Dachshund (Miniature Smooth)

Fondly called a sausage dog, or even a hot dog on legs, the Dachsie is a diminutive dog with a long back and cute little legs that really does resemble a hot dog on legs. Though squat the Dachsie is muscular and powerful with a broad chest. They have an elongated appearing skull with dark, haunting eyes and an air of intelligence.

Other Names
Dachsie
Country of Origin
Germany
Colour

Mostly black or tan. Some to have a solid dark brown/red coat. They do have some cool variations, with reds, tiger markings, dappled colour or brindle. They may even have a small white area on their chest! Wire Haired Dachshund are most commonly a mix of black and brown-haired coats.

Size
Small
Height / Weight
The Dachshund is measured by chest girth, a miniature Dachshund being between 31 to 35cms.Both dogs and bitches should ideally weigh between 4 to 5kgs.
Health
Because of their sausage like shape the spinal health of the Dachsie is incredibly important! They can be prone to disc injury, including rupture and even paralysis. Stairs and jumping on the furniture are frequent culprits and should be avoided. Be aware of skin conditions such as bald patches and lack of pigmentation.
Life Span

12-15 years

Intelligence
Dachsies are intelligent but also headstrong, making them hard to train! Start training early — including socialisation.
Exercise
Medium
Suitability (Children)
Low
Feeding

Being a small dog, it is best to give the minature Dachshund two small meals per day rather than one large meal. They can eat wet or dry food and you should make sure they don't overfeed as this can lead to obesity and serious back problems for the Dachsie.

Feeding Cost
$5–$10 p/w
Other Cost
Excercise
The Dachsie may not look it with their cute little legs, but they were actually bred for hunting. This means they will definitely need good work once a day and twice if you are able. Those same hunting instincts mean they tend to wander off so make sure that unless your Dachsie is incredibly well trained they remain on the lead.
Hair Shed
Moderate
Ailments
Because of their sausage like shape the spinal health of the Dachsie is incredibly important! They can be prone to disc injury, including rupture and even paralysis. Stairs and jumping on the furniture are frequent culprits and should be avoided. Be aware of skin conditions such as bald patches and lack of pigmentation.
Grooming
Smooth-coated dachshunds should be groomed with a rubber glove once a week to remove dead hairs. This breed does shed so you won't need to worry about lots of combing.
Grooming Frequency
Once a week
Trimming
None
Dachshund-like dogs have been seen in ancient Egyptian and Mexican art and an be traced back to 15th century Germany. The remains of a dog that appeared to be a dachshund was even found with a shipwreck in Italy dating from 1st Century AD. The breed standard was established in 1879 and the breed club formed in 1888. Dachsies became popular in the UK and then America after being exported to Great Britain with Prince Albert through the 19th century. Miniature dachshunds were historically used to hunt rabbit. However during World War 1 the breed fell out of favour due to its German origins but people have now fallen in love with the Dachsie again as a favourite family pet and hunting companion!.


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