Dachshunds: Small Dogs with Big Personalities

With their unmistakable elongated bodies, short legs, and spunky temperaments, dachshunds have won the hearts of dog lovers around the world. According to the American Kennel Club, these playful little hounds consistently rank in the top 15 most popular dog breeds in the United States year after year. In 2020, they were the 12th most popular breed out of 195 AKC-recognized breeds. So what is it about dachshunds that makes them so irresistible? As a lifelong dachshund lover, let me take you on a deep dive into the history, appearance, personality, health, care, and fun facts about these delightful dogs.

Breed History: A German Dog Developed for Hunting

Dachshunds may be small in stature, but they were originally bred in Germany, starting in the 16th century, to be fearless hunting dogs. Their name literally translates to "badger dog" in German. According to dachshund breed expert Anne Youngson, there were two early sizes of dachshunds – a larger 30-35 lb dog used to trail wild boar, and a smaller 16-22 lb dog used for hunting smaller prey like badgers and foxes. The smaller size became the basis for the modern standard dachshund.

Dachshunds have several key physical features that made them successful hunting dogs:

• Long, low bodies and short, sturdy legs to enter and maneuver in burrows and tunnels
• Large, paddle-shaped paws and loose skin for efficient digging
• Deep, barrel-like chests for ample lung capacity
• Long, sturdy tails to be used as handles to pull them out of burrows

The original coat type of the dachshund was smooth (shorthaired). Longhaired and wirehaired varieties were developed later – longhaired to hunt in colder climates and wirehaired to hunt in thorny underbrush.

Two Sizes, Three Coats, Many Colors

Modern dachshunds come in two size varieties recognized by the AKC and other kennel clubs:

• Standard: 16-32 lbs
• Miniature: 11 lbs and under

Some breeders outside the United States also have a recognized "rabbit" or "kaninchen" size, which is 8-11 lbs.

As a dachshund owner, I appreciate the convenience of the miniature size – they take up less space, cost less to feed, are portable, and can do less damage with their digging paws. However, the larger standard size tends to have a more robust bone structure and may have a lower risk of back problems. Both sizes have the same big dog personality in their small bodies!

Within each size category, there are three distinct coat varieties:

• Smooth (shorthaired): The original dachshund coat, smooth dachshunds have sleek, shiny fur that sheds moderately. They are the easiest coat type to groom, usually just needing the occasional bath and wipedown.

• Longhaired: As the name suggests, longhaired dachshunds have longer, silkier coats that can grow to a few inches long. The fur is slightly wavy, and they have feathering on the ears, legs, and tail. Regular brushing every few days is needed to prevent mats and tangles.

• Wirehaired: The wirehaired coat is most distinctive, with a wiry, thick, medium-length outer coat and a soft, dense undercoat. Wirehaired dachshunds have bushy eyebrows and a beard, giving them a wise, old man look. They need brushing as well as occasional trimming and stripping of dead hairs.

Dachshunds come in a dizzying array of colors and patterns, including:

• Single colored: red (ranging from coppers to deep rusts), cream, chocolate, black, fawn, wheaten (sandy), and blue
• Two-colored: black, chocolate, gray (blue), or fawn with tan or cream markings
• Patterns: dapple (mottled), brindle, sable, wild boar

With 36 color combinations recognized by the AKC and even more in other countries, there is a dachshund look to suit any aesthetic preference!

Bold Personalities in Little Bodies

The dachshund‘s small size belies their mighty personalities. They may look cute and cuddly, but dachshunds are brave, curious, clever, stubborn, and opinionated. Dachshund owners need a good sense of humor and patience to appreciate their antics. As the American Kennel Club describes them, "Dachshunds are a popular choice for many dog lovers because of their lively, inquisitive natures and their characteristic devotion to their people."

Some key dachshund personality traits include:

• Devotion to and protectiveness of their humans: Dachshunds tend to bond very strongly with their owners and can be suspicious of strangers. This loyalty combined with their tendency to bark makes them excellent watchdogs.

• Playfulness: These little hounds are playful and love games that let them use their mental and physical prowess, like puzzle toys that dispense treats or hide-and-seek. Playtime is a great way to bond with your dachshund.

• Stubbornness: The independent nature and intelligence of dachshunds, stemming from their hunting roots, means they can have a stubborn, headstrong streak. They are not always eager to please and may prefer to make their own decisions.

• Sensitivity: Dachshunds may have a "small dog syndrome" napoleon complex, but they are also emotionally sensitive and do not respond well to harsh training methods. Patience and positive reinforcement work best.

• Separation anxiety: Dachshunds thrive on attention and companionship, which is wonderful when you are home but can lead to separation anxiety when left alone. Proper alone-time training is crucial for this velcro breed.

• Prey drive: With their hunting instincts, dachshunds have a strong prey drive and will chase after small critters like squirrels, chipmunks, and even cats if not socialized. A securely fenced yard and leash are a must.

Training and socializing dachshunds early and consistently is key to having a well-mannered wiener dog. I can‘t count the number of times my dachshunds have selective hearing when I call them back from an exciting squirrel chase! Starting recall training as puppies, using high-value treats, and keeping sessions short and fun helps teach them to listen.

Health Concerns to Watch For

As adorable as they are, dachshunds are unfortunately prone to certain health issues related to their body structure. The number one concern is intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), a condition where the cushioning discs between the vertebrae of the spine bulge or rupture, causing pain, nerve damage, and even paralysis.

According to the Dachshund Breed Council UK:

• Dachshunds are more prone to IVDD than any other dog breed, with lifetime incidence estimated at 15-25%
• IVDD risk increases with age and obesity; 25-30% of affected dogs are 3-7 years old
• It can occur in any part of the spine, with 85% of cases affecting the lower back

Severe cases require expensive emergency spinal surgery. Even with surgery, not all dogs will recover full mobility or continence. Prevention is key – keep dachshunds slim, use a harness, avoid letting them jump on/off furniture, and provide traction on floors.

Other health issues seen in dachshunds include:

• Eye conditions like progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, glaucoma, and dry eye
• Dental disease due to overcrowded teeth in their small jaws
• Luxating patellas and hip dysplasia
• Skin problems like allergies, seborrhea, and cysts in the hair follicles
• Lafora disease (a rare neurological condition) in wirehaired dachshunds
• Heart disease and diabetes in older dogs

The best way to get a healthy dachshund is to adopt from a reputable rescue or buy from a responsible breeder who does thorough genetic testing. Taking care of a dachshund‘s health can be expensive, so pet insurance that covers hereditary conditions is worth the investment.

Caring for Your Dachshund

In addition to keeping your dachshund at a healthy weight and following your vet‘s recommendations for preventative care, there are day-to-day things you can do to keep your doxie happy and healthy:

• Grooming: Smooth dachshunds just need occasional baths and nail trims. Longhaired dachshunds need regular brushing and baths. Wirehaired dachshunds need brushing plus professional grooming a few times a year to strip dead hair. All coat types should get their teeth brushed regularly.

• Training: In addition to basic obedience and socialization, work on impulse control around prey animals, polite greetings without jumping up, and combatting separation anxiety.

• Exercise: Dachshunds need moderate exercise – a couple 15-30 minute leash walks a day plus some active playtime. Avoid letting them run up and down stairs or jump to protect their backs.

• Home setup: Use pet ramps or stairs to help your dachshund get on and off furniture safely. Provide a cozy but supportive bed. Use baby gates if needed to block off stairs or rooms you don‘t want accessed. Give plenty of interactive toys.

• Companionship: Dachshunds do best with lots of companionship – if you work long hours, consider getting two so they can keep each other company or hire a dog walker to break up the day. Crate train them so they have a safe den.

• Diet: Feed a high-quality, size-appropriate dog food and be mindful of treats and table scraps – dachshunds gain weight easily! Take a structured approach like the Body Condition System to determine your dog‘s ideal weight.

With good care, dachshunds often live well into their teens. The Guinness World Record for oldest living dog was a dachshund named Chanel who lived to be 21 years old!

Fun Facts & Famous Fans

Dachshunds not only make wonderful pets, but they have a rich history and pop culture presence. Here are some entertaining facts about the breed:

• Dachshunds are the 10th most popular breed for Instagram hashtags, with over 7 million posts tagged #dachshund or #dachshundsofinstagram.

• A dachshund named Waldi was the first official mascot for the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, Germany.

• Dachshunds appear frequently in advertisements, such as the Hush Puppies shoe brand mascot.

• Picasso had a dachshund named Lump who appeared in several of his famous paintings.

• Queen Victoria was a devoted dachshund owner who helped popularize the breed in England. She even requested that her favorite dachshund, Waldman, be buried at her feet when she died.

• Crusoe the Celebrity Dachshund is a social media star with over 1 million Instagram followers who posts hilarious photos and videos of his adventures.

Some other famous dachshund owners and fans include:

• Artist Andy Warhol, whose two dachshunds, Archie and Amos, were fixtures at his studio
• Fashion designer Valentino, who has six dachshunds
• Actress Kristin Chenoweth, who said "Dachshunds are just amazing. They‘re funny, they‘re stubborn, they‘re flirtatious, they‘re everything I love in a dog."
• Actor Christian Slater, who has said "Dachshunds have the funniest little personalities. They just always make me laugh."

Conclusion: Is a Dachshund Right For You?

From their lively personalities to their distinctive looks, dachshunds pack a lot of dog into a compact package. They make devoted and entertaining companions for many different types of owners and living situations. However, dachshunds do come with some specific needs, quirks and health concerns that potential owners need to be aware of and equipped to handle.

If you are considering adding a dachshund to your family, here are some signs this breed could be a good fit:

• You want a small to medium dog with a big personality
• You have a moderately active lifestyle and can provide a couple short walks per day
• You enjoy playful antics and games of chase
• You don‘t mind some barking when people approach the home
• You have the time and patience to work with an independent, sensitive and food-motivated dog
• You are able to be a consistent leader and set clear boundaries
• You can handle some shedding or commit to regular brushing
• You are financially prepared for the possibility of back problems and willing to make home modifications to prevent injuries
• You appreciate the loyal, affectionate and entertaining companionship dachshunds provide!

As someone who has shared my life and home with dachshunds for over a decade, I can attest that all the quirks and challenges are well worth the joy these special little dogs bring. With good training, care, and appreciation for their one-of-a-kind nature, a dachshund will be your devoted and delightful companion for years to come.