Dashund Puppy Breed Overview and Care Guide

Dashunds are a cross between a Dachshund and a Pomeranian, making them a small to medium-sized dog with a big personality.

They typically weigh between 7-16 pounds and stand about 6-9 inches tall at the shoulder.

Dashunds are known for their short stature and long bodies, which can make them prone to back problems if they're not handled carefully.

To keep your Dashund happy and healthy, it's essential to provide regular exercise and mental stimulation.

With short, easy walks and playtime, Dashunds can thrive in small living spaces, making them perfect for city dwellers or those with limited yard space.

The Dachshund is a breed with a rich history that dates back to the Middle Ages. They originated in Germany to be a hunting dog that could stay close to the hunter.

Their ancestors were the German schweisshund, from which they got their shorter legs. The Dachshund was also crossed with terrier and spaniel breeds to gain certain hunting qualities and coat types.

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The German word "dachs" means "badger", which is another animal they were bred to hunt. They were used to track and go to ground for game, as well as protect the homestead.

The standard Dachshund was primarily bred as a tracker to hunt badgers and wild boars. The miniature was bred down from the standard to hunt rabbits and go to ground.

Dashhunds are known for their short stature, typically weighing between 7-16 pounds and standing 6-9 inches tall.

They have a compact body type, which makes them a great fit for city living or small homes.

Their short legs and long bodies can make them prone to back problems if they're not handled carefully.

Despite their small size, Dashhunds are energetic and playful, requiring regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Dachshunds come in two main sizes: Standard and Miniature.

Standard Dachshunds usually weigh between 16 and 32 pounds.

Miniature Dachshunds weigh 11 pounds and under at maturity.

There's also a category called Tweenies, but it's not an official classification.

Tweenies are Dachshunds that weigh between 11 and 16 pounds.

Some breeders advertise their small Dachshunds as Toy Dachshunds, but this is just a marketing term.

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The dachshund's appearance is truly one-of-a-kind. Its short and stout form has made it a beloved breed worldwide.

Dachshunds are bred to burrow into the dens of prey, so their unique body shape is perfectly suited for this task. They stand much longer than they do tall.

The breed comes in three coat types: smooth, longhair, and wirehair. Each coat type has its own distinct characteristics.

Smooth dachshunds have a short, shiny coat that comes in a variety of colors and patterns. They can be solid red or cream, black and tan, dappled, brindle, or sable.

Wirehaired dachshunds have a soft undercoat with a wiry texture on top. They also have a prominent beard and eyebrows.

Longhaired dachshunds have sleek, shiny hair that's longer on the ears, under the neck, and behind the legs. They come in all the same colors as the smooth dachshunds.

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Dachshunds come in a variety of coat colors and patterns. The smooth dachshund has a short, shiny coat that comes in solid red or cream, black and tan, dappled, brindle, and sable colors, with dark eyes typical of solid- and bicolor-coated smooth dachshunds.

Their eyes can also be blue, especially in dapple dachshunds. Wirehaired dachshunds have a soft undercoat overlayed by a short, thick, and hard top coat with a wiry texture, and come in the same array of colors and patterns as the smooths.

Regardless of coat type, dachshunds require regular grooming to stay healthy and looking their best. The longhaired dachshund's fine fur can knot and mat if not brushed regularly.

The smooth coat is the easiest to care for, but the wirehaired needs the most grooming attention, as the coarse hairs must be trimmed and kept neat. All dachshunds shed regularly throughout the year, though not as intensely as some other breeds.

Here's a breakdown of the three coat types:

Longhaired dachshunds require frequent brushing, depending on the coat's thickness, and are prone to getting mats or tangles. They must be brushed out completely every day to prevent matting.

Dachshund puppies are known for their lively and alert personalities, making them great companions.

They can be short of leg but not short of personality, and their love of digging and chasing after backyard prey is a clear sign of their hunting instincts.

Dachshunds are clever, lively, and courageous to the point of rashness, which can sometimes make them stubborn.

However, they're also renowned for being entertaining and fearless, and they want to cuddle with their people most.

Wirehaired Dachshunds can be mischievous troublemakers, while Longhairs are calm and quiet, and Smooths have a personality somewhere in between.

Some Mini Dachshunds can be nervous or shy, but this isn't correct for the breed.

Temperament is affected by several factors, including heredity, training, and socialization.

Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them.

Choose the middle-of-the-road puppy, not the one who's beating up his littermates or hiding in the corner.

Always meet at least one of the parents, and ensure that they have nice temperaments that you're comfortable with.

Dachshunds need early socialization, exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences when they're young.

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Socialization helps ensure that your Dachshund puppy grows into a well-rounded dog.

Enrolling him in a puppy kindergarten class is a great start.

Regularly inviting visitors over and taking him to busy parks, stores that allow dogs, and leisurely strolls to meet neighbors will also help him polish his social skills.

Dachshunds are playful and friendly dogs that can make great pets for a first-time pet parent.

They love mental challenges like puzzle games or scent-tracking sports.

However, be careful with them during high-energy activities to avoid back injuries.

Dachshunds are good dogs for apartments and small houses, but they do tend to bark a lot.

Training can help manage their barking habits.

Dachshunds have an excellent sense of smell and a strong prey drive, which means they might not do well in homes with smaller animals that they might see as something to chase after.

They also like to dig, which may cause damage to your plants and yard.

Provide alternative activities for your dog to keep them happy and healthy.

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As a new dashund puppy owner, you're probably wondering how to keep your furry friend looking and feeling their best. First things first, you'll need to brush their coat regularly. The frequency of brushing depends on the coat type - smooth-coated dashunds require little more than a wipe-down with a towel, while longhaired dashunds need daily brushing to prevent matting.

A slicker brush is perfect for detangling longhair, while a bristle brush keeps the coat shiny. Wirehaired dashunds, on the other hand, can be plucked or hand-stripped a few times a year to maintain their coat's rough texture. Brushing their coat several times a week is also necessary.

To keep your dashund's ears healthy, check them for excessive wax once a month. You can look at their ears when you're bathing them, brushing them, or trimming their nails. Ask your vet how to clean your dog's ears and which ear cleaning products to use.

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Here's a quick rundown of the three coat types and their grooming needs:

Remember, regular grooming is essential to prevent health issues like matting and ear infections. By following these simple tips, you'll be well on your way to becoming a pro at dashund grooming!

Dachshunds are a generally healthy breed with a lifespan of 12-16 years.

Their long body can lead to serious health issues if not properly cared for, so it's essential to stick to a strict diet and ensure proper daily exercise.

Back ailments are a common concern in Dachshunds due to their long spine, muscular and bowed legs, and low-to-the-ground stature.

Obesity is a significant risk factor for back problems in Dachshunds, so it's crucial to monitor their weight and prevent overeating.

Dachshunds are prone to slipped discs, particularly when jumping on or off furniture or in or out of cars, so it's essential to be mindful of their jumping habits.

Their floppy ears are also prone to infection, so regular ear evaluations with your vet are vital to prevent any issues.

Dachshunds are dolichocephalic, meaning they have more nasal lining than short-nosed dogs, making them more susceptible to sinus infections.

Regular veterinary check-ups and following your vet's guidelines can help prevent and address any health issues that may arise in your Dachshund.

Feeding your dashund puppy is a crucial aspect of their development. The recommended daily amount of food is 1/2 to 1 1/2 cups of high-quality dry food a day.

You'll need to adjust the amount based on your puppy's size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. A highly active puppy will need more food than a couch potato.

A good quality dog food will go a long way in nourishing your puppy, and you'll need to feed them less frequently. You can expect to feed your puppy three to four times a day until they're about six months old.

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It's essential to choose a dog food that's formulated for small breeds, as the kibble size will be smaller and easier for your puppy to chew.

Here's a rough guide to feeding your dashund puppy:

Remember to consult with your veterinarian to determine the best feeding schedule for your puppy. They'll help you choose the right food and amount to keep your puppy at a healthy weight.

Training your dashund puppy requires patience and consistency. They can be easily distracted by scents around them, so it's essential to keep training sessions short and upbeat.

Dachshunds are smart, but also independent and willful, so they can be a challenge to train. Positive reinforcement is key to winning them over.

To avoid back problems, it's best to avoid sports or activities that involve repeated jumping. This will help keep your dashund puppy safe and healthy.

Socialization is crucial for dashund puppies, and it should start when they're young. Consistent socialization will help them become confident, good-mannered dogs.

Here are some tips to keep in mind during training:

Remember, with persistence and patience, you can train your dashund puppy to be a well-behaved companion.

Dachshunds have a lot of stamina and energy, so they need regular exercise to stay fit and healthy. They love to take walks, play outdoors, and even hunt and dig.

Two half-mile walks a day, about 10 minutes each, is a good amount of exercise for a Dachshund. They can also get enough activity with a game of fetch when time is short.

Dachshunds are prone to back injuries, so it's essential to limit their jumping by installing pet stairs or ramps near furniture and beds. This will help prevent injuries and keep their back healthy.

They are also susceptible to obesity, which can make them more at risk for back injuries. So, it's crucial to keep them at a healthy weight through regular exercise and a balanced diet.

Dachshunds are intelligent and can learn quickly, but they can be stubborn at times. Positive reinforcement, such as food rewards or a favorite toy, can help motivate them during training.

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They are also known to be loud, especially when left alone for too long. So, be prepared for some barking, and consider teaching them to use a piddle pad indoors for those times it's too cold or they're feeling lazy.

Regular grooming is also essential for Dachshunds, with different coat varieties requiring varying levels of maintenance. They should be bathed sparingly, no more than once a month, and their ears need extra care to prevent infections.

Dachshunds are good with children in their own family if introduced to them early.

Supervise playtime between Dachshunds and children, especially with their long backs that can be easily injured if not handled properly.

Make it a rule that young children can only hold or pet the Dachshund if they're sitting on the floor.

Always supervise interactions between dogs and young children to prevent biting or ear or tail pulling.

Teach your child never to approach any dog while it's sleeping or eating, or to try to take the dog's food away.

Dachshunds need regular exercise to stay fit and build strong muscles to support their long back.

They're not built for extensive running, jumping, or swimming, but they're willing to do it all.

Two half-mile walks a day, about 10 minutes each, is a good starting point for their daily exercise needs.

Occasionally, a game of fetch will meet their need for activity when time is short.

Dachshunds are prone to back injuries, so it's essential to limit their jumping and provide pet stairs or ramps near furniture and beds.

Keeping them at a healthy weight also helps minimize the risk of a back injury.

Dachshunds can be great companion pets for people in smaller homes or apartments, but they need plenty of stimulation through walks and play every day.

They're quite vocal dogs, so you'll need to put in some training to redirect barking behaviors.

A Dachshund may not see the need to eliminate outside, so patience and consistency are musts during housetraining.

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Crate training helps with housetraining and ensures they don't get into things they shouldn't.

Dachshunds are people dogs and shouldn't spend their lives locked up in a crate or kennel.

Regular brushing is a good time to check for things like coat sheen, nail length, and ear and dental health.

Dachshunds will require extra weekly care to their ears, as their floppy shape can prevent proper air circulation and lead to infections.

This breed can be eager to learn most obedience training, but it's essential to keep things positive and fun.

Food can be a great motivator, but it's better to use a toy as a reward.

Dachshunds are adaptable and can make a great pet in nearly any home, but they may require special accommodations for getting around the house.

They may need to be lifted frequently, especially if they're overweight, which can seriously injure their hips and back.

Dachshunds are loud breed, especially when left alone for too long, and their bark can be piercing.