Puppy wiener dogs are a popular breed, originating from Germany and known for their short, compact bodies and long, narrow heads.
They typically weigh between 11 and 18 pounds and stand 10 to 14 inches tall at the shoulder.
Their short coats require minimal grooming, but they do need regular nail trimming and ear cleaning to prevent health issues.
Puppy wiener dogs are highly social animals that thrive on human interaction and attention, making them a great choice for families and first-time dog owners.
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Getting Started
Puppy wiener dogs are a bundle of energy, so be prepared to spend time with them daily.
Their short coats require minimal grooming, but their long ears need regular cleaning to prevent infections.
Puppy wiener dogs are naturally curious and love to explore, so a securely fenced yard is a must.
They are intelligent and trainable, but housebreaking can take time and patience.
Puppy wiener dogs thrive on a balanced diet, and their small stomachs mean they need to eat frequently throughout the day.
With proper care and attention, they can grow into happy and healthy companions.
On a similar theme: Hush Puppy
Dog Basics
Dogs are social animals that thrive on interaction, which is why Wiener dogs are perfect for families with kids. They are natural pack animals and love to be around people.
Wiener dogs are relatively small in size, typically weighing between 7-11 pounds and standing about 6-10 inches tall. This makes them a great choice for city living or small homes.
To keep your Wiener dog happy and healthy, make sure to provide regular exercise, such as short walks and playtime, and a balanced diet that includes high-quality dog food.
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Dog
Dogs are social animals and need regular interaction with their human family members. They thrive on attention and affection, so make sure to spend quality time with your furry friend every day.
Dogs have a unique way of communicating with each other through body language and vocalizations. They use their tails, ears, and posture to convey emotions and intentions.
Dogs are intelligent animals and can be trained to learn a wide range of commands and behaviors. With patience and consistency, you can teach your dog to sit, stay, and even do tricks.
Dogs have a strong sense of smell and can detect subtle changes in their environment. They use their sense of smell to explore their surroundings and detect potential threats.
Dogs come in a wide range of sizes, from the tiny Chihuahua to the massive Great Dane. Each breed has its own unique characteristics and needs.
Dogs are loyal companions and can form strong bonds with their owners. With proper care and attention, a dog can be a loving and faithful friend for many years.
Related reading: Dog Smell
Breed Overview
The Dachshund breed comes in two sizes: standard, weighing 16-32 pounds, and miniature, weighing 11 pounds or less.
They have a wide range of colors, including black, chocolate, fawn, blue & tan, cream, wheaten, wild boar, red and black, fawn, chocolate, and blue & cream.
Dachshunds are suitable for families and individuals with patience and previous experience owning dogs, as well as families with older kids.
Their curious and friendly nature makes them a great fit for active families who can keep up with their playful and bold personalities.
Dachshunds can be protective and charming, but they can also be stubborn at times.
Their short stature and bold personality make them well-suited for hunting badgers, as mentioned in their breed history.
Quick Facts
Dachshunds, also known as "puppy wiener dogs", originate from Germany.
They come in a variety of sizes, including Standard (16-32 pounds or 7-15 kg), Miniature (11 pounds or 5 kg and under), and Kaninchen ("rabbit" in German, typically around 8 pounds or 3.5 kg and under).
On average, Dachshunds live for about 12-16 years.
Their coats can be shorthaired, Longhaired, or wirehaired, and come in a range of colors and patterns.
Dachshunds are known for their lively and curious nature, but can also be quite stubborn at times.
Regular walks and playtime are essential to prevent obesity and keep them mentally stimulated.
Here's a breakdown of the different coat types and their grooming needs:
It's essential to keep an eye on their spine health, as they can be prone to back problems due to their elongated body.
How Big Will My Get?
Your puppy wiener dog, also known as a Dachshund, will grow up to be a unique and lovable companion.
Dachshunds come in two sizes: Standard and Miniature. Standard Dachshunds typically weigh between 16 and 32 pounds, while Miniature Dachshunds weigh less than 11 pounds.
At around eight months old, most Dachshunds will reach their adult weight and height. They may continue to fill out slightly after that, but their growth rate will slow down significantly.
You can use the Dachshund weight chart to estimate your puppy's growth. The chart shows the estimated weight range for standard-sized Dachshunds at different ages.
Here's a rough idea of what to expect:
Keep in mind that every puppy grows at its own rate, so don't worry if your puppy is a little ahead or behind these numbers. Consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns.
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To get a better idea of your puppy's adult size, examine their paws. If they look oversized next to their legs and body, or your pup still looks a little gangly, they may still be filling out.
If you purchased your Dachshund through a breeder, you can reach out to them about your puppy's expected adult size. They should be able to give you a more precise estimate based on your Dachshund's parents and previous litters.
A full-grown Dachshund should weigh between 16 and 32 pounds for standard-sized dogs, and less than 11 pounds for Miniature dogs.
Health and Care
Dachshunds are generally a healthy breed with a lifespan of 12-16 years, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain diseases.
Regular veterinary appointments are crucial for keeping your Dachshund healthy, including complete physical examinations, vaccinations, disease screening, and routine parasite prevention.
Dachshunds are at higher risk for health issues like back problems, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), and obesity, which can compromise their quality of life and reduce their lifespan.
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a common problem for Dachshunds, with 10-12 times the likelihood of suffering from it compared to other breeds, and approximately 1 in 4 Dachshunds will have signs of IVDD at some point during their life.
Dental disease and obesity are also common issues in Dachshunds, and can be prevented or treated with regular veterinary care.
To prevent health issues, stick to a strict diet and ensure proper daily exercise, and never allow your Dachshund to jump on or off furniture or in or out of cars.
Here are some common health issues to be aware of in Dachshunds:
- Intervertebral disk disease (IVDD)
- Luxating patella
- Idiopathic epilepsy
- Dental disease
- Obesity
Regular brushing is also important for Dachshunds, especially for their floppy ears, which can be prone to infection.
By being aware of these potential health issues and taking preventative measures, you can help ensure your Dachshund lives a long and healthy life.
Grooming
Grooming your puppy wiener dog, also known as a dachshund, requires attention to their coat type. Smooth-coated dachshunds need only a quick weekly session with a bristle brush or grooming glove.
Longhaired dachshunds, on the other hand, require frequent brushing to prevent mats and tangles. Their sleek, shiny hair is longer on the ears and under the neck, body, and behind the legs.
Wirehaired dachshunds need their coats hand-stripped a few times per year, and weekly brushing in between. They also require a quick trim.
You'll need to bathe your dachshund as needed, and trim their nails about once a month, depending on how much they wear them down. Regular nail trimming will keep their paws healthy and prevent overgrowth.
Preventative dental care is also essential for your dachshund's grooming routine. Brush their teeth regularly or use products like dental chews, water additives, or a special diet.
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Personality
Dachshunds are clever, lively, and courageous to the point of rashness. They're bred for perseverance, which is another way of saying they can be stubborn.
Their personality can also vary with coat type. 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. Avoid puppies that show these characteristics.
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.
The mother is the available parent to meet, and they should have a nice temperament that you're comfortable with. Meeting siblings or other parents' relatives is also helpful for evaluating what a puppy will be like when he grows up.
Dachshunds need early socialization-exposure to many different people, sights, sounds, and experiences when they're young. This helps ensure that your Dachshund puppy grows into a well-rounded dog.
Dachshunds are not timid little dogs, they were bred to hunt badgers and retain their braveness and spunk.
They're very vocal and highly predatory, but cute as a button. They're energetic and alert with a loud, deep howl, and will sound the alarm at the sight of guests.
Dachshunds can be very playful and will need a decent amount of social attention every day. They also tend to be diggers and burrowers.
Dachshunds can take to obedience training quite well, but patience and consistency are key.
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Living with a Puppy
Dachshund puppies are especially adorable, but don't let their cute face fool you - they'll take over the house if given the chance.
You'll have no shortage of options if you're looking for a Dachshund puppy, as they're among the 10 most popular breeds according to AKC registrations.
To ensure you get a well-socialized puppy, start training them as soon as they come home.
Getting Started in Dog Sports
Getting started in dog sports can be an exciting venture for you and your new puppy. If you're new to dog sports, it's a good idea to start with an introduction to the basics.
There are many different types of dog sports, so it's essential to find the right one for you and your puppy. Canine partners, for example, are a great way to get involved in dog sports, and many organizations even allow mixed-breed dogs to participate.
If you're not sure what all the dog sports titles and abbreviations mean, don't worry! You can easily look them up, and many organizations offer resources to help you understand the terminology.
Some dog sports are better suited to certain breeds or temperaments, so it's a good idea to think about which sport would be the best fit for you and your puppy. For example, if your puppy is high-energy, you may want to consider a sport that involves running or agility.
To get started in dog training, you can begin with basic obedience commands and gradually build up to more complex skills. Many organizations offer training classes or online resources to help you and your puppy get started.
Virtual dog sports and events are also a great way to get involved in dog sports, especially if you live in an area with limited access to in-person events. You can participate in online competitions or watch virtual events to learn more about different dog sports.
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Living Needs
Living with a puppy requires some careful consideration of their living needs, and dachshunds are no exception. They're adaptable to nearly any home, but beware of too many stairs!
Dachshunds are energetic, but they're also lazy, so owners need to encourage daily exercise to prevent obesity. Twice-daily walks up to half a mile each should be sufficient. They don't do well in cold weather, and they'll need to wear a coat when going outside for extended periods of time when temps are low.
Their small size makes them great for apartment dwellers and the elderly, but they may require special accommodations for getting around the house. This could include steps or a ramp up to furniture, especially if they're not allowed to jump. Too much jumping can seriously injure a dachshund's hips and back.
Dachshunds are loud, especially when left alone for too long. They were bred to bark, and their bark can be piercing. If you're bringing a dachshund to a home with a yard, ensure the yard is fully fenced-in and reinforced along the base to prevent escape or damage.
Housetraining can be a challenge with dachshunds - they may take up to a year to understand the concept. They're also prone to finding going outside inconvenient, so it's a good idea to teach them to use a piddle pad indoors.
For another approach, see: When Is It Too Cold to Bathe a Dog?
Children and Pets
Living with a puppy can be a wonderful experience for the whole family, but it's essential to consider how your new furry friend will interact with children. Dachshunds are good with children in their own family if introduced to them early.
Supervise playtime with your Dachshund and children's friends to ensure everyone's safety. Dachshunds can be easily injured if they're not handled properly, especially with their long backs.
Teach children how to approach and touch dogs gently, and always supervise interactions between dogs and young children to prevent biting or ear or tail pulling. This will help create a harmonious household.
Dachshunds get along well with other pets, especially if they're introduced to them in puppyhood. With their bold personalities, they may be top dog in the household.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the little wiener dogs called?
In Germany, these little dogs are commonly known as Dackel, while working varieties are called Teckel. They're also affectionately nicknamed wiener or sausage dog due to their unique, long, narrow build.
Is a wiener dog a good pet?
Yes, a Dachshund can make a great pet for the right owner, but they do require attention and social interaction. They thrive as indoor companions and are suitable for apartment living, but may not be the best fit for those seeking a low-maintenance pet.
Sources
- Dachshund Dog Breed Information (akc.org)
- Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) (ofa.org)
- Southern States Dachshund Rescue (ssdr.org)
- Southern California Dachshund Rescue (scdr.org)
- Midwest Dachshund Rescue (mwdr.org)
- Diamond Dachshund Rescue of Texas (ddrtx.org)
- Dachshund Rescue of North America, Inc (drna.org)
- Coast to Coast Dachshund Rescue (c2cdr.org)
- Canadian Dachshund Rescue (wienerdogrescue.com)
- Almost Home Dachshund Rescue Society (almosthomerescue.org)
- Dachshund Club of America, Inc (dachshund-dca.org)
- breed club's standards (dachshundclubofamerica.org)
- rescue group (dachshundclubofamerica.org)
- breeder (dachshundclubofamerica.org)
- guide (rover.com)
- Dachshund Club of America (dachshundclubofamerica.org)
- colorful dachshund named Waldi (olympics.com)
- Crusoe the Celebrity (celebritydachshund.com)
- Dachshund Dog Breed: Pictures, Info, Care & More (dogster.com)
- Dachshund Growth & Weight Chart: Everything You Need ... (pawlicy.com)
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