The Dachshund Facts In a Nutshell

Fact: The Dachshund (German: Badger dog, Dachs Hund, literally “badger dog”), also known as Doxie, is a short-legged, elongated dog breed. The standard size dachshund was bred to scent, chase, and flush out badgers and other burrow dwelling animals. In contrast, the miniature Dachshund was developed to hunt smaller prey such as rabbits. In the United States, both varieties are commonly referred to as “weiner dogs.”

Where are dachshund dogs from?

Originating in Germany, the Dachshund was bred for hunting badgers and other burrowing wildlife; due to its elongated body, it is equipped with exceptional ability to move about in tight spaces. Today, they still share that original purpose and are kept as pets; they have also become a popular choice for families due to their congenial nature with children. With proper training, dachshunds can be very reliable watchdogs. They will protect their owners’ property without aggressive people they know, making them excellent house dogs.

History In the early 16th century, the German under Haarlem brought eighty small dogs back to Germany from Central America on ships that had taken part in Hernán Cortés’ expedition to conquer Mexico. This is considered the first record of a long-haired dachshund in Germany. The dogs were bred further over the following centuries with wild boar, wolf, and stag by foresters, primarily to hunt animals living in burrows. The foresters, in turn, bred the dogs with their hunting dogs, resulting in a dog that would both hunt and burrow through dense woodlands. These foresters were called “Dachs-Jäger” (“badger hunters”).

Is the Dachshund hypoallergenic?

No, dachshunds are not hypoallergenic because they shed hair like every other dog. However, their hair consists of smooth, short fur instead of the typical long hairs many other breeds have. Most people describe them as “low shedders.”

Even though there are no 100% hypoallergenic dogs, many allergy sufferers do better with a crossbred of a dachshund and an as hypoallergenic considered dog breed, like the Doxiepoo (Dachshund poodle mix), than with purebreds.

The risk for allergic reactions seems to vary widely from person to person and dog breed to dog breed. Because crossbreed dogs inherit genes from multiple purebred parents, many are more or less likely than others to cause allergies in susceptible people.

Full-size or Miniature?

This is a common question asked by those who have never owned one before, and the answer really depends on the size of your home. A 15lb miniature dachshund will still use up much more room in an apartment than a larger breed dog would! It’s better to judge each dog individually when considering which one might be best for you. A miniature dachshund may require less space outside, but he’ll need more space inside, and vice versa for the full-size Dachshund. However, you can expect almost any standard-sized dachshund weighing 35lbs or more to destroy most couches by turning into them while they sleep –

Intelligence – Are they intelligent?

Dachshunds are intelligent, independent dogs. However, their curiosity can lead them into trouble if they are not properly trained from an early age. They must be well socialized around other animals and people during puppyhood. They can sometimes develop aggressive behavior toward strangers and other animals if they do not receive enough attention as pups. However, if given proper training, dachshunds make excellent watchdogs due to their acute senses of hearing and smell.

How are they with strangers?

Dachshunds are natural watchdogs because they are also very alert and curious about their surroundings, making them wary of strangers. If raised properly from a young age, most Doxies will warn you of someone at your door by barking before you hear any noises indicating that the stranger is approaching. In addition, dachshunds are known for their fierce loyalty. Because of that, they will protect their family from any danger.

The Dachshund is actually an excellent watchdog. He barks to let you know if someone is in your yard or trying to break in! They are highly loyal dogs; however, the idea that they can “snap” at any moment is entirely false. Even though their backs bend and may appear weak, they have a fantastic amount of muscle strength stored away. Don’t be fooled by his long body – a dachshund should not be snapped up hard or roughly grabbed as he can snap right back with just as much force as he

What is the average lifespan of a dachshund?

The average lifespan of a healthy adult dachshund is 12 years. However, many live into their late teens or even early 20s.

Do dachshunds bark a lot?

Dachshunds are known for being a bit barky, and indeed, their sharp, high-pitched bark can be annoying. However, they do not bark at random like many small dogs or yap constantly like some larger breeds. Instead, barking is very much influenced by the owner of the dog. For example, suppose they allow barking to happen without intervening when it’s inappropriate. In that case, the dog will learn that this behavior is acceptable. On the other hand, if you follow up every time your dog barks with an action (usually just directing him to be quiet and stop), he will quickly learn that barking gets no results. So it naturally contains overtime as he knows what behavior does get rewarded.

Are dachshunds easy to train?

Dachshunds can be stubborn and even hard to train. However, they are highly intelligent, independent-minded dogs that often must be trained in a way that is unique to each dog. Dachshunds need positive reinforcement with rewards for desired behaviors, but consistency and unwavering leadership are essential. These dogs need to learn that you’re the master, not them.

They are very smart and can be trained to do just about anything a “normal” dog can, but they often tend not to listen to commands unless there is something for them! So you have to make training fun for your Dachshund if you want him to listen.

Many tricks require treats, such as sitting up (by lifting his back legs off the ground) or rolling over (on his side) like all other small dogs.

But the key is to first get his attention with a treat before giving any command so he will listen. If he doesn’t respond right away, try holding the treat closer towards the ground, so he must move his body towards it before eating it.

Are they good dogs?

Dachshunds are fun-loving loyal dogs that are just as happy lounging around the house with their owner while watching TV as they are taking long hikes. They’re very low-maintenance dogs that do not need a lot of exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Dachshunds have been bred for many years for their hunting skills, and the instinct still runs strong in them. They love to chase critters! Although it’s usually just a fun game, you’ll want to watch out for this part of your Doxie personality when you take him hiking because he might lose interest in you quickly if there is something more interesting on the trail!

Is a dachshund aggressive?

Dachshunds are not aggressive dogs. They may be described as “funny” or “spunky,” but there’s no better way to describe them than saying they’re simply not aggressive. Just like any other dog, a dachshund’s call for attention can verge on being annoying at times. Their playful antics (as with all different breeds of dog) can sometimes turn rough, leaving you with a few unexpected scratches here and there. But given a chance, a dachshund will never attack an unfamiliar person or animal unprovoked. They’re just not that kind of dog. They are, however, protective and have a high hunting instinct. Early socializing is key.

Can a Dachshund get along with cats?

The answer to this question is a most definite yes. A Dachshund can indeed get along with cats. So many do, in fact.

Dogs are often perceived as natural enemies of cats due to the rivalry between them for the same resources – food and attention from their masters. While there may be some truth to that in many cases, it does not have to be like that all the time. In fact, this happens to be the case often because some humans tend to see dogs as rivals in their quest for attention.

If you want your Dachshund to get along with cats, there are certain things that you need to do. They may sound like what is supposed to be common sense – and it probably is – but many people often overlook them. Even if they are implemented, they are not done thoroughly enough. Let’s take a look at these things.

The most important thing that will help your Dachshund get along with cats is proper socialization. When introduced into a household for the first time, some doxies are under the impression that they need to establish dominance over all other animals, thereby displaying aggressive behavior. In this case, it might be hard to get your dog to co-exist peacefully with any animal, including cats, so early socialization is critical here. You may also want to consider getting a puppy from a reputable breeder to avoid behavioral issues later.

If you have an entire room dedicated only to your dog, then no other animal can get close enough to him, and that’s where the problem begins. You will need one room for the cat(s) and another for the doxie(s). They will be much happier living in this type of arrangement than being confined in just one smaller space. For instance, have a dog bed in one room and a cat bed.

You often see people making fun of how their pets fight for a place to sleep in, but this causes long-term rivalry and should be stopped.

The next thing is to put up physical barriers between them when they are not getting along so well or if they need some time alone after playing and interacting for an extended period. Make sure that they are both comfortable with these separation barriers because forcing them may not be good for their relationship. You can use baby gates or old rugs to separate them when necessary but make sure that they are not blocking the paths in and out of the rooms.

Dogs like to play with cats using their mouths, so you might need a muzzle for your doxie, especially if he has problems controlling himself around kitties. Also, some dogs learn to hunt cats as prey even though they may have been raised with them or had previous experience playing with other cats. In this case, supervision is key during playtime between these species because it’s better to prevent any harm than to treat it afterward.

However, follow these tips and give your animals space from each other when necessary. Your Dachshund can get along with cats. In fact, they may enjoy having them around as pets too!