Basic Things You Should Know About The Dachshund

The Dachshund (also known as the "sausage dog") is a hound breed of dog. They feature an elongated body, floppy ears and a variety of coat types. The breed first appeared in the 18th century. They were originally bred for hunting badgers. These days they are popular as a companion dog. They can be recognized by their famous "sausage" shape and playfulness. They are thought to originate from Germany and are a descendant of the German Shorthaired Pointer and Pinscher or the Basset Hound (the actual breeds are unknown).

They are classified as a small sized dog. The recommended male and female size is 8-11 inches high with a weight of 16-32 pounds. Their temperament is well-known to be bold, curious and independent. They are typically wary with strangers, but their small size makes them unsuitable as a guard dog. The breed is known to be fairly intelligent, and ranks 49th compared to all other breeds when learning new obedience instructions.

They are not always the best with children, which can make them not highly suitable as a family pet. They do get along well with other animals such as other dogs. Grooming them is a simple (but can vary with the coat type) task. They need regular brushing every week or so, and full grooming every 8 weeks. They enjoy having a small (though doesn't always need one) yard to run around in, but can very easily be suitable for apartment life.

Like most small sized breeds, they are primarily long-lived with a life expectancy of 12-14 years. Their most severe health concern is spinal injuries, and they are also susceptible to heart problems, urinary tract issues, diabetes and obesity. They enjoy hobbies like chasing a ball or play sessions. They have a medium to high level of energy, which means they need moderate walks each day to prevent destructive behavior.

If you own the Dachshund you need to be prepared to dedicate time to training them (particularly not to jump and hurt their back). They are less suitable for families with young children, but highly suitable for families with older children, seniors or apartment dwellers. One of the best things about this breed is that it has a comical shape and bold temperament that makes them easy to fall in love with.

If you want to learn more Dachshund information and other related topics take a look at this page.