FAQ

• Where do Dachshunds originate?
  Dachshunds originated in Germany where they were bred to hunt rabbits and badgers.  Their long bodies, small size, and short legs were particularly useful in flushing out their prey from their underground dens. The Dachshund‘s name comes from the German word for badger (dachs) and dog (hund). They have lots of nicknames-  doxie, wiener dog, hot dog, sausage dog, or badger dog.
  
  

• What is a Dachshund’s life span and adult size? 
  About 12-16 years. Miniature dachshunds measure 5-6 inches across the withers and weigh up to 15lbs. (Dog withers are the tallest point on a dog's body, aside from the neck and head and they are found between your dog's shoulder blades and at the back of the neck. It's this area where the dog's height is measured. For accuracy's sake, the measurement should be taken while the dog is standing)
  
  

• Is a Dachshund a good family dog?
  Dachshunds are utterly devoted to their owners and make extremely loyal companions. Yes, they can bond with the whole family. They are generally even-tempered and affectionate and combined with their smaller size makes them ideal companions for children. Being small, if play gets too boisterous, they can be vocal and snappy. All dogs should be supervised with small children to make sure everyone stays safe and happy.
  
  

• Do Dachshunds like to cuddle?
  Dachshunds love to cuddle up to their owners, the genuine lap dog.  They love to burrow in blankets and snuggle under the bed covers with you.
  
  

• Do Dachshunds get along with other pets or humans?
  Yes, they do. Dachshunds are pack animals, the more the merrier. They get along with other dogs and cats. Socialization as with any pet is easier from a young age. Dachshunds are friendly. When the doorbell rings, we have a cacophony of barking! It continues till the guest greets our dogs. Dachshunds are also fearless, and very protective of their owners.  We have taught our dogs about ‘stranger danger’, no one enters our property uninvited. Dachshunds are only aggressive if provoked.
  
  

• What about exercise?
  Dachshunds may be small but thrive on EXERCISE – they are really big dogs in little bodies! Dachshunds have a lot of energy. Exercise and walking a minimum an hour a day. Remember Dachshunds invented  ZOOMING ~ Run,run,run,run,run,……….….   They also need mental stimulation (interactive playtime) hide and seek, tug-o-war, learn tricks, agility, obstacle course, treasure hunt, frisbee, bubble chasing, dog puzzles, toy clean-up (ideas online).
  
  

• Can Dachshunds be left alone?
  Like many breeds, you should never leave Dachshunds alone for long periods of time. As pack animals, they can get bored, anxious, lonely and stressed on their own. If you do have to leave your dog alone for long periods of time, try to see if there is someone who can take care of them.
  
  

• What are Dachshund health issues?
  Dachshunds are generally very healthy. With elongated bodies though, they can develop back issues (IVDD). Important for spine health is weight management to help alleviate any pressure on their backs and joints.

Some Helpful Cautions:  stopping dogs from running up and down stairs, jumping off furniture, and jumping from heights, NO sitting upright.  Also wearing a harness designed for dachshunds instead of a collar eases pressure off the neck and back. Be vigilant!

Other Health  Issues: hip dysplasia, patella luxation, obesity and eye problems. Regular vet check-ups, vaccines, parasite control (no flea collars, use drops or pills) and dental cleaning are a must.

• Are Dachshunds easy to train?
  Dachshunds have complex personalities. They are courageous, clever, lively, independent thinkers and entertaining. But their stubbornness can make them harder to train as sometimes they like to make their own rules. Remember, they are scent hounds, hard-wired to pick up smells and chase prey, so they can easily be distracted. Training sessions may be more successful in short bursts and consistency with positive reinforcement NOT PUNISHMENT is key. Once they learn something though, they’ve got it! A reward goes a long way too!
  
  

• How often should you groom a Dachshund?
  Dachshunds have a variety of coat types – smooth, long, or wire-haired. Grooming will depend on coat type. Dachshunds have minimal shedding, if at all. Brush and bathe coats as needed. Maintaining teeth brushing, ear cleaning (no Q-tips), and toenail clipping are good grooming habits.
  
  

• What foods and plants are toxic to dogs?
  Foods: onions, avocados and pit, cherries, grapes and raisins, wild berries, mushrooms, garlic, rhubarb, sugar-free candy & gum, peanut & nut butters containing Xylitol, alcohol, flavored waters, sport and energy drinks, soda pop, tea, caffeine/coffee, ice cream, chocolate, pudding, uncooked dough, rawhide chews, moldy food, bones, and raw or uncooked meats carry bacteria.

Plants -- Indoors:  lilies, philodendron, oleander, chrysanthemum, hyacinth, aloe vera, jade, sago palm, daffodil, asparagus fern, ivy, dumb cane, pathos, ZZ plant, elephant ear, corn plant, desert rose, bird of paradise, chinese evergreen, castor bean, marijuana, tulip/narcissus bulbs, cyclamen, hostas.

Plants -- Outdoors: autumn crocus, azalea, chrysanthemum, yew, lily of the valley, tulips.

• What should I feed a Dachshund? How often, and portion size?
  The right answer to that important question depends on the AGE of YOUR particular dog. That’s because Dachshund puppies, adults, and seniors each have different nutritional needs. 

For example… A dog food designed for an adult may contain too little calcium for a growing dachshund puppy… or too little protein and too many calories for a less active senior. A growing dachshund puppy needs 0.71% isoleucine (one of 12 essential amino acids)… while an adult requires just 0.38% of the same nutrient. The health of a senior dachshund can be enhanced by a dog food that contains 50% more protein than a younger animal. 

Weight management is important!

The 3 Nutritional Life Stages of a Dachshund

LIFE STAGE AGE

Dachshund Puppy Under 9-12 months

Dachshund Adult Over 9-12 months

Dachshund Senior     10 + Years

Dachshunds need fresh water available at all times!!

Regular, routine feeding times allow your dog's body to be prepared for the food it will receive. When dogs eat on a regular schedule, that habit becomes strong.

It is not recommended to keep the bowl filled and allow grazing. The majority of dogs will stop eating once they've had enough. For the picky eater, eventually hunger will win over and your dog will eat his food.

It is best to keep dachshunds on food they are accustomed to eating. If deciding to change dog food, gradually mix small portions in with their accustomed food or your dog might experience diarrhea, nausea, or a decrease in appetite. The slow transition of food allows the dog's gastrointestinal system to adjust. Plan to take two to three weeks for the conversion from the old food to the new.

Dachshunds do Best when fed TWICE per DAY -  Breakfast and Dinner