Fall in Love with a Dachshund

Adorable, clever, and affectionate- the Dachshund makes a wonderful pet as well as hunting dog. Historians believe that sometime during the early 5th century B.C. Dachshunds were first bred to be trained to hunt field game. In fact, the name Dachshund is German for badger dog. The history of the Dachshund in believed to be traced back also to Egyptian times during the 12th dynasty, but this is often questioned by historians who believe it was first bred in Europe during the 5th century B.C.

There are three varieties of Dachshund dogs. The types of breed are smooth haired, wire haired, and long haired. Each breed has a standard size and miniature. The standard size Dachshund weighs between 11 and 25 pounds, while the miniature weighs no more than 11 pounds. The Smooth Haired Dachshund has a bold and brash personality, while the long haired has a softer and quieter character. The Wire Haired Dachshund is considered the clown of this dog family.

The Dachshund was bred to hunt small game like rabbits, fox, birds, and wild boar. During the early 19th century German immigrants imported this dog breed to the United States, and in 1885 the Dachshund breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club. The Dachshund is probably the most affectionate breed of all the dogs. You will never find a more loyal or loving dog. During World War II interest in the Dachshund died almost completely because of German opposition. Today, the Dachshund is the third most popular breed in the United States.

Dachshund Puppies

Dachshund puppies are typically sold within 8-12 weeks of age. This gives the puppies enough time to socialize with their litter mates. During this time they are also weaned from their mother. Dachshunds make a wonderful pet for anyone because they are gentle with children and quite loving towards all. They are also very loyal and will protect you when in need. Although Dachshunds are smaller than most dogs they think they are just like everyone else. Even though they are quite small they have big bold personalities.

When Dachshunds are puppies they sleep about 90% of the day, like most babies. The Dachshund breed is very intelligent making them very trainable at a young age. In fact, training your dachshund from the time they are a puppy is recommended because they may be harder to train as they get older. All dachshunds, no matter what breed or age have their natural hunting instincts. Don't be surprised if you have to yell at them out the window to put down the rabbit in the back yard.

Dachshunds don't understand long sentences so you have to use short, concise demands with them. These dogs are exceptionally smart and once you get a Dachshund they will steal your heart forever. Dachshunds should grow to be long, low, and level. Dachshunds have the shortest legs of any dog in the hound family. Their legs are typically called wrap around because when they walk it looks like they are wrapping around the sides of their body. Dachshunds should grow to have defined waist line and it is easily recognizable if they are overweight.

Medical Issues

Because the back of Dachshund is longer than the rest of their body it is quite characteristic of the breed to have back problems. If you ask any Dachshund owner what medical problems their dog has it is almost certain they will say back problems. Because of the length of the dogs back there is increased pressure and pain as they age. Disc degeneration is very common in the Dachshund breed.

There is a minimally evasive surgery that your Dachshund can get to prevent recurrence or future back problems. The surgery inserts needles into the degenerative discs and removes the decay. In more evasive surgeries the discs are removed and replaced with plastic and steel, but this can cause immense muscle pain for the Dachshund because of extended surgery time. The back surgery that this breed of dog often receives is the same type of surgery that is practiced in human beings.

Dachshund Rescue

Like many popular breeds, there are many Dachshunds that need to be rescued because of abandonment. Many people do not realize that caring for a Dachshund is a great deal of responsibility that lasts almost half of our lifetime. Dachshunds live for many years and as they age they are in need of greater and more personalized care from not only their owners but veterinarians too.

There are hundreds of websites across the United States and Europe dedicated to Dachshund rescue and care. The Dachshund in a highly unique and individual breed and their future is looking bright due to their popular demand and advancing care technology.