Breed Profile – Dachshund

General Information

The name "dachshund" literally means "badger dog" and is of German origin. The dachshund is a short-legged, elongated small dog breed, in the hound family. They were once used in Europe to hunt badger and fox, as well as larger game. The dogs worked in packs and are reported to have been tenacious and keen-nosed in pursuit of their quarry. There are three varieties of Dachshunds: smooth-coated, longhaired and wirehaired; and there are two sizes of each variety: the standard dachshund, which weighs from 16 to 32 pounds, and the miniature dachshund, which weighs less than 12 pounds.

« Back to Top

Physical Characteristics

Their long, low-to-the-ground body type resembles a train with an engine in the front, a caboose at the end and the cars in the middle. Their long, swaying tails even add to their length, to accentuate how very different they are! The Dachshund is, quite simply, the "right dog" for many people. Small in size, even the largest Standard Dachshund weighs only about 30 pounds.

« Back to Top

Health and Training

Jumping, excessive stair-climbing and other high-impact activities usually result in serious diseases and conditions of the vertebrae. Intervertebral disk disease affects more Dachshunds than all other dogs combined, so naturally it is atop this list of conditions that concern Dachshund owners. IVD, as the disease is known, is marked by herniated disks in the lower back. The disease primarily affects dogs with stunted legs. Affected dogs experience severe pain, usually in the lower back but sometimes in the neck as well. The disease can be treated medically and/or surgically, depending on the severity. Carts for dogs have been devised to assist Dachshunds with rear-quarter paralysis due to severe IVD.

Acanthosis nigricans, unfortunately, seems to be unique to the Dachshund. It is characterized by dark, thick skin in Dachshund's groin and armpits. While the genetic origin of the disease is unclear, it is certain that affected dogs are not to be bred. Vitamin E supplementation has been used to improve the condition, though no cure is known.

Hypothyroidism, commonly confused with obesity in Dachshunds, is simply the insufficient production of thyroid hormones. In Dachshunds, lymphocytic thyroiditis is most common. Dogs are affected between ages one to three years. Less than half of the Dachshunds affected manifest obesity; most individuals experience recurrent infections and lack of energy. Diagnosis of hypothyroidism is often tricky, though the treatment tends to be direct and affordable.
Epilepsy is a seizure disorder that affects Dachshunds as well as many other breeds of dog. Epileptic dogs can be managed with various veterinary drugs, though some side effects exist, including temporary weakness and increased appetite and thirst.

Activities/Exercise

Easy to maintain in good physical condition, the Dachshund doesn't require long runs over many acres. Physical rough handling only makes an even-tempered Dachshund become aggressive. Due to the Dachshund’s long-backed construction, owners are advised to avoid activities that will strain their backs and spines.

« Back to Top

Eye Problems

A cataract is a cloudiness or film over the lens of the eye, categorized by age of onset, location on the eye and stage of the cloudiness. As it is a hereditary condition, parents should be tested before breeding takes place to ensure that parents are not carrying the genes for cataracts.

Glaucoma, a leading cause of blindness in dogs, is caused by an increase in fluid pressure within the eye. This disease can be hereditary, so parents should be tested prior to breeding. Treatment for glaucoma can be medical or surgical, or both.

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a series of inherited disorders affecting the retina of the eyes, causes visual impairment that is slow but progressive. Night blindness can be the first sign of trouble. There is no known way to stop onset.

Other eye conditions have also been known to occur in Dachshunds. This list is by no means complete, but is included here to make new owners aware of possible problems in the breed: corneal dystrophy, congenital night blindness, entropion, tear duct anomalies, wall eye, keratoconjunctivitis, microphthalmia and ectasia syndrome.

It's important to note here that not all Dachshunds will suffer serious physical diseases or problems. However, it is important for the puppy buyer to be aware of the health conditions that can affect the dog he is about to purchase.

« Back to Top