Popular Dog Breeds
- 1. Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs
- 2. Border Collies, Australian Shepherds and Australian Kelpies
- 3. Bearded Collies and Old English Sheepdogs
- 4. Retrievers
- 5. German Shepherds
Dachshunds
Jacque Lynn Schultz, C.P.D.T., Companion Animal Programs Adviser. National Outreach
Can't make up your mind between the feisty clownish personality of a terrier and the soulful eyes and floppy ears of a scent hound? The Dachshund may be just the dog for you! This little German canine whose name translates to "badger dog" evolved over several hundred years to be an efficient, fearless burrower willing to ferret out badger, fox and stoat.
Today's Dachshund comes in three different varieties (smooth, longhaired, and wirehaired) and two sizes - standard (16-32 lbs.) and miniature (under 11 lbs. after one year of age). The smooth variety was established first and inter-breeding it with spaniels produced the milder mannered longhaired variety. The spirited wirehaired is an alleged combination of German pinscher (an ancestor of the smooth), Schnauzer, Scottish terrier and Dandie Dinmont terrier. The Dachshund has been on the American Kennel Club's "top ten" breed list for more than 50 years.
Those who don't demand a readily compliant dog will appreciate the Doxie's plucky independence. They are smart, but that doesn't necessarily mean quick to obedience train. Many trainers would consider them fairly stubborn and it is this trainer's experience that teaching them to lie down on the floor in Basic Obedience class takes the patience of a saint! The breed is playful and active both indoors and out and most love an audience for their hijinks. Some are social with everyone they meet, while others are more of a "one family" dog. They are best with older children. People often keep more than one Doxie at a time, but two unneutered males would be inviting World War III. Be forewarned that Doxies can be quite vocal, announcing each visitor with a round of sharp barks.
Some Dachshunds become snappish when irritated - like when they are held against their will. Others are prone to pain aggression when they experience back trouble. To protect this long-backed breed's spinal health, do not ask them to climb multiple flights of stairs daily or allow them to jump on and off furniture. Intervertebral disc disease can be a problem at a young age (3-6 years of age). They should be kept lean and properly exercised for the best results. Other health problems common in the breed include several eye disorders that can result in blindness; cystinuria and renal hypoplasia; and glandular problems such as Cushing's Disease and hypothyroidism.
If you enjoy an energetic, playful little dog and can rise to the challenge of being a leader to a bold, fearless canine - and have neighbors that can forgive some alarm barking, one of the Dachshund varieties might be a perfect fit for your household.
© 2001 ASPCA
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