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Dachshund
Dachshund
Origin
Germany
Size
Small Breed
Ideal Space
Apartment
Ideal Weather
10º-25ºC
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹2,200
Basic Lifestyle
₹3,750
Premium Lifestyle
Top 5 Traits
Energetic
Intelligent
Playful
Loyal
Protective
by Sowjanya Siddanoor
Quick Information
‘Dachshund’ comes from German words badger (dachs) and dog (hund). They are originally bred for hunting badgers. This dog breed was developed to dig its way into the badgers and dispatch its occupants.
They are popularly known as “hot dog” or “weiner dog” for their distinct body shape and temperament. Dachshunds are short and have long silhouettes with muscular legs. They come in different coat variants like brown, black, and red.
They were very popular in Britain and America during the 19th century. However, they lost their favor during World War 1 due to their Germanic origin. They are popular family dogs because of their friendly nature and low maintenance. They are smart, vigilant, and make good watchdogs. Because of their compact size, they are well-suited for apartment living.
Characteristics
Barking
Quiet
Loud
Temperament with Kids
Aggressive
Friendly
Playfulness
Silent
Very Playful
Friendliness
Not Friendly
Super Friendly
Compatibility with other dogs
Aggressive
Friendly
Need for attention
Independent
Very Needy
Monthly Expenses
Featured
Dachshund PUPPIES FOR YOU
Karnataka
Male, 4 Months old
male dachshund pups
Nutrition
Monthly Food Expenses
₹ 1,200 - ₹ 1,800
Calories per day
Puppies: 1000 kcal
Adults: 600 kcal
Essential Nutrients
Carbohydrates
Fats
Minerals
Protein
Vitamins
List of foods
Dry Dog Food
Fresh Meat
Fresh Fish
Home made meals
Vegetables
Fruits
- To support their unique body structure, Dachshunds need high-quality food that is designed according to their age(doxie puppies, adults, and senior dogs).
- Give them an AAFCO -recommended diet that comprises all the necessary nutrients needed for their growth and development.
- Dachshund puppies are to be fed 3-4 times a day as they are in their fast growth stage. Adult dogs are fed twice a day according to their dietary needs.
- You can also give them a diet that is formulated especially for small dog breeds because they have a smaller kibble size that makes it easy to chew.
- A diet should be rich in proteins that support their muscle health, necessary fats to maintain a healthy coat, and carbohydrates to sustain energy levels.
Note: These are general guidelines. Consult a veterinarian to determine the specific dietary needs of your dog.
Breakdown of Macro-nutrients
Selecting Good Quality Food
- Dachshunds should be fed an adequate amount of protein in their diet to support their growth and development. Select food like chicken, mutton, and fish to fulfill protein requirements.
- You can feed them healthy fats that are present in fish oil to promote shiny coats and healthy skin.
- Mineral and vitamin requirements can be fulfilled by giving them vegetables and fruits.
- It is also recommended to feed dry food that is specially formulated for small dog breeds like that of Dachshunds.
Never feed these foods to Dachshund
Avoid anything with these ingredients
Dairy
Alcohol
Almonds
Cherries
Avocados
Cinnamon
Coffee / Tea
Garlic
Grapes
Salt
Onions
Sugar
Lemon
- Avoid feeding your Dachshund table scraps and animal bones as these may cause diarrhea, vomiting, and indigestion.
- Human food that has high levels of fats should be avoided at any cost as they can cause obesity and digestive issues.
- Do not feed them food items like onion, garlic, chocolates, and raisins. This causes serious damage to their health and can be fatal.
- Choose the food items carefully and look for ingredients present in them. Avoid food items that have artificial color, flavors, and fillers, this causes health issues in Dachshunds.
Health
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 300 - ₹ 750
Common Health Issues
Bloat
Heartworm
Hip Dysplasia
Rabies
Parvovirus
Well being
Exercise
Bonding
Agility Training
Games
Socialization
Energy Level
Medium
Exercise routine
30 - 60 minutes
Recognising Stress
Changes in appetite
Excessive Barking
Pacing
Reluctance to move
Increased laziness
Excessive Panting
Medical Care
Dachshunds live up to 12-14 years which is above average for a small dog breed. Unfortunately, they are prone to many health issues. Dachshund Club of America has recognized some of the prominent health conditions that are found in Dachshund, such as -
- Luxating Patella: This is a common condition in small dogs like dachshunds. This is caused due to the kneecap slipping out of its normal position. The symptoms include ‘bunny hop’ or ‘skip’, the treatments depending on the severity of the condition. It can be cured by pain medication or even corrective surgery.
- Bloat and Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV): While bloat is commonly seen in large breeds, Dachshunds also get affected by this condition. The stomach is filled with gas or food and eventually the stomach twists and cuts off the blood supply for the vital organs. If you observe swelling in the belly, drooling, general malaise or retching immediately consult the veterinarian.
- Obesity: Because of short structure and small legs, Dachshunds cannot exercise more and are prone to obesity. In turn, this leads to conditions impacting their mobility. Hence, maintaining a healthy weight for your dog is very essential.
- Intervertebral Disc Disease(IVDD): This is a very common condition in Dachshunds and caused due to the bulging or slipped disk within the vertebral column of the spine. If your dog is limping, dragging paws, or scuffled toenails you can get vet consultation. This can be treated based on the severity of the condition, pain medication, muscle relaxants or anti-inflammatory meds as per recommendation.
- Epilepsy: This is a common disease where the dogs get seizures and the reason is unknown. There are two kinds of seizures namely-
-Generalized Seizures: Here the whole body is affected. Your dog drools excessively, urinates and defecates during seizure.
-Facial Seizure: It is a subtle kind of seizure where you can find facial twitching, paddling of the limbs, or chewing movement is observed.
There is no medication to cure this condition but it can be controlled by anticonvulsant medications.
- Eye Problems: Conditions like glaucoma, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy are commonly found in Dachshunds which can cause blindness. Common symptoms include redness, irritation, swollen eyes, confused dazed and startled behavior. Glaucoma and cataract can be cured by surgery whereas PRA has no cure.
Vaccination details
Growth Stage
Core Vaccines
6-8 weeks
Canine distemper, canine parvovirus, and rabies
12-16 weeks
Bordetella, canine influenza, and leptospirosis
16-20 weeks
Lyme disease
Recommendations to care for senior Dachshund dogs
- As Dachshunds age, their medical needs also change. Hence, regular vet screening enables you to detect diseases like heart problems, kidney problems and other age-related health issues that can be easily detected.
- A balanced diet is a must when it comes to elderly dog care. Their daily activities are limited, so make a specialized diet that can help them maintain good health.
- A tailored exercise routine is very essential to keep them active and lively.
- Provide comfortable living space like bed, easily accessible food bowl and water.
- Keep them engaged mentally by regular socialization, puzzles and engaging toys.
Important Note: This information is for general guidance only. Always consult a qualified veterinarian for personalized advice.
Grooming
Avg Monthly Expenses
₹ 700 - ₹ 1,200
Shedding Level
Moderate Shedding
Hygienic Checklist
Brushing
Bathing
Ear Cleaning
Nail Trimming
Eye Care
Teeth Care
Benefits of Grooming
Cleanliness
Low Shedding
Odourless
Prevents infections
Quality of life
- Dachshunds are moderate shedding dogs and need medium to low maintenance. Regular brushing is required to maintain a shiny coat and remove loose hair.
- Occasional bathing is good to maintain cleanliness and keep them fresh.
- Dachshunds have floppy ears and need regular cleaning. Dirt and debris gets collected and may cause ear infection. Use vet-recommended ear-cleaning liquids to ensure safety.
- Regular nail trimming ensures there is no discomfort caused while walking.
- Dental hygiene should be given importance as that may also cause dental issues like decay and pain. Use toothpaste recommended by the vets and do not use the toothpaste that the humans use, it can be poisonous to the dogs.
Adopt or Shop: The choice is yours!
Cost of buying
₹ 10,000 - ₹ 30,000
If you want a Dachshund puppy for your home, you have two basic options: buying or adopting.
Buying
- The most essential thing when purchasing a pet is choosing a trustworthy breeder. Ensure that any breeder treats the dogs appropriately and follows the moral breeding procedure.
- Ask the Dachshund breeder to provide health certificates and lineage papers to ensure that the dog is healthy and purebred. Visit the kennel to confirm that there is no in-breeding taking place.
- The cost of Doxie puppies depends on many variables like ancestry, possibility of show quality, and breeder reputation.
Adopt
- Give a homeless pet all the love with adoption. Maybe breed-specific rescues, a local animal shelter, or other rescue groups have a puppy up for adoption.
- Adoption fees usually cover vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and initial medical care. These fees vary, but they are generally lower than they would be to buy from a breeder.
Here are some of the breeds that are similar to Dachshund
Basset Hound | Welsh Corgi | Beagle | Miniature Pinscher | Italian Greyhound | Manchester Terrier | Scottish Terrier | Skye Terrier
Prerequisites to pet a Dachshund
Access to Groomer
Appropriate Climate
Access to Veterinary
Lifestyle Compatibility
Financial Capability
Dachshund breeders in India
k
keerthana dindawar
Bangalore, Karnataka
Harish Kumar
Ram Lakshmi's Kennel
Hosur, Tamil Nadu
Listing Soon
Christopher S
Christofur
Chennai, Tamil Nadu
Listing Soon
Now that you know what it takes to raise a Dachshund, are you ready to take the next step to pet one?
Research: Do thorough research about the breed, its requirements, health issues, temperaments, traits, and compatibility. See if English Dachshunds are a good fit for your lifestyle.
Find reputable sources: Before buying a Dachshund puppy, look for a trustworthy breeder who practices ethical breeding. Also, check out the local rescues or shelters if you are planning to adopt.
Visit breeder/adoption centers: Make a plan to visit the kennels or adoption centers before going to buy or adopt the dog. Know about their behavior, health, immunization, history, and lineage.
Ask for documentation: Do not miss the health certification, vaccination record, and any other related document from the breeder before buying the puppy. If you are adopting, make sure you inquire about the behavior and past and recent health conditions.
Prepare your home: It is your duty to make a comfortable living space for the dog before bringing it into your life. So make sure you are well aware of the requirements, such as space, time, and commitment needed to have a dog at home. Ensure you have enough supplies, grooming tools, a bed, a food bowl, and other necessities.
Written by
Sowjanya Siddanoor
Author
Hey there! 👋 I am a pet lover with experience in fostering strays. Actively engaged in the pet community, through animal rescues and shelter work, striving to make a difference in the lives of animals in need. I love creating content that helps people learn how to care for and maintain their pets. By day, I’m an SEO professional and content writer, weaving words into magic and helping brands climb the search rankings. Beyond my love for animals, I’m an adventure sports enthusiast who enjoys the thrill of the outdoors and traveling to new places. 🌍✨ Not a pet parent yet, but preparing for my home to be ruled by tiny paws (Counting down the moments until my mom says, "Okay, fine!”) 🐾💙
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are Dachshunds suitable for the Indian climate?
Yes, Dachshunds can adapt to India’s climate. Their short coat helps in heat, but they need shade, water, and cooler walks. In colder areas, a sweater may help.
Do Dachshund have a tendency to lick or chew too much?
Out of boredom, Dachshund may lick or gnaw on objects. This can be controlled by offering suitable chew toys and mental stimulation.
How much does a Dachshund puppy cost in India?
In India, Dachshund puppies cost ₹10,000–₹30,000 depending on lineage, physical appearance, location, and breeders.
How much exercise do dachshunds need?
Medium-sized Dachshunds require at least an hour of daily exercise, while miniature Dachshunds need a minimum of 30 minutes to stay healthy and active.
Are dachshunds suitable as family dogs?
Yes, Dachshunds make wonderful family pets. They are loyal, playful, and affectionate. However, ensure proper training, socialisation, and supervised interactions with young children to prevent rough handling due to their delicate build.
What is the lifespan of a Dachshund?
Dachshunds usually live 12 to 15 years, with proper care and attention. Ensuring a balanced diet, regular exercise, and routine vet visits can help them live a long and healthy life.
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