5 of 18

Write now Article Tools

You've seen them on TV, walking their owners down the street, being put into a big stuffed bun for Halloween. The loving, long bodied Weiner Dog we all know and love. Looking to get one for a pet? Whoa, hang on there a minute, don't open that door just yet. There are a few handy bits of info that you are most definitely going to thank me for later.

As an owner of a minature Dachsund, going on five years now, I still don't know it all. I'm not a veterinarian, not a breeder. I'm a mom of three kids and one face-licking weiner dog. Here are a few things they may not tell you in the basic Guide To Your Breed.

A Dachsund loves people. They love each other even more though, oh yes, and they especially love to be in pairs. If you raise two Doxies together from pups, they will not want to be separated. They will walk, sleep, play, groom, and eat together. However, if you get a pair, you must bear in mind that, beyond the look-how-cute-they-are-togethe r phase, this means double food. Double vet visits. Double puppysitting if you need to be gone awhile. And it means aggression of the larger of the two.

Be very aware that in a pair of Doxies, if socialization isn't constant from the beginning (you must get them used to other animals and people at a young age), and sometimes even if they're completely socialized, there can be a dominant dog. Even if they are the same gender. Two sisters? No matter. The larger one, or the one who fancies herself larger, will act dominantly toward the smaller one. She will eat the most food. She will take the bed first. She will perform mating-like activity on the weaker dog. These are simply things to be aware of.

But as they do love their people so much, you need to know: Doxies are face lickers. They want to be on your lap, not only on your lap but actually face to face with you. Watch out, as cute as they are, they like to get real close and either nip your nose (to get your atention) or lick your mouth.

All together now....Ewww. But it's true, so just be aware.

They will also go on the floor from time to time. Hey, if you had a tiny bladder and 3-inch long legs and noone to open a door for you at 6 am, you would too...so invest in some paper training and a spot to do it for those early-morning emergencies. And buy lots of disinfectanct.

Now, if you plan to adopt a Dachsund or two, you need to be a person who is OK with noise. Really fine with a good ruckus. Because, count on it, these pups are barkers. They will bark if they have to stay behind

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

Add your voice

Know something about Dog breed facts: Dachshund?
We want to hear your view. Write now!