Breed Specific: The Mischievous Dachshund

Pikes Peak Vet wants you to know about your Dachshund’s lifestyle and other needs!

The famously long, low silhouette, ever-alert expression and bold, vivacious personality of the Dachshund make him an endearing superstar. The body is not bred for distance sports, but their friendly, curious and spunky nature means they are game for anything. They were bred to hunt dangerous prey and make great watchdogs. They can be independent and a bit stubborn.

Males and Females, Standard           Height: 8-9 inches       Weight: 16-32 pounds

Males and Females, Miniature          Height: 5-6 inches       Weight: 11 or less

Feeding/Treats/Weight: Due to the Dachshund’s body shape and propensity toward back issues, it is extremely important that they not be allowed to become overweight. Discuss an appropriate diet and low-calorie reward treats with your veterinarian. Table scraps should be avoided, especially cooked bones and high-fat-content foods. Their noses can lead them into trouble, so keep food tucked safely away from where they can reach. Clean, fresh water should be available at all times.

Grooming: Eachcoat type has different requirements. Smooth coats need little beyond a towel or hand glove to look dapper. Long coats may need more brushing, depending on the thickness of the coat. Wirehaired coats can be plucked or hand-stripped several times a year and brushed 1-2 times per week. Occasional beard and eyebrow trims are good. Monthly nail trims are a must!

Exercise: Dachshunds need regular exercise to build strong muscles that will support and protect their backs. Two walks each day of moderate length should be sufficient. To avoid injury, never let a Dachshund run up and down stairs or jump on/off furniture. They are very social, so they want to be with their humans as opposed to being left alone in the yard.

Training: As mentioned above, Dachshunds’ independent streak can make them difficult to train. Patience, consistency and positive reward-based training are best. Bred to stay focused and follow a trail without distraction, something more interesting may keep them from paying attention to you. Dachshunds are sensitive and do not react well to hard commands or punishment.

Thank you to the AKC’s Dachshund page, for much of this information.

Over the Dachshund’s 12-16 expected years, you and your vet will create a health plan to evaluate and catch any conditions that may arise. Dachshunds are generally healthy.

MEDICAL CONCERNS

• Back issues
• Ear infections
• Dental disease

PPVC’S HEALTH PLAN FOR YOUR DACHSHUND

Pikes Peak Vet has the goal of healthy longevity for your pet.

Wellness Exams and Vaccinations

• Every 6-12 months until age 6, as advised by your veterinarian, full physical exam including routine bloodwork
• Pets age faster than us and tend to hide symptoms. At age 6, we recommend routine exams and bloodwork every 6 months to catch anything unexpected before it gets too firm a hold.

Other Exams and Screenings

• Spine x-rays
• Weight checks
• Regular ear exams

Regular dental cleanings

You can find more detailed information on the AKC’s Dachshund page. If you have specific questions about your Dachshund, reach out to your PPVC veterinarian for a quick consult and we’ll do our best to steer you in the right direction!