Also called badger dogs, wiener dogs and sausage dogs, Dachshunds are short legged dogs that have a long spine. They are known to belong to the hound family even though some feel that their temperament and nature has certain similarities to the terrier too. This breed was actually developed to hunt rabbits and scent and chase badgers. With a muscular built, Dachshunds are bold and curious little things. They enjoy a lot of digging and so if you have a nice backyard, it will do you good to train your pet to dig only in specific areas. While this breed is fairly individualistic, they like to play the family too at times. Care should be taken with children around since Dachshunds tend to become irritable and jealous at times. Dog breeders can be found at Pets4You.com.
Feeding and Grooming
A small dog, the Dachshund should not be overfed. Even though the breed is frisky and energetic, the hunting dog tends to get obese if it is offered larger quantities of food. Since the Dachshund came from areas where natural food is high on Vitamin A, this breed requires a diet that is rich in Vitamin A. Natural and fresh foods are preferred and a high fat and low protein diet that is generally given to puppies is recommended throughout the lifetime of a Dachshund.
The level of grooming required for a Dachshund depends on the variety that you have. Dachshunds with a short-haired coat need to be brushed less frequently while those with long hair need to be attended to and brushed at least twice a week. The wire coat Dachshunds also need to be trimmed occasionally. Stripping, once in every six month can help in removing dead skin.
Though a bath needs to be given only when necessary, make sure that ears are checked regularly to watch out for mites, fungus or bacteria growth.
Exercise
A certain amount of exercise is necessary for this frisky and tenacious dog and modest levels of exercise will suffice to keep it healthy. Make sure that the spine is not over worked or stressed since this is a weak point in the Dachshunds body. Avoid excessive jumping, especially from higher areas since this can cause irreversible damage to the spine. The short legs of the Dachshund are not strong enough o support the entire spine adequately.
Special care and health concerns
The most prominent health issues that are associated with this breed are intervertebral disk disease or IVDD and other spine related issues. This occurs due to a long spinal column that is supported by a short rib cage and short legs at either end. Obesity issues, excessive levels of exercise, jumping and rough play can increase the risk of a spine related health condition to surface. An injury may necessitate crate confinement and a series of anti-inflammatory medicines that may be prescribed by a veterinarian. Serious cases can result in the need for surgery and some unfortunate cases can also result in paralysis. Dachshunds are also vulnerable to disc degeneration. Telltale symptoms of disc degeneration are slow movements, touch sensitivity, pain or discomfort while moving the head and poor appetite. To prevent issues related to the spine, proper handling of your Dachshund is a must. This means holding the pet from the chest and at a horizontal position.
Heart diseases and diabetes have also been seen among Dachshunds and therefore the diet and exercise levels should be regulated.
Dachshunds are also prone to displacement or dislocation of the patella or the knee cap, deafness and blindness.
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