by Eve Price

Created on: February 15, 2011   Last Updated: February 16, 2011

If you are shopping  for a new Dachshund, you will not have to choose one.  He will choose you.  You will know he is yours when your eyes connect with his deep rich brown ones in a silent understanding.  If he snuggles into your arms, he knows he is home.

Dachshunds seem to have a sixth sense about who they want to spend their lives with and choose to love.  They also know who they want as their other furry friends in the home.  They will make it quite plain by ignoring any new pet you bring home, as to whether or not he wants him or her in his house.

However, if you want to disregard the spiritual connection between Dachshunds and their owners, there are some practical ways to determine if he is the one you want.  This dog breed has easily understood traits, characteristics and habits.

*Regarding his Health:

· Dachshunds, AKA wiener dogs, have a very low-slung body and as a result, tend to have back and hip problems. Place your hand lightly on his lower back.  If he flinches, growls, or whines, he is hurting back there and he may already have hip dysplasia.

· Dachshunds tend to have a bit of respiratory problems at times.  Hold his chest close to your ear; if you hear wheezing, he needs an antibiotic.  Let the seller treat him before you bring him home.

· If you can, make the sale of the Dachshund be contingent upon a veterinarian's clean bill of health.

Falling in love with a Dachshund is so easy to do, if you bring him home sick, and then he dies, your pain will be great.  You will feel as though a child has died.  This is the deep personal connection between Dachshunds and their owners.

*Regarding his Temperament:

· Do not let that sweet nature that you see fool you when you first meet him.  They can be ferocious and do not realize how small they are.  Test his temperament by giving him a treat and then pulling it out of his mouth.  If he acts negatively, he may always be “food aggressive”.  This could be a problem for vet visits as well as for small children who will not know to leave him alone when he is eating.

· If he lets you remove food from his mouth, he is going to trust you and will not get nasty if, in the future, you have to remove something that should not be there, such as a shoe.  Wirehaired Dachshunds tend to be the most energetic of this breed, and the fastest to get into trouble.

· If you already have other animals in the home, he will need to be “pet-tested.”  Introduce the new dachshund to your current pets.  If they do well together, sniffing each other, playing or running, you will be ok.   Dachshunds are very people oriented to their masters.  If jealousy of other pets will be a problem for your dachshund, you need to know that before you fall in love with him.

· TIP: Miniature Dachshund puppies are not easy to potty train, but do want to please you all the time.  Be patient with them on this.

Overall, you will never regret owning a Dachshund, and making him a family member.  They are beautiful, loyal creatures.  They are a joy to be around and a pleasure to love.

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