The Doxie Breed
Friday, May 15th, 2009 Subscribe To Our Feed
Dogs are loved by their owners.But with Doxies that devotion reaches new heights.The reasons are not hard to understand.They are special in many ways.
Translation from the German “badger dog” shows just one of those ways. Bred in the early 1600s to hunt those ferocious little animals, the Dachshund became ferocious himself.That fearless and assertive attitude remains today.
That feisty nature can be a bad thing or a good one.
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 extra patience and skill are a requirement for training them.They 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.
But that training has to be appropriate to the breed’s physical and mental attributes.
Dachshunds are 9 inches high at the shoulder and weigh between 10-30 pounds.Toy varieties are quite a bit smaller, often only 5 inches high and under 8 lbs.Their average lifespan is between 14-17 years.
They 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 Dachshunds, too.
With the right approach, though, they make for excellent pets and companions.
There are three basic varieties – Wire-Coats, Smooth-Coats, and Long-Hairs.The difference goes beyond the type of fur they sport.The personalities of the three varieties tend to follow a pattern, as well.
Smooth-haired Doxies 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 Dachshund, 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.Diabetes, abdominal cancers and other diseases are possible but much less common in Dachshunds.Stones or urinary tract problems 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 happy and healthy dog is a challenge. But Dachshund owners commonly report that the rewards in their case are especially large.Doxies are highly affectionate and very loyal.People who live with them tend to return the favor.
Dachshund supplies and gifts can be found at Ony-Dachshunds.com
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