Cute little sausage or what is the real dachshund according to owners reviews: Review + Video

What do dachshunds look like?

The breed appeared in Germany several centuries ago and is considered the oldest of the Norse breeds.
Initially, these dogs were used to hunt badgers and other animals, and now they have gained popularity as pets throughout the world. Dachshund dachshunds are short dogs with short legs. Their body is elongated, but compact and muscular. The head is elongated, evenly tapering towards the nose, but not pointed. The muzzle is long, fairly wide and strong. The ears are set high, but not too forward, while they are long, rounded and mobile, with the front edges adjacent to the cheekbones.

Dachshunds are divided into several types based on their coat type: smooth-haired, long-haired and wire-haired. The colors are different.

At the same time, regardless of coat size, three types of dachshunds are distinguished. One of the key criteria is chest girth, which is measured in animals older than 15 months:

Standard: chest girth for males - from 37 to 47 cm; in females - from 35 to 45 cm.
Miniature: chest girth for males - from 32 to 37 cm; in females - from 30 to 35 cm.
Rabbit: chest circumference in males - from 27 to 32 cm; in females - from 25 to 30 cm.

Care and maintenance of dachshunds

The dachshund does not require special care. It is enough to do all the necessary vaccinations on time, treat worms and treat them against parasites. Once every two weeks, it is recommended to clean the ears, check the teeth and trim the nails.

This is a clean animal, they will not deliberately get into the mud. But during a hunt, chasing an animal, a dachshund will definitely get dirty. In urban environments, a dachshund, like any dog, needs to be taught to wash its paws after every walk, but it needs to be given a full bath no more than once every few months. In the summer, dachshunds can be taken to open water and taught to swim. But whether they want to do it or not depends solely on their character and mood.

Smooth-haired dachshunds are the embodiment of beauty and grace, and it is a great pleasure to watch their movements.

What is the character of dachshunds?

Representatives of this Dachshund breed are brave, smart, curious and quite active. They love to dig, chase and follow game's trail.

In a family, dachshunds are loyal friends who love to spend time in human company and enthusiastically participate in all activities. Dogs get along well with strangers, although sometimes they can show modesty, avoid communication and even growl at those they see for the first time. Miniature dogs are especially timid with strangers. If the dachshund feels that its owners are in danger, it will rush to defense without hesitation.

Representatives of this breed enjoy playing with children. But at first, you should not leave the dog and child unattended for a long time. Dogs are not always patient with children's pranks and in rare cases they can snap or growl, but usually nothing more.

What living conditions do dachshunds require?

When a dog appears in your home, immediately give it its own place. This could be a mattress or a bed, which can be easily selected at any pet store. And so that the dog doesn’t get bored, you can offer him different toys.

Another important point: make sure your home is safe for the animal.

Due to potential back problems, it is best for Dachshunds to avoid jumping or walking on stairs.

So, if there are steps in the house, it is better to block the dog's access to them. For example, you can use safety gates that are designed for children. The problem with jumping can also be solved. Thus, veterinarian Gemia Tracy advises 7 Ways to Treat and Prevent Back Problems in Dachshunds to install special “ramps” so that the dog can easily climb onto sofas.

Photo: Masarik/Shutterstock

But you should not completely limit the animal’s activity and prevent it from frolicking. Dachshunds, like dogs of other breeds, need regular walks and exercise. Such leisure will help to throw out all the accumulated energy, and will also help strengthen the back muscles.

It is advisable to walk dogs of this breed twice daily. On your way out and while walking, also try to avoid steps. According to Dr. Todd Skeen's 7 Ways to Treat and Prevent Back Problems in Dachshunds, stairs are one of the major challenges in a Dachshund's life. Therefore, if possible, it is better to carry the dog upstairs in your arms or at least minimize such obstacles. Of course, it is unlikely that you will be able to completely eliminate walking on stairs, but you can limit it within your power.

Characteristics of the Dachshund breed

There is no other dog like it, either in appearance or in character. It is almost impossible to confuse it with another breed. The ward will show and prove her individuality to you with every action.

With all the devotion to the owner, the dog manages to combine the incongruous:

She is playful and businesslike at the same time;
Loyal and independent;
Trainable, but may not follow a command if it does not consider it reasonable. The dachshund has its own logic and analytics, it decides (!) what is worthy of attention and what, perhaps, can be neglected;
An affectionate dog will instantly turn into an indomitable brave beast if it decides that there is danger. No matter who she sees as a threat - her owner, a family member or herself, she will desperately defend.
Large canine representatives fold before a lightning attack. Wild animals get lost while hunting, which is good for the hunter. While the game is figuring out what this strange phenomenon of “barking at an elephant” is, this game may turn out to be a trophy.
Hunting in a hole, essentially in someone else's house, is always a risk for the attacker. The miniature dog constantly takes risks as a hunter. This is her nature.

This aspect depends almost entirely on parenting tactics. And from the very “puppyhood”.

If the owner explains to the ward what’s what, she will understand. Will accept the house rules.
If the family decides to pamper the baby, it’s a big deal. Re-education will be difficult, if not impossible.
At home, the pupil may well behave in the style of “innocence itself.” But this is a highly intellectual innocence. She may sometimes allow herself something you don't like if you don't allow her something she adores. Do you scold your dachshund when you see it digging holes on your property? He might be offended. He will stop the activity, but later he will arrange compensation in the form of a tattered sofa, or, at best, a pillow. Character!
The dachshund manages to run around all the neighbors' yards as if it were her property. It's good if you just run around. More often there she will also rummage in the garden and hunt chickens...
He knows his pets, including birds and cats. Doesn't touch (if explained in time). Even a wolf does not hunt near its den. But it’s better to block the passages and exits to foreign territory. Although this is problematic: the cute creature knows how to dig holes selflessly. The bare concrete of the enclosure will plunge her into depression: where to realize her instincts?
Living in an apartment has its own characteristics. A cheerful puppy does not tolerate loneliness well. You need to get used to absences, not to encourage (or better yet, stop) whining, barking for no reason, and especially howling. Otherwise, the neighbors will be displeased, and the owner himself will not be happy when he hears his pet trilling throughout the entire house.
This approximate description of the Dachshund breed is intended to help the future owner navigate: did he choose the right dog? Will he cope? Compare desires with possibilities, then make a decision.

We invite you to read: The most important things about dachshund diseases and a healthy lifestyle
Centuries ago, the German Daxhound (badger dog) was exclusively a hunter. She specialized in burrowing animals. There were and are no equals to her in the difficult skill of hunting. The percentage of “working” hunters among dachshunds is now small. But the instincts are preserved, even if the dachshund wears a bow or a butterfly.

Don't be fooled by the dog's "toy" size. It won't work to keep it like a toy. Self-sufficient, active and independent, the dachshund needs movement most of the day. The dog is definitely not a couch potato. Balance your strengths, habits, routines and your own character with the dog's temperament and habits before you decide to buy one.

Dachshund owners dote on their animals, but if that's not your type, don't risk it. Choose a breed that suits you. A mistake will cost you your nerves; the dog will also not be able to feel comfortable if the “master-ward” tandem does not work out.

How to feed a dachshund

The health and longevity of the dog largely depends on the diet, so you need to choose it carefully. At first, it is best to feed the food that the puppy is accustomed to in the breeder’s home. Otherwise, the dog simply won’t eat or will have digestive problems. After some time, the diet can be gradually changed.

It is acceptable to give dachshunds different foods. The simplest option is ready-made food of good quality, which contains everything the animal needs. Moreover, manufacturers offer universal diets for different ages and special diets for dogs that have health problems.

A more labor-intensive option is natural food that is prepared specifically for the dog. This diet is based on meat, offal and vegetables. As for food that is familiar to us, it is not at all suitable for dogs, even if it is consumed with gusto. Some dishes are completely harmful to animals, for example, everything spicy, smoked, pickled and more.

Don't overfeed your pet.

Due to excess weight, he may live a couple of years less, and the risk of developing diabetes, Dachshund obesity, and heart, breathing and back problems is high. Moreover, for additional stress on the body to occur, it is enough for the weight to exceed the norm by only 10%. So feed the dog according to the chosen schedule and do not give food “on demand”, no matter how pitifully the dog asks.

Disadvantages of dachshunds

The advantages of the breed are obvious, the dachshund is good for everyone, however, there are also disadvantages:

Can be cunning in achieving the intended goal. Even if you don't like the goal. The disadvantage is relative: the cunning of an animal can touch the owner.
Dachshunds freeze in winter even in southern latitudes, so they may experience a lack of physical activity, walking little during this season;
Tendency to obesity. If the dog spends most of its time in the apartment, it will have a problem with weight.
An elongated spine does not tolerate excess weight well. Intervertebral disc diseases occur. The back muscles of a dachshund that moves little weaken and do not securely fix the spine. This is fraught with the formation of vertebral hernias and paralysis of the animal. The owner will have to scrupulously monitor the diet for the sake of the health of the ward.

We invite you to read: Chihuahua: care and maintenance of an ancient Mexican breed || How to bathe a Chihuahua

If you don’t consider the habit of digging, digging and studying everything as a disadvantage, then the dachshund has almost no disadvantages.

How to care for a dachshund

The easiest way to deal with a smooth-haired dachshund is to wipe it with a regular terry towel or a special brush. For dogs with long hair, they need to be brushed at least a couple of times a week. For wire-haired dogs, once a week is enough. The procedure will have to be carried out more often during molts, which usually occur in spring and autumn.

Bathe your dog no more than several times a year, using only special products that are sold in pet stores.

All Dachshunds need their nails trimmed regularly. Particular attention should be paid to the ears: regularly inspect them and clean them as they become dirty using products intended for this purpose.

Tips for keeping Dachshunds in an apartment.

When choosing a place for a dachshund, you must take into account that these dogs are very demanding of warmth and cannot be over-cooled. You also need to buy a house for your pet and put there an old blanket, rug, or something similar that he can bury himself in.

Puppies love to chew on everything, but this goes away with age. While the animal is still small, it is necessary to put shoes, electrical wires, books and other necessary things where the dachshund cannot reach them.

To entertain the animal and satisfy its need to chew something, you can buy special toys at the pet store. You should not use old unnecessary shoes for this purpose, as the dog will consider this a permission to play with any other shoes too.

From time to time it is necessary to comb your dachshund with a special comb (selected depending on the type of coat), trim its nails, and clean its ears. After a walk, be sure to wash the dog’s paws, and when the street is especially dirty, the entire lower part of the animal.

Two to three month old puppies are fed at least five times a day, in small portions. By six months, the number of feedings is gradually reduced to three, and by one year - to twice a day. Be sure to monitor your pet's weight and not overfeed it. It is strictly forbidden to give a dachshund food from the human table, no matter how much it begs for it.

You can add small amounts of raw vegetables, fish oil and special vitamin supplements sold in pet stores to your food. The dog should always have a bowl of fresh, clean water available to him.

You need to walk your dachshund for a long time in the summer so that it can run around and play enough. But in winter you should not take the animal outside for more than half an hour, so as not to catch a cold. Also, in cold weather, it makes sense to put warm overalls on your dog.

If you take good care of your pet, love and respect him, then he will definitely respond in kind.

What do dachshunds get sick with?

One of the main health problems in Dachshund dogs is intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). Dachshunds can also suffer from diabetes, gastric volvulus, slipped patella syndrome, keratoconjunctivitis sicca, Cushing's syndrome, deafness and other diseases.

Pay attention to your pet's condition. If your Dachshund suddenly refuses to eat, becomes lethargic, limps, or exhibits other suspicious symptoms, do not delay a visit to the veterinarian. Also, do not forget about vaccinations and other preventive measures.

Keeping at home

Its small size allows you to have a dachshund in a comfortable city apartment or private house. Before purchasing a puppy of this breed, prepare the place where it will live, and also require:

remove all electrical wires, as she can chew them;
purchase a food bowl, food and a pillow on which she will sleep;
remove shoes, wash the floor;
conduct a conversation with children about the treatment of animals;
if a cat lives in the house, its food bowl must be placed in an elevated place, for example on a bedside table or windowsill;
hide all household chemicals;
remove toxic plants: carnations, ivy and poinsettia, if any in the house.

This breed is active, loves attention and affection, but does not tolerate interference in personal space, and all household members, including children, should know this.

Arrangement of space in the apartment

The dog definitely needs to create its own space (corner), where it will feel comfortable and where it will follow the owner’s command “Place!” The dachshund, like all short-haired dog breeds, does not like to sleep on the floor. Therefore, you need to buy a mattress or bedding in advance for the animal to sleep and rest.

The sleeping place must necessarily correspond to the size of the dachshund and the method of rest. If your dog sleeps curled up in a ball, you can buy an oval mattress; if his favorite position is with his legs outstretched, a rectangular bedding will do. The dimensions are 15 centimeters longer than herself, and the width is twice the size of a dachshund. Only in this case will the dog sleep comfortably on the mattress. As the animal grows, the bedding needs to be changed, buying larger sizes.

Dog handlers recommend installing the mattress not on the floor, but on a hill - up to 8 cm high. The sleeping place should have low sides as protection from drafts.

The dachshund's resting area should be located away from heating radiators, the balcony and the front door. You can buy a regular mattress for dogs or a full-fledged sleeping place in the form of a bed or sleeping chair, a booth or a soft envelope for tiny breeds of dogs.

General requirements for a dachshund’s habitat in an apartment:

a cozy, quiet corner in the house, away from drafts and entrances;
the mattress should be soft, hypoallergenic, with a removable cover;
When the cape (cover) becomes dirty, it must be washed regularly;
The dachshund's resting place cannot be completely isolated from household members.

Dachshund nutritional features

The dachshund is a small-fed breed: its food serving size is 120–315 grams (40 grams per kilogram of weight) . The foods in a dachshund's diet should contain sufficient, but not excessive amounts of protein and fat.

You can give her dry food from trusted manufacturers or homemade mixtures. Prohibited list of products:

Pork. Pig meat contains a lot of fat and is often a carrier of parasites.
Confectioner. Contains a lot of sugar, which has a negative effect on the teeth and gastrointestinal tract.
Bones. Boiled and not only, contribute to intestinal clogging. Sometimes they even damage it.
Sausages. Contains spices - this is unsuitable food for animals.
Saltiness and fatty milk. You should not give your dachshund fatty dairy products: sour cream, cream, margarine, butter, food with spices, pepper and other herbs.

Authorized products:

Lean meats: lamb, poultry and veal (preferably raw).
Fish is desirable, but not more than 2 times a week.
Cereals: rice, buckwheat, rolled oats, wheat with a small amount of fat and herbs.
It is not recommended to feed your dachshund semolina and pearl barley - these dishes are very difficult for the animal’s gastrointestinal tract. They are difficult for the stomach to digest, create discomfort, and lead to poor health.
Pasta is allowed. Only rarely and hard varieties.
Bakery products are only fresh and rich.
Fermented milk products - yoghurt, yogurt, cottage cheese, cheese are allowed.
Eggs are boiled; only the yolk can be given raw. Protein is practically not absorbed by the dog’s body, so it is not advisable to give it.
Vegetables and fruits. You can give everything except grapes. The dachshund loves to eat raw potatoes and carrots. If he asks, let’s do it boldly.

You can give your dog biscuits and unleavened crackers. Small dachshunds (at the age of 3 months) need to be fed every 3 hours, slightly older ones (up to 8 months) - 3 times a day, adults - at least 2 times.
Feeding portions should be small (no more than 40 g per kilogram of weight). Puppies are fed before walking. This is due to the characteristics of the body (the need to relieve themselves arises almost immediately after feeding). Adults need to be fed after a walk.

Playing too vigorously after eating can cause volvulus, so Dachshunds need rest after eating. Food should not be too hot or too cold - just warm enough. You cannot add salt to food or add spices; the lack of calcium and phosphorus is replenished with vitamin complexes.

A good appetite is the key to health. If a dog eats too much or, conversely, refuses to eat, this should alert its owner. It is also important to remember that chicken is a strong allergen for dachshunds.

How many times a day should you walk your dachshund?

This breed of dog has a number of features in terms of walking:

The breed's need for activity is above average.
The dog's playfulness is slightly above average.
Walking - more than 60 minutes a day.
Intensity - every day.

Every walk is not only a need to relieve yourself, but also a way to explore the world: get acquainted with a new smell, explore the territory, play, learn something new.

Can a dachshund live outside in winter?

Due to its size and body structure, the dachshund cannot live outside. It does not tolerate cold climates or hot climates equally well. There are also restrictions on movement. Lack of physical activity in the southern regions is detrimental to this breed of dog.

The animal's muscular system, despite its small size, is developed and mobile. Therefore, walks at any time of the year should be frequent and as long as possible. For a dog to be healthy, its exercise and accommodation must be at home. In other words, a dachshund cannot live outside in winter.

What to look for when buying a dachshund

When choosing a puppy, decide on your plans for it. Potential champions and prize-winners of exhibitions are presented in the “show” class. However, such dogs cost a lot. Choose puppies for breeding from the “breed” class. And if you just need a purebred pet, buy a dog from the “pet” class. Such animals are completely healthy, but are not suitable for exhibition careers and breeding, but they are cheaper.

Be sure to visit the breeder before purchasing. Look at the conditions in which the animals are kept and read the documents. It is important that all puppies (and not just the one you like) are vigorous, active, clean and well-fed. If the conditions of detention are questionable or the animals look sick, it is better to refrain from purchasing.

Photo: Hannamariah/Depositphotos

When concluding a deal, make sure you receive all the documents along with the dog. You must be given a veterinary passport of the dachshund, which contains notes on the vaccinations given, as well as a metric (puppy card), in exchange for which you can receive a pedigree. It is advisable to conclude a purchase and sale agreement in which all aspects are clearly stated.

Of course, you can purchase a puppy without documents. Such dachshunds are often offered at bird markets and ad sites. But the purchase in this case is quite risky, because no one guarantees that the dog is healthy and does not have problems with heredity. If you still dare, first of all visit the veterinary clinic.