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Dachshunds are loyal, loving, and intelligent. They are fun and love to play with you as much as they love to curl up with you on the couch. They are happiest in your bed under your blankets.
Dachshunds are a wonderful breed but they aren't for everyone. They are stubborn little guys who like to get their own way. They can be hard to house train because they would much rather pee on the rug in the warm dry house than go outside in the rain. They seem to weigh the consequences all the time and pleasing you might not be as important to them as their own comfort. Dachshunds can be trained but it takes time and patience as well as several bags of tasty treats.
Originally bred to hunt badgers, they are shaped as they are so they can fit down badger burrows. Strong legs and big paws help with digging. Short legs ensure that they the first thing a badger meets is their teeth, not their toes. They are smart independent thinkers without fear.
A dachshund may not be the right choice for you if:You have young children
All children should be supervised with any dog at all times. A dachshund can make great companion for a child if the dog is properly trained and if the child is taught how to behave around a dog. Dachshunds will not stand for being teased and may snap if provoked. Dachshunds are very territorial and take time to warm up to and to trust visitors - like your child's friends. Kids and dachshunds can be great companions but both the child and the dachshund must be trained to respect each other. Also, dachshund backs are fragile and children should not be allowed to roughhouse with a dachshund. If you have a toddler who may try to use the dog to pull himself up or might accidentally fall on the dog a miniature dachshund is not the breed for you.You want a quiet dog
Dachshunds are hounds and have a hound-sized bark. People will comment that they can't believe such a loud bark can come from such a small dog. I've heard that they were bred to be loud barkers so that their owners could find them in badger burrows and pull them out. Dachshunds are territorial and will let anyone walking by know that they are passing a dachshund's home.You are proud of your white carpets
Dachshunds are not the most reliable dogs. Why should they freeze their tail off peeing outside in the snow when there's a nice warm rug in that fancy room that you never use? Some dachshunds are easily housetrained and some rescued dachshunds will already be trained, but be aware that few dachshunds are 100% reliable when it comes to accidents in the house.You have cats, birds, or rodents
Dachshunds are bred to hunt. Many of them have a very strong prey drive and their hunting instinct is stronger than their desire to obey you. Some dachshunds get along with cats and other animals from the start and some can learn to accept other animals into their pack. If you get a puppy you can socialize him with your other animals from day one and you're likely to get pets that are best friends. If you rescue an adult dog you are taking a risk. Some of the dogs in rescue were brought up with other animals but often we don't know how the dogs were brought up. It is your responsibility to make sure that all of the pets in your care are kept out of harm.You are at work for 10 hours each day
Dachshunds have strong pack instincts and like to be with their pack. They do not like to be left alone. If you plan to have a pet and are away all day, please consider a dog sitter. Neighbourhood kids are often very willing to walk your dog after school for a couple of dollars. Dogs live for your companionship. Rescue dogs have often been abandoned and need a lot of attention and love. Dachshunds do well in pairs
You are a pushover
Give a dachshund an inch and he will take over your house. Dachshunds are smart and crafty and they have a look that will melt your heart. If they don't feel like you are in charge, they will gladly take charge of you. Discipline is very important but you should never ever hit a dog. Dogs understand that you are in charge when you reward their good behaviour and they see that all good things, like food and attention, come from you. Bad behaviour can be discouraged by ignoring it or with gentle correction such as a squirt from a water gun to stop excessive barking or marking.You can't afford pet insurance
It costs a lot of money to own a dog but with dachshunds there is an extra likelihood of a large vet bills. Dachshund backs are not designed for life in a world of couches, stairs, and human beds. There is a good chance that your dog will require vet care due to a back injury sometime in his life. If worst comes to worst, your dachshund may require surgery that can cost upwards of $2000. Dachshunds also live a long time and are prone to the diseases that plague older pets like Cushings and liver diseases.
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| This Picture is Molly, who had given us lots of wonderful Puppies though out the years, she was our first Dachshund, Molly has been retired and is living in Portland Oregon. She was loved. | |
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| What every owner should know!
In most breeds, it is the females who determine the pecking order, and who competes
to maintain and/or alter that order. The females are more independent, stubborn, and
territorial than their male counterparts. The females are much more intent upon
exercising their dominance by participating in alpha behaviors such as "humping".
There is a reason people utilize the technical dog term of "bi____" in a negative
connotation - and it refers directly to the behaviors exhibited by the females of the dog
world I use Dam for Female dog.
On the other hand, males are territorial when a female is in heat and the 2 males have
to compete. Males are usually more affectionate, exuberant, attentive, and more
demanding of attention while never getting enough always close by. They are very
attached to their people. They also tend to be more steadfast, reliable and less moody.
They are more outing, more accepting of other pets and take quicker to children.
Most boys are easily motivated by praise and food, and so eager to please that training is
easy. However, males can be more easily distracted during training, as males like to
play so often. And no matter what age, he is more likely to act silly and more puppy-like,
always wanting to play games. Boys are fun loving until the day they die. Neutered
males rarely exhibit secondary sexual behavior such as "humping" or marking and
lifting of legs. Once testosterone levels recede after neutering, most of these behaviors
(if they ever existed) will disappear. Boys who are neutered early (by 5 months) usually
don't ever raise their legs to urinate.
And while the female will usually come to you for attention, when she's had enough,
she will move away. Females usually are less distracted during training, as she is more
eager to get it over with and get back to her comfy spot on the couch. The female is less
likely to wage a dominance battle with you, but she can be cunning and resourceful in
getting her own way. She is more prone to mood swings. Females tend to become
more reserved or dignified as they age. Females also have periods of being "in heat"
unless she is spayed. Seasonal heats can be a month long nightmare - not just for
the female, but for you and every male dog in the neighborhood. During this time, she
can leave a bloody discharge on carpets, couches, or anywhere she goes. She will be
particularly moody during this time. A walk outside during this period can be hazardous
if male dogs are in the vicinity. She will leave a "scent" for wandering intact males to
follow right to your yard, where they will hang out and "wait" for days. If you are not
going to breed her, it would be best to have her spayed.
Before deciding on a male or female, give consideration to any other dogs that may be
in or around your home… |
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