Dachshunds

Dachshunds - Description

Sporty and devoted, the Dachshund makes a great family dog. Although he is small, don't be misled. He makes an excellent watchdog because of his surprisingly loud bark! He can be slightly aggressive toward strangers. Widely known as the "sausage dog". He is low to the ground. His body is long with short muscular legs. There are six varieties of Dachshunds; smooth-haired, wire-haired and longhaired and they are in two sizes, Standard and Miniature. The smooth-haired Dachshie is the original strain, the wire and longhaired were obtained by crossing the smooth-haired with other breeds.

Dachshunds - Height and Weight

Courtesy of Kajun Kennels

Standard - Height: 14-18 inches Weight: 20 pounds
Miniature - Height: up to 14 inches; Weight: 9 pounds
Toy - Height: Up to 12 inches; Weight: 8 pounds

Dachshunds - Temperament

Lively and affectionate, the Dachshund can be willful. Curious and mischievous, they are very clever and may attempt to train the owner rather than allow the opposite. Devoted to his family, some fanciers feel the longhaired variety is calmer than the other two types. The wire-haired variety is more outgoing and clown-like. All are slightly difficult to train. Dachshunds are good dogs with which to travel. They are best with older, considerate children and are moderately protective. These little dogs like to bark (their barks are surprisingly loud for their size) and are compulsive diggers. They are generally okay with other pets. However, they can be jealous, irritable, obstinate and very quick to bite. Sometimes they will refuse to be handled. They should not be over fed, for Dachshunds tend to gain weight quickly.

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A miniature wirehaired dachshund looks different than most dogs and puppies.