kingdomanimalia

     Dachshunds are a beloved breed that have been around for about 300 years.  Famous dachshund owners include John Wayne, Queen Elizabeth II of England, Queen Victoria of England, and Napoleon Bonaparte.  They have many names including “hot dog”, “weiner/weenie dog”, “sausage dog”, and “doxie”.  The word dachshund literally means “badger dog” since they were originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers and other creatures that dwell in holes.  Their short legs and long bodies allow them to fit into the holes quite nicely.  Dachshunds come in three coat types: long-haired, smooth-haired, and wire-haired.  They also come in three sizes: standard (16 - 28 pounds), miniature (less than 11 pounds), and kaninchen (7 - 9 pounds).

     Dachshunds are extremely loving and loyal.  They do not like to be alone so they don’t do well in homes where they are not allowed in the house.  Often times they will whine at the back door until they are let in.  Dachshunds are also very protective of their owners.  Their loud, deep bark makes many people think they are larger than they really are.  Often times, when they see a stranger, they will bark or growl at them until they realize that the stranger is not a threat.  Dachshunds will demand attention from the people around them, often times nudging peoples hands or whining until picked up.  My dachshund, Norman, does this quite often, and is only satisfied once I either pick him up, or allow him to roll over on his back and then rub his tummy. 

     Dachshunds are very clever little dogs.  They train their masters very well, and are quite good at problem-solving.  Despite the intelligence of dachshunds, they are notoriously hard to house break.  Dachshunds are good with children if the child treats the dog kindly, the dachshund has a good temperment, or the dachshund grew up with children.  They can adapt well to either country or city life.  Norman, is a city dog.  While he likes the country, he is used to the modern conveniences such as air conditioning and couches. 

     Dachsunds like to sleep with their masters at night.  Even if they are sleeping on their own bed on the floor, you will find that a dachshund will insist upon being covered with a blanket.  They are not happy unless they can burrow under one.  Norman will whine until covered, and upon getting into bed at night, immediately dives under the covers.  Many of the guests that I’ve had over are surprised at this behavior, and are also very amused by it.

     Dachshunds are prone to back problems due to their elongated body and short rib cage.  It is highly recommended that you carry your dachsund up stairs and curbs, and do not allow them to jump.  In fact, upon getting a dachshund, you will want to save yourself a lot of aggrivation and invest in a ramp for it.  Norman absolutely LOVES having free access to the bed and couch anytime!  Also, it is important that your dachshund gets plenty of exercise and does not become overweight as obesity increases the liklihood of a dachshund developing back problems.  I know this all too well.  Norman used to be VERY overweight.  He found the cat food and would treat it as an all-you-can-eat buffet.  Norman is quite the pig!  He would literally eat himself to death if he had free access to food!  Anyway, Norman had a herniated disc in his back several years ago and had to undergo surgery for it.  Since then he has done well, and I have been careful to keep him from jumping and at a good weight. 

     Dachsunds are a very fun breed to have.  They bring lots of laughs into your home with their funny behavior.  There are many dachshund rescues all around the United States that would be more than happy to help you find one that is right for you.  They may be little dogs, but they have huge hearts.  Once you have a dachshund as a friend, you have a friend for life.  For more information on dachshunds, visit http://www.dachshund-owner-guide.com/index.html

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