Dachshund
About Dachshund : A lively and sweet natured creature, the Dachshund is a dog that makes a loyal and devoted pet for the right owner. These dogs are well suited to both inexperienced and experienced dog owners, as they are adaptable, intelligent, and sociable. The Dachshund is not the right choice for those with little time to dedicate to a pet, as they do need love, attention, and companionship. Training should not prove too much of a challenge, as the Dachshund is quick to learn, eager to please, and responsive. However, he can have a very possessive streak when it comes to his belongings and food. The Dachshund has a great sense of humor, and can be a very entertaining and cheerful pet to have around. The sharp bark of these dogs makes them effective watchdogs.
He tends to get along well with older, gentler kids. The Dachshund loves to be around other Dachsies, and with early socialization should get along fine with other pets. When it comes to strangers the reaction of the Dachshund can vary depending on his personality – some will be fine with strangers and others may be aloof. It is worth noting that there are three varieties of Dachshund – the long haired, the wire haired, and the smooth coated. The longhaired Dachshund appears to have a gentler and more amiable nature than the other two varieties and are less aloof with strangers. If you are particularly proud of your garden you may want to think twice before considering a Dachshund, as these dogs do love to dig. The Dachshund is a sensitive breed, and does not like to be teased or handled roughly. Care should be taken around younger or boisterous children, as the Dachshund can injure his back through to much rough play and jumping around.
History and origin: The Dachshund was used as a tracker of badger in medieval Europe, and was once larger than it is today. His size eventually became smaller because it was purposefully bred down in size to hunt foxes and rabbits. It has an excellent sense of smell and a bold and fierce temperament that allowed it to tangle with its sometimes difficult prey.
Appearance : The Dachshund comes in two sizes: standard and miniature. The standard-size Dachshund is approximately 9 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs 12 to 24 pounds. The miniature stands 5 to 6 inches at the shoulder and weighs under 12 pounds.
There are three types of coats with this breed; long and short.. The smooth is usually alert, bold, and friendly. The long-haired is usually more timid and reserved with strangers and requires a more patient training technique. The wire-haired tends to be the most active of the three and, though friendly, is the most stubborn.
Grooming : The grooming requirements for the Dachshund can vary based upon the variety of dog that you have. The smooth haired needs occasional brushing to keep his coat in good condition, and the long and wire haired varieties need to be brushed twice weekly. Occasional trimming or clipping may be required for the long haired and the wirehaired has his dead coat stripped every few months when being shown, although as a pet standard clipping will be fine. The longhaired and shorthaired varieties are medium shedders and therefore may not suit those with allergies. However, the wirehaired is a low shedder.
Health Problems : The life expectancy of the Dachshund is around 12-15 years, and there are a number of health problems linked to this breed. This includes cataracts, diabetes, epilepsy, spinal problems, luxating patella, PRA, elbow dysplasia, and obesity.
Related Posts
- English Bull Dog
- Pug
- Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier
- Dalmation
- Pomeranian
- German Shepherd Dog
- Boxer
- Great Dane
If you enjoyed this post, please consider to leave a comment or subscribe to the feed and get future articles delivered to your feed reader.
Comments
No comments yet.
Leave a comment