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March 31st, 2009 by PetGuru

Owners love their dogs.But with Doxies that devotion reaches new heights.  The reasons aren’t hard to understand.They are special in many ways.

The German translation “badger dog” shows just one of those ways.Bred in the early 1600s to hunt those ferocious little animals, the Doxie became ferocious himself.  That assertive and fearless attitude remains today.

That feisty nature can be a positive or negative.

Dogs that are independent can make great companions, being as that also makes them exploratory and playful.It provides the dog with a willingness to try new things and lots of energy.It also means that skill and extra patience are required to train them.Doxies are more inclined than many other breeds to strive for alpha status in the household.Reminding them that the human is superior may require a long struggle.

That training has to be appropriate to the breed’s physical and mental attributes.

They weigh between 10-30 pounds and are 9 inches high at the shoulder.Toy varieties are quite a bit smaller, often only 5 inches high and under 8 pounds.  Their lifespan is between 14-17 years, on average.

Doxies are much more prone to spinal problems than other breeds due to their short legs and long bodies.Serious problems can be caused by rough handling.

At the same time, because they are assertive, simply screaming won’t work.At best that produces a fearful dog, at worst, they can become aggressive and hostile in response.Doxies may look at their trainer as an enemy badger.Owners should be prepared due to barking being more common in Doxies, too.

With the right approach, though, they make for excellent companions and pets.

There are three basic varieties – Long-Hairs, Wire-Coats, and Smooth-Coats.The difference goes beyond the type of fur they have.  The personalities of the three types tend to follow a pattern, as well.

Smooth-haired Dachshunds more often attach themselves to a single family member.  While they will tolerate other humans, they tend to be stand-offish and wary of other animals.The Wire-haired is usually more outgoing and playful.Long-haired Dachshunds tend to be a little more placid.Though, like any Doxie, they are up for a game of fetch whenever the opportunity presents itself.

Apart from spinal problems, Doxies less often suffer from diseases that are more prevalent in other breeds.Abdominal cancers, diabetes and other diseases are possible but much less common in Dachshunds.  Urinary tract problems (such as stones) can occur, but they are more likely in special varieties such as Double Dapples and those with blue eyes.This variety tends to have more eye and hearing problems, too.

Raising a healthy and happy dog is a challenge.Doxie owners commonly report that the rewards in their case are especially large.Dachshunds are very loyal and highly affectionate.The people they live with tend to return the favor.

Dachshund supplies and gifts can be found at Ony-Dachshunds.com