Dachshunds Articles

Cheat Sheet / Updated 04-14-2022

Keeping your dachshund safe, happy, and healthy requires owning all the necessary pet supplies, finding a good veterinarian, and looking for the warning signs of dachshund back problems.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

Dachshunds have all the basic needs of a dog, but they come with a few of their own special quirks and considerations. If you have your heart set on owning a Dachshund, you must be ready to handle a few extras. The following list presents the common characteristics of Dachshunds: Dachshunds have fragile backs. Because of their dwarfism (big dog, short legs), Dachshunds are genetically predisposed to have faulty spines, which can become injured when handled incorrectly, or sometimes for no apparent reason. Certain activities can be hard on a Dachshund's back and can even result in a paralyzing disk rupture: • Going up and down stairs • Jumping off furniture • Even running quickly around a sharp corner. Get ready to carry your Dachshund up and down the stairs!tabmark Dachshunds love to jump. But because jumping is so hard on a Dachshund's back, you need to keep an eye on your Dachsie to keep her from jumping off high places like beds, couches, porches, and so on. Some people install ramps in their homes so their dogs can ascend and descend from high places without jarring their spines. Dachshunds live to eat. Obesity puts further strain on a Dachshund's back — not to mention his heart and entire body. Cute and pleading as he may be, you must be prepared to keep your Dachshund's eating under control. No, your Dachshund shouldn't eat that quarter-pound burger with cheese, let alone too many extra dog treats! Dachshunds (like all dogs) have fewer taste buds than humans, so the taste of food isn't as intense for them as it is for us. For this reason, dogs are more likely to eat just about anything, taste not withstanding. Dachshunds bark. Barking is part of their modus operandi. They were bred to hunt badgers or other small game underground. When the game was cornered, a Dachshund would bark to alert his human. Although you can train any dog not to bark excessively, Dachshunds bark pretty frequently. Get used to it, or don't get a Dachshund. Dachshunds are manipulative. They're cute, and they know it. They're clever, too. They can get you to do just about anything, unless you have rules and you stick to your guns. Your dog has to know that rules are rules and that what you say goes. If you're a big marshmallow when it comes to consistency and rule enforcement, you can't get angry at your dog for making her own rules. So, what would your Dachsie's rules be? Here's a good guess: • I can do whatever I want to do, whenever I want to do it. • If I touch it, lick it, chew it, shred it, smell it, or see it, it's mine. • Humans live to serve me. Unless those rules sound reasonable to you (Hint: They shouldn't!), prepare to accept your role as pack leader.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

Dachshunds are one of only a handful of dog breeds eligible to participate in field trials. The purpose of field trials is to give breeds designed for field work the opportunity to exercise their natural abilities — their penchant for hunting, following a scent, and cornering vermin. Dachshund field trials are different from field trials for other dogs, like retrievers. Dachshunds are best at tracking small game through dense brush and alerting hunters to the location of the game. In a Dachsie field trial, you reenact this scenario under controlled conditions (no wildlife gets hurt). Dachshund field trials are based on Brace Beagle field trials, in which a pair, or brace, of dogs track a rabbit. Field trials usually are held in a fenced area so the Dachshunds can't escape or become lost. Some field trials divide the male and female Dachshund competitions; others don't. The following list explains how the contest begins and ends: 1. A Field Marshall calls each brace to attention. 2. Volunteer brush beaters scare up a rabbit, and whoever sees the rabbit first shouts, "Tally Ho!" 3. After the rabbit has been spotted and has scurried away, the Dachshunds are brought to the place where the rabbit was spotted. 4. Each handler encourages his or her Dachshund to find the line, or scent, of the rabbit. 5. As soon as the Dachshund catches the scent, the handler releases the Dachshund; he or she must then stop giving instructions but may follow the dog — behind the judges only. 6. When the judges have seen enough to judge the Dachshund's ability to follow the scent with persistence and enthusiasm, they ask the handler to pick up the dog. The goal of field trials, beyond having a great time, is to earn enough points for the title Field Champion (FC). Versatile Dachshunds that attain this title and are Champions of Record in conformation are considered dual champions. These same Dachshunds that also earn an obedience championship are considered triple champions. If you're interested, you should visit a field trial or two to see what it's all about. Ask the people running their Dachshunds how you can train your Dachshund for competition. Usually, you'll meet friendly people and get plenty of great advice. To find a field trial in your area and to discover more about AKC field trials, call your local dog club for more information.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

Despite taking preventive measures, a Dachshund sometimes will suffer a disk herniation where the disk bulges out from between the vertebrae in the spinal column. If this happen to your dog, you must know what to do, and you must do it fast. However, you can't do anything if you don't know that your Dachshund is having a problem in the first place. Dogs have high pain thresholds and an instinct not to reveal when they're in pain. After all, in the wild, the obviously injured animal is the one that gets picked off by the predators. But if you pay attention, you can tell whether your Dachshund is in pain from a disk injury. Look for the following warning signs of spinal disk injury: Shivering — especially when combined with unusual inactivity Refusal to get up and play, even for food A yelp when you pet your Dachshund or try to pick him up A pulled-in head, arched back, or any other strange position A refusal to bend down to the food or water dish to eat or drink Limping of any kind A "drunken" rear end, which moves but looks as if it isn't completely under control Dragging of the back legs If your Dachshund shows any of these warning signs, call your vet immediately. In the case of dragging the back legs or showing any other signs of paralysis or severe pain, drive immediately to the vet's office or nearest pet emergency facility. Don't wait. You can call on the way. In short, you have just hours to act. Immediate surgery on a Dachshund with a ruptured disk (where the disk is torn and the inner matter, called the nucleus, leaks out) has a much better success rate than a similar surgery on a human. For Dachshunds still feeling pain (a good sign that the spinal cord is still functioning), the success rate for restoring function is 95 percent. The success rate is 50 percent for Dachshunds experiencing total paralysis, as long as the dog was feeling pain within the last 24 hours. But if you wait longer than 24 hours after a disk injury, the success rate plummets to a meager 5 percent. If that isn't reason enough to rush your injured Dachsie to treatment, nothing is.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

Many Dachshunds are waiting patiently for new homes in breed rescue programs. Adopting a Dachshund from a rescue organization is a great way to find a lovable companion. Many of these dogs are wonderful, devoted, well-trained family members who just got the short end of the bone for one reason or another and no longer have a place to go. The Dachshund Club of America (the DCA) is the country's leading Dachshund rescue program. You can find rescue information on the Dachshund Club of America Web site. You can also check out DORG and Petfinder for an extensive listing of shelter and rescue groups that allows you to search by your location and the breed, age, and gender you prefer. Like adopting through a shelter, expect to fill out a detailed application and answer a lot of personal questions. Remember rescue workers want to ensure that the dogs are going to be going to a great home. They may even want to come to your home to make sure that is suitable for a Dachshund. These organizations are manned by people who work long hours, usually for no pay, to find a good home for every Dachshund they believe would make a good pet. Because rescue workers are usually unpaid volunteers, remember that they work out of their home. Be considerate when calling and don't be surprised if they call you collect when returning your phone calls. The great advantage to working with a rescue organizations that they know the breed better and are able to better screen the dog for health and behavior problems. They can tell you what they've observed about the Dachshunds' behavior, temperament, and health status. Take advantage of their knowledge and ask a lot of questions. You want to be sure that the Dachsie in question will be a good fit in your family. Most rescued or shelter Dachshunds are a little older, which can be a great advantage. Older dogs may already be housetrained, they may be used to kids and other pets, and they may even know a trick or two. The costs to adopt a Dachshund vary widely depending on the organization and the part of the country you're in, but they usually simply cover the costs the rescue group has incurred to take in, house, heal, and train the dog. Some rescued Dachshunds have been abused or neglected and may need some patient, kind, and positive retraining and behavior modification. If you're determined not to give up on your rescued Dachshund, you'll find that with some hard work and TLC you can heal old wounds and develop a life-long friendship with your rescue Dachsie.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

Dachshunds have four basic personality characteristics. Knowing them and taking advantage of the personality traits of Dachshunds will help you take and maintain control. You're the top dog in your dog's pack (or at least you should be), so you need to know how your dog thinks. The hunter/tracker Dachshunds were bred to hunt, to track scents, and to follow their quarry — with unwavering persistence and courage beyond their size — until the prize is won. What does this mean for your training? Training challenge: If your Dachshund detects a scent while you're working, training, playing, or walking together, his every instinct will tell him to run after it. Be prepared. Keep him on his leash in an open area. Great games: Dachshunds almost always enjoy games that mimic a hunting or tracking situation. Show your Dachsie a small ball, let him sniff it, and then throw it as far as you can (in a safe area). Watch him do his stuff. An edge on the competition: You can use your Dachshund's tracking ability for advanced training in field trials, earth dog events, or den trials — all of which take advantage of the Dachshund's natural abilities. The digger Some Dachshunds love to dig more than others, but in general, they all love it — after they discover how fun it is. What does this mean for your training? Training challenge: Be prepared. A digging Dachshund can dig under fences, dig up your flower beds, and even try to dig through your carpeting. Realize that this is a reality and take action. Bury the fence at least a foot deep and use raised flower beds. Sounds like a lot of work, but its all part of life with a Dachshund. Don't get mad if your Dachshund digs. You can't argue with instinct, but you can try to teach him what he can dig in and what he can't. It is important to give his digging an outlet. Try giving him a sandbox as your Dachsie's very own digging playground. If you seem him digging some place he shouldn't, pick him up and put him in the sandbox. Great games: If you get a sandbox, you can play a digging game. Show your Dachshund a toy, and let him sniff it. Then go bury the toy in the sandbox, and cover it up. Until he gets the idea, let him watch you bury it. An edge on the competition: Dachshunds are born for den and earth dog trials. They're events that utilize a dog's natural instinct and aren't for exhibiting special skills developed by training. The athlete Dachshunds may have delicate backs, but many are superior athletes. Dachshunds are built to work, not to sit around looking pretty. What does the Dachshund's natural athletic ability mean to your training? Training challenge: Dachshunds like to move, exercise, and use their natural athletic ability, so if you're a sedentary person, you'll have to work to make sure that your Dachshund gets enough exercise to use up all that excess energy. A bored Dachshund is a mischievous Dachshund. Athletic as they are, Dachshunds probably shouldn't engage in certain activities too often. This would include any activity that involves running around sharp corners, jumping or shaking the neck (like in a boisterous game of tug of war). Great games: Dachshunds love to play. There are a number of games he'll love. Chasing a Frisbee, running an obstacle course, and don't forget the all-important walk. An edge on the competition: Dachshunds have achieved the highest obedience titles, which takes tremendous athletic ability. They can and do participate in agility competition as well — if jumps are adjusted for height. The actor within Your Dachsie is a real clown and is happiest when all eyes are on him. He considers himself to be the star of the household, and he likes it that way. What does this mean for your training? Training challenge: If you don't make training sessions fun for him, forget it. Take advantage of your Dachshund's showy side and make a big deal out of good behavior. Your performer wants to be center stage and hates being ignored even more than being yelled at, so take advantage of this trait. React to bad behavior by ignoring it and he will quickly stop. Great games: Teach him some really flashy tricks that are sure to elicit oohs, aahs, giggles, and applause from spectators. Tricks are sure to become a favorite part of your scene-stealing Dachsie's repertoire. An edge on the competition: This type of Dachshund loves canine freestyle. This competition involves a choreographed routine that includes both you and your Dachshund. Because Dachshunds love to show off, freestyle may be right up his alley.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

In general, your Dachshund will probably stay pretty healthy throughout most of her life. Know how to recognize common health issues in Dachshunds so you can get your dog the right treatment right away. When treated promptly, most conditions can be treated successfully. Identifying back injuries Back injuries are the most common type of Dachshund health problem. The Dachshund's funny body shape makes them particularly susceptible to CIDD — essentially a ruptured or leaking disk. When this happens, every second counts; consequently, it is important to know how to recognize a back injury as soon as possible. Spinal cords can't take much pressure. A ruptured disk that presses on the cord can quickly deprive the spinal cord of essential blood and oxygen, causing lasting damage. When a back injury occurs, you must know what to do, and you must do it fast. However, you can't do anything if you don't know that your Dachshund is having a problem in the first place. Look for the following signs: Shivering — especially when combined with unusual inactivity Refusal to get up and play, even for food A yelp when you pet your Dachshund or try to pick him up A pulled-in head, arched back, or any other strange position A refusal to bend down to the food or water dish to eat or drink Limping of any kind A “drunken” rear end, which moves but looks as if it isn't completely under control Dragging of the back legs If your Dachshund shows any of these warning signs, call your vet immediately and drive immediately to the vet's office or nearest pet emergency facility. Don't wait; you have just hours to act. Immediate surgery on a Dachshund with a Type I ruptured disk has a success rate around 95%, but if you wait longer than 24 hours after a disk injury, the success rate drops to 5 percent. Other serious health issues Bad backs aren't the only health problem that Dachsies experience. Take a few minutes to learn how to recognize Dachshund health issues before permanent damage occurs. Bloat—Bloat occurs when the stomach twists on itself, cutting off the blood supply to several organs. Without immediate treatment, bloat is fatal. If your Dachshund suddenly starts pacing, salivating, and acting upset, nervous, or in pain—or it just seems like something is very wrong—call your vet immediately. The only hope is emergency surgery. Some experts theorize that you can prevent bloat by keeping a dog from eating or drinking too quickly. Canine epilepsy—a seizure disorder that happens in some Dachshunds. If your Dachshund suddenly goes stiff, starts shaking, or becomes completely non-responsive or totally limp, call your vet immediately. You can't prevent epilepsy, but it is treatable with medication. Hypothyroidism—a disorder in which the thyroid doesn't secrete enough of its hormone. If your dog starts showing signs of weight gain, fatigue, sluggish behavior, dry skin, hair loss, and severe behavioral changes. Your vet can treat the condition with medication. Progressive retinal atrophy—a degenerative eye disease that eventually results in blindness. There are often few symptoms until the dog is almost completely blind; however, some dogs will show reluctance to go down stairs or go into dark areas (night blindness can be an initial stage of the disease). In some dogs, the eye lens looks more opaque or cloudy. There is no treatment for PRA; however, blind dogs can live a happy life, with a little extra care. Longhaired Miniature Dachshunds may be particularly prone to PRA. However, your breeder can perform a DNA test to determine whether a dog is a carrier for PRA. Find out more information about the test from the DCA. Allergies—skin problems that are caused by allergies — possibly to environmental contacts and inhalants or food. If your dog develops rashes, itchy sores, and plenty of scratching, switch to a higher quality food with a single protein source and consult your vet.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

Is the Dachshund the right breed for you? Before you proceed further in your quest for the Dachshund of your dreams, think carefully about the pros and cons of Dachshund servitude (because, as you'll soon see, Dachsies own you, not the other way around). The pros of owning a Dachshund There are some major benefits to owning a Dachshund: Dachshunds love you unconditionally. Studies show that having a pet lowers blood pressure and helps to manage stress. Fulfilling your dog's exercise needs may keep you in shape. Dachshunds are great companions and listeners. Dachshunds are good at warning you if someone is outside the house — welcome or not. If you bring home a rescued Dachshund, you can feel good about saving a life. And your dog will show his gratitude every day. Dachshunds can help teach children to respect and be kind to animals. The cons of Dachshund ownership It's one thing to prepare for a dog; it's another thing to prepare for a Dachshund. Dachshunds have all the basic needs of a dog, but they come with a few unique quirks and considerations. As sweet and lovable as Dachshunds are, if you want a Dachshund, you need to understand the realities of Dachshund ownership: Dachshunds have fragile backs. Because of their shape (big dog, short legs), Dachshunds are genetically predisposed to have bad backs that can easily be injured and can sometimes have problems for no reason at all. Certain ordinary things can injury a Dachshund's back: Going up and down stairs Jumping off furniture Even running quickly around a sharp corner. Dachshunds love to jump. But jumping can injury a Dachshund's back, so you need to keep your Dachsie from jumping off high places like beds, couches, porches, and so on. Some people install ramps in their homes to help their dogs. Dachshunds need plenty of attention and affection. They want to be with you, not tied to a chain in the backyard. Dachshunds live to eat. Obesity puts further strain on a Dachshund's back — not to mention his heart and entire body. You must be prepared to keep your Dachshund's eating under control. Dachshunds bark. Barking is actually bred into this breed. They were bred to hunt small game and bark to alert his human. Although you can train him to not bark as often, but if you can't get used to it, or don't get a Dachshund. Dachshunds aren't easily housebroken; until they are, your carpet or other household surfaces may suffer. Dachshunds are manipulative. They're cute, and they know it. They're clever, too. They can get you to do just about anything, unless you have rules and you stick to your guns. Dachshunds require an extra dose of patience. They can be stubborn and hard to train. If you freak out every time your Dachshund makes a mistake — accidentally or on purpose — you'll give one of you a coronary. Teaching a Dachshund is a lot like teaching a child: Keeping your cool will prove that you're the pack leader and the one with all the power. Dachshunds are more stubborn than some breeds, so training can be frustrating for the beginner. Don't give up. If all else fails, talk to your vet, hire a trainer, and practice, practice, practice. How's that for a reality check? Think long and hard about the commitment you're about to make before you bring home a Dachshund.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

Keeping your Dachshund well-groomed is an important part of maintaining her overall health. When you regularly groom your Dachshund not only do you improve your bond with your animal, you have the opportunity to spot problems before they get out of hand. Basic grooming A regular grooming routine will usually consist of Brushing: Brush your dog's coat with a soft-bristled dog brush. If you have a longhaired or wirehaired Dachshund, go over it with a steel comb as well. Be sure to check for any sign of parasites as you work out any tangles with the comb. Inspecting: Pick up each foot and wiggle each toe, feel the footpads, and then gently examine and rub each ear. Getting your Dachshund used to having these tender areas touched will make it easier for your vet to treat him if he gets injured. Bathing: Bath weekly or bi-weekly, depending on how dirty your dog gets. Be sure that you use a shampoo and conditioner designed for dogs. Human shampoo and conditioners have the wrong ph balance is different for dogs. Be sure to clean keep the eyes and ears clean as well. Clipping: If your Dachshund's nails need clipping, clip them. Ask your vet to show you how to clip your Dachshund's nails. Your puppy will soon realize that it doesn't hurt—as long as you don't cut down too far. If you clip nails frequently, the quick retracts out of the way. If you do clip the quick, you can use a styptic stick or even a ChapStick to help stop the bleeding. Teeth: Brush your dog's teeth every couple of days. Pest control: Apply a pest-control product if necessary. The vet can help you find the best product for your area, but the product you choose should cover ticks, fleas, and worms. The Dachshunds also tend to have a problem with impacted anal sacs, which are located on either side of the anus, causing a very unpleasant odor. These anal sacs need be drained every six to eight weeks. Your vet or your groomer can drain the anal sacs for you, or you can have them teach you how to do it yourself. Special grooming needs Your grooming session will differ depending on your dog's coat: Smooth Dachshunds This quintessential dachshund is by far the easiest to maintain. These sleek beauties require little more than occasional brushing, nail clipping and teeth scrubbing. Here's a trick to adding some serious sheen to your smooth Dachshunds coat. After brushing him, apply a drop or two of baby oil to your palms and them smooth the oil over his coat. Wirehaired Dachshunds Wirehairs shed the least of the Dachshunds, but they require extensive grooming. Under their wiry hair they have a soft undercoat dies like skin dies and must be plucked out — stripped — several times a year. You can do this yourself or hire a groomer. If you don't care whether your wirehaired Dachshund's coat is show quality, you can bypass most of the stripping by giving him an electric clipper shave whenever the undercoat gets out of hand. Longhaired Dachshunds Longhairs are beautiful, but they require a major grooming commitment. A daily brushing is required to get rid of all the tangles and mats that will seem to appear out nowhere. Fortunately, most longhairs consider this to be the highlight of their day. If you're having trouble getting your Dachshund to look ready for the show ring, try asking your breeder or a professional groomer if you can watch them and see how it's done. Another great source of ideas is to hang out behind the scenes at a dog show and watch the pros.

Article / Updated 03-26-2016

Preparing a home for a new Dachshund requires just as much diligence as it does to prepare for a child. If the house isn't Dachshund-proofed, Dachshies — who'll gnaw on or swallow just about anything and who are too short to jump safely — can get themselves in a lot of trouble or even hurt. How do you Dachs-proof your home? Try to see the world from his point of view and then you get busy and make a few changes before you let that puppy loose in the house. Prepare for a demolition dog: You'd be surprised how much of a mess your little Dachsie can create. Keep collectables well above the level any Dachshund can reach or put them away for a while. Puppies are exuberant and curious, and they haven't yet learned what areas are off limits to them. Protect your breakables the same way you would if you were dealing with a child. The world is his chew toy: Although a Dachshund is small, he has a pretty big mouth, and he loves to chew and chew and chew. In fact, just about anything he can get his teeth around will be considered fair game. The best way to combat this is to have a good supply of acceptable chew toys on hand. Stow them everywhere so one is always within reach. Choking hazards: Take a good look around your home for small objects on the floor or within reach that would fit in your Dachshund's mouth like bottle caps, rubber bands, string or thread, loose screws, twist ties, small blocks or balls (such as cat toys), and even small wads of paper trash. String-like objects can actually cause internal damage. Avoid giving your Dachshund cat toys, even if you have a Mini. Dachshunds are more determined than cats and can break up the toys to reveal a number of choking hazards. Put away poisons: When you have a chew-happy puppy, the number of things that could poison them are everywhere. Common household poisons include cleaners, medicine of any kind, pesticides, houseplants, coffee grounds, potpourri, and even foods. Don't forget to include your garage and your yard when looking for poisons. Many people foods can be poisonous to dogs. The worst are chocolate, onions, grapes or raisins, and even sugarless gum. Even small amounts can be fatal. If you know or suspect that your dog has been poisoned, call the National Animal Poison Control Center (NAPCC) at 1-888-426-4435, a 24-hour emergency veterinary poison hotline. Stairs: A big thing to consider when Dachs-proofing your home is how to make your stairs Dachshund-friendly. If you have stairs in your home, the best bet is a baby gate at the top and bottom of the stairs. A ramp is great alternative outside. Ledges, couches and beds: Some Dachshunds are impossible to keep off beds and couches, and when they decide to get down, they get down before you can stop them. Some people build little ramps everywhere; others recognize that their pets are going to jump. You have to determine what works best for you. Dealing with diggers: Dachshunds love to dig, almost as much as they love to chew. If you have a digger, you may want to consider purchasing a few carpet squares or remnants that are reserved for your Dachshund. He can dig and scratch on them to his heart's content.