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The Loyal and Loving Dachshund

7331372362_cc13fac133_bBack by popular demand, we are re-posting a blog post that was trending in 2012, The Loyal and Loving Dachshund. We are thrilled that you all love these beautiful breeds. Tell us what you love most about your dachshund via email at welovepets@21stcenturyahc.com and we’ll share your story on our social media pages! Feel free to send in a picture as well.

 


 

The Dachshund, meaning “badger dog” in German, is a lively breed with a friendly personality and keen sense of smell. Low and long, the Dachshund is powerfully muscled and has a characteristic shape that rarely passes unnoticed. In the US, the Dachshund comes in two sizes: standard and miniature. Clever, lively, and courageous to the point of recklessness, the Dachshund is tenacious in above and below ground work. All of their senses are well developed. Ever ready for fun and mischief, the Dachshund is known to turn training sessions into a game, and often makes his owner feel as if the balance of power may have shifted without his knowing. They can be willful and clownish, but also uncommonly devoted to their family and moderately protective. Dachshunds are good travelers. Generally, they tolerate other pets; however, if a Dachshund becomes jealous of another pet or is just plain cranky, it can become intractable and aggressive, occasionally to the point of biting. Sometimes they will refuse to be handled. Dachshunds enjoy barking and have a bark that is surprisingly loud for their size. They are compulsive diggers.

1138f771b7d541365f474b544336beafCaring for a Dachshund
The Dachshund enjoys a regular walk or a play session in the park, which is usually sufficient to meet its exercise requirements. Do not allow your Dachshund to jump, run down lofty stairs, or be handled by small children without supervision (as much for the dog’s sake as the child’s); the dog’s back and spine are sensitive and easily damaged. The Dachshund’s weight must also be monitored to avoid additional strain on its long back. Dachshunds are not fragile dogs (after all, they were bred for hunting) but a little precaution helps. When holding a Dachshund keep its back horizontal, somewhat like holding a football with the rear quarters tucked under your arm and your hands supporting the chest. Grooming differs with coat type: Longhaired need very regular brushing; Wirehaired need professional trimming every six months or so; and the Smooth requires little more than an occasional rubdown. Dachshunds are average shedders. Housebreaking can be difficult with Dachshunds. Dachshunds are very intelligent dogs, and learn fast, but mostly when it suits their purposes. This is where their stubbornness shows itself most clearly, making some dogs a bit of a challenge to train. Consistency and patience go a long way.

The dachshund is available in a variety of coat colors and patterns. Therefore, if you are thinking about making this breed a part of your home, or you are interested in knowing what other colors are available, the following is information you may find beneficial.

i_love_my_dachshund_heart_animal_stickers_9_inch_ffda8b3aThe shades and hues that are acceptable for the dachshund breed standard include:
Solid colors – these coats are one color and feature no other markings. This group includes:

  • Red: dogs with this coloring typically feature red hues that range from a deep mahogany to a very light chestnut.
  • Cream: a buttery or buff shade is a recognized dachshund coloring. However, if you are considering showing your dog, you need to be aware that the noses of cream-colored canines should be dark.
  • Chocolate: rich brown shades that can range from dark to light.
  • Black: these dachshunds are black all over and feature no other colors. Some people are under the impression that doxies, which have tan points, are considered the black variety, but this is untrue.
  • Wheaten: a charming light yellow hue that is a mixture of cream and red. The light yellow resembles wheat, which inspired the name wheaten. This is a common color among the wirehaired type.
  • Mixed colors: many coats feature two colors. One shade is dominant and covers most of the body, while the other decorates different points, which often include, but are not limited to: the base of the tail, the feet, partially up the legs, over the eyes, and the muzzle.

However, sometimes solid coats have white points that can appear on the stomach, tail, feet and/or chest.

Although it might not matter to you what color coat your dachshund has, it is important if you have the intention of registering your dog with your kennel club, showing your dog, or engaging in professional breeding. However, if you only intend your pal to be a family pet, you should focus on choosing a healthy and happy dog with the type of coat you like best, and not concern yourself with breed standard rules.

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