All About Dachshunds
Here at Animal Friends we love animals of all shapes and sizes, and today we’re looking into a dog breed that is small in stature but a giant in personality. We’ve got all the reasons why you should think about adopting or rescuing a dachshund.
The Dachshund breed and why it makes a great pet
The Dachshund originates from Germany, its name literally meaning ‘Badger Dog’. It is a short-legged, long-bodied dog coming from the hound family. They were originally bred to scent and chase badgers and other burrowing animals, such as prairie dogs in the Americas. The miniature dachshund was bred to flush out smaller animals such as rabbits.
The Dachshund has a disputed origin. Whilst the modern breed has its roots firmly set in Germany, with links to both French and English hounds in their genetics, the breed also has ties to ancient Egypt, after several mummified remains of Dachshunds have been found. Dachshunds have been kept by royal courts all over Europe, probably due to these ties, and Queen Victoria was particularly enamoured with the breed.
Dachshunds can be long, short or wire haired, and come in a wide variety of colours and patterns. They can be single-coloured, dappled, or single-coloured with tan points. The dominant colour is red, along with black and tan. Solid black and solid chocolate colourings can also occur.
The Dachshund is particularly prone to back problems caused by the long spine and short ribcage. This can be worsened by obesity, jumping, rough handling and intense exercise, as these all place greater strain on the vertebrae. Other problems include hereditary epilepsy, dental issues, thyroid problems, Cushing’s syndrome, various allergies and atopies, and various eye conditions.
Dachshunds are playful and very stubborn, often known to doggedly chase small animals when they flee. Their stubborn nature can make them very difficult to train, but with a great deal of patience you can overcome this. Like any dog, Dachshunds can suffer from separation anxiety if left alone for too long, and are prone to becoming destructive if bored or left alone for too long. Despite their small stature, their bark is very loud, and you will need to work hard to train the dog out of this habit so that neighbours do not complain.
Dachshunds are fiercely loyal and protective dogs, and despite their stubborn natures is a fantastic breed to own, especially when brought up with children and socialised properly. Consider a Dachshund if you would prefer a smaller, protective dog for the family.
Finally, remember that once you do bring your furry friend home, you’ll want the best insurance for him to help pay for any accidents or illnesses he may have; with rising vet fees, now is the best time to invest in dog insurance. Call Animal Friends on 0845 55 70 300 or get in touch with us onFacebook to find out more.
