The most common health problem seen in the Dachshund is related to their body shape, making them prone to spinal disorders. Heart disease is also relatively common in the breed. As with many other breeds, various inherited eye disorders can be seen, and breeding dogs should be routinely eye tested.
- Dog suitable for owners with some experience
- Don't Mind
- Need to be aware of potential health issues
- Enjoys gentle walks
- Enjoys one to two hours of walking a day
- Small dog
- Minimum drool
- Requires grooming once a week
- Don't mind
- Barks and alerts to visitors/anything unusual
- Could have issues with unknown dogs but gets along with known dogs
- May need additional training to live with other pets
- Great family dog
- Can live without a garden
- Can happily live in the city
- Cannot be left alone
Personality
The Dachshund (Wire Haired) is a bold, courageous dog with a lively personality and nature. The rugged workman of the Dachshund varieties, the Wire Haired Dachshund still retains the independent and sometimes seemingly obstinate nature of the breed, but is also known for being loyal and good-tempered. They are excellent at tracking a scent outdoors, but equally make an affectionate, people-friendly housedog. It should not come as a surprise that the Dachshund is fond of the sound of his own voice, bearing in mind his ancestral purpose!
History and Origins
Country of Origin: Germany
Dachshunds can be traced back to the 15th Century in Germany, and came to Britain with Prince Albert. Dachshunds short legs allowed them to go to ground after badgers and other burrowing animals, where they would bark loudly to let hunters know where they were underground.
They enjoyed popularity throughout Britain and America during the 19th Century though lost favour during World War I due to their Germanic origins.
Today the Dachshund is again a popular family pet, and the Wire Haired Dachshund is an attractive somewhat shaggy version of the breed.
Did You Know?
- The Dachshund ended up a member of the hound group due to a mistranslation of their name, ‘hund’ which means ‘dog’ and not specifically ‘hound’. The Dachshund is really a terrier type, bred to go to ground and either flush out quarry or hold it at bay until hunters could dig down to them.
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