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A loyal companion who’s plucky and alert
Originally bred for hunting the Dachshund’s unique build enabled them to chase animals in their burrows. With a surprisingly loud bark and plenty of energy, there’s never a dull moment with a Dachshund around!
Vital Stats
| Size: | Small to medium (standard-size or miniature) |
|---|---|
| Coat: | 3 varieties: short-haired, long-haired and wire-haired |
| Exercise: | 1 hour a day |
| Life span: | 12-13 years |
| Breed group: | Hound |
| Temperament | Playful, loyal, independent |
Size 20cm
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23cm Coat Short
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long Exercise 1hr Life span 12+years
Dachshund Temperament & Personality
Dachshunds are bright, loyal and courageous. These little dogs have large barrel chests to give them stamina while hunting – a trait that can also translate into lots of running around and barking.
- Dachshunds are utterly devoted to their owners and make for extremely loyal companions.
- Provided they are well socialised from a young age, Dachshunds can also be good with children and cats.
- As a vocal breed, Dachshunds have a tendency to be a little noisy and standoffish with strangers, so are better suited to slightly older children who will take any barking or territorial behaviour in their stride.
Dachshund Temperament & Personality
Dachshunds are bright, loyal and courageous. These little dogs have large barrel chests to give them stamina while hunting – a trait that can also translate into lots of running around and barking.
Dachshund Training & Exercise
Training is an important part of owning a Dachshund to help keep them safe and secure.
Training tips
- As scent hounds, Dachshunds are hardwired to pick up smells and chase prey, so good recall and lead training from an early age is recommended.
- Dachshunds can be easily distracted so training sessions may be more successful in short bursts.
Keeping them happy
- For a small breed, Dachshunds have a lot of energy so it’s important they get plenty of physical and mental stimulation to prevent them from getting bored as this is when destructive behaviours can creep in.
Exercise
- For an adult Dachshund, regular playtime combined with at least a 60-minute walk should be about right.
- Try to stop your Dachshund running up or downstairs and jumping up a lot, as this can cause back problems, a common issue in the breed.
Game ideas
- Try a game of hide and seek – hide their favourite toy and let them sniff it out.
Dachshund Training & Exercise
Training is an important part of owning a Dachshund to help keep them safe and secure.
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Find out more about the conditions that we see most in Dachshunds throughout their lifetime.
More Health Information
Dachshund Grooming
There are three varieties of Dachshund coat – short-haired, long-haired and wire-haired – all of which have slightly different requirements.
- The amount your Dachshund will shed depends on their coat type, but as a breed they only shed moderately, if at all.
- The short-haired Dachshund requires very little brushing, while the long-haired variety need almost daily grooming to prevent matting, particularly around their ears and legs. For the wire-haired variety, you’ll also need to brush their bushy beard.
Dachshund Grooming
There are three varieties of Dachshund coat – short-haired, long-haired and wire-haired – all of which have slightly different requirements.
Dachshund Nutrition
It’s important to keep your Dachshund a healthy weight to help allieviate any pressure on their backs and joints which are prone to issues.
- Adult dogs require two meals a day, and the portion size will depend on whether you have a standard-size or miniature Dachshund. Stick to the recommended portion on the food packaging and if in doubt, consult your vet.
- Vets recommend feeding a high-quality pet food to ensure your dog gets all the nutrients they need to remain healthy.
Dachshund Nutrition
It’s important to keep your Dachshund a healthy weight to help allieviate any pressure on their backs and joints which are prone to issues.
FAQs
Do Dachshunds shed?
What were Dachshunds bred for?
Are Dachshunds good with kids?
Are Dachshunds hypoallergenic?
Are Dachshunds aggressive?
Can Dachshunds swim?
FAQs
Do Dachshunds shed?
What were Dachshunds bred for?
Are Dachshunds good with kids?
Are Dachshunds hypoallergenic?
Are Dachshunds aggressive?
Can Dachshunds swim?
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Dachshund insurance considerations
Dachshunds sometimes suffer with certain health conditions and may require treatment. Petplan dog insurance offers peace of mind that they will always be protected.
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