Raising a happy and healthy Dachshund puppy is a big responsibility, but with the right approach, you can set your pup up for a lifetime of joy and companionship.
Dachshunds are prone to obesity, so it's essential to monitor their food intake and ensure they get regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight.
As a breed, Dachshunds are naturally curious and love to explore their surroundings, so providing plenty of opportunities for play and mental stimulation is crucial.
A Dachshund's short stature means they can be prone to back problems, so it's vital to support their spine and prevent jumping and rough play.
For another approach, see: Dachshunds Dogs
Dachshund Care
Dachshunds need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy, so make sure to provide a daily fenced yard and leash walks.
They especially love games that test their hunting abilities, such as barn hunt.
To keep your Dachshund's coat looking its best, brush the smooth variety occasionally to remove dead hair, and comb the longhair variety once or twice a week.
The wirehaired coat needs weekly combing and occasional stripping to prevent matting.
Dachshunds are prone to back problems, so it's essential to prevent obesity and limit movements that put stress on their back.
Avoid letting them jump on or off furniture, run up or down stairs, or twist their spinal column.
By following these simple care tips, you can help your Dachshund live a long, happy, and healthy life.
Gate or Pen
As you navigate the world of dachshund care, you'll likely find yourself in situations where you need to keep your furry friend contained. You can use puppy gates or pens to create a safe and comfortable space for your dachshund.
Puppy gates or pens are a great solution for confining your dachshund in a smaller area. There are many great options available, such as the Puppy Gate or Pen mentioned earlier.
These gates and pens can be especially helpful during times of high energy or when you need to keep your dachshund out of certain areas of the house.
Curious to learn more? Check out: What Do Puppys Need
Dog Crate
If you plan to crate train your Dachshund, you'll need a crate that's the right size for your puppy. The crate should be big enough for your puppy to comfortably stand up, turn around, and lay down, but not too big that they have too much extra space.
Wire crates are more breathable and typically lighter, but plastic crates create a more enclosed space, which is ideal for Dachshunds that are anxious or crate-trained.
Consider the features of the crate, such as removable trays, handles, and locks for safety and convenience.
A crate with removable trays can make cleaning up after your Dachshund's accidents much easier.
Dog Bed
Choosing a good bed for your dachshund puppy is important. A comfortable and supportive bed is essential for your puppy's growth and development.
Look for a bed that is large enough for your puppy to grow into. This will save you from having to replace the bed too often.
A bed made from a breathable material will help keep your puppy cool and comfortable. This is especially important for dachshunds, as they can be prone to overheating.
Make sure the bed is easily washable, as accidents will happen. A durable material will withstand wear and tear, making it easier to maintain the bed.
Dachshund Food
Choosing the right food for your dachshund is crucial for their growth and development. A newborn puppy will need a food high in fat and protein.
Puppies in the first few weeks of life have different nutritional needs than older puppies.
Many dachshund owners prefer to continue using the same food that the breeder or rescue was using, at least in the beginning.
Always speak with your veterinarian about their food recommendation.
On a similar theme: Puppys Food
Potty Pads
Consider the size of the pad, it should be large enough for your puppy to use comfortably and last throughout the day.
Look for a pad with good absorbency to quickly and effectively absorb liquid and keep your puppy's paws dry.
Avoid materials that may contain harsh chemicals or irritants that could be harmful to your puppy's skin.
Eco-friendly, reusable potty pads are a great option, they're available on Amazon.
Dackel Versus Teckel
In Germany, dachshunds are widely called Dackel, both singular and plural. This is a common term used by many people in the country.
The term Teckel is mainly used by hunters, who have a special affinity for the breed. This is because Teckel is associated with hunting dachshunds, which are bred for their exceptional tracking abilities.
There are kennels that specialize in breeding hunting dachshunds, known as jagdliche Leistungszucht or Gebrauchshundezucht. These dogs are trained to perform specific tasks, such as tracking and retrieving game.
If you're considering getting a dachshund, it's worth noting that the term Teckel is not a name for the hunting breed or a mark for passing a test for a trained hunting dog. This is a common misconception.
In fact, the term Teckel is simply a colloquialism used by hunters to refer to dachshunds.
Grooming and Hygiene
Grooming is an essential part of being a Dachshund owner. You'll need to brush your pup regularly to prevent knotting and matting, especially if you have a longhaired Dachshund.
The smooth coat is the easiest to care for, requiring only a quick going-over with a hound glove, soft brush, and damp cloth. The wirehaired Dachshund, on the other hand, needs regular trimming and attention to keep the coarse hairs neat.
Puppies should get used to teeth brushing at an early age, and veterinarians recommend using small, nearly invisible finger toothbrushes to make the process easy and comfortable for them.
Leash and Collar (or Harness)
You'll need a quality collar and a leash for your new dachshund pup. Make sure the collar is the right size and comfortable for your pup to wear.
Collars can get worn out quickly, so buying multiple in different sizes is a good idea. I've seen this happen with my own pup, and it's nice to have a few extras on hand.
Having your dog's name and phone number personalized directly on the collar is an extra precaution, as dog ID tags can easily wear out and fall off.
Pet Bowls
Plastic bowls are often the most popular choice for pet owners, but they can harbor germs easily.
Stainless steel and ceramic bowls are a good choice because they are more durable and don't hold onto odors.
It's essential to choose a bowl that's the right size for your pet, as too large of a bowl can make eating and drinking difficult.
A non-slip bottom on the bowl is a must-have, as it will keep the bowl from sliding around on the floor.
Sharp edges on the bowl can hurt your pet, so make sure to check for any sharp edges before choosing a bowl.
Natural Chews
Natural chews are a great way to keep your dachshund occupied and satisfied. Our puppies have always enjoyed the Earth Animal No-Hide chews, which are made from safe, long-lasting ingredients.
These chews are designed to look and feel like rawhide, but without the dangers associated with it. They're a great alternative to traditional rawhide chews.
Some chews to avoid are those with synthetic ingredients, as they can be hazardous to your pup's health.
See what others are reading: Pics of Great Pyrenees Puppies
Toothbrush
You'll need a toothbrush specifically designed for your pup, like a small, nearly invisible finger toothbrush.
Veterinarians recommend getting your new puppy used to teeth brushing at an early age.
Puppies should quickly get used to the idea of someone touching their teeth.
Dental health is crucial for dogs, and neglecting it could save their life as they age.
Dachshund Appropriate Toys
Choosing toys for your Dachshund puppy is crucial for their development and safety. Look for toys made with non-toxic materials.
Soft, plush toys are great for cuddling and playing, and durable rubber or plastic toys can help with teething. Durable rubber or plastic toys can help with teething.
It's a good idea to rotate toys periodically to keep them fresh and exciting. Periodically add and remove toys from your puppy's toy box.
Always monitor your puppy while playing to ensure they don't destroy a toy and it becomes a choking hazard.
Consider reading: Puppy Teething
Coat and Color
Dachshunds come in three coat varieties: smooth coat, long-haired, and wire-haired. The long-haired variety has a silky coat with short featherings on legs and ears.
Smooth-coated dachshunds are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. Long-haired dachshunds, on the other hand, require regular brushing to prevent matting.
Wire-haired dachshunds are the least common coat variety in the US, but the most common in Germany. They also have a unique color pattern called wild boar.
Dachshunds have a wide range of colors and patterns, with red being the most common. They can also have tan pointed, dapple, sable, brindle, and piebald patterns.
The Dachshund Club of America and the American Kennel Club consider Double Dapple to be out of standard and a disqualifying color in the show ring.
A fresh viewpoint: Flat Coat Doodle
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Dachshunds good house dogs?
Dachshunds make loyal and protective companions for families, but may require proper socialization to get along with strangers and other pets. With proper care and treatment, they can thrive as loving and energetic house dogs.
Are Dachshunds nice pets?
Dachshunds are loyal and courageous companions, but may be wary of strangers and other dogs. With proper care and socialization, they can make great family pets, especially for children.
What is the personality of a Dachshund puppy?
Dachshund puppies are lively, playful, and clever, but can be stubborn at times. They form strong bonds with their owners and require attention and affection to prevent loneliness and jealousy.
Is a sausage dog a good family pet?
Suitable for families with slightly older children, Dachshunds are loyal and affectionate companions. However, their small size and vocal nature require gentle handling and play
What are the three types of sausage dogs?
Dachshunds come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and kaninchen (also known as "rabbit" size). While the standard and miniature sizes are widely recognized, the kaninchen size has limited international recognition.
Sources
- great puppy gates or pens (amzn.to)
- high quality snuffle mat on Amazon (amzn.to)
- Dachshund Dog Breed | Origin, History, Personality & Care ... (nylabone.com)
- Dachshund Dog Breed Information (akc.org)
- Hund (wiktionary.org)
- Dachs (wiktionary.org)
- "So Sweet! The Always Adorable Crusoe the Celebrity Dachshund Is Your People's Choice Awards Animal Star of 2018" (eonline.com)
- "Obie The Obese Dachshund: One Adorable Doxie's Mission To Lose 40 Pounds" (huffingtonpost.com)
- "Obese Dachshund takes on challenge of being Doxie version of 'Biggest Loser'" (oregonlive.com)
- "Moxie: The Dachshund of Fallingwater" (fallingwater.org)
- "8 Curious Facts About Dachshunds" (puppies.co.uk)
- "Dachshunds in Pop Culture: Andy Warhol" (dachshundlove.blogspot.com)
- FAQ of the German Teckelclub on the naming issue (dtk1888.de)
- "Short on Legs, Long on Competition: It's the 2017 Wiener Dog Races" (loudounnow.com)
- the original (5stardog.com)
- "A Brief History of the Breed" (twodogzoo.com)
- "Dach-Facts: Double Dapple Health Risks" (wordpress.com)
- "Dachshund History Queen Victoria" (archive.today)
- the original (starlightkennel.com)
- ""Brittle Bone" Gene in Dachshunds Discovered" (dachshund-dca.org)
- "Genome-Wide Association Study in Dachshund: Identification of a Major Locus Affecting Intervertebral Disc Calcification" (oup.com)
- "Dachshunds" (burkesbackyard.com.au)
- "History and Development" (dachshund-dca.org)
- "The Double Dapple" (dachshund.org)
- "What to Know About Dachshunds" (webmd.com)
- "Breed standard" (dachshundclubofamerica.org)
- "sausage dog" (oed.com)
- "wiener dog" (oed.com)
- "Dachshund" (duden.de)
- "7 dog breeds you're probably mispronouncing" (businessinsider.com)
- "The Right Way to Pronounce 'Dachshund'" (mentalfloss.com)
- "Dachshund – Definition and More from the Free Merriam-Webster Dictionary" (merriam-webster.com)
- Dachshund Breed Standard (dachshund-land.ru)
- Dachshund Breed Standard (dachshund-land.ru)
- Dachshund pronunciation (learnersdictionary.com)
- A-Z Animals - Dachshund (a-z-animals.com)
- WebMD - What to know about Dachshunds (webmd.com)
- United Kennel Club - Dachshund (ukcdogs.com)
- Dog Breed Info - The Purebred Dachshund (dogbreedinfo.com)
- Vetstreet - Dachshund (vetstreet.com)
- PetMD - Dachshund (petmd.com)
Featured Images: pexels.com