A Teeny Weeny Introduction
The dachshund, or "badger dog," is a member of the hound family that originated in Germany over 600 years ago. Bred for hunting badgers and other den animals, their characteristically long frame, short legs, paddle-shaped paws, and fierce scissor bite were the ideal combination of traits for the job. The three varieties of coat types (smooth-haired, long-haired, and wire-haired) allowed the intelligent and vigilant breed to take on different terrains and climates. Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885, the dachshund grew in popularity, and, between 1930 and 1940, went from the 28th to the 6th ranked breed among American registrations. Today, these strong-willed and curious companions are beloved members of families everywhere.
Weenie Bit- Famous dachshund owners include Andy Warhol, Jack Black, and the singer Adele.
Size Matters: Standard Versus Miniature
Here's a quick comparison of the standard and miniature dachshund.
Characteristics | Standard Dachshund | Miniature Dachshund |
|---|---|---|
Average Height | 8-11 inches | 5-6 inches |
Average Weight | 16-32 pounds | 9-11 pounds |
Life Span | 12-16 years | 12-16 years |
Coat Types | smooth-haired, long-haired, wire-haired | smooth-haired, long-haired, wire-haired |
Hypoallergenic | No | No |
Kid-Friendly | Kids 5+ years old | Kids 5+ years old |
Ideal Setting | suburbs/rural | apartments/urban |
Here at Dynamite Doxies, we exclusively breed miniature dachshunds, as their smaller size makes them suitable for urban living and smaller homes. Their big personalities and exceptional stamina, however, will quickly make you a bad neighbor if your dachshund is not given plenty of interactive toys (especially the squeaky variety), 20-30 minute walks, and community socialization.
Weenie Bit- Long-haired dachshunds tend to have a mellower, more easy going temperament than their smooth-haired counterparts, due to the Spaniel ancestry that resulted in the long-haired coat.
Dachshund Health and Nutrition
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Dachshunds are prone to obesity. Excessive weight gain and lack of daily exercise are two factors that can lead to obesity, diabetes, and bloat, as well as potentially painful spinal issues and heart disease.
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Cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in older dachshunds. This makes establishing a healthy diet and exercise routine early on essential for ensuring your lovable companion has a long, fulfilling life.
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Avoid feeding your dachshund table foods that are high in fats. Establish a feeding schedule, and stick to the recommended amount for your dachshund's weight. Be sure your dachshund stays active, with at least two 30-40 minute walks (or off-the-leash time at a dog park) per day.
Groomers Don't Bite!
In general, dachshunds have very low-maintenance grooming needs. While nail-trimming, paw pad care, and ear cleaning applies to any breed variation, other grooming needs will vary based on coat-type and length.
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Use the arrows to navigate through the slides and find helpful information about your Doxie's specific grooming needs.
How to Train Your Dragon
Dachshunds were originally bred to be independent and to think for themselves, resulting in the Doxie tendency to be willful and stubborn. Training your strong-willed and innately curious dachshund requires patience and practice. To help you begin your journey with your new adorable trainee, we have included links to the Continental Kennel Club's Canine Ages and Stages Puppy Training Video Series! This six-week course is sure to help any Doxie parent achieve training success!
COMING SOON!
Weenie Bit- All Dynamite Doxie puppies come with AKC or CKC Registration papers that give our new owners access to benefits, training videos, pet insurance, breed information, and more!