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Dachshund

Breed origin: Germany
Original purpose: Badger dog

AKC recognized: 1885
AKC group: Hound

Size: Weight: 8 to 32 lbs

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Color: Solid red or cream; black, chocolate, wild boar, gray (blue) and fawn (Isabella), each with deep, rich tan or cream markings; merle; brindle; or sable.

Life span: 12 to 15 years.

General characteristics/temperament: The Dachshund is clever, lively, courageous, friendly, playful, and lovable. They have well-developed senses and excel in both above- and below-ground work. They are one of the most popular breeds, and make ideal companions for many households, including those with children with appropriate supervision. They can adapt to most living environments, and only require moderate exercise. Although Dachshunds are intelligent and fast learners, most are stubborn and only choose to learn when it suits their purposes, which makes them challenging to train.

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Good with children? Possible if properly socialized from an early age, but some do not do well with very small children.

Good watchdog? Yes

Protective? No

OK in apartments? Yes

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Intelligent? Yes

Easy to train? No

Energy/Activity Level: Moderate

Suitable canine sports/activities: conformation, tracking, earthdog, therapy

Exercise requirement: Two walks of moderate distance (about 1/2 mile or so) daily should be sufficient, but they can handle more exercise if their owners prefer longer walks.

Grooming requirement: Dachshunds are considered medium shedders. Baths are usually needed less than once a month, unless they've rolled in something smelly, which is a popular pastime of many Dachshunds.

Known health problems: Intervertebral disk disease, patellar luxation, epilepsy, granulomatous meningoencephalitis, dental diseases, Cushings syndrome, thyroid problems, allergies, cataracts, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy, corneal ulcers, retinal degeneration, cherry eye.


Additional photos of Dachshund

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Recommended books for further reading:

Dachshunds For Dummies By Eve Adamson Published in 2007 344 pages

The Everything Dachshund Book By Joan Hustace Walker Published in 2005 304 pages

Dachshund (A Complete Pet Owner's Manual) By Chris Pinney Published in 2000 104 pages

The Dachshund Handbook By D. Caroline Coile, Ph.D. Published in 2005 168 pages

The Dachshund: A Dog for Town and Country By Ann Gordon Published in 2000 256 pages

Dachshund (Your Happy Healthy Pet) By Ann Gordon Published in 2005 144 pages

Dachshunds By D. Caroline Coile, Ph.D. Published in 2009 176 pages

A New Owner's Guide to Dachshunds By Kaye Ladd Published in 1996 160 pages

Lost Souls: Found! (Inspiring Stories About Dachshunds) By Kyla Duffy and Lowrey Mumford Published in 2009 144 pages

For the Love of Dachsunds By Robert Hutchinson Published in 2005 112 pages

Dachshund (Smart Owner's Guide) By Dog Fancy Magazine Published in 2009 176 pages

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Dachshunds By Liz Palika Published in 2002 320 pages

The Essential Dachshund By Howell Book House Published in 1999 96 pages

The Dachshund By Susan M. Ewing and Wayne L. Hunthausen Published in 2005 192 pages

The Dachshund (An Owner's Guide to a Happy Healthy Pet) By Ann Carey Published in 1995 160 pages

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Other websites for additional information:

American Kennel Club breed page
Dachshund Club of America
Wikipedia breed information page
Dachshund Club of America Rescue

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Page Last Updated: February 1, 2018

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