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Dogs require regular grooming to keep their nails in trim and their coats healthy. Which technique you use for your Dachshund depends on which of the three main types you have.

Smooth-Coat

A Smooth-Coat Dachshund is the classic, short-haired type you have seen in a hundred films and ads. Their coats are easy to care for, requiring little more than regular bathing and brushing. “Regular” varies with the dog’s environment and age.

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Younger dogs may need baths as often as once per week, though once a month is fine when they stay out of dirt and bushes.Be sure to keep their coats brushed and clean regurlarly if they live in rougher circumstances. “Regularly” means a minimum of twice per week, and as needed.As soon as they are done playing, remove plant material.

A wire slicker is okay for grooming, but exercise care. All dogs are durable, but it is important not to scrape the skin. That leads to hot spots thtat the dog can make worse by licking and chewing. Since they are a high-energy, assertive breed, extra caution is needed.

Wire-Hair

The wirey hair on the muzzle, chest and legs of this variety gives them the name. It can also give them a need for extra grooming care.In their case, more frequent baths along with more regular brushing will be called for.Brushing will take longer as well.

The stiff coat is actually in two layers, like the terriers they resemble.Get the undercoat with a slicker brush and use a regular brush for the top layer. Keep in mind that they will shed more.A shed control shampoo may be necessary. Be ready for seasonal changes as they naturally adjust to the change in weather by shedding more.

Cut any excess hair off the muzzle to keep it from dragging on the ground. Cutting behind the rear legs will also be necessary once it reaches a length that leads to mats.Regular brushing about twice a week is good enough.

Long-Hair

As the name suggests, this type has long, wavy hair. Since Dachshunds are low to the ground, more regular trimming will be needed, along with more frequent bathing.Mattis is especially common in this variety, but can be avoided with brushing every other day, paying special attention to behind the ears.When mats form, trim the gradually with a blunt-nose pair of scissors until you have removed enought to work out the tangle with a brush and fingers.

A shampoo that contains conditioner works well with this type.Be sure not to over-bathe them, though, since that leads to scaly, dried skin. Regular brushing will help, since it smooths natural oils over the skin and under the coat.

Nail Trimming

All types need to have their nails trimmed often, usually weekly. The usual technique is okay. Obtain a good pair of guillotine scissors and hold each foot firmly, looking for the quick. Cut well away from the quick to avoid accidents, which are more likely in the Dachshund’s case because of their feisty nature.

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Pet food

Despite the comments of advocates of “natural” dog food, commercial dog foods are just fine for your Dachshund.  Some of those concerns are well placed, though.A diet that is not too rich and not too lean, full of healthy ingredients (balanced) is best.But that advise is fairly vague.  What does it really mean?

- Ingredients

Any commercial kibble food will have a list of ingredients on the package, starting with the one present at the highest percentage listed first.  Ensure that the ingredient listed first is some kind of animal protein.  Chicken, beef or lamb are the most common.  Vegetable proteins are harder to break down into useful components and contain smaller concentrations of needed amino acids.

Like other dogs, Doxies are by nature meat eaters.But raw meat is not required.  Anything that provides enough protein is fine, since what is really needed are the amino acids that go to make them up.Any protein consumed is broken down to those basic products and then “re-constructed” again by the dog.

Apart from amino acids, there are a number of essential vitamins and minerals required for good functioning.

Foods rich in Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids are good not only for humans but Doxies, too.  In both cases, those compounds help improve joint and skin health.

Antioxidants perform a role similar in a Doxie’s life that they do in their owners.Vitamin E, beta-carotene and others help protect the immune system by reducing the “free radicals” that can build up in the body.  These are elements or molecules with an extra electron that can harm cells when they exist in too-high concentrations.

Fat, far from being the villain it is sometiems (incorrectly) painted in discussions of human diet, is necessary for proper functioning.  Fats provide compounds vital for good nerve function.  They are broken down to take part in forming hormones and enzymes.  They also provide a source of calories that Dachshunds need to pwer all those activities, just as people do.

- Amounts

Puppies that have been weaned should eat 3-4 meals per day.Even though that is a little more inconvenient for the owner,smaller amounts, fed more often, are preferable to large helpings at one time,.  The routine is best for Doxies about 8-12 weeks old.

When your puppy reaches 3-6 months, you can reduce the feeding frequency to 3 or even two meals a day.Even puppies can get fat, so keep a watchful eye on the waistline behind the rib cage.  It should have a slight curve.If your Doxie is perfectly straight (no waist line) you may be feeding too much.

That advice is a little more difficult to follow in the case of Dachshunds than some other breeds, since they are a bit more tubular by nature.  Even so, the curve can be seen if you observe closely.  Aid your eye by feeling the puppy in front of the rear legs.Become familiar with your dogs shape and it will be easier to see small changes.

By the time they’ve reached a year old, one meal per day is fine.  If they seem eager to eat more often two meals is fine, but divide the portions in half.

Feed your Dachshund a premium brand food.  Those contain a more appropriate quantity of calories and less “junk food” than cheaper brands.For fussy dachshuds, or just for extra flavor, mixing a spoonful or two of wet food with dry is fine.

Never give your Dachshund chocolate, raisins, grapes, onions, macadamian nuts or xylitol which are toxic to dogs.

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They are a naturally feisty breed.Bred to hunt badgers, they had to be tough and innovative.However that assertive nature should not be allowed to turn against you.You must be the top dog.

Each dog will deviate in degree, of course.There are submissive ones though fewer than other breeds, on average.Some will try to demand on having their own way at all times, much like most terriers.But training can reform their behavior, especially if you begin when they are young and stay consistent.

Zero tolerance should be the rule for all aggressive behavior, whether toward you, strange people, a family member and animals.Gnawing the lead during training is one mild demonstration.

Discourage it by stepping on the lead close to their head.Then with the other foot, slowly pull the lead down to the ground closer and closer to the collar.  Take care not to stress their neck, as Dachshunds are prone to spinal problems.  When they have released the leash, praise them lavishly.

To discourage snapping or biting or excess barking a squirt bottle comes in handy.Give your Doxie a little squirt against the muzzle when he shows this behavior.  Avoid the eyes.That surprises your Dachshund and it is unpleasant besides.Avoid making it a contest of wills, but repeat when needed.That only tends to make it seem to the dog that you are a rival.Firm consistency is favored to counter-aggression.

If your Doxie continues, seperate your dog and be prepared for some barking.  Like spoiled young children, a dog will sometimes try to whine or shout its way out of punishment.  Give your dog sturdy chew toys and allow him to work out the aggression on those while he’s in the “time out” box.

Make sure you follow the negative reinforcement with some positive reinforcement.Look for instances of good behavior and praise it generously.Use a moderate number of treats if necessary.The point is to help the dog see for itself the different outcome of its own behavior in terms of your response.They are resourceful.  With persistence, they will catch on.

For example, one may become moderately aggressive during fetch, refusing to give up the ball.Try to distinguish between authentic willfulness and a simple desire to play a different game, tug.  Make the difference clear by using a rope for tug, which they love.

It’s necessary to tread a fine line, though, because tug can lead to encouraging aggression.  Exercising them a little harder than you would a more playful or placid dog will help.Aggression is partly caused by the frustration of repressed energy with no positive outlet.

A helper can be a big help here.Heave the ball to a partner several feet away, along the ground.When the Doxie gives chase, make sure the partner is the first to get the ball.Repeat the exercise a few times, then allow your Doxie to win.

With patience and a little inventiveness, you can channel your Dachshund’s aggression into more positive directions.

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Like any breed, Dachshunds are at risk for a number of conditions and diseases.But because of their short legs and long bodies they are most at risk for spinal problems.One of the most common forms is a condition called Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD), actually an umbrella term for an abundance of problems.

Vertebrae are the hard bones that make up the spinal column support.They enclose the spinal cord and are separated by soft tissue called intervertebral discs, which provide a buffer between the bones.IVDD threatens a Doxie’s health in several different ways.

Excessive jumping and other forms of back stress can cause a rupture of one or more discs, usually close to the rear.  IVDD and other back problems occur most frequently by age four but can happen earlier, sometimes as young as two.Simple age can cause the disc to decrease its fluid level, making it less supple.That furthermore increases the odds of herniation or rupture.Often the spinal column becomes more fragile.

If that occurs, a number of serious possibilities exist.

As a portion of the spine loses vital support, the spinal cord can be put in jeopardy.In the event compression happens, paralysis is not far behind.Impediment of spinal fluid can have comparable effect.Loss of circulation leads to nerve death, as the nerves are cut off from necessary nutrition.

Look for any instance of inability to raise the rear end off the ground or lowering near the tail.Other signs include weakness in the rear legs or loss of bladder control.

In these extreme instances, treatment - usually surgery - within 24 hours is critical.If left untreated, the outcome is frequently permanent disability.

Even in less serious instances back pain is evident.It can be difficult to identify when a dog is in pain but symptoms include lethargy, difficulty walking up stairs and similar signs in an otherwise active dog.

Treatment with corticosteroids (such as Prednisone) is sometimes recommended but entails risks.  Apart from the usual risks of long-term steriod use, it is possible to overdo care.  Lessening pain is desirable, but if it is eliminated the dog can become too active again, leading to more injury.Injections of Adequan can aid in promoting disc healing.

Whether treated with steroids or just Rimadyl, it is wise to cage your Dachshund or otherwise keep him calm, reducing physical activity.Given the Dachshund’s assertive and energetic nature that is difficult, but it is essential.

Don’t let the dog to stand on its hind legs, which compresses the spine.Don’t let the dog to jump down stairs.Yard recreation should be restricted until the dog has fully healed.Always support the whole length of the spine when picking up your Dachshund.

With the right kind of care many Doxies recover completely to lead normal, active, healthy lives.  But proper diagnosis as early as possible is essential to improve the odds.

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Dog owners love their dogs.With Dachshunds that devotion reaches new heights.The reasons are not hard to understand.  Dachshunds 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 Doxie became ferocious himself.  That assertive and fearless attitude remains today.

That feisty nature can be a negative or positive.

Dogs that are independent can make great companions, since that also makes them exploratory and playful.  It provides the dog with lots of energy and a willingness to try new things.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 boss may require a long struggle.

That training has to be appropriate to the breed’s physical and mental attributes.

Doxies are 9 inches high at the shoulder and weigh between 10-30 lbs.  Toy varieties are quite a bit smaller, often under 8 lbs and only 5 inches high.Their average lifespan is between 14-17 years.

With their long bodies and short legs, Dachshunds are much more prone to spinal problems than other breeds.  Rough handling can cause serious problems.

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 hostile and aggressive in response.  They may look at their trainer as an enemy badger.  Barking is more common in Doxies, too, so owners should be prepared.

With the right approach, though, they make for excellent companions and pets.

There are three basic varieties - Long-Hairs, Smooth-Coats, and Wire-Coats.  But 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 Dachshunds more often attach themselves to one person in the family.They tend to be stand-offish and wary of other animals but will tolerate other humans.  The Wire-haired is usually more playful and outgoing.Long-haired Dachshunds tend to be a little more placid.Like any Dachshund, they are up for a game of fetch whenever the opportunity exists.

Apart from spinal problems, they 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 any dog can be a challenge, if they are to be healthy and happy.Dachshund owners commonly report that the rewards in their case are especially large.  Dachshunds are highly affectionate and very loyal.People who live with them tend to return the favor.

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