Get ready to learn the lowdown on the Dachshund, aka the hot dog of the canine kingdom. These little sausages are so cute and lovable, they’ll steal your heart faster than you can say the word “ketchup.”
Now with that said, did you know that 24% of all Dachshunds will have back problems at some point in their life? Sounds like they need a chiropractor more than a treat, right?
Well, don’t worry, though, we’re here to give you the rundown on the 5 Pros and 5 Cons of owning a Dachshund. So stick with us until the end to make an informed decision about whether or not to get your own hot doggo.
Let’s begin with the pros!
1. Sociable Nature
Unlike some snooty dog breeds, Dachshunds are absolute bon vivants. These little weenies just love spending time with their human pals and furry friends. Of course, they can get a bit feisty if they’re provoked or feel threatened, but who wouldn’t? We all have our limits, right?
So ensure to supervise your pets when they’re hanging out to make sure everyone’s happy and safe. The gist is Dachshunds are the perfect puppers for families with multiple dogs or for anyone who enjoys hitting up the dog park and rubbing paws with other dog owners.
2. Varying Looks
If you like to be spoiled for choice, then you’re definitely going to love Dachshunds! These hot dogs come in three different coat types: smooth, long-haired, and wire-haired. And if that’s not enough, they also come in a variety of colors and coat patterns. It’s like having a box of chocolates with Forrest Gump, but instead of chocolates, it’s adorable dogs!
Plus, with two different sizes to choose from, standard and miniature, there’s a Dachshund for everyone. So, how would you like your hot dog?
3. Low maintenance
Let’s talk about how owning a Dachshund is like winning the jackpot in the maintenance department. These little wieners are super chill and don’t require a lot of exercise to keep them happy. Seriously, a few quick strolls around the block is all they need to keep their tails wagging.
And if you opt for a smooth-coated Dachshund, you’ll feel like you hit the jackpot twice! These pooches don’t shed much and don’t require much grooming, so your home won’t be left looking like a fur factory. Now, how sweet is that? Sure, the long-haired guys need a little extra grooming, but it’s totally worth it when you see their luscious locks flowing in the wind like a Pantene commercial.
4. Great for Small Spaces
Can we take a minute to appreciate the fact that Dachshunds are the ultimate apartment puppers? These guys have huge personalities, and are teeny tiny in size, weighing in at just 16-32 pounds and standing at around 8-9 inches tall. That’s basically pocket-sized!
Plus, they’re low maintenance and don’t need as much exercise as some of their hyperactive counterparts. So, if you’re living in a cozy little apartment and want a furry friend by your side, you know who to choose.
5. Long Lifespan
Get this: Dachshunds might be small, but they’re mighty and can outlive even the biggest dogs out there. Your Dach best friend typically lives to be 12-16 years old, and some have been known to stick around for 20 years or more! Who wouldn’t want to spend two whole decades with their furry best friend, right?
But let’s not forget that longevity is not a given. If you want to ensure your little Dachshund lives a long and healthy life, give them the care they deserve. That means plenty of exercise, proper nutrition, and regular check-ups with the vet.
As much as we love Dachshunds, no breed is perfect. So, let’s take a look at some of the challenges that come with owning these adorable little hot dogs.
1. Very Loud
Who would’ve thought that these little wiener dogs could pack such a big bark? Yep, it’s true. Despite their size, Dachshunds have quite the set of pipes on them. And if you’re not prepared, their loud barks can startle you and even make your neighbors think there’s a Great Dane living next door!
These alerties tend to bark at anything and everything that catches their attention, whether it’s a squirrel, a bird, or even their own shadow. So, if you’re looking for a quiet companion to binge-watch your favorite shows with, a Dachshund might not be the best fit. But if you’re in need of a four-legged security alarm, why not?
2. Love Burrowing
Let’s talk about the secret life of the Dachshund: they’re not just cute and cuddly, but they’ve also got a hunting past! Yup! these little sausage dogs were bred to hunt badgers and other critters. So don’t underestimate their tiny legs, they’re actually pretty fierce!
And they retain this instinct to dig and burrow, so if you’re a fan of DIY home renovation, get ready for your Dachshund to lend a paw with some redecorating. Just remember to keep your garden safe from their green paw or they won’t stop digging till they find gold!
3. Prone to Nipping
Here’s a word of warning for those of you considering a Dachshund as your new furry companion. These little pups can have a bit of a nip to them. It’s not because they’re mean, though. It’s just that their hunting instincts are strong, and they might confuse a toddler or smaller animal running around for prey.
We recommend to train and socialize your guy early on, and teach that not everything that moves is fair game. Plus, nipping and biting are also defense mechanisms that they use when feeling threatened, so make sure your kids aren’t mishandling your dog either.
Also check out: Corgi – Pros and Cons.
4. Prone to Back Issues
Alright, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: the Dachshund’s vulnerability to back issues. The breed’s signature long spine and short legs are like a giraffe’s neck on a corgi’s body – it just doesn’t feel like a good combo. These features make them 10 times more likely to suffer from Intervertebral Disc Disease.
This painful condition can be caused by genetics, obesity, or injury, and can seriously affect your dog’s quality of life. So, as a responsible Dachshund parent, it’s your job to take measures to prevent these issues. That means not letting them jump off furniture and investing in some pet stairs instead.
Remember, you don’t want your pup to be the next Jackie Chan of dog stunts.
5. Prone to Weight Gain
Good things may come in in small packages but when it comes to Dachshunds, sometimes that package can come with a few extra pounds. After all, their short, cute legs can also be a bit of an issue. They make it harder for your dog to get enough exercise, which can lead to some serious chunkiness.
And let’s face it, no one wants their little sausage pup to become a literal sausage! Also their susceptibility to back issues can be worsened by extra weight. So, while it’s tempting to spoil them with extra treats, you gotta be careful with your pup’s diet and make sure they’re staying active.
Conclusion
That’s a wrap on our Dachshund adventure! We’ve spilled the beans on these adorable hot dogs, from their sociable nature and varying looks to their low-maintenance lifestyle and long lifespan. But hey, it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. We’ve also talked about their loud barks, love for burrowing, occasional nipping tendencies, vulnerability to back issues, and weight gain risks.
So, now it’s decision time. Are you ready to welcome a Dachshund into your life, or do you already have one and want to share some wisdom with fellow Dachshund enthusiasts? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
Here are other articles on the Dachshund if you’re interested to know more about the breed.