Having a Dachshund in Your Family

More commonly known as a wiener dog for their long skinny bodies, a dachshund has an interesting history, and one that will explain their silly habits as a domestic pet. The dachshund breed is known to be a German breed, but can also be traced back to ancient Egypt times as well. As a working dog, dachshunds were primarily used as hunting dogs for badgers and other small animals that live in holes. They were also know to hunt such animals as rabbits and foxes, and have been a part of royalty families including that of Queen Victoria. Having a dachshund as a family pet can be both rewarding and challenging as with all dogs, dachshunds have specific needs to be happy and healthy.

Dachshunds come in two different sizes. Standard and miniature. A standard sized dachshund can typically weigh anywhere from 15-30lbs while a miniature can weigh roughly 10lbs. But the funny thing is with this breed, they really don't know how small they are! A typical dachshund has a long slender body and short stubby legs with a thick chest that will be finely toned. Because of their short legs, most dachshunds have found resourceful ways to use their feet more like hands than any other dog, and will not let their size defeat their ability to move around. Dachshunds come in a variety of colors and markings with three distinct hair types; Smooth haired, long haired or wire haired.

Some of the personality traits to keep in mind when deciding to get a dachshund are that they would rather be socially involved than left alone for any length of time. Dachshunds are very loyal to their owners and can become destructive and aggressive if not properly socialized and cared for. Because of their size and need for attention, dachshunds make great traveling dogs. They are sweet lovers, and make great lap dogs but they also like to climb under blankets and sleep in spaces that resemble dark holes. The energy level of a dachshund can vary from dog to dog, some are more playful and some are more laid back, but either way these dogs are fun loving and full of personality.

Because of their long spines, dachshunds are known to have back problems. One of the best ways to help prevent this is by keeping them active and avoiding obesity. You may also want to discourage them from jumping up to high places and using stairs excessively. One of the easiest ways to help them is by carrying them up and down stairs and putting a stool or steps next to your bed or couch so they can get up and down with ease.

I personally think that having as I like to call them, a 'wiener dog' can be a wonderful addition to any family that is active and connected. Weiner dogs enjoy being part of the family on a regular basis and are not the type of dog to leave in a backyard for any length of time. If you live in an apartment or condo where you don't have a yard, regular walks and visits to the park can be a great way to exercise your wiener dog, however regular play at home is good as well.

These dogs really enjoy participating in most everything you do, and this trait should be kept in mind when deciding to get a wiener dog. They travel well because they are small, and if socialized from an early age, can be a great conversation starter at local parks and other dog friendly places of interest. Should you have children in your home, you may want to wait until they are old enough to respectfully play with your new dog, as wieners can become annoyed easily by nuisances such as young children or puppies who want to play. But don't let this discourage you. Wiener dogs are also very tolerant, patient and kind. Just be sure to give your new wiener lots of attention and get him a special blanket he can call his own. One of the sweetest things about having a wiener dog, is watching them maneuver under a blanket, curl up into a little ball, and sleep quietly as you go about your day.