Choosing the Right Dachsie??

[Mutzie's Mom]

Our new dachshund isn't due for a couple more weeks. I am so excited that I can hardly stand it! We found a breeder and are just waiting for the little guys to be born. The mommy is a red sable and the daddy is black/tan. Can any of you genetic specialists speculate on what colors can result from this combination?

We are new to choosing a dachshund. I picked Mutzie out of a pet store. We didn't know about puppy mills back then. How will we know which one of the litter to choose? Is there a science to this? I am afraid I'll want the whole bunch and will end up taking home all of them! I am so sensitive, I'll probably want the runt of the litter. My husband is so stubborn, he'll probably want the leader of the pack. We should probably choose the one in the middle, right? I have my heart set on a black/tan one. Are there personality differences between males and females? This is so complicated. I just want to make sure we make the right choice because this little one is going to be a part of our family for a very long time! Any suggestions??? I enjoy learning from everyone's posts!!

Thanks!!!!
Sherry (owned by Mutzie forever)

[Carol A. Smith]

Hi There:

Exciting time for you. Genetically, you could get red or black/tan. No telling.

As to gender, I really prefer males, especially if you are going to neuter. They are more loving and sweet in my mind. Just wonderful pets.

As to temperament, let the breeder help you select. You really don't want a shy pup, but on the other hand the alpha bitch can be a handful if you don't know how to handle her. So, ask for and accept advice from the expert: the person who has known these pups since birth. And, please please please don't take this pup too early. I won't let mine go before 12 weeks, and I am adament about that. But, there are just as many folks who will let them go earlier. Certainly, not before 8 weeks minimum. The longer the pup stays with mom an siblings (within reason) the more skills the dogs learn from mom and the pack on how to be a dog. Just makes them more socialized, better dogs in the long run.. they learn how to be dogs.

So, good luck with your new baby, when you get it!
Carol

[dutchman]

I'm sure others will have a lot of good advice but here are a few starting points. It's widely believed that there is the most potential of problems with two females in the same home and the least with either a mixed sex or two alterded male home. I understand the risk of problems decreases among both sexes if all the animals have been altered. Frank my standard boy is perhaps the most affecinate of the six dachshunds I've known in my life and Aggie was the least. I wouldn't count Aggie when trying to compair sexes since she was an adult puppy mill breeder rescue when she came to me. I would rate Tanner on par with the three females we had when I was growing up. I think a lot more depends on their individdual personalities than their sex. I do know other people who show dogs who sware that males are generally more affecinate and less demanding.

As far as runts are concerned I know people will tell you to avoid them and that they are prone to more health problems. If my memory is correct Candy my folks second dachshund was more or less the runt of her litter off to the side not involved with playing with the rest of the litter when we picked her out. She was however playing with a toy by herself in a corner and was very happy to be picked up and held. I can't remember at what age the back roll test is suppose to be accurate. You roll the dog on it's back and if they just lay their and offer no resistance they are likely to be passive where as those who refuse to stay on their backs and fight hard to get free may be difficult to train as they are showing an refusal to submit.

Since you are getting you dog from a breeder I suspect you will have to make you choice rather early. I hope you have an early sppot on the selection list. If you don't then your choices may be simlified. By an early spot I mean breeders offten reserve the first pick for themselves then perspective owners are allowed to choose by how early they got on a list to purchase from that litter.

Good luck,

Tom and the boys (Frank and Tanner)

PS The two times I was with my folks picking out a pup the right dog always seemed to come over to us and spent more time with us than any of the others so perhaps your pup will pick you.

[Cindi]

I'm with Carol - neutered boys are the absolute best pets around and I don't have a problem with them getting along with any sex animals, neutered or whole <img border="0" alt="[Angel]" title="" src="graemlins/angel.gif" /> I also like them better for performance events (just in case you ever want to try any of those).
AND, I'm there for not not getting the puppy younger than 10-12 weeks of age and the older the better. Besides the advantage of much more doggy behaviors being learned from mother and siblings (one being don't bite because it hurts!! with those sharp teeth) there is the advantage that responsible breeders will have given two shots before you take that puppy home. That is MUCH better for the puppies immune system.
As to picking a puppy, my prospective puppy buyers rarely have the opportunity to choose as by 12 weeks I know the dogs' personalities and proclivities and since I have the new owners come to visit at least 3 times before going home with a puppy I know their lifestyles (as much as anyone could with that amount of time invested) and I can pretty much 'direct' their choice to the puppy I think would fit them best. Mind you, since I raise miniatures there isn't normally much choice available as the litters are small and I have a litter in order to keep at least one puppy if not more.
Best of luck, visit the puppies as often as the breeder will allow AND....I know this might be hard to do....if it doesn't feel right between you, the breeder and the puppies....wait.
And being a genetic fiend, are you sure the one parent is a sable? Is it a red with a black overlay or a true sable ie looks like a black and tan from a distance?

[Carol A. Smith]

I'm with Cindi, the chances that the parent is a true sable are small. I assumed it was a red with black overlay, which is what most people label sable. Red comes in lots of colors and shades, with varying degrees of black.

Carol

[Mutzie's Mom]

I am NOT very good at coats and different colors! The picture I have of the mother shows a red face with a dark mask around her face and body. I would prefer red with black overlay! I am not picky! Mutzie was a beautiful dark red with black on the tips of her ears and tail and down the center of her back. She looked like God painted her! So, if I had to choose, I would want red with black overlay. Do sables produce that? I wanted a black and tan so this dachsie would be totally different from Mutzie and would have its own identity. I don't think it would be fair to either if I tried to get a carbon copy of Mutzie. It is so tempting though. Do you think it's disrespectful? I still feel guilty thinking about bringing another dog into my home. Mutzie was NOT tolerant of ANY dog on our property. In fact she chased Dobermans, Rotweilers and German Shephards in her final months. They were so scared, too! Then, she'd come inside and lick me to death and of course I praised her for defending me!

Getting of the subject, does anyone know how to post a picture on this board? I wanted everyone to see Mutzie, but when I tried to download it, it said that it was too big. Is there any way to make it smaller?

Thanks for all your advice. I am relaying this to my husband as he is the one wanting to tackle the puppy project. He's never had a puppy before. He's always had someone else's hand-me-downs. He is reading books and that's all we talk about! We are both so empty from our loss. We are not against getting a rescue dog, but I haven't found one yet that they will let go to a family with children. My children really aren't barbarians! <img border="0" alt="[Devil]" title="" src="graemlins/devil.gif" />

Sherry

[crock]

I had 2 dachsies growing up and they were female. (my parents always had female dogs!). And they were great. My husband brought home a male dachsie rescue about 24 years ago and since then we have had both. I do think the males are the most loving and cuddlely. My pepper (male) sleeps so close to me at night My boys are much more affextionate than my girl.

[dutchman]

Since the discussion in this current thread is talking a lot about puppies I thught I would pass on some good news I learned at Frank's obedience class last night. Colorado has a state law that makes it illegal to sell or transport for sell any dog under eight weeks old. My trainer tjinks 12 weeks is a much better age to adopt at.

Tom

[Mom of Freddie and FG]

Sherry,

I know you have your "ideal color" in mind. I did too. I wanted a RED, but ended up with a Blk/Tan because he chose ME. :) IMO, I feel it's the personality, temperment, and health that is more important than the color. I just ADORE Longhairs and hopefully one day I can have one.
But it boils down to that SPECIAL dachsie that picks YOU! :)

As for feeling guilty about bringing another dog into your home, in time that feeling will fade. Mutzie won't mind at all, don't you worry about that at all! Mutzie will always be in your heart and memory, but her time came and you have a right to loving another dachsie. Remember too, Mutzie lived to a darn good age! 16 years (If I remember correctly) is VERY good! That is not very common in dachsies.

Have you searched in 'Yahoo' or 'Google' for breeders? There are a lot! But you need to be careful, as some are PUPPYMILLERS or BYB's. You can pretty much tell the difference!
Compare these two: Mis-Tee Kennel (CA.) and Shamrock (Ill.). See the difference?

I personally feel for your situation, getting a puppy from a reputable breeder would be better.

Susan

[Mutzie's Mom]

I exhausted my rescue route over the weekend. I got lots of doors shut in my face because I have 2 small children. We found out today that our breeder's dachsie is indeed pregnant and due March 20th. She is a sable and the father is black/tan. She also has a brindle due about a week or so later. The father is the same. Please e-mail me at wtbslb@onecom.com if you'd like to see pictures. I don't have a web page, and can't post them on here. We really like the breeder we found. We've been e-mailing her since Mutzie died. She is very particular about who her little guys go to. She has been "screening" us.

Susan, you said that the right one would find me. Well, our breeder tried to breed a red with lots of black overlay with her brindle. He wanted nothing to do with her. He tried to get her to play with him! :D Now, she is going to sell him because she bought him to be a champion stud! He is so odd looking, he's adorable! I also have a photo of him, too. He is 7 months old, I believe. Still a puppy, but house broken! We are asking how much she's selling him for. I am waiting to hear back from her. She said he's great with children and belongs with a family. I guess he's not stud material! :p I just thought that was too cute. I am sure it's frustrating for breeders. I am not going to breed him and would get him neutered right away. Who knows! If not, we're just going to wait for the puppies to be born.

Still on a quest for our new baby!
Sherry

[badgerdogmom]

Why would any one expect a 7 month old puppy to "preform"?

[Mom of Freddie and FG]

Hi,

Just want to say I LOVE your dogs! They're beautiful. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" />

Susan

[mardoniche]

HHmm, arent some people funny. I shouldnt think there are many dogs who could mate a bitch at seven months, I would not even imagine the poor little fellow knows what his willy is for at this age, apart from peeing through. Barclay my little red boy was thirteen months when he mated his first bitch, he was more shocked than we were. I wish some breeders would let their dogs have their baby years before expecting them to be all grown up. Dawn.

[Krista]

Mutzie's Mom, I'm sorry to say this, but I think that is a big red flag waving here! I don't know any reputable breeder that would try to breed a 7 month old male.

From what I have read, around age 2 is the earliest that dogs should be bred. They need time to grow up and mature. That is also about that age that many health certifications should be done.

I'd be very careful If I were you, and good luck to you in your search.

[~Jen~]

I guess if they were expecting him to make puppies at 7mos then they probably were not very smart breeders to begin with. The proper age by most standards that i have gathered in talking with other miniature dachshund breeders is 18mos to 4yrs depending on the maturity of the line.

Red Flag going up here!!

Jen

[Mutzie's Mom]

Thank you all for your advice. I am totally ignorant about these things. I had no idea how old the dogs had to be before they're bred. The breeder bought this particular male for the purpose of "procreating." I am looking for a pet. Everyone has told me that a neutered male is best with children. My husband and I are thinking about "rescuing" this one. He is almost 8 months, so he's still a puppy. You guys are right. I believe she should have given him his baby years and maybe tried it when he's 2 or 3. I am NOT interested in breeding him. I just want a playful, loving dachsie. I want a pet and that's it! He is AKC certified and up to date on shots and medical care.

What do you guys think?

[mardoniche]

Hi agin, If this little boy was only bought for the sole purpose of breeding then I feel that he does indeed need rescuing, and he could not want for a better home than with you and your lovely family. Neutered boys do indeed make wonderful pets and I should think he will settle well with you as he is still so young. I would say that mins are normally ready to breed at around two, Barclay helped himself, Im sure it started as a game and ended up as more. That is why he was so shoccked at the out come!! This breeder does not sound very caring, or indeed very knowledgeable. It does make you wonder how caring she is going to be with any puppies she may breed. But I am sure that this little boy would be grateful for a kind home where he will be truly wanted and loved for himself. What ever you decide I wish you luck and all the best, love Dawn and dachsies <img border="0" alt="[Love]" title="" src="graemlins/love.gif" />

[MARTHA]

I think he sounds adorable...but then aren't all dachshunds??? If you feel that he's the one, I would certainly get him. He would have a wonderful life with your family and really get to be a baby for as long as he should!

Martha (and the "Girls")

[Mom of Freddie and FG]

Sherry,

I didn't want to say anything in your email, but I do agree with Jen and Krista. I just wasn't sure myself, but I still felt something "wrong" with 7 months. Now that the others have suggested this, well, I'll agree to it.

I asked you if they sold on a Spay/Neuter Agreement? Do ya know? That is important.

I'm certainly not knowledgable with Breeding, but 7 months is still a baby.

Susan