Dachshund (Wire Haired)

The Dachshund (Wire Haired) is a medium breed dog on short legs, standing around 35cm tall and about 9-12kg when fully grown. The coat is hard and wiry, forming an attractive moustache, beard and characterful eyebrows. The ears are kept smooth and neat and the whole coat maintained with regular hand stripping or plucking. A wide variety of colours occur but not all are accepted for health reasons – check the breed standard for further details.

Lifespan

12 – 16 years

Weight

9 - 12 kg

Height

33 - 37 cm

Colours

Red, cream, black and tan, black and cream, chocolate and tan, chocolate and cream, blue, Isabella.

Size

Medium

Kennel Club Group

Hound

The need-to-know

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

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Two colour wire-haired dachshund looking away.

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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!

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Two colour wire-haired dachshund sitting and looking at camera.

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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.

Health and Common Issues

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.

Exercise Needs

The Dachshund requires at least an hour’s exercise per day. Ensure they have a good recall before letting them off lead as they will be inclined to follow their noses and can get into some small spaces and under fencing!

Space Requirements

Whilst this is not a huge dog, they are long-backed and care should be taken to provide steps and ramps to avoid them jumping on or off furniture. Repeated trips up and down long flights of stairs should be avoided so the Dachshund is better suited to single storey living. A small to medium garden will suit as long as varied walks are provided.

Nutrition and Feeding

Your dog's diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's also important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape and remember to feed him at least twice daily and in accordance with the feeding guidelines of his particular food. Ensuring the Dachshund is not allowed to become overweight is crucial, as excess weight can put pressure on his back.

Grooming Wire-Haired Dachshund

The wire coat is hard-wearing and weather proof, but will require regular hand stripping to retain the charming beard and eyebrows. Being low to the ground, the coat can sweep up all sort of debris on walks, so check it when you return home. Check ears and between paw pads regularly, and take care when lifting this long-backed breed into the bath.

Training Wire-Haired Dachshund

Not a dog ideally suited to those who enjoy training as a hobby, the Dachshund (Long Haired) is capable of learning the basics, including walking on a loose lead, settling quietly and a reasonable level of recall. Typically a friendly dog, they should still be well socialised with people and other animals from an early age.

Best Family Dog Breeds

The Dachshund can make a good family dog with older children or families without children. Their long back is easily damaged and their short stature easily leads children to try to pick them up or treat them as toys which they will not tolerate.

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.

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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.