Breed Breakdown – Dachshund

Affectionately known as a sausage dog or weiner dog.

APPEARANCE: Very recognisable with short legs, long muscular body that is close to the ground. Floppy ears and an elongated nose. They come three coat types, long, wiry or smooth, in a variety of colours but most commonly black, black & tan, tan, red . There are two sizes; the standard dachshund stands 8-9 inches tall and the miniature dachshund is 6 inches a the shoulder.

TEMPERAMENT: Loving, loyal, playful, curious, stubborn and brave.

AVERAGE LIFE SPAN: 12-15 years

MAINTENANCE: Need some daily exercise like a 30 minute walk or outside play. Long hair coats will need brushing twice a week to remove knots. They can be prone to back/spinal problems particularly if overweight or using stairs a lot or jumping of beds and couches.

SUITS: Are inside dog’s suited to most lifestyles from families with older children preferred or elderly people, as they love company, are playful and are good watch dogs.

INTERESTING FACT: Dachshunds originated in Germany with the word Dachshund meaning “badger dog” in German. They were used as a scent dog to hunt,chase and flush out tunnelling animals like badgers, foxes and rabbits.

Originally published in My Pet Magazine Issue 14.
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