Breed All About It !
Spotlight on :
The Dachshund
Description : Dachshunds come in various coat and colors - smooth-coated , wire-coated , and longhaired , in shades including black , chocolate , black & tan , cream , chocolate & cream , red , blue , tan , dappled piebold , fawn , and brindle . They are known for their soulful eyes and long bodies with short , stubby legs , resulting in the nickname " wiener dogs ."
Temperament : Dachshunds are little dogs with big personalities . They are intelligent , charming , playful , and courageous , as well as independent , and more than a bit stubborn . Though tiny , Dachshunds have a reputation for believing they are in charge at all times . They are affectionate , love attention and cuddling , and enjoy burrowing under the blankets for naps . Very loyal , they often bond closely with a single person , but can be good family dogs , too . Early training and socialization is recommended to avoid having them become snappish . Their long backs make Dachshunds vulnerable to being easily hurt if not handled properly , so supervise carefully around children . These dogs are typically better with older kids . They do like to bark and can be difficult to housetrain , so patience is a much-needed virtue for this breed ' s owners . Dachshund fans , however , are so devoted to the breed , they don ' t mind these challenges . The wiener ' s personality can also vary with coat type . Because the wirehaired Dachshunds have terrier in their background , they can be a bit mischievous . Longhairs are calm and quiet , and smooths have a personality that lies somewhere in between .
Average Height / Weight : Standard Dachshunds usually weigh between 16 and 32 pounds . Miniature Dachshunds weigh 11 pounds and under at maturity . Dachshunds that weigh between 11 and 16 pounds are called Tweenies . Standards are typically 8 - 9 inches high at the shoulder ; miniatures are about 5 - 6 inches tall .
Health Issues : Those long bodies and short legs predispose Dachshunds to several conditions , including intervertebral disc disease , patella luxation , hip dysplasia , and obesity . Keeping your dog at an optimum weight will help ensure that no additional strain is placed on its spine . Dachshunds can also suffer from congenital eye problems such as dry eye , Progressive Retinal Atrophy ( PRA ), and cataracts .
Life Expectancy : 12 - 16 years .
Exercise : Daily walks are important , considering this breed ' s tendency to become overweight . Regular exercise builds good muscle tone and helps alleviate potential back issues . If you let them run , do so in a fenced yard , as they like to chase small critters and birds . Do not leave unattended , as they are diggers , and can tunnel under fences in search of new adventures .
Grooming : Weekly brushing with a soft bristled brush should be sufficient , regardless of whether they are short or long-haired . Limit bathing to once every few months or so to avoid drying out their skin .
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Pawsitively Pets -- July