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Everybody loves the short, stubby legs and affable nature of the Dachshund. But these short-legged dogs have some specific requirements you need to be aware of if you’re considering getting a Dachshund.
Dachshund means ‘badger dog’ in German. It’s a friendly, lively breed with a great sense of smell. Dachshunds come with long, low bodies and were first bred in the early 17th century for hunting badgers above and below ground.
Dachshunds have three varieties of coat – smooth, wirehaired or longhaired – and can be miniature or standard-sized.
Being long and thin, though, means special care needs to be taken with the breed’s spinal cord. They’re vulnerable to chondrodystrophy, which can lead to dwarfism and can cause disc rupture in their spines.
If your house has stairs, particularly if they are steep, you might consider a ramp, or even fit 'baby' gates. You can then carry your dog up or down the stairs. You’ll also want to watch out for your dog jumping off couches and chairs. Some people find ramps are useful for their dogs to help them on and off furniture.
In short, think of your dachshund as a human being with a bad back. Give them plenty of proper exercise and the right nutrition, and avoid jumps and stairs. Do these simple steps and your dog should be well and happy.
Cold, rain and Winter weather is also a concern to smaller breeds. Particularly smooth haired Dachshunds as they feel the chill quickly. It’s definitely worth considering a dog coat to keep your Dachshund warm and dry during Winter. Getting a coat to fit your Dachshund maybe tricky but Ginger Ted have a range of dachshund coats that are suitable for short-legged breeds. You can choose from the lovely Shower LITE Dachshund for rainy days, Shower Dachshund when you need to be dry and warm and the very smart Thermal Quilted Dachshund to be the envy of the park pack!
Best of all: they look super-cute. Just like your Doxie. Remember to #gingerted in all your Dachshund adventures.
