Miniature Dachshunds

Miniature DachshundIf you want or need a new friend, with a miniature dachshund is perfect. They are not only cute and fiercely loyal, but also pocket sized! This so-called hot dog never gets to more than 11 pounds, but it is a very loyal and easy to train companion for your adventures and such.

This dog was originally bred in Germany, as you are able to guess by the name. They were originally used as hunting dogs, what with their voracious appetite for providing for their master and uncanny talent at wriggling their way into confined places. However, a practice used to create their small size, mixing them with other, small species, which was discontinued in 1910, bred most of the hunting prowess out of them. These days, however, any miniature dachshund you can find was the product of selectively interbreeding the species.

While it is more common to see this breed in a red shade than anything, they actually come in many different colors.One thing is for certain, though your dog may be of any shade of the rainbow, there is no mistaking the short stature and lengthy body of this creature.

While these independent and high spirited animals make the perfect companion, you should be aware that due to their small size, they often suffer from Intervertebral Disc Disease, an illness that can lead to paralysis of their lower half and a series of embarrassing accidents. The disease does not show up until the miniature dachshund is 3 years old or so, but there is plenty of time to really enjoy your dog’s happiness and friendliness. They often live to 12 or 14 years old.

Whether you refer to their ilk as ‘hot dog dogs’ ‘sausage dogs’ or something else imaginative, there is no mistaking the intelligence and independence of this creature. They are very devoted to their family and will raise the alarm when a stranger begins to intrude, but after a short introduction period, they are calm and willing to accept any friend you might happen to put their way.

Because these animals are so intelligent, it will require a bit of patience and maturity to succeed in training them. They are very smart, which means they will not fall for many tricks you normally see in dog training, and very loyal, so their love and desire to protect you may get in the way of whatever you want them to learn. However, if the miniature dachshund is the dog for your family, it is easy to overlook this.

If you do decide to go with they dachshund, just be aware that they come in 3 different coat types.Whether you want a smooth-haired dachshund in red or a wire-haired one in cream, the temperament will be roughly the same, so be sure you can give it lots of your time and love in order to get the perfect companion you have always wanted.

Because miniature dachshunds are so low to the ground but also highly muscled, this makes their hunting instincts work really well and makes them very cute to boot.The name comes from the German words for ‘badger’ and ‘dog’ and while they don’t look much like badgers, that was their preferred prey when they were used primarily as hunting dogs. Because of their short legs, they can more easily find a way into holes that woodland creatures find safe and cozy for their homes.

To summarize, there are many reasons you should consider adding a tiny dachshund to your family. They come in many different coats and color combos, meaning you can find one exactly to your liking, but they are also very intelligent and independent, with a capacity for thinking their way around problems that is very impressive.

Essential Facts About the Wire Haired Dachshund

Wire Haired DachshundThe wire haired dachshund is a likable dog, featuring bushy eyebrows and a beard, as well as a thickly-haired tail that tapers to a point. The most common colors for this kind of dachshund are various shades of red, wild boar, and black and tan.

Many experts are of the opinion that this kind of dachshund was officially bred from crossing the smooth haired dachshund with the German wire haired pinscher, schnauzer, or Dandie Dinmont Terrier. This variety of dachshund was not seen in high numbers in the United States until approximately 1940 when the breed was imported from Europe. This type of dog shows characteristics of both the terrier and the hound, making it an energetic, faithful family pet.

Wire haired dachshunds have a double coat, with coarse fur on top and a soft, short undercoat. Such dogs do not shed very much, which makes them great indoor pets. However, they do require proper grooming to ensure that their inner coat sheds approximately twice each year. Many individuals who own this type of dog prefer to have them groomed at a professional pet grooming establishment, although this task can certainly be performed by the pet owner as well.

Wire Haired Dachshund Not a Good Loner Dog

Dachshunds of this kind prefer to be with people, and typically bond to one member of a family. This person is usually the one with which the dog spends the majority of his or her time. However, they are generally friendly to all family members, although they have a tendency to cling to the individual with whom they interact with the most. Such dogs generally want to be in on the action from the time they are puppies until they are full grown. Additionally, they are not good loners, and if they must spend a lengthy amount of time without the company of people, they may exhibit a mischievous streak out of frustration and boredom. They may even become destructive if left alone for too long.

Personality Differences

Some distinct personality differences exist between the wire haired breed and the traditional dachshund. Wire haired breed’s are known for their extroverted personalities, and enjoy clowning around and performing for their owners. However, they are also more headstrong than the dogs that belong to the original dachshund breed. For most pet owners, this simply means that the dog requires a higher level of formal training, but typically a firm voice is all that is necessary for correcting the dog once he or she is properly trained.

Keeping Dachshunds Safe From Harm

Wire haired dachshunds are exceptional escape artists, particularly when they are puppies. For this reason, if the dog owner does not have a strong fence, the dog will probably find or create its own escape route. This is likely because such dogs have a natural instinct to hunt and can be headstrong, even to the point of ignoring their owners’ commands if they catch the scent of something appealing. Therefore, it is very important to ensure that the dog is safely secured at all times when not being directly supervised by a human.

Health

This kind of dachshund is susceptible to the same back problems to which the traditional dachshund is prone. These back issues are due to the shape of this breed’s spinal column. For this reason, dog owners must ensure that their dachshunds do not jump from high places. It is also important that they are not mishandled.

For older dogs, even a relatively simple jump from a chair or sofa can injure the dog’s back. Therefore, extreme care must be taken as these dogs grow older. Wire haired dachshunds are also prone to grass allergies and itchy skin. It is best to seek the advice of an animal doctor if an excessive amount of scratching and itching are noticed by the dog owner.

In general, the wire haired dachshund enjoys better health than full breed dachshunds, as multi-breeds usually experience better health overall. However, medical problems run in families for dogs just as they do for humans, and therefore the health of both sides of its lineage also plays a role in each specific dog’s general wellness. Ultimately, anyone who chooses this type of dog for a family pet is sure to enjoy many years of fun and companionship.

Everything You Need to Know About Dapple Dachshunds

Dapple DachshundDapple dachshunds are highly sought after among dachshund enthusiasts due to their unique and adorable colors and markings. They have a rich history that goes back centuries, and they can be loving and playful companions. Due to their unusual genetics, there are some unique considerations to take into mind when purchasing or breeding this type of dog. Here’s everything you need to know about dachshunds with dappled coats.

What Is a Dapple Dachshund?

Dachshunds are known for having a wide range of colors and patterns, and dappling is one of the patterns that is somewhat unusual among dachshunds. People commonly calling dappling “spots,” but it is actually different from the spots like those found on Dalmations. Unlike typical dog spots that just occur in a single color, dappling causes a wide range of shades among one or more colors. For example, a black dog with dappling will have a gentle blending of white, light grey, grey, dark grey, and black spots that give it a marbled appearance. It looks like slashes or swirls of colors mixed together. Dappling can occur among smooth coat, long haired, and wire haired dachshunds, though it is most common among longhaired.

The History of Dachshunds With Dappling

Dachshunds trace their origins back to the badger dogs used in the 1700s to chase small prey into dens. They were beloved for their small, yet powerful bodies and loyal temperament. Dapples have been around since breeders first began focusing on dachshund breeding. People appreciated the beautiful patterns of dappling, and it also allowed hunting dogs to blend into nature more easily. By 1879, dapple dachshunds were a favorite variant of the breed in the United States.

Common Dapple Patterns

There are many different types of dappling. It can occur all over a coat or happen in patches. Even a single small patch of dappling on an otherwise solid dachshund is enough to let a dachshund qualify as a dapple. Dappling can occur in a single color, causing the dachshund to have a blend of darker and lighter colors in the same shade. It can also have multiple colors mixed together. The most prevalent types of dapples are Solid Red, Black and Tan, or Chocolate and Tan. Double dapple is a type of dachshund that has two dapple parents, and it causes distinctive white patches. Dappling may also affect the eyes, so a dachshund with dappling can have one blue and one brown eye, or a brown eye with a blue speckle.

Breeding a Dapple Dachshund

Dappling is caused by a certain type of gene that dilute pigmentation and coloration. When a dog just gets one copy of the dappling gene, its coat gets the signature dapple markings. However, if a dog gets two copies of this gene, the genes can cross to create some problematic mutations. Having two dapples breed can create puppies with hearing loss, eyesight loss, absent eyes, absent ears, or even death. Even if a puppy appears healthy, it may suffer from issues later in life. Due to the many difficulties associated with double dapples, ethical breeders will not create this mix. To discourage double dapples from being created intentionally, the Kennel Club and the Dachshund Breed Council will not allow double dapples to be registered as pedigree dogs at all.

Health and Care Requirements for Dapple Dachshunds

Dachshunds with dappling are adorable, but they do have some specific health requirements. Like all other types of dachshunds, dapples are prone to back injuries. You should try to discourage jumping and let your dachshund regularly exercise on a level surface. Carefully measure your pets food to avoid causing obesity issues that can further harm the back. If you have a long haired dapple, make sure to groom their fur regularly to prevent tangles. The light patches of dappling make your dog more susceptible to sunburn, so you will need to avoid keeping them in bright sun for too long. If you do own a double-dapple, which can typically be identified by white patches and blue eyes, you will need to pay extra attention to their eye and ear health. Frequent checkups can identify issues before they become serious.