Are you considering adopting a rescued dachshund? Your new friend will be a member of your family, so choosing the right dog means thinking about this special breed’s traits and personality. It’s also compassionate to find out as much about their history as you can so you understand what they’ve been through better. Adopting a rescued dachshund may be a reminder to find continued understanding and patience with your pup as they learn their surroundings and need to work through potty training or learning the dog door for example.
One rather intangible idea in support of dachshunds body and spirit may not to have been through the scientific process officially, but here’s one hypothesis: the more love, kindness and understanding that you show your dog, the deeper the trust and bond.
Dachshund Body Type
Dachshunds are small, short-legged hounds with long bodies that come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and kaninchen (also known as toy, kaninchen is German for “rabbit”).
- Standard: weighs 16 to 32 pounds, stands 10 to 13 inches at their shoulder
- Miniature weighs 8 to 11 pounds, stands 9 to 12 inches at their shoulder
- Kaninchen: weighs 6 to 9 pounds, stands 8 to 11 inches at their shoulder
Their build is pretty distinct with a deep chest, thick neck, and a muscular body. The dachshund dog breed’s name comes from the German word “dachs,” meaning badger. Dachshunds were bred to hunt badgers, so their low profile and long backs make it easier for them to crawl into badger holes and a burrows of small animals. They are part of the hound family and were bred to track by scent, helping hunters find the animals they’re looking for; which relied on the dachshund’s barking, and digging–it’s simply part of who these little dogs are.
Crosses between dachshund and other breeds is not uncommon. For example dachshund and chihuahua: chiweenie, dachshund and poodle: doodle, the dachshund and beagle: doxle and many others each bringing something from each dog-family to the mix, including how easy, or not they are to train.
These Little Dogs Have Got Spirit
Dachshunds are clever and lively dogs. They’re stubborn and independent, but they can be trained with patience. Dachshunds like to go their own way, so early socialization is important for them. They are active indoors as well as outdoors and need plenty of exercise. Dachshunds are courageous, but they tend not to like loud noises or large crowds. They’re also good watchdogs because they bark when they sense danger.
They are excellent hunters and trackers, with a keen sense of smell. Their strong hunting instincts make them good at chasing after small animals such as squirrels or birds. They love to dig and may need a spot where they can dig in the garden. It’s important to communicate and train them to leave the plants in the garden alone; which is sometimes easier said than done. You may end up adding a few large, decorative stream-bed rocks to the garden to protect your plants.
Bringing Them Home
Dachshunds are bold, intelligent, charming and energetic. They can be mischievous, but they are courageous dogs who will protect their families if needed. Dachshunds are devoted to their owners and can be excellent companions. They love to burrow under blankets to sleep and are big on cuddling. Children and adults need to learn how to be respectful and aware of what rescued dachshunds have been through and how their health affects the them. For example: eye problems might affect how a dog reacts when approached.
Dachshunds can be friendly with other pets, especially if they’re introduced to them while they are puppies. Although with their strong personalities, dachshunds can be the alpha despite their small stature.
If you think a dachshund would be a good fit for your family, consider adopting from our rescue.
