Owners love their dogs.With Dachshunds that devotion reaches new heights. The reasons aren’t hard to understand. Dachshunds are special in many ways.
The German translation “badger dog” shows just one of those ways. Bred in the early 1600s to hunt those ferocious little animals, the Dachshund became ferocious himself. That assertive and fearless attitude remains today.
That feisty nature can be a bad thing or a good one.
Dogs that are independent can make great companions, being as that also makes them exploratory and playful.It gives the dog a willingness to try new things and lots of energy.It also means that skill and extra patience are required to train them.Dachshunds are more inclined than many other breeds to strive for alpha status in the household.Reminding them that the human is alpha may require a long struggle.
But that training has to be appropriate to the breed’s physical and mental attributes.
Doxies weigh between 10-30 lbs and are 9 inches high at the shoulder.Toy varieties are quite a bit smaller, often only 5 inches high and under 8 pounds.They have an average lifespan of between 14-17 years.
Dachshunds are much more prone to spinal problems than other breeds due to their short legs and long bodies. Rough handling can cause serious problems.
At the same time simply screaming won’t do the trick because they are assertive.At best that produces a fearful dog, at worst, they can become aggressive and hostile in response.Doxies may look at their trainer as an enemy badger.Owners should be prepared due to barking being more common in Dachshunds, too.
With the right approach, though, they make for excellent companions and pets.
There are three basic varieties - Wire-Coats, Smooth-Coats, and Long-Hairs.But the difference goes beyond the type of fur they have.The personalities of the three varieties tend to follow a pattern, as well.
Smooth-haired Dachshunds more often attach themselves to one person in the family.They tend to be wary and stand-offish of other animals but will tolerate other humans.The Wire-haired is usually more outgoing and playful.Long-haired Dachshunds tend to be a little more placid.Like any Doxie, they are up for a game of fetch whenever the opportunity presents itself.
Apart from spinal problems, Doxies less often suffer from diseases that are more prevalent in other breeds.Diabetes, abdominal cancers and other diseases are possible but much less common in this breed. Urinary tract problems (such as stones) can occur, but they are more likely in special varieties such as Double Dapples and those with blue eyes. These types tend to have more eye and hearing problems, too.
Raising any dog can be a challenge, if they are to be happy and healthy.Dachshund owners commonly report that the rewards in their case are especially large.Dachshunds are very loyal and highly affectionate.The people they live with tend to return the favor.
Dachshund supplies and gifts can be found at Ony-Dachshunds.com
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