Why dachshund?

[jensai]

Hi,
My family and I are considering purchasing our first
dachshund. We currently have an 11 year old
female lab who is pretty laid back and two children ages 3 and 6. The other dog we
are considering is a Maltese. I would
appreciate any input people might have on
why they chose a dachshund.
Thanks!

[twix0699]

Hi, Jensai! First of all, let me say that I appreciate your question and willingness to do some research before getting a dog. A lot depends on what it is that you are looking for in a dog. I grew up with dachsies and they are the only kind of dog that has owned me as an adult. I really like them because they have such personality. My two are not afraid to tell me exactly what they think! I think dachsies are great because they don't generally have the "doggie" smell, don't shed a lot, and are fairly low maintenance (I've always had smooths). I have to say their personality is really what makes them great. They are a small dog that has no idea that they are small. They are protective of their people and places, afraid of nothing (which can get them into trouble), can be stubborn, and very mischevious! They are definately cuddlers and I love that about them. I have never had a dachsie that didn't want to be in my lap every chance they got! Of course because of some of these traits, they require some patience...and housetraining can be quite the chore with a dachsie and I don't know why. Simply put, I can't imagine my life without a dachsie in it!

Teresa, Twix, and Reeses

[Dachsies4me]

She has said it all..these lil dogs are nothing but personality!!!!! And, always amusing. I've only been owned by 1,but for 12 yrs she has kept a smile on my face ( well, most of the time). <IMG SRC="http://dachsie.org/ubb/cwmsmilies/cwm41.gif" border=0>

[Mandy]

We had a list of criteria when choosing the right breed for us. Bart didn't really have much experience with animals growing up, while I grew up on a farm. He was a little reluctant about getting a dog at first.

We wanted a dog who did not shed much. We knew tha there was no way we would ever let a dog live outside, so we wanted a dog who could easily live indoors. Bart wanted a dog which could scare off intruders by it's bark. Bart didn't want a large dog - only small dogs.

We knew any dog we had would be an integral member of our family - so family oriented. that also meant that they would need to be able to fit into our lifestyle...snuggling on the couch while at home, yet also able to handle hiking and other outdoor activities.

We went through all of our requirements and looked at characteristics of different breeds. One of the dogs we had as a child was a dachshund, so I was already familiar with them.

The dachshund fit what we were looking for. It took a while, but we finally found someone in driving distance who had dachshunds (puppies for sale) - (we knew we didn't want to buy from a pet store).

We went to look at the puppies, and one look at their faces had Bart hooked. We went back several times to watch the puppies. There were two males. We debated about which puppy we wanted. One day we were pointing out different aspects about the puppies. They were really just in that beginning to walk and explore phase at the time. One of the puppies was walking and coming playing with toys. As soon as we said it, the other puppy stood up and came right to us. We knew even then that Henry had picked us.

Why did we get another dachshund when we were looking for a second dog? Personality for certain! Dachshunds are such characters!

Henry picked out Jake. They are as differnt as night and day. And we couldn't love them anymore. People who don't know us think we have kids, as we talk about "the boys" or have other parental concversations. Our friends know, though.

Why does most of our rescue work revolve around dachshunds? Personally, if we didn't narrow it down some how, I would have every homeless animal we found coming through our home on the search for the perfect forever home. But once you have a dachshund, you are hooked. So we decided to focus on dachshunds, although we have switched our focus to education so that, hopefully, less animals (of any species or breed) will find their way into the rescue system.

one you've been owned by a dachshund.....http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/biggrin.gif

[Rusty's mom]

We certainly didn't put as much thought into it as the others have done. Our black lab Bud was 18 yrs. old and the Rainbow Bridge was calling his name. I knew that I didn't want another big dog and my husband didn't like small ones. We have friends who have a dashie and Wayne said that he wouldn't mind a dog like Callie. I knew that if I didn't jump on it I was probably going to regret it. So we got our Rusty and spent soooooo much time fighting over who got to hold him that we went and got a second littly guy. Well, two was not enough and along came Hobbs - the baby. Our guys are so full of love and their capacity for love and loyalty is endless. There's always a rush to get home first because their welcome is so overwhelming. We will never be dashieless again - that's for sure. But, they are a difficult dog is some ways as well. Very stubborn, hard to housebreak and they honestly believe that they are the size of a St. Bernard. Good luck in making your decision http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/jacks.gif http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/jacks.gif http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/jacks.gif

Kathy - mom to Rusty, Duffer and Hobbs

[dutchman]

Hi Jensai,

I didn't reply when I first saw your posting because I thought others might be better able to discuss dachshunds and three year old children. I can't remember for sure how old I was when we got our first dachshund but believe I must have been about four or five. I remember Missy was six months old had been kept by the breeder and don't know any more of the details on why she was available when my family decided to get a dog. She was a little nippy with me and for the first month or so I was rather scared of her but eventually her behavior was corrected and we became best buddies with her often climbing in bed to snuggle under the covers with me in the morning.

Like other have stated the dachshunds do have a personality and with their faces and ears they are very good about letting you know just how they feel. This seems especially true of a black and tan or chocolate and tan with the classic tan brow markings. While a nice small size that generally likes to cuddle they definitely think of themselves as a big dog. While they are a pack animal and will enjoy the company of the whole family they also tend to pick out one family member to form a special bond with. In some cases it seems they must enjoy a special challenge as I've seen some dachshunds pick out the family member that least likes them to bond with. Many dachshunds make great nursemaids. When someone is sick they will often stay right at their side watch them with sad eyes and offer kisses.

As with any animal the children as well as the dog must learn the proper respect for each other. A young child needs to learn that they can't drag the dog around by it's leg or tail. On a dachshunds shoulders can be dislocated if too hard a yank is given to a front leg. You need to work with the dogs so that they realize they are below the children in the overall family pack.

Good luck,

Tom and the boys (frank and Tanner)

[Twinkerbean]

Growing up I always had big dogs. German Shepherds, Doberman Pinchers ( I am sure I miss spelled that). My husband is not fond of animals in general. The only dog he would let me get was a Dachshund, because they don't smell doggie, the don't shed (if smooth coat) and they are very family oriented.

We got a "tweenie", the breeder said the bigger dog wouldn't have it so rough with small kids( I have 4 girls, 7 months, 2 1/2 yrs, 4 1/2 yrs, and 6 yrs.) He gets lots of hugs, and gives lots of kisses.

Dante is also a great find, in a year I have only heard a bark from him maybe 3 times. He doesn't realize he is the smallest dog on the block. I took him to a training class at PetSmart and he played with the bigger dogs as if he were the same size, undaunted when the bigger dogs pinned him with a paw the same size as his head. He has the best personality.

[Mom of Freddie and FG]

Ditto here on everything! The Dachshund's personality is unique in that they are SO human-like! They are by nature affectionate, loving, charming, amusing, comical, very loyal, and STUBBORN! Their stubborness is not to be taken lightly, by that I mean housetraining. It can be challenging. Also, some Dachshunds are snappy and will bite. Normally, this is caused by inappropriate handling (kids teasing, etc.) or jelousy. Dachshunds are known to act out on family members if there is a new baby and their used-to-attention goes out the window. They ARE very demanding as well.

I had a Dachshund while growing up. I personally love them because they're so much like me in temperment. Also, they're a part of my family. They LIVE inside. They ARE inside (sleeping) dogs. They don't do well outside 24/7.

I want to emphasize their BACKS and disk disease. Unfortunately, it's the #1 problem in Dachshunds. SPECIAL care in handling them helps. The FIRST thing I'd do is try to get a Dachshund from a GOOD reputable breeder (NOT a pet store! You're asking for a heartache and trouble!) that knows their dogs well.

DOWNFALLS: Disk disease (bad backs), stubborness, demanding, snappy, excessive barking. Does not apply to all.

ADVANTAGES: Adjust well (city or country), hearty, vigoress, outdoorsy, affectionate, comical, loyal, good watch dog (loud alerting bark) AND they have a long life-span (average 12-14 years, although some live up to 16+). They're just a lively, full-of-personality breed!http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/smile.gif

Ok, one last important note; Dachshunds generally DO NOT do well with young children (under 5) UNLESS treated with respect. Like I said, they can be snappy. Also, with their delicate back, they need to be handled well. They are NOT good with roughplay (sitting on them, pulling tail, ears, etc.) I personally would think twice about this breed with a 3 and 6 yr. old unless if your children respect animals. Some young children are wonderful, and if this is the case with yours, then a Dachshund would be fine, as they can be good with children.

FINALLY, as Tom mentioned, the dog needs to know that they are BELOW family members in the pack order. The humans are the alpha or leader. The dogs need to respect the pack order. This is SO important because that is one of the main reasons why dogs end up at the pound or shelter.http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/frown.gif

Anyway, I think the advice between all of us here gives you a good "feel" for the Dachshund.http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/biggrin.gif If you want a little wiener following you around the house and being your "buddy", then this is the dog for you.http://dachsie.org/ubb/smilies/smile.gif

Susan


<FONT COLOR="#00FFFF" SIZE="1" FACE="Verdana, Arial">This message has been edited by Mom of Freddie and FG on December 20, 2001 at 07:54 AM</font>