Dachshunds are definite crowd-pleasers with their long and low bodies and sweet personalities. The Standard Dachshund can weigh anywhere from 16 to 32 pounds and range in height from 8 to 9 inches.

Not only do they turn heads wherever they go, but their average lifespan of 12 to 16 years makes owning a Dachshund a lasting pleasure.

The unique coats that Dachshunds sport come in a variety of colors – tan, black, fawn, blue, beige, chocolate, and red – with a variety of markings such as piebald, dapple, brindle, or sable. Its coat may either be short or long and is typically wiry and slightly wavy.

Though some other canines have hypoallergenic coats, unfortunately, the Dachshund’s coat is not among them – but it definitely adds to the charm all the same!

History

The Dachshund is an iconic breed with a fascinating history that dates back to the 16th century. Originally bred in Germany as a badger-hunting dog, these long-bodied, short-legged dogs were designed for digging and pursuing burrow-dwelling prey.

In the 1800s, German rabbit hunters developed two varieties of dachshunds — miniature and standard. Miniature Dachshunds were bred to be smaller and hunt rabbits and rodents, while standards were used to scent and flush out badgers.

Today’s Dachshunds are loving pets known for their loyalty, curiosity, and playfulness.

In 1888, the German Dachshund Club was founded, followed by 11 registrations for this unique breed with the American Kennel Club in 1885 – including Dash as its first member! Finally, 10 years later in 1895, The Dachshund Club of America welcomed them to our shores.

Appearance

Dachshunds certainly have an appearance all their own. They have short legs, a long body, big feet compared to their legs, and an elongated head with an arched skull. In addition, their ears are large and droopy, and they have protruding eyebrows that give them a unique look.

Furthermore, they have long muzzles and oval-shaped eyes, providing them with a friendly yet inquisitive expression. A beloved family pet for centuries, the Dachshund’s little body and big personality can warm even the coldest of hearts.

Coat

Ah, the dachshund coat! A true expression of individuality and uniqueness. The variations are almost endless, featuring colors like black, tan, fawn, beige, blue, chocolate, and even red, each with its own distinctive shapely markings such as dapple, piebald, brindle or sable – not to mention the choice between a short-haired or long-haired breed.

One thing is certain: whether short or long, wiry and slightly wavy hair will always characterize this elegant breed. But, unfortunately though, hypoallergenic it is not!

Size

Those familiar with the breed of Dachshund know that these lovable short-legged dogs come in a variety of sizes, but standard Dachshunds are considered to be within a particular range.

A healthy weight for standard Dachshunds is typically between 16 and 32 pounds. These four-legged furballs usually stand 8 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder.

Lifespan

The average lifespan of a Standard Dachshund can last anywhere from 12 to 16 years. For such a small pup, that’s a decent amount of time they’ll be around to love and care for you!

During that time, these adorable four-legged companions will no doubt leave their paw-print in your heart with their playful antics and unwavering loyalty.

So make sure you cherish every moment you get to spend with your Dachshund because their time on this earth may be shorter than most, but it can still be full of meaningful memories.

Environment

Standard Dachshunds are excellent dogs for apartment dwellers and anyone looking for a loyal companion. They do require some time and attention, however, as they don’t like being left alone for too long. This breed is also fantastic with families, seniors, and many others.

Becoming very territorial of their family and home is also common in Standard Dachshunds, which makes them formidable guard dogs. Despite their small size, their sharp bark would discourage even the most determined intruder.

The high prey drive of this breed means it may not be the best choice if you have cats or smaller animals – but if a romp-in-the-woods is more your style, then look no further; the Standard Dachshund loves hikes in the woods, walking for hours at a time.

Temperament

The Standard Dachshund is an outgoing, friendly pup who loves the attention of its owners! With their energy and alertness, they are highly intelligent and playful, always ready to entertain.

While they are eager to please, they can also be quite willful, so patience and training are essential. Though loving and protective of their family, these dogs can be somewhat aggressive with strangers and other animals if not properly trained.

With a bit of handling from you, these loyal pooches will make devoted four-legged friends!

Grooming

To keep your Dachshund in tip-top shape, it’s vital to practice regular grooming. Here are some essential grooming tips to help you maintain a healthy and happy dachshund. 

Brushing

When brushing your Dachshund, the frequency depends on their coat type. Smooth coats require weekly brushing, while wiry coats require daily brushing. If you have a long-haired dachshund, you may need to brush them several times weekly to avoid knots and tangles in their fur.

Be sure to use a quality brush designed specifically for the breed of dog you own to get the best results. 

Bathing

Most dachshunds only need infrequent baths, about once every two months. However, this can depend on their individual activity level and lifestyle.

Make sure you use a dog shampoo specifically designed for the breed of dog you own, as this will help ensure that their skin is not irritated by harsh ingredients or scents. 

Ears

Cleaning your Dachshund’s ears should be done regularly with an ear-cleaning solution specifically formulated for dogs. This helps prevent wax buildup or infections from developing inside their ears.

It’s also essential to check their ears regularly for any signs of irritation or infection, such as redness or unusual discharge. 

Nails

Clipping your Dachshund’s nails is essential to grooming, as overgrown nails can cause discomfort or even lead to health problems if left unchecked.

Use a pair of clippers made specifically for dogs, and make sure they are sharp so that they don’t pull at the nail when cutting it down. Also, ensure not to cut too far down into the quick, as this can be painful for your pet! 

Teeth

Keeping your Dachshund’s teeth clean is also very important to prevent tartar buildup and gum disease later in life.

Start by introducing them slowly to brushing with a toothpaste designed specifically for dogs from an early age – this way, they won’t be scared when it comes time for regular brushing sessions!

Additionally, consider giving them chew toys that help clean their teeth naturally when playing with them daily.  

Nutrition

If you’re the proud owner of a dachshund—or if you’re considering getting one—here’s what you need to know about feeding your pup the right way. 

The Importance of Quality Food 

Regarding food, quality matters more than quantity when it comes to dachshunds. This is because their elongated shape makes them prone to weight gain, which can put a strain on their already fragile backs.

As such, dachshund owners should look for high-quality food with a moderate amount of fat and calories. Ideally, this food should also be grain-free or contain carbohydrates that are easily digestible, like oatmeal or sweet potatoes.

Additionally, look for foods with plenty of Omega 3 fatty acids to help keep your pup’s coat healthy and shiny. 

Supplements May Be Needed 

Sometimes even the highest-quality food won’t provide all the nutrients your pup needs; supplements may be needed in these cases.

Glucosamine and chondroitin supplements are beneficial for dachshunds due to their joint issues; they can help keep your pet’s joints healthy and strong into old age.

Additionally, probiotics can help with digestion issues common in dachshunds; probiotics will replenish the natural bacteria in your pup’s gut that may have been depleted from over-vaccination or poor diet choices.

Lastly, adding vitamin E to your pup’s diet can help ensure that its skin stays healthy and well moisturized throughout its life.  

Watch Out For Those Treats! 

Treats are an important part of bonding with our pets; however, they should be used sparingly for our beloved Dachshunds.

Because they’re prone to weight gain, treats should only make up about 10% of their daily caloric intake—so opt for low-calorie options like carrots or apples instead of high-fat snacks like bacon bits or cheese puffs!

And remember: no matter how much begging there may be at treat time (and let’s face it—it’ll be a lot!), try not to give in too often! 

Training

Dachshund training is essential for a harmonious relationship between you and your furry friend. Not only can it help them learn the rules of the house, but it’s also proven to reduce stress in both the owner and the pup!

Owners should start by teaching basic commands such as “sit” and “stay.” Positive reinforcement is key with standard dachshund training – treats, verbal praise, and extra cuddles are great rewards along the way.

Standard dachshund training takes patience, but with consistency comes success. It might take some time to teach your pup all the rules of engagement, but the rewards will be worth it!

Exercise

Exercising your Dachshund is important to owning one of these small yet spunky dogs. Not only will exercise keep them healthy and active, but it can also help with those nearly endless waves of energy that they can summon up!

You can have plenty of fun with this breed, taking them for walks around the block or playing fetch in the backyard. Even activities like helping you do chores, playing tug-of-war, and agility playtime can be great exercises to add a little diversity.

Regularly scheduled days with your pup make sure their minds stay sharp and their bodies—so don’t forget to schedule some quality playtime!

Conclusion

Owning a Dachshund requires dedication and commitment, but the rewards are worth it!

These dogs make excellent companions who will bring joy into your life for years to come if given the proper care and attention they need – including regular exercise, occasional grooming sessions, and keeping an eye out for any potential health concerns that may arise over time.

If you think you’re ready to take on the responsibility of owning a Dachshund, then go ahead and start looking around – we guarantee you won’t regret it!