Dachshund Dog Breed Information

First bred in Germany over 300 years ago, the Dachshund is the 13th most popular dog breed in the U.S. today. A member of the Hound group, these curious canines are equal parts hunter and companion. If you think a dachshund might be right for you, here is what you need to know.

A Little History

The German word “Dachshund” translates to “badger hound,” a fitting name since these dogs were bred to hunt badgers and other small animals. They were selectively bred to promote qualities which enhanced their ability to burrow and retrieve their prey. If you know a Dachshund, you might know that this breed is surprisingly loud, but that’s no coincidence. A boisterous bark made it possible for people to track them while they hunted below ground.

What are Dachshunds Like?

Over the years, Dachshunds were bred to yield a variety of coats to suit their environments (thorny, cold, or warm). Today, there are three coat types – smooth-, long-, and wire-haired – with many colors among two sizes. Miniature Dachshunds weigh under 12 pounds and stand 5-6 inches tall. Standard Dachshunds weigh between 16-32 pounds, and stand 8-9 inches tall. They’re all distinguished by their short limbs, long torsos, and alert expressions.

Dachshunds are known to be reserved with strangers and protective of their families. Paired with their large voice, this make them excellent watchdogs. While they are good with children, their tolerance for mishandling is limited, and such interactions should be monitored.

Caring for Dachshunds

Dachshunds are good candidates for apartments and cities because of their relatively small size. Nevertheless, you should make time for them to play and exercise. The long- and wire-haired varieties will require more frequent brushing (twice a week), while smooth-coat Dachshunds may only require an annual stripping. An occasional bath and nail-trim will make them clean and comfortable, and brushing their teeth regularly will help prevent dental disease.

Their average lifespan is 12 to 14 years, and they are prone to conditions such as intervertebral disk disease (IVDD), diabetes, patellar luxation, and Cushing’s disease1. You should monitor their weight closely to reduce the risk of spinal injury.

The Cost

Depending on size and color, breeders charge anywhere from $200 to $1,000 for a Dachshund puppy. If you are in the market, know that supplies and initial veterinary expenses can cost up to $500, while maintenance care each year can cost another $500.

Patellar luxation surgery can cost between $1,200-$2,500, and IVDD can be even more costly. Diagnostic imaging alone can cost up to $3,000, and surgical intervention can be as much as $4,000.  A pet insurance policy with 4Paws Insurance helps pet parents provide important veterinary care for their fur-babies by reducing the burden of unforeseen costs.

Sandy Says
Comments from our Chief Pet Officer

Dachshunds are a very intelligent but sensitive breed. They do not do well with harsh commands or punishment. Because of their long body structure, they can easily slip or rupture a disc. So, it is important to feed them a good healthy diet, refrain from over treating these little darlings, and exercise them a few times a day. They are also known for having a keen sense of smell. Training Dachshunds should be fairly easy, as long as you keep distractions to a minimum.

 

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