by Lisa Rosenkranz

Created on: May 22, 2007

Dachshunds are big dogs in small packages. Doxies are loyal friends forever, they are protectors and companions, and they take each job very seriously. If you are looking for a dog who needs to be by your side at all times, never allowing you out of his sight, than perhaps a dachshund would fit your needs.

The American Kennel Club says, "the dachshund is clever, lively, and courageous to the point of rashness . . . any display of shyness is a serious fault."

Doxies are smart and very involved with their environment. They will often watch your every move and listen to your every word. They pick up vocabulary quickly, and eventually learn how to spell. We can no longer say the word "ride" or spell it out. However, doxies do not learn how to listen to commands as well as they decipher our means of communication. Training a dachshund takes time and patience. They can be very stubborn, but persistence is the key.

The dachshund needs plenty of room to run. Bred to hunt badgers and rabbits, a doxie will take any opportunity for a chase. Tug-of-war and fetch can amuse most doxies for hours. Their need for exercise is crucial, as dachshunds are prone to obesity. If allowed, most doxies will eat their way into an early grave. Overweight dachshunds will suffer back problems that ultimately lead to paralysis. Because the dachshund has such a long spine, the breed is prone to spinal problems.

Doxies come in a variety of colors, coats, and two different sizes, standard and miniature. The most common colors are black and tan and red, but doxies can be dapple, cream, fawn, and black. There are three types of coats, wirehaired, smooth, and longhaired.

Dachshunds are the sixth most popular pet, according to the AKC. They have big dog personalities wrapped up in convenient compact packing. After knowing many doxies personally, it is easy to why everyone adores wiener dogs!

Works Cited

The American Kennel Club
http://www.akc.org/breeds/dachshund/index.cfm

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