Dachshund Dog as Pets

Considerations before Purchase

A Dachshund dog can be a wonderful family pet, but before bringing a Dachshund puppy home, it's worth understanding both a Dachshund’s charms and a Dachshund’s challenges.

1. Important Considerations

Before Purchasing a Dachshund

As a Pet Family Dog

1. Their Backs Require Special Care – – a Dachshund's long body makes them prone to spinal problems, especially a condition called Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) – to reduce this medical risk:
2. Avoid letting them repeatedly jump off furniture
3. Use ramps or stairs for beds and couches
4. Maintain a healthy weight
5. Teach children how to handle them properly.

Note: Veterinary medical treatment for serious back injuries can be expensive and emotionally difficult.

2. They Can Be Stubborn

Dachshunds are intelligent but independent – expect:

• Patience during house training
• Consistent rules from all family members
• Positive reinforcement training.

A Dachshund that receives little training may become difficult to manage as they mature despite its small size.

3. Children Need Guidance

Dachshunds can be excellent with respectful children, but they generally do best when:

1. Children are taught not to pick them up improperly
2. Rough play is discouraged
3. The dog has a quiet place to retreat when tired.

Good Advice: Very young children should always be supervised around any dog.

2. Ongoing Costs

Your Pet Dachshund Dog

At minimum a family should budget for:

• Purchase or adoption fees
• Quality dog food recommended by your veterinarian
• Annual veterinary examinations
• Vaccinations and parasite prevention
• Grooming (especially long-haired varieties)
• Training classes
• Pet insurance or emergency savings

The purchase price is often only a small portion of the lifetime cost of dog ownership.

3. Core Dietary Guidelines

Your Pet Dachshund Dog

• Adult Dachshunds generally need about 35 to 50 calories per kg of body weight daily
• Opt for lean, high-quality animal proteins as the first ingredient (e.g., chicken, fish)
• Look for added joint and spinal support like glucosamine, chondroitin, and fish oil
• Minimize carb-heavy fillers like corn or wheat, which can lead to rapid weight gain.

4. Breed-Specific and Commercial Diets

Your Pet Dachshund Dog 

• Tailored Formulations: Specialized diets are uniquely shaped to help their pointed jaws chew easier
• Joint & Weight Care: Brands offer therapeutic veterinary diets to proactively manage weight

5. Feeding Schedules and Habits

Your Pet Dachshund Dog

• Puppies: Feed 3 to 4 small, portion-controlled meals per day to stabilize their energy and growth
• Adults: Transition to 2 meals daily
• Eating Too Fast: Doggies are known to scarf down food. Use tools like the Outward Hound Fun Feeder to prevent upset stomachs and bloating

Always consult your Veterinarian for a proper feeding regimen customized to your Pet Dachshund's specific age, weight, and activity level.

6. Why Families Love Dachshunds

Your Pet Dachshund Dog

Pet Dachshund dogs are well known for their:

1. Affectionate and loyal nature
2. Small size, making them suitable for apartments or smaller homes
3. Playful personalities that can provide years of entertainment
4. Long lifespan, often 12–16 years or more with good care
5. Alertness – they make surprisingly good watchdogs.

Many Pet Dachshunds form strong bonds with their families and enjoy being involved in daily activities.

7. Which Type Is Best for Your Family

Dachshund as a Pet Dog

1. Smooth-Haired

• Lowest grooming requirements.
• Energetic and outgoing.

2. Long-Haired

• Often considered gentler and calmer.
• Requires regular brushing.

3. Wire-Haired

• Distinctive appearance.
• Often more terrier-like and spirited.

4. Miniature vs. Standard

• Miniatures require less space and food.
• Standards can be more robust for active families.

5. Finding a Healthy Dachshund Puppy

Dachshund as a Pet Dog

If purchasing a Dachshund puppy rather than adopting:

1. Meet the puppy's mother whenever possible
2. Ask about health testing for spinal, eye, and genetic conditions
3. Visit the breeder's premises
4. Avoid sellers unwilling to answer questions
5. Look for puppies that appear curious, confident, and healthy

You may also wish to consider adopting through a Dachshund rescue organization, where many wonderful dogs need homes.

6. Dachshund Family Purchase

Dachshund as a Pet Dog

A Dachshund is often a good choice if your family:

1. Wants a small but confident dog
2. Has time for training and companionship
3. Can supervise interactions with young children
4. Is willing to protect the dog's back throughout its life

A pet Dachshund dog may not be the best choice if your family wants a highly obedient dog, frequently leaves pets alone for long periods, or has very rough-and-tumble young children.

For many families, a well-socialized Dachshund dog pet becomes a loving companion, an enthusiastic playmate, and a devoted member of the household for many years.

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