The Complete Dachshund Guide: History, Food, Training & More

Dachshund are one of the most popular dog breeds in America, known for their long bodies, short legs, and playful personalities. The estimated number of Dachshunds in America is 650,000 or more.

Dachshund History :

Dachshunds were originally bred in Germany before the 14th century which became more popular with German hunters and foresters by the 18th century. They are known for their courage and their ability to dig deep into badger burrows. They were also kept as pets by royalty and nobility. In the 19th century, dachshunds were introduced to other parts of Europe and to the United States where they quickly became popular pets.

Details about Dachshund:

Small, Long-bodied dogs

Size:

Standard Dachshunds: up to 16 inches tall; The largest one,
Miniature Dachshunds: About 12 inches tall,
Kaninchen Dachshunds: Only 8 inches tall.

Weight:

Standard Dachshunds: 25-30 pounds,
Miniature Dachshunds: 16-20 pounds,
Kaninchen Dachshunds: 8-11 pounds.

Coat:

Smooth, Wirehaired, and Longhaired are the three coat types available for Dachshunds. Smooth Dachshunds have short, smooth coats that are easy to care for.
Wirehaired Dachshunds have wiry coats that need to be hand-stripped or plucked regularly.
Longhaired Dachshunds have long, flowing coats that need to be brushed regularly.

Lifespan: 12-15 years

Dachshund Puppy Price: $1,000-$2,000

Color: Can be of a variety of colors. Red, Black and Tan, Chocolate, and Cream colors are the common ones.

Temperament: Known for being lively, playful, intelligent, loyal, and affectionate but sometimes they can also be stubborn and independent.

Training: Dachshunds are active dogs, but they do not need a lot of exercise. A few short walks each day are sufficient for them.

Grooming: Dachshunds are moderate shedders. Smooth-coated Dachshunds are relatively low-maintenance, while wirehaired and longhaired Dachshunds require more frequent brushing.

The states with the most number of Dachshunds are:

Texas: 110,000
California: 100,000
Florida: 90,000
Pennsylvania: 80,000
Ohio: 70,000
New York: 60,000

Dachshund Food:

Safe food:

Fruits and vegetables: Carrots, blueberries, watermelon, pineapple, and bananas are high in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, which are essential for a healthy dog.

Lean protein: Chicken, turkey, fish, and lamb are all good sources of protein for building and maintaining muscle mass.

Whole grains: Whole grains, such as brown rice, oatmeal, and quinoa, are a good source of fiber to keep the digestive system healthy.

Healthy fats: Good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include salmon, tuna, and flaxseed oil which are important for dachshunds’ skin and coat health.

Avoidable foods:

Chocolate, Grapes and raisins, Onions and garlic, Xylitol, Avocado, Macadamia nuts, etc.

Average annual spending on Dachshund:

Average annual spending by the owner is around $1200 to $1500 of which-

Food and treat cost: $500
Vet care: $400
Grooming & Training: $300
Other expenses: $200

Interesting facts about Dachshund:

◉ Dachshunds were originally bred to hunt badgers.
◉ The world’s oldest dachshund lived to be 21 years old.
◉ The longest dachshund was 27.4 inches long from nose to tail on record.
◉ The smallest Dachshund was 4.5 inches long from nose to tail on record.
◉ Kaninchen dachshunds are sometimes called “teacup” dachshunds for their small size.
◉ Dachshunds were used by the U.S. military during World War I and World War II to help detect mines and other explosives.
◉ Dachshunds have been featured in many movies and TV shows, including “The Wizard of Oz”, “Toy Story”, and “The Simpsons”.
◉ Dachshunds were especially favored by royalty, and they were often seen in the courts of Queen Victoria, King George IV, and Emperor Napoleon III.

Pros and Cons of Dachshund:

Pros:

◉ Loyal and affectionate
◉ Good with children
◉ Patient and gentle
◉ Low-maintenance
◉ Versatile & Adaptable
◉ Good Watchdogs

Cons:

◉ Stubbornness
◉ Loud barkers
◉ Prone-to-back problems
◉ Grooming problem
◉ Expensive

Overall, Dachshunds are lovely, loyal, and great dogs for the right person. However, Dachshund is a low-maintenance, affectionate dog that is good with children.

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