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A Beginners Guide To Red Dachshunds

By Marla Mills


One breed of dog that is recognized by many people are the distinctive sausage shaped red dachshunds. Some people have called them a dog and a half because of their shape which makes them longer than most breeds. Combine that with a loyal and friendly attitude toward their owner and it can be seen why this is a popular pet.

The original breed came from 18th century Germany where they wanted a dog that could help hunt down small animals such as badgers or foxes. Their name roughly translated means badger dog, and they are descended from a mix of other breeds including greyhound and terrier. From that beginning it was also found they could be good indoor dogs so that is why many households now have one or more as part of the family.

The dog itself has two notable sizes of miniature and standard with other terms such as toy used by some groups and organizations. The miniature is around 5 to 7 inches in height and weighs about 12 pounds. The standard version is 8 to 11 inches in height with a weight that varies from 16 to 32 pounds.

The other aspect that sets the various breed apart is the different types of coats that they wear. They can be short haired, long haired or wire haired depending on their background. Many are more familiar with the short haired version that has the very close cropped fur. Some may be aware of the long hair variety which has a fine and long coat. And in Europe the wire haired variety which has a coat similar to a terrier is popular.

Coming from a hunting background these dogs are very protective toward their owner or family. They are generally friendly but tend to have an independent stubborn streak which can create problems if the dog is not trained well. But as long as the animal is trained well and given boundaries they will be excellent pets for you or your family.

These animals may also have problems with unfamiliar individuals or animals because of their hunting nature. They often have burrowing or chasing instincts in full gear which requires that they be watched in open spaces or on a leash so they do not go after the first squirrel that crosses their path. Because of their strong bonding they may also be a bit aloof or aggressive toward strangers when first meeting them.

When you own this breed daily exercise and play is required to keep your pet healthy. These dogs have a tendency as they age to gain weight and get lazy without regular exercise and play. This can set your pet up for health problems as they get older if you ignore these need. Avoid activity that requires jumping though because this may hurt the dogs back over time.

Animals such as red dachshunds are a way to get a great friendship, some fun and great memories. Realize it takes a bit of time a research so you can have the best for both. The end result is over a decade of quality time for you and your pet.




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