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Dachshund

Doxie, Weiner Dog, Hot Dog, Sausage Dog

Family: Canidae"Blue"Canis lupus familiarisPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy Roger Greenhaw

  The Dachshund, bred to flush out badgers, is long and muscular with short legs giving it an elongated 'weiner' or 'sausage' appearance.

  The Dachshund, whether a Standard or a Miniature Dachshund, is a lively and entertaining companion dog. They are often mischievous, and are quite bold. Dachshunds travel well and are loyal and protective. When selecting a Dachshund, it is important to check for back problems. They may also develop heart disease, diabetes, eye problems, epilepsy, or urinary tract problems.

Common Name(s)   Dachshund, Doxie, Weiner Dog, Hot Dog, Sausage Dog, Worshond

Breed Type   The Dachshund is a hound breed. Standard Dachshunds were bred to flush badgers, while the Miniature Dachshund was bred for rabbit hunting.

Background   The modern Dachshund originated in Germany, and references to the breed can be found in books dating back to the early 1700s. Originally much larger than they are today, breeders succeeded in giving the breed shorter legs that were more suitable for digging. The Dachshund was brought to the United States in the late 1800s.
  There are long-haired, wired-haired, and short-haired Dachshunds, as well as Standard and Miniature Dachshunds. Although not recognized by kennel clubs, some breeders also breed Toy or Mini Dachshunds. These dogs are under 12 inches and weigh 8 pounds or less.

Description   The Dachshund is long and muscular with short legs. Its head is long, with dark eyes and long ears. The breed may have short, long, or wiry hair. Color variations include solid tan or yellow, bi-colored black, brown, gray, or chestnut, and piebald, speckle-streaked, or harlequin. The term 'Dapple' describes Dachshunds with merle coloration and the term 'Wild Boar' describes Dachshunds that are dull gray intermingled with black in color.
  Standard Dachshunds are 14-18 inches tall and weigh about 20 pounds. Miniatures are up to 14 inches tall and weigh around 9 pounds.

Care and Feeding   Many breeders suggest feeding Dachshunds puppy food throughout their lives. Their diets should include horse meat, beef, wheat, and yellow corn. Care should be taken to avoid overfeeding, as these dogs are prone to obesity.
  Grooming requirements depend on the dog's coat. Long-haired Dachshunds need daily brushing. Wire-haired Dachshunds should be brushed regularly and trimmed twice a year. Short-haired Dachshunds can simply be rubbed down with a damp cloth.
  Dachshunds need regular checkups to keep them healthy. Vaccinations should be given on the following schedule:

• 6-8 weeks: Distemper, Leptospirosis, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvo, and Corona virus (DHLPPC)
• 10-12 weeks: Second DHLPPC
• 14-16 weeks: Third DHLPPC and rabies
• Annually: DHLPPC and rabies booster
  

  Dachshunds shed moderately, so regular vacuuming is required. They also have a bit of an odor, necessitating regular shampooing of the carpet and cleaning of furniture.

Housing Your Dog   Dachshunds are usually kept indoors, and will do well in a small space. They are active indoors and out.

Social Behaviors   Dachshunds are friendly and outgoing, and they get along well with familiar people. They are best suited to adults and older children. Dachshunds get along fairly well with other pets, but may become jealous of them.

Handling and Training   Dachshunds are willful dogs, and they require consistent training. They are difficult to housebreak.

Activities   Dachshunds need daily walks and play sessions to keep them healthy and at an optimal weight. These dogs can injure themselves by jumping around too much, so it should be discouraged.

Breeding/Reproduction   Hereditary problems of Dachshunds include epilepsy, Cushings disease, thyroid problems, and certain eye conditions. Bloodlines of potential mates should be checked for these.

Common Health Problems   The most common health concern for Dachshunds is back problems. Intervertebral disk disease is quite common. Their long spines are easily injured, so it is important to take precautions to prevent them from getting hurt.

Availability   The Dachshund's immense popularity makes them a favorite of breeders, so they are usually easy to find. Prices vary, but are usually between $350 and $700.

References "Dachshund", Wikipedia, Copyright 2008
"Dachshund", Dog Breed Info Center, Copyright 1998-2008
Cusick, William D., "What to Feed a Dachshund", Referenced online, 2008
"Dachshund Puppies for Sale", Copyright PuppyFind.com, LLC, Referenced online, 2008
Dachshund Club of Metropolitan Atlanta, "Site Glossary", Copyright 2003, Referenced online, 2008

Lastest Comments on Dachshund View all 6 comments on Dachshund Add Your Comment

Bruce Walden - 2010-01-18 Toby is our 5 yr old red dapple doxie weighing 19 lbs. He had injured his back in October. He was unable to stand or use his back legs. We took him to the Clinic within 12 hours of the symptoms. Toby was given anti-inflammatory and pain medication. Total confinement was the call for a 30 day minimum and possibly 6-8months with surgery if no improvement. My wife and I went home with little hope of recovery. We understood the confinement but how were we going to assist with Toby's daily bathroom trips? What we came up with was a real simple solution. My wife made a device that allowed us to carry Toby out and assist him when he needed to both urinate and defecate.The device allowed us to support his weight and minimize his movements with no discomfort to Toby. We kept him more in the device than in the crate. We could hang him up on the patio or a tripod I had placed in the yard. the device also allowed for him to use his back legs and as he improved we could let him bare more of his own weight. We took Toby back for a visit 2 weeks after his injury and the Veterinarians (4 in this clinic) were absolutely stunned and amazed at the device and the progress Toby had made. Toby is now on his own and running again with his friends. We have submitted for a patent at the instance of our veterinarians. The device will soon be made available but for now we are just wanting to help others. Click For Replies (12) Wendy Brown - 2010-02-22 Hi Bruce, where can I get this or can I make something simular? I have a 4 year old mini-dachshund that is 9lbs and she has injured her back. We are doing all the same things as you but not the device you spoke about. I have no interest in creating this to sell (stealing your idea) but we want to help our dog Lilly, regain her back leg use and mostly get rid of her back pain. Please contact me if you are willing to help us out. Thanks! Kathy Hartline - 2010-03-21 Hello, My name is kathy and I have a little Datschund dog named "oscar". For some reason he woke up with a fever and could not walk (his back legs don't work). I have not carried him to the vet because today is Sunday. I will carry him tommorrow.I love my dog very much and I Hope he will be able to walk on his own. Please let me know what I can do to help my little Oscar. If I lose him I will be devistated. He is only 6 years old and has a long life ahead of him. Please Help Us!!! Thank You Jacob - 2010-08-02 Bruce, My dog has suffered the same injury, with similar symptoms of not being able to walk. He cannot and will not stay confined to cage rest. I'm very interested in the device you have mentioned. Irma Oliman - 2010-08-25 My sister's doxie has this very same issue right now. He drags himself around, surgery has been recommended, but she can't afford it and doesn't have the heart to lay him down. Do you think this could help her doxie? Robert Rosensteel, Jr. - 2010-09-10 Hello, I have a 4 yo doxie that has both legs paralyzed since last night, we have taken him to the vet and they have him pumped full of meds and surgery will not financially be an option for us. The neurosurgeon wants $450 to examine, $1800 for MRI and we don't know how much for the surgery. We have chosen a course of treatment that we can afford with out vet however if this option does't work we will need to consider....well I don't want to say it. Can you provide information on your device that could possibly be of assistance and save our doxie's life. We would be very grateful for any assistance that you could provide. Thank You Bob and Sharon Robert Rosensteel, Jr. - 2010-09-10 Looking for help? Kelly Blickhahn - 2010-09-17 Please contact me so I can get that devise from you kay sheppard - 2010-10-31 hello my dashund is name jasper he to injured his back 4 weeks ago and we cant afford the surgery but i will buy anything that may bring his mobility back.... please send me more info on anything you can suggest Dawn Williams - 2011-06-04 I know this is 2011 but I have a 6 yo black min. dash who weighs 11 lbs. He just quit using his back legs one evening. Took him to vet next day and he is now on meds. I am so wore out taking him to the bathroom and holding is rear end up. Please help!!! This is day 4 and we do not see a surgery for consultation till day 6. Need some assistance. Wayne/Lois Redick - 2011-07-03 This sounds like something we would be interested in, for future use. Where would we get it and for what cost? I'm really happy that Toby is getting along fine now. Good luck with his progress. Jeff - 2011-10-04 Hi, I,like others here, have a similar problem and am facing having to put my dapple dauchund down. He has a slopped disc pressing on his spinal chord. We can't afford the 3- 5 K for the surgery to fix. So my vet is trying to treat him medically over the next few days looking for improvement or for possible feeling and use of his back legs. If it doesn't work do you think this device could help us take care of him at home. Would you be able to sell me one? Thanks for any advice you can give us. Janet - 2011-10-13 Oh man why didn't I see your message two weeks ago. Our Dash-approx. 6 years old came down with IVDD and was put on a DSMO drip back in March. But just had reoccurence 2 weeks ago. They tried the DMSO again but it didn't work. He had no bowel control and could only drag his hind legs. Heartbreaking. Sadly we had to put him down so he would not suffer. I am just heartbroken and really wish I had seen this sooner. Thanks for your letter and invention. Hope it helps others. And good luck w/ Toby! Reply

Ruth Churchill - 2009-12-22 I have a black anf tan female named Harleigh she is 4 yrs old. She hurt her back and can't move or walk on her hind legs, vets has her on meds and rest, confinded to the kennell to keep her from any more injury..They want to due surgery but it is $2000.00 and as a single parent I can not afford it. SO I am hoping the rest and meds work.. It is so sad to not be able to help her more, she is our family mama dog. We pray and hope she gets better soon!! Click For Replies (3) Dean - 2010-04-21 I have a black and tan male, he hurt his back and could not walk when he was 5. They wanted to do surgery with no guarantee he would walk or would not be in discomfort. We did not do surgery. We kept him confined and within 7 days he was walking again. Within 30 days he was running. He was fine for 3 years. He hurt his back again Christmas Eve and could not walk. We confined him again, but this time it has taken close to 4 months to recover. He is starting to walk again. Very wobbly but it is encouraging. Hang in there. Hope your Dachsie get better Trenny - 2011-04-09 Have you ever looked into animal chiropracters? They have special ones just for dogs, they do message and special touch techniques that help their backs. I have a weiner dog and my friends have weiner dogs and a couple of them swear by these dr's. One of my friends would take her weiner dog whenever her back was out, and she'd immediately get better! eve - 2011-04-24 My sweet daughter dog Katie, could not use her front legs.. it made me sick, our vet gave her a round of shots and she now gets a shot every month and takes Cosaquin daily.. she is walking well.. she is going on 5 years old.. But keeping them quit and not letting them move is the answer, let it heal.. I carried her to do her potty 6 times a day... she did it and just stood there waiting to be picked up//Keep her inactive.. I will pray she get better, I cried so many nights over Katie, She is my all. And we have 4 other dogs, but Katie is my Daughter Dog.. Good Luck.. Reply

Emily A Johnson - 2008-05-19 I have one female Dachshund named Jake. I got her from my Gram when she was about two years old. (Gram named Jake after that old country song that goes, "If I die before I wake, please feed Jake") Jake is going to be 12 years old this coming February 18th, 2009, and she is the Pretty Princess Puppy. She is very spoiled and she adores human men - she hates her "brother" JD (a male yellow lab/chow chow mix) and is always scheming to take the best bones and treats from him, as well as trying to steal the best spots on the pillows we have for them. She is my darling girl, and she loves to have yogurt in her food once a day. A simple table spoon (as in, a spoon from the table where we humans eat) of plain, sugar-free yogurt really helps with her skin and her coat, and it must taste wonderful to her, because she's all the time begging for it at the fridge! Click For Replies (1) lexi - 2011-01-05 Ahh! She's so cute. Reply

lexi - 2011-01-05 I don't have one. Click For Replies (1) coby - 2011-01-05 Neither do I so don't feel bad k. Reply

prince - 2009-09-29 I'm getting a dachshnd called Prince. He's a regular shorthaired pedigree and he's tan and brown and dun. I'm gettting him in 3 days, sooo excited!! Reply

Marissa and Paige - 2009-07-31 This puupy is cute!! I want to buy one but my mom and dad won't let me, sorry. Reply

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