION will pay off. Stubborn dogs require time but do best with clicker training and positive reinforcement training. A clicker will only cost around $3 at your pet store and the method is very simple. Give this a try.

A rescued “Doxie” in a new pasture!

Crate Training

Want to crate train your Doxie? It’s easy and if you’re interested, take a look and you’ll see what to do. Crate training your puppy will save many headaches and problems.

Potty Training

Some Docie’s and puppies can be difficult to house train, potty train, toilet train, housebreak or whatever you want to call it. If you have a puppy, decide if you want to crate or paper potty train it. For the best results, we have a page at Crate vs Paper Potty Training so you decide and from there you can get all the information you need to get the job done. Always praise the pup profusely when she goes potty in the RIGHT PLACE so she knows she has done a good thing. Either method will work for this breed.

If you have an older dog, take the dog outside every two hours until she gets the idea which door leads to her potty area. Older dogs catch on to the potty or housebreaking pretty fast once they are shown what to do.

This breed is bold and curious. He likes to HUNT AND DIG. They track by scent. This dog is independent but wants to be part of family activities. The Dachshund may snap at strangers or at least be reserved. Some bark.

The long haired Dachies may be quieter and less “terrier like.” The wirehair version is more outgoing and noisy. Miniatures are more likely to be timid.

If you happen to get a Dachshund or any size with a separation anxiety problem, that can be dealt with by investing a few hours of work on your part and some “tough love.”

Friendly Toward Other Dogs

Moderately so. We meet Dachs on the trails and they mix with other dogs around us.

Friendly Toward Other Pets

Varies. This could be a problem.

Friendly Toward Strangers

No, they have a hard time meeting strangers. Barking and backing off is what I’ve noticed most often. If the dog was socialized properly at a very young age, he gets on better in public.

Playfulness

Not overly playful. They are better companions than playmates. Dachshunds are fun-loving and quite energetic around family, but not really “playful” as such.

“Sausage And A Bone”
A Dachshund enjoys the unmistakable flavor of an old bone.

This is a kind, gentle dog, loving, actually. They are a bit temperamental but loyal to family.

The Dachshund is good with children in it’s own family but may snap at strange kids. Advise older kids only and no rough play, as the back and spine of the ‘Dachshund is easily damaged. A child falling across the back of the dog could inflict permanent, serious harm.

Good with Seniors over 65?

Yes, good choice for a senior, but watch that longevity! If you get a puppy that will live 18 years and you are 75 now, you’re asking for a problem.

Living environment

Apartment, farm, city life are all OK. Not terribly sensitive to hot and cold so air conditioning not necessary. It is ideal if you have a doggie door leading into a fenced yard. THIS IS NOT AN OUTDOOR DOG! Top

Energy level

Pretty energetic little dog. “6 bars out of 10” (This breed has done a lot of hunting so has stamina.)

Exercise needs don’t match the energy level. The Dachshund can do with just normal play around the house or yard and maybe a moderate walk on leash each day.

Excellent! The Dachshund is very alert and quite a mouth! He’ll let you know loud and clear when something is not right!

No. He’s built too close to the floor to do any damage to an intruder.

Yes. Short hair (smooth) and wire versions shed quite a lot.

Longhair, some shedding.

Brush the smooth and wire coat versions 2 or 3 times a week to get out loose, dead hair out.

Longhair Dachshunds can be brushed every few days to prevent mats and tangles in the coat.

Dachshund with her rubber chicken.
No paws are touching the ground.

The book on the right is by the American National Red Cross and deals with dog emergencies, illnesses and injuries. It’s a valuable reference manual for all dog owners. Vol 2, 2008, includes a DVD.

In the event you decide to go looking for Dachshund puppies, be SURE to find reputable breeders that really know what they are doing. Be sure the puppy has been well socialized and started in obedience training.
Dachshund Breeders with puppies for sale.

Dachshund Rescue

In the event you are seriously considering the adoption of a Dachshund and are looking for a Dachshund rescue group or groups in your state, here are several links that might help:
Petfinder – Dog Rescue – (Nationwide) Before you adopt a dog, be sure to read the dog breed info above and always keep in mind dog health when getting a new pup.
Adopt A Pet This is an interesting site that may give you some ideas. It’s worth checking out. There are Dachshund rescue groups by state online and don’t forget your local pound and other kennels.

This is basically a healthy breed. Don’t let the list below scare you! Your own dog will probably never have ANY of these problems. These are dog health and medical issues this breed is prone to that have been listed by various veterinarians at different times over the past decade or so and some pertain to puppies and very young dogs that a breeder would deal with.

The information contained herein has been gathered from numerous books by veterinarians and is intended as general information only. Every dog and situation is different. You must see your vet. Our information is for general interest only and not intended to replace the advice provided by your own veterinarian.

Intervertebral disc disease—Biochemical changes in a young dog of certain breeds can cause at least one diseased or mineralized disc in the spine of a dog. A disc that is not functioning properly will cause pain, problems walking, stumbling, severe neck pain and even paralysis. The Dachshund has an 80% chance of having this problem. Treatments can go from non-invasive doses of anti-inflammatory steroids, muscle relaxants and bed-rest to surgery. Pain meds are also given as needed. Mess with the spine and you have a serious situation and it’s tough on the dog!!