Guide to Dachshund

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Time to read: 8 mins

Key Stats

Life expectancy: 10-12 years old

Height: 20- 27 cm

Weight: 10-12 kg

About Dachshunds

Dachshunds were first bred in Germany where they are known as ‘Badger Dog’. They were first bred to be scent hounds used in hunting. Nowadays, they can still be used to hunt small game but are seen more as family pets and great show dogs. The winner of Crufts 2020 was a wire-haired Dachshund called Maisie. Dachshunds are fun loving characters, affectionate and loyal. They are well-known for their short legs and long bodies, which is where they got the nickname “sausage dog” from.

Factors to consider

Dachshund puppies are not allowed to jump on or off surfaces as it could damage their backs. They need to be monitored at all times to make sure this does not occur. They form strong bonds with their humans and do not like being left alone for longer than a couple of hours and can get separation anxiety.

brown dachshund

Temperament

Their loving nature has made them a very popular dog to have. Dachshunds have been known to have favourites and can form a strong bond with one specific family member. They will make their favourite apparent by following you around the house and choosing you for a snuggle over everyone else. Although they are loving to their owners, they can be quite aggressive around strangers. Dachshunds need proper socialisation and training. If they are not socialised correctly, they have been known to become snappy and bark excessively.

Ease of training

They are very intelligent and can learn new tricks quickly. They are energetic and love being out playing with their owner, but they can be tricky to handle and housetrain. They have been known to have a mind of their own accompanied by stubbornness. That is not to say they can’t be taught obedience. They are not the best option for first time pet owners. Dachshunds need someone who is used to them and has experience with teaching them to be obedient. They are not a fan of strangers and can be very protective over their house and family when strangers are around.

Dachshund puppy

Price to Own a Pug

Dachshunds are very popular which increases the price. A Kennel Club Registered Dachshund will cost between £1000 and £2000. You might find Dachshunds that are cheaper but if the price is much lower, they might not have been bred responsibly. When possible adopt, don’t shop. There are other costs throughout the year to include too. Some of these include:

Exercise

They are prone to obesity. Their weight should be managed to make sure they do not put on too much weight. Fortunately, they enjoy playing with the owners and can be enticed into doing some exercise to maintain a healthy weight and keep mentally and physically fit.

Dachshund

Grooming

Depending on the type of hair your Dachshund has their grooming needs will vary. There are three different types of Dachshunds; smooth haired, wire-haired and longhaired.

Shorthaired Dachshunds need a brushing, bathing and a bit of a trim every now and then. They do not require regular professional grooming as you can do most of it yourself if you would like to.

The longhaired Dachshunds grooming does require more attention. Because of the length of their hair it is prone to getting tangled and matting, especially around the ears. They are going to require daily brushing to keep their fur maintained with a thorough brush every couple of weeks to remove knots. Removing mats can be painful for you dog. If you do not feel comfortable brushing the mats out of your Dachshunds hair they can be taken to a groomer for it to be done professionally.

Wire haired Dachshunds fur differs from the other two. They need to be “stripped” twice a year. This process includes using a stripping knife to remove the topcoat of fur leaving the soft undercoat. Pin-wire coats do not need to be stripped at all. Their fur does not shed too much and is fairly low maintenance. They need to be brushed and bathed every couple of weeks.

medical conditions

Medical Conditions

1.Intervertebral Disc Disease or IVDD mild to severe neck or back pain

The disc between the vertebrae slip or move to press on the spinal cord. This is diagnosed by clinical signs, CT or MRI scans

2.Glaucoma

Pressure change inside the eye can cause severe pain and an enlarged eye. This can be treated medically or removing the eye.

3. Epilepsy and Seizures

Often Idiopathic meaning there is no known cause. Treatment is lifelong medication.

4. Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS) or Dry Eye

This condition is a deficiency in the water production of the tear film of the eye. Dry and inflamed eyes require topical treatment.

5. Acanthosis Nigricans

The disease usually appears between 3 and 12 months of age and causes an increase in the dark pigment melanin in the skin. This change can increase the chance of bacterial and fungal infections of the skin.

Insurance

If your Dachshund is purchased from a trusted breeder you should have access to the medical history of both parents. Having this information will prepare you for some conditions your puppy could have. It is a good idea to insure your Dachshund from a puppy as younger animals are cheaper to insure. This is largely due to the fact that they are less likely to require treatment and have no claims made for them. Often conditions do not show up until later in life. Insuring your Dachshund from a young age will mean any issues that may arise will be covered through your insurance provider. While genetics can give you an idea of what conditions your dog may have, there could be medical bills that are not foreseen.

Although it is recommended to insure your Dachshund from a young age it is not required as older dogs can get insurance too.

See how we can help you to insure your Dachshund today.

Dachshund

Dachshund of Instagram

Pets on Instagram are big news, there are accounts for every conceivable pet of every conceivable breed. Here at Scratch & Patch we love @martha_dachshund, @montyminidachshund and @dolly.dapple.dachshund who keep us up to date with the trials and tribulations of their 4-legged friends.

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