Breed At A Glance: Dachshund

Overview

• Lifespan: Typically 12-16 years
• Size: Small to medium (5-9 inches in height for Miniature; 8-9 inches for Standard)
• Maintenance Level: Medium
• Shed Level: Low to moderate depending on coat type
• Temperament: Brave, Energetic, Tenacious
• Friendliness: High with family, varies with strangers
• Barking Tendency: High
• Coat Colours: Wide variety, including solid, dappled, and brindle

Best For

• Families or individuals seeking a playful and alert companion
• Owners who appreciate a dog with a unique appearance and personality

Appearance

• Long body, short and muscular legs
• Weighs around 5kg kg for Miniature and 7 to 14 kg for Standard
• Comes in three coat types: smooth, long-haired, and wire-haired

Temperament

• Independent, often brave to the point of recklessness
• Charming and affectionate with family
• Can be stubborn and strong-willed

Care Guide

• Grooming: Depends on coat type; regular brushing and grooming required
• Training: Intelligent but can be stubborn; consistent training recommended
• Diet & Nutrition: Balanced diet, careful monitoring to prevent obesity
• Exercise: Regular exercise needed, but avoid activities that strain the back
• Ideal Environment: Adaptable to various living situations, including apartments

Health

• Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): Common in the breed; careful handling and weight management are crucial
• Obesity: Prone to weight gain; requires careful diet management
• Luxating Patella: Common knee issue; varies in severity
• Bloat: Can occur; prompt veterinary attention needed for symptoms
• Deafness: Can occur in puppies, especially with dapple colouring
• Dental Disease: Prone due to smaller mouths; regular dental care needed
• Ear Infections: Common due to floppy ears; regular cleaning required
• Epilepsy: May occur; requires veterinary management
• Eye Problems: Susceptible to several conditions; regular check-ups important

Additional Information

• Feeding Recommendations: Follow veterinarian’s dietary recommendations
• Training Challenges: Intelligent but may require patience due to stubbornness
• Grooming Needs: Varies with coat type; regular grooming needed
• Good Family Dog: Yes, affectionate and loyal to family
• Intelligence: High, but independent nature can make training a challenge
• Energy Level: Moderately active, enjoys playtime and walks
• Health Concerns: Prone to back problems and other health issues

Grooming Guide

• Skin Care: Regular checks and grooming to maintain skin health
• Coat Care: Brushing frequency depends on coat type; professional grooming recommended for long-haired and wire-haired types
• Eye Care: Regular checks for signs of eye problems
• Ear Care: Regular cleaning to prevent infections