Things you need to know about Dachshunds

My fiancé and I adopted two small male dachshunds a year ago and were completely charmed by them. They are the centre of our little home and an integral part of our family.

Dachshunds are wonderful pets and have very distinct personality traits and features that one really should take into consideration.

We have become so aware of how may dachshunds are returned to shelters in recent months and it just breaks my heart to think people didn't first get to know the breed before adopting a "doxie".

Dachshunds are a small breed of dog and also come in a "mini" breed, even smaller yet.

They average around 45 cm long and can have both short or long fur. They are most commonly black, chestnut brown or caramel, with long floppy ears and long pointy snouts.

Dachshunds have a long tail, roughly 15-20cm long and notoriously sharp little teeth.

Dachshunds are very lovable and loyal dogs, they are incredibly affectionate and make great watch dogs as they are both very alert and very protective of their owners.

When a stranger comes in to our home, our pups will bark at them non-stop unless I place my hand on the other person and say "friend". I feel this is a good trait and makes me feel safe, however, this trait may not appeal to all dog owners!

Dachshunds are not very aggressive so its unlikely they'll bit an intruder, but they will make enough noise to wake up the whole neighbourhood! They can bark surprisingly loud for such a small body and one should be very aware of this, adopting a dachshund if you like peace and quiet too much is a bad idea.

Dachshunds are notoriously difficult to house train and it would serve you well to be more patient with this small breed than any other.

They take rejection from their owners very seriously so the best way to let a doxie know its done something you didn't like is to show it its mess and then "crate" it or leave it outside / locked in a small room for at least 30 mins on its own. You may have to do this a few times before it really sinks in. rewarding your puppy when it uses the outdoors rather than your carpet to do its business also positively reinforces the good behaviour. You'll need to spend some time outside with your puppy every morning and every evening to make sure it does what it needs to under your watchful eye and pay special attention to him when he gets it right.

We have find that they react very poorly to newspaper and smacking - its really not even worth trying.

Dachshunds have boundless energy and can run around for hours. whilst this is great for your children who will love having such energetic playmates, it can be a problem if your pups aren't getting enough exercise or are confined in a small garden or apartment.

These little livewires need a good run at least once a week and it would be a great idea to take them for training from 6 weeks old. failing that, get them used to a leash and harness as early as possible and takes them for a walk, even if its just around the block, as often as you are able.

We have noticed that if we skip a week of walking, our pups tend to chew up more in our garden - even digging up our grass to get to ants!

Yes, I'm afraid the rumours are true, dachshunds will chew up everything from your shoes to your trees and furniture. We have found that the only way to keep these little hunters in line is to take take them out for walks and regularly to expend some energy and to keep a regular supply of chew toys, cow hooves and raw bones on hand.

If you are planning on adopting dachshunds, make sure your plant beds are raised or have barriers to keep your pups out and you'll learn to be super neat because virtually anything left on the ground will be puppy chow!

This is possibly the most annoying of all the dachshund traits but can be easily managed with a little planning and forethought.

Dachshunds are natural athletes and hunters. they were originally bred to hunt rodents in burrows, hence their long, sleek bodies and sharp teeth. Unfortunately, this means that they are natural chasers and not particularly good with cats.

If you have cats, make sure they have their own safe areas and perches until the pups get used to them and settle down or your house will be in constant chaos!

Dachshunds love to eat, so you'll need to be careful to balance their exercise regime and their food as they are prone to get overweight quickly. You'll know your doxie is in good shape when his rib cage protrudes slightly form his lower body and his coat is shiny and sleek.

Healthy snacks for dachshunds are apple, grapes, carrots and raw bones - cooked bones have lost their nutrients and are inclined to crack or splinter which could be dangerous.

Dachshunds love to snuggle and make amazing "lap dogs". Our two love to snuggle under a blanket and on a cold winters day are quite content to be snuggled up with us watching movies.

They are very affectionate and are quick to forgive. they will lick you for hours to show their love and will even sit at your door and cry for hours to get inside if they know you are home.

Dachshunds need companionship and thrive if they have a playmate, they will not do well as your only doggy, unless somebody is home with them all day.

If you can take care of your little dachshund and provide for their need to exercise and be loved, I can guarantee you a very happy, loving home!