Is A Dachshund a healthy breed
Dachshunds: What's Good About 'Em, What's Bad About 'Em
Standard and Miniature Dachshund temperament, personality, training, behavior, pros and cons, advice, and information, by Michele Welton, Dog Trainer, Behavioral Consultant, Author of 15 Dog Books
Dachshunds come in an impressive variety of sizes, coats, and colors.
There are Standard Dachshunds (the largest) and Miniature Dachshunds and even "Tweener" Dachshunds (a non-official term for individuals who fit between Standards and Minis.
There are Shorthaired (Smooth), Longhaired, and Wirehaired Dachshunds. The most common colors are reddish brown, or black with a few tan markings, but many colors and patterns are possible.
Curious, lively, charming, and brave, the Dachshund is similar to a terrier in his demands to be in on everything.
This comical clown loves to play games and has a great sense of humor. He is a loyal little dog, very attached to his family, and he firmly believes that sleeping under the bedcovers is in the Dachshund Bill of Rights.
Dachshunds attract devoted followers who would never consider having any other breed. Indeed, Dachshunds are often kept in pairs, which is A-OK with them, since they seem to recognize and prefer being with other "wiener dogs".
They're usually good with other family pets, too, though they can be jealous when they want attention and they can be possessive of their toys. You need to put a firm stop to the first signs of jealousy or possessiveness so that these don't become bad habits.
Though the Dachshund makes a great house dog, he does need his daily walks (on-leash! Dachshunds are chasers who will take off! and plenty of companionship. Loneliness will lead to excessive barking.
You'll also hear his sharp, persistent bark when people approach, for most Dachshunds are alert watchdogs who do not take kindly to strangers intruding on their domain. Again, you need to put a stop to overt signs of suspiciousness, lest this progress to nastiness.
Though bright and clever, Dachshunds like to do things their own way. In other words, they're stubborn. Cheerful praise and treats should be offered freely, but your Dachsie must also be taught to respect you, else he may decide that he's justified in growling or snapping just because he doesn't like being told what to do.
Other behavioral problems? Well, the Dachshund's hunting and tunneling instincts may lead to holes being dug in your garden. Also, housebreaking may go slowly, as many Dachshunds don't like to go outside in cold or wet weather. A covered potty yard is recommended, if possible.
In general, Miniature Dachshunds are more active than the larger Standard Dachshunds. Comparing the three coat varieties:
- Wirehaired Dachshunds tend to be the most energetic, the most mischievous, and the most obstinate (probably stemming from their strong terrier heritage).
- Longhaired Dachshunds tend to be the quietest and sweetest-natured (probably stemming from their spaniel heritage).
- Smooth Dachshunds are most apt to attach themselves to one person and are often more aloof with strangers.
But remember, these are just generalities!
- Comes in a variety of smallish sizes, coats, and colors
- Is comical and entertaining
- Is loyal to his family
- Needs only moderate exercise
- Makes a keen watchdog
- Is good with other family pets, especially other Dachshunds
- Usually lives a long life
A Dachshund may be right for you.
- Stubbornness
- Scrappiness toward strange dogs, especially larger dogs
- Chasing and hunting instincts (chipmunks, birds, etc.)
- Notorious housebreaking difficulties
- Potential for excessive barking
- Potential for digging holes
- Excessive suspiciousness toward strangers when not socialized properly or made to behave
- Worries about the serious spinal problems that afflict 1 out of every 4 Dachshunds and can result in paralysis
A Dachshund may not be right for you.
 | Dog Breed Traits Which Traits Are Right For You? In this brand new series, I'll help you decide which dog breed traits would best suit you and your family, your home and yard, and your lifestyle, so you can choose the best dog breed for your family. |
- You can avoid some negative traits by choosing an ADULT dog from an animal shelter or rescue group. With an adult dog, you can easily see what you're getting, and plenty of adult Dachshunds have already proven themselves not to have negative characteristics.
- If you want a puppy, you can avoid some negative traits by choosing the right breeder and the right puppy.
If I was considering a Dachshund, I would be most concerned about...
- Barking. Dachshunds are very alert and often too quick to sound the alarm at every new sight and sound. You have to be equally quick to stop them. This is not a "yard dog" who can be left outside unsupervised.
- Mind of his own. Dachshunds are free thinkers. The strong mindset that makes them suited to killing vermin can frustrate you when you try to teach them anything. They can be manipulative, and some are downright obstinate. In small doses this is amusing and harmless, but you do need to show them, through absolute consistency, that you mean what you say. Read my free online training programs.
- Potential suspiciousness toward strangers. Some Dachshunds are friendly or at least polite with everyone, while others are suspicious of strangers, sometimes even snippy. You need to socialize your Dachshund from an early age so that he becomes accustomed to people. Teaching him to respect you means that if he shows any anti-social behavior, you can tell him "No" and he will stop what he's doing.
- Potential scrappiness toward strange dogs. Dachshunds are usually very good with other pets in their own family especially with other Dachshunds! But they can be overly feisty toward strange dogs, and because of their size, this can be dangerous and must be stopped early.
- Housebreaking. As a behavioral consultant, I would put the Dachshund on my Top 20 List of "Hard to Housebreak." Consistent crate training is mandatory. A doggy door leading out to a covered potty yard can be very helpful in persuading a Dachshund to go outside when it's raining. Read more about housebreaking.
- Potential health problems. Many Dachshunds live a good long life, but unfortunately 1 in every 4 Dachshunds will become crippled or paralyzed from disk disease in middle age. Their long back, you see, is a deformity the vertebrae has been stretched to the breaking point and is genetically weak. Your Dachshund may be playing happily one minute, and unable to move the next minute. Without immediate (within a few hours) surgery, he may be paralyzed for life.
I cringe whenever I see owners allowing their Dachshunds to spring up and down on their hind legs like a pogo stick, or to race up and down the stairs, or jump on or off furniture. When you choose a dog with a deformity, you should be taking extra special care to protect his health.
Dachshunds can also suffer from epilepsy, urinary diseases, heart disease, itchy skin conditions, and more. Read more about Dachshund Health.
- Grooming. Longhaired Dachshunds need brushing and combing to prevent mats and tangles, and some minor trimming. Wirehaired Dachshunds need regular clipping.
- Shedding and doggy odor. All three Dachshund coats shed. The wirehaired sheds less than the other two, but even wirehaired Dachshunds are not hypoallergenic dogs. Smooth Dachshunds can have a mild doggy odor.
12 of the Most Common Health Issues in Dachshunds
Dachshunds, as with every dog breed, have certain health issues that occur more frequently within their genetic pool.
Smart Dachshund owners will educate themselves so that they can recognize a health issue in its early stages.
Being aware of common health issues in Dachshunds can equip an owner with knowledge that could help prevent the issue from occurring or will minimize any issues that do occur.
This article lists the 12 most common health issues in Dachshunds.
Why are These Health Problems More Common in Dachshunds?
Dachshunds have a very unique body type when compared to most other breeds.
Their body is quite long and sits very low to the ground, on top of having very short legs.
This trait is called disproportional dwarfism, or chondrodysplasia.
Disproportionate dwarfism is when some parts of the body are small, and others are of average size or above-average size.
This distinct skeletal structure makes them prone to genetic problems specific to long-bodied dogs, as well as health problems related to their environment.
12 of the Most Common Health Issues in Dachshunds
Based on my research and experience, these 11 health issues cause the most problems for the Dachshund breed:
Back Disease
Back issues are the top health problem Dachshunds encounter; 25% will experience back issues in their lifetime.
According to the UC Davis Veterinary Genetics Laboratory,
Chondrodysplasia [can] impact the health of animals through an abnormal process that causes premature degeneration of the intervertebral discs.
Back problems are very common in Dachshunds. In fact, approximately 25% of Dachshunds will experience back issues in their lifetime.
This predisposition of spinal disks to age early is referred to as Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD).
It causes the vertebrae and disks to become brittle and can result in problems similar to a slipped or ruptured disks in humans.
IVDD-related spinal injuries (well, any really) can be extremely painful and long-lasting, sometimes leading to permanent damage to the spine and paralysis.
Common-sense ownership can help minimize back issues in your Doxie.
- Exercise your dog; it promotes strong muscles and healthy tissues.
- Discourage your Dachshund from jumping up on or down from furniture or other to difficult and high places (off the bed, into the car, etc.) as this causes shock on the disks.
- When you lift or carry your dog, support her weight in both the rear and front ends so their spine is not stressed.
Dental Issues
Dental issues are common in Dachshunds.
Dachshunds are also predisposed to dental issues.
One of the primary reasons is that the chondrodysplasia mentioned above can result in the crowding of teeth in the jaw.
Teeth affected by crowding have lowered defenses to periodontal disease due to their propensity to trap food, plaque, and calculus leading to infection and inflammation. (Source)
To protect your dogs teeth, its important to have them cleaned regularly by a professional and develop a home routine to help prevent tartar from building up.
If your Dachshund wont let you brush their teeth, you may want to consider getting your dog anesthesia-free teeth cleaning from a licenced professional.
Besides bad teeth, Dachshunds are prone to bad breath (here are some tips for dealing with it).
Skin Issues
While any dog can suffer from skin problems, Dachshunds are prone to developing a wide variety of skin-related issues ranging from allergies to color dilution alopecia.
Find out more here: The 6 most common skin issues in Dahcshunds and what to do about them.
Cushings Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism)
Cushings Disease is caused when the adrenal glands produce too much of a steroid hormone called cortisone.
This hormone imbalance usually develops slowly so can be mistaken for aging symptoms.
The symptoms of Cushings Disease can be mistaken for signs of aging.
Symptoms include excessive drinking, urination accidents in the house, hair loss, increased appetite, and weight gain.
If you notice any of these symptoms its important to have your dog evaluated by your vet.
Fortunately, Cushings Treatment is treatable with oral medications that can help your dog lead a longer and more comfortable life.
In extreme cases the overactive adrenal glands can be surgically removed.
Obesity
The Dachshund is listed in the Banfield Pet Hospital as one of the top 10 breeds at highest risk of obesity.
Obesity can trigger a variety of other health issues.
One most obvious is the back disorders discussed above because extra belly weight puts stress on the spine.
Less obvious include arthritis (obese dogs have been shown to need medicine for osteoarthritis 3 years earlier than non-obese dogs) and higher anesthetic risk in surgery.
Do your homework to choose a healthy food for your dog, feed it appropriate quantities, and watch for these signs to make sure your Dachshund gets enough exercise.
Cancers/Tumors
Dachshunds have a higher than average risk of developing cancers of the skin, fat cells, and anal sacs.
This includes a particular risk of developing mast cell tumors and squamous cell carcinoma.
Dachshunds have an increased risk of getting cancer.
Other cancers more common in Dachshunds than some in other breeds include anal sac cancer, liposarcoma, and mammary gland cancer.
Its important to check your dogs skin regularly for any abnormal lumps on or just under the skins surface and to have your vet check any lumps you find.
Cardiac Disorders
DMVD (degenerative mitral valve disease) is a leaky heart valve issue common in Dachshunds. It usually appears when the dog is between 8 and 10 years of age.
Regular checkups should catch this condition in the early stages; it can be controlled with medication.
Keeping your dogs weight down is important so the heart doesnt need to work harder than normal.
Seizures, Lafora Disease, and Other Non-spinal Neurologic Disorders
Dachshunds are prone to several neurologic disorders including Lafora disease, epilepsy, and narcolepsy.
If youre never heard of Lafora disease (LD) before, its an inherited, late onset, progressive myoclonic epilepsy.
It appears as brief, shock-like jerks of a muscle or a group of muscles that usually only lasts a second or two.
Any Dachshund can have it but there is a high prevalence in the miniature Wirehaired Dachshund up to 20% of miniature wire hairs can be affected.
Symptoms of non-spinal neurologic disorders can include seizures, jerking motions, tremors, imbalance, excessive sleeping, or weakness.
If you notice any of these symptoms its important to have your Doxie checked out by a vet right away.
Eye Problems
Dachshunds are prone to several different eye problems. Some are extremely painful; others can cause blindness if not treated right away.
Cataracts and
Glaucoma is a very painful disease that can lead to blindness if not treated.
Cataracts are common in older Dachshunds and can cause blindness, but surgery can restore sight in some cases.
Dry eye (known as KCS, or keratoconjunctivitis sicca) results in itchy, sore eyes, and eye infections. It is treated with an ointment that you apply daily.
Liver Disease
Dachshunds are more likely than most breeds to have a liver disorder called portosystemic shunt (PSS).
This is a hereditary condition in which the liver cant effectively remove toxins from the bloodstream.
Surgery is sometimes needed, but many times you can treat it with medication and a special diet.
Dachshund Stomach Issues
Its not uncommon for Dachshunds to experience stomach issues.
Some are merely sensitive to certain foods or abrupt food changes.
Others can suffer from gastroenteritis, a term referring to stomach issues resulting in inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.
Gastroenteritis has an underlying cause such as parasites, dietary issues, etc.
Dachshunds tend to be more prone to developing hemorrhagic gastroenteritis.
Dachshunds are one of the breeds at higher risk of developing hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (HGE).
HGE can have similar symptoms as gastroenteritis but has a severe onset and no underlying cause can be found.
Dachshund stomach issues must be addressed immediately; HGE can be life-threatening if untreated.
The main symptoms are bloody diarrhea and sudden onset.
Immune System Disorders
An autoimmune disease causes the immune system to attack the bodys own tissues and cells.
Dachshunds are predisposed to a disease called Immune-Mediated Thrombocytopenia, in which the body attacks its own platelets and clotting function is impaired.
30% of dogs with this condition die from it, many others respond to medical treatment but have recurrent bouts throughout their life.
Raising a Healthy Dachshund
Any of these health problems can shorten a Dachshunds lifespan.
Although we wish we could control all factors that cause common health issues in Dachshunds, certain environmental and hereditary factors are beyond our control.
While you cant control all factors, you can take preventative measures to keep your Dachshund healthy.
What IS in your control is doing everything in your power to make your Doxie as healthy as possible.
Healthy Dachshunds are more resistant to health issues and many times can avoid or minimize symptoms.
Close to the Ground, Closer to Your Heart
Our Dachshunds unique structure does make them prone to certain health issues, but it also makes us love them even more.
About the Author: Through her 17 years of owning and caring for Dachshunds, and almost 10 years researching and writing about them, JW has become a respected expert in the Dachshund community. Read more about her here.
