Breed FAQ
Are Dachshunds Hounds?
Yes! Dachshunds are hounds and specifically they are scenthounds, bred to use their sense of smell to track quarry vs using sight. That said, Dachshunds are unique in possessing terrier-like qualities and being the only hound that is also bred to go to ground in the manner terriers do. Given their tendency to behave as both hound and terrier, there is long standing debate regarding which AKC group they truly belong in.
My Dachshund has miniature parents but is over 11lbs, does that make them a standard?
The short answer: Yes.
The more complex answer: It makes them an oversized miniature, often affectionately referred to as "tweenies" though that is not a recognized size by any means. When reading the breed standard it is fairly clear: 11 or less 12 months of age, they're miniature while standards are "usually" 16-32. By this wording, anything over 11 becomes a standard however when most lines are kept size "pure" as much as possible, there are differences between the two, and even a 15lb dog next to a 20+lb dog is a notable difference. As well, per the breed standard, miniatures should mirror standards - a true copy just smaller in size. However, again, due to lines being kept pure of one another to try and maintain ideal size ranges, there is generally a defined difference in type between miniatures and standards.
How are Dachshunds with other dogs?
Big or small, Dachshunds tend to do well with other dogs given proper socialization at the appropriate age. Dachshunds are pack hunting animals, historically hunters taking several dogs out at once to work. However, there can be same sex aggression within the breed that many don't tend to talk about until after the fact so I encourage you to ask perspective breeders how their dogs get along with other dogs of the same sex (male or female). Within my own household I strive for dogs that live in harmony regardless of being male, female, intact or not.
What about with other animals?
Dachshunds can do excellent with other animals but keep in mind that this is a breed that should have good prey drive and introductions should be done with care. Don't be surprised if your Dachshund gets riled up at the sight of a stray cat or that new pet hamster you just got. Hunting is in their blood and good proper Dachshund should have a desire to chase and hunt. This drive can be managed with training and proper housing/containment of the various animals involved.
What is the health of the breed like?
The rampant popularity and pet breeding of Dachshunds has seen the introduction of many health issues into the breed. Well bred dogs do tend to be healthier and, in my personal opinion, standards are generally healthier than miniatures simply by not being as commercialized as their miniature counterparts. That said, as a whole, well bred dogs in the breed tend to be fairly healthy. Some of the health issues the breed can be prone to: IVDD, Patellar luxation, various eye disorders, cushings, as well as problems with the thyroid and heart. Also various cancers and epilepsy.
Some health issues are not well understood/preventable such as cancer, epilepsy and IVDD and breeders must do what they feel they can to try and prevent these issues from within their lines. For other things like patellas, eyes, hearts, thyroids and more, we have means to test our dogs to help prevent passing on any such inheritable issues in future generations. No testing is full proof and no one can guarantee a dog will never have health issues within it's life, however they can and should stand behind their dogs and the puppies they produce.
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There is not currently a reliable or accurate test for IVDD available. Recently released was the cDDY test, designed by a NDTR breeder, that is supposed to mark IVDD. Many long time breeders submitted families of dogs for the early testing. Families both with and without cases of IVDD. Of around 150 dogs, none came back as clear. And upon its release to the general public this test has shown that while some dogs can come back clear, the very vast majority do not. It is the opinion of most that if that much of the population were, in fact, affected, the amount of IVDD in seen in the breed would be well beyond what is it and the gene pool just as affectively crippled because of it. So, for all intents and purposes this test does little more than prove that Dachshunds are an achondroplastic dwarf breed.
Are Dachshunds hard to potty train?
There are many who would tell you that Dachshunds are impossible to potty train. This is so very far from true. The biggest hurdle is forming a schedule that works with you and your dog. Set them up for success, above all else. I have a sheet that I send home with all my puppy buyers outlining my personal methods that have seen me great success through the years.
What colors do Dachshunds come in?
Dachshunds come in pretty much every color and pattern imaginable. Not all of which are recognized/properly registered. Be aware that color should not be prioritized over a well bred dog with solid temperament and good health.