Wire-Haired Dachshund

You might be surprised to know that Dachshund means “badger dog” and not “sausage” in German. The popular breed can be traced back to the 15th century when they were originally bred as hunting dogs. Their short legs and low-to-the-ground bodies aren’t just cute; these characteristics historically allowed them to go after badgers and other burrowing animals.

While Wire-Haired Dachshunds make good family dogs and are adaptable to most circumstances, they do best with a family with older or no children. Families with young children might stress a Dachshund out as they do not like to be played with like toys and can get injured easily if handled incorrectly by young children.

High energy Wire-Haired Dachshunds were originally bred to work and need about an hour’s worth of exercise a day. Make sure they have good recall or are walked on a leash as they can take off without warning, chasing after a scent. They could even follow their noses and get into small spaces, under fencing, or other trouble.

Ramps aren’t just an adorable part of Dachshund life—they can be a vital way for the dogs to get on and off furniture or up and down stairs. Dachshunds’ backs are fragile and they can be easily injured. They do best in single-story houses or situations where they don’t have to repeatedly go up and down stairs, although they are adaptable. Small spaces or city living works for them so long as they get enough exercise.

Tough and wiry like your Great Uncle Joe’s chest hair, the coat of a Wire-Haired Dachshund is protective, hard-wearing, and weatherproof. It does require regular maintenance, including hand-plucking or hand-stripping the beard, mustache, and eyebrows. Be sure to check ears and between paw pads regularly, and take care when lifting this long-backed breed into the bath.

Dachshunds are free spirits who love to romp, which means they can be stubborn when training and might need a little more patience than other breeds. Positive, reward-based training works best as they are sensitive souls and will reject harsh commands. Like a lovable yet obstinate toddler, consistency is key. They might ignore you when they are occupied by something more interesting than you. They are friendly and can be socialized with people and other animals from an early age.

While they are cuddly, love people, and are generally adaptable, small humans can be stressful for little Doxies as they don’t like to be picked up unnecessarily and in fact can be unintentionally injured. They do best in homes with older or no children.

The cost of a Wire-Haired Dachshund from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping