Dachshund Puppies for Sale in Ohio

The 13th most popular breed, according to the American Kennel Club, the dachshund is an iconic dog and has long been a favorite of families across the world. These dogs originated in Germany in the 17th century and were bred to search out badger dens and then dig into them to flush out the badgers. Today, the dachshund is a lovable companion dog instantly recognizable for its long hot-dog shape and trademark red coat. They actually come in six types, including standard and miniature size and then either long-haired, smooth-haired or wire-haired. In recent years, the rise in popularity of the designer crossbreed has led to mixes such as the dorgi, chiweenie and golden dox, but purebred dachshunds have a special place of their own.

Appearance and Grooming Needs

Even though dachshunds are technically part of the hound group, they are relatively small dogs. The standard dachshund comes in at around 20-30 pounds but only 10 to 11 inches tall, and the miniature version is tiny indeed, generally weighing less than 11 pounds and only about 8 inches tall. They have short, stubby legs and a long body with a sweeping tail. This breed has naturally long, silky hair that looks more like human hair than dog fur, and this is one reason they don’t shed much. Smooth- and wire-haired versions don’t need much grooming at all other than regular toenail clipping, but long-haired pups need daily brushing so their coats don’t get tangled or matted. While most dachshunds are a deep burnt red color, they can also come in black, tan and blue, with dapple, sable and brindle color combinations possible.

Temperament and Trainability

Despite their small size, dachshunds are formidable guard dogs. They are excellent at alerting their owners to strangers — and even well-known friends — nearby, and they have a very loud big-dog bark. Because of their breed history, they can sometimes bark too much, but a little bit of training and positive reinforcement goes a long way to keeping barking at bay. Making sure your dachshund puppy gets plenty of exercise can also help make sure you don’t have to deal with problem behaviors. These dogs were bred to go on long search-and-hunt missions, so they need a lot of daily exercise even though they’re small and don’t look like their legs could handle much. A long walk around the neighborhood is especially helpful  because it gives them a chance to use their smelling skills and mimics the hunt they were bred for.

Dachshunds generally do very well with children and are excellent family dogs. They are usually playful and patient, but because of their awkward shape, they can be prone to accidental injuries from too much roughhousing or falling off furniture. For this reason, it’s important to teach children how to play with the dogs properly and monitor young kids. They may have some trouble living with cats due to their natural badger-hunting instinct, but if they’re introduced as puppies, it can work. Dachshunds are usually quite good with other dogs in their home but can be wary of strange dogs out and about.

They are incredibly loyal to their families, but this can also make them protective when it comes to unfamiliar people or situations. They need time to warm up to strangers and may become more aggressive if they feel like their family is being threatened.

Health Concerns

Dachshunds have a relatively long life expectancy of 12 to 15 years, which means it’s important to understand that you’re undertaking a long-term commitment when you bring home your puppy. While they are considered rather hearty, they can be prone to some health issues. Unsurprisingly, most of these are related to their odd shape, with spinal issues such as slipped discs, dislocated knees and hip dysplasia being especially common. In severe cases, older dogs may end up partially paralyzed and require a doggie wheelchair to be able to get around. Obesity is also a very serious health concern with this breed — again, due to their shape — and any extra weight can put even more pressure on joints and ligaments.

If this German breed ticks all your needs and wants boxes, let Little Puppies Online help you find your next dachshund puppy.