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Dachshunds: Pros and Cons

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  • 22-11-2009 8:35pm
    #1
    Registered Users Posts: 599 ✭✭✭


    Hi all

    My parents are looking into getting a new dog, and a dachshund is a front runner. However, it's not a breed that I'm all that familiar with, so I was hoping that those of you who are could tell me some of their good and bad points, common health problems, things to look out for when choosing a pup etc.

    To give some background so that you can assess suitability, it's just my parents at home, who are mid 50s. The only kids are grandnieces and nephews, who would be very infrequent visitors. My dad is retired and mum only works part time so the dog would have company nearly all the time. There are no other dogs. One quiet female cat who they wouldn't want upset too much. My mum is an avid walker (how much walking is a daxie able for/need?) and they've a reasonable sized, secure garden. They've had dogs all their lives really, though mostly large breeds. The last one (a lab) died about 3 years ago and she wasn't replaced at the time due to my elderly granny taking up a lot of time. She's since passed away and they're keen to have a dog again.

    I've read that they can have back problems - due to injuries from e.g. larger dogs, or just weakness due to the disproportionate length of their backs?

    Looking forward to your comments!


Comments

  • Registered Users Posts: 701 ✭✭✭Morganna


    Dachshunds can suffer with bad backs due to slipped discs in the spine.But every breed has its problems .Just make sure you buy from a reputable breeder and not a puppy farm good luck


  • Registered Users Posts: 126 ✭✭boardbrowser


    I'd suggest contacting Lisa at dog training ireland. i believe she owns Daschunds and can probably provide you with info with regard to temperment, diet, exercise and health issues( as she has been put through the mill with health issues with her dogs)


  • Registered Users Posts: 5,132 ✭✭✭Sigma Force


    They're a nice little dog they were one type I was considering when looking for a new pup, but the health issues put me off big time.

    If they don't go for a Daxie perhaps considering a Papillon or the like or a small rescue pooch would suit.


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,713 ✭✭✭lrushe


    I've never had the breed so I can only give you 'text book' info. As already stated they are prone to back / spine /neck/ disc problems due to their long back and joint problems due to their short legs so they should be discouraged from jumping up or off things. They are also prone to kidney stones and diabetes. They were used to go to ground for foxes and badgers so they love to dig and disappear down holes so if your parents are avid gardeners I'd have it fenced off. They are active little dogs so don't let their size fool you, but on the upside they are characters, your parents home will be brought alive, they are long lived dogs and faithful to their family. Find a reputable breeder and they should be able to give you more detailed information, do your research on the breed so you know what questions to ask a breeder and good luck with your search.


  • Registered Users Posts: 599 ✭✭✭shanagarry


    Thanks for the feedback so far guys.

    Guineapigrescue, you obviously thought that the propensity to health problems was high relative to other options? Was it mainly the back problems, or other issues? That's the crux for me - I obviously accept that any dog can have problems, but if it came down to a final choice between two breeds, high tendancy to health issues would definitely be a black mark.

    Can I also ask what you chose in the end? Papillons look cute (very unfamiliar with them) but might be a bit too girly for my dad!


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  • Registered Users Posts: 5,132 ✭✭✭Sigma Force


    I remember asking around about Daxies and I think (don't quote me) it was one of the girls from dti that does daxie rescue that mentioned the health issues esp. when it comes to stairs and when we finally sell we hope to be moving to a house but it would have a lot of stairs.

    They just seem to be more prone than other breeds, was also thinking king charles but the health risks with those also put me off. I know all dogs can have health issues but there seems to be an increase in health issues with some breeds I don't know if it's bad breeding or what.

    In the end spotted the Papillon and the more I read the more I forgot about other breeds lol.

    They don't look girly at first but totally understand that most guys wouldn't be seen walking them lol. They hair takes a year to grow in but guys do like their funny ears and they have attitude they aren't a push over but at the same time are full of beans and character, if you can organise to meet someone with one you'll see what I mean. You really have to meet one to understand them fully, they're brilliant fun.

    They can suffer from knee problems but you could say that about a lot of breeds and really depends on where you get the pooch as well as to the health same as any breed. In general though compared to a lot of pb dogs health issues aren't all that common. They don't always handle anesthetics well but with a good vet there should be no probs. Hypoglycemia (sp?) can be another issue but rare as well main thing is to feed them smaller meals more often with a slightly higher calorie count.

    They are hilarious though, full of mischief our guy loves to twirl (ok that is girly lol) but they are very clever too almost like a spaniel terrier type mix with some lapdog thrown in.

    They are very people and dog friendly (obviously socialising is important) but they love company so if your parents get a lot of visitors it's the kind of dog that generally won't bark his head off but will quietly say hello and you don't mind them jumping up on visitors coz they only reach the knees.
    Very well behaved when out and about too, and they love everyone at least our guy does. He doesn't seem to have a particular favourite person he just loves everyone.

    They've a sharp bark but don't bark much except say when they're begging for food and you're not paying attention lol.

    I'll shut up now all I can say is if you can even meet one they seem delicate and dainty at first but they are well able once they are over a year old for agility and messing about.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 3,114 ✭✭✭doctor evil


    OP have you though about an ordinary mongrel? hybrid vigour and all that jazz.


  • Registered Users Posts: 599 ✭✭✭shanagarry


    Thanks for the feedback GPR, I'll definitely look into the Papillon more, I don't think I've ever met one.

    @ Dr Evil, have had a good few rescues and cross breeds through the door over the years, but my folks particularly want a pure bred this time


  • Registered Users Posts: 1,713 ✭✭✭lrushe


    shanagarry wrote: »
    Thanks for the feedback GPR, I'll definitely look into the Papillon more, I don't think I've ever met one.

    @ Dr Evil, have had a good few rescues and cross breeds through the door over the years, but my folks particularly want a pure bred this time

    Try this site:
    http://www.japanesespitzrescue.com/index.php?Home

    I am a bit bias as I have one of these guys but they really do make great dogs and unlike dachshunds they are realitively breed-illness free. My guy is 9 and is as healthy as he was when he was 1. Don't let the long white coat put you off they don't need as much grooming as it looks, about twice a week except when they drop their coat (twice a year) and then they would need brushing everyday. Another interesting thing about these dogs is unlike most dogs they have v.little oil in their coat so it doesn't trap dirt or smells so they have v.little 'doggy odor' and need v.little washing!!


  • Registered Users Posts: 3,009 ✭✭✭Shammy


    dachshunds can be a bit nippy towards owners and stranger s , now i know not all are like that but i did find this survey.
    http://ezinearticles.com/?Top-Biting-Dog-Breeds&id=1407118


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  • Registered Users Posts: 107 ✭✭xxkarenxx


    Hi OP, we have a Standard wire haired Daxie for the last 3 years. We have had no health issues with him so far and he is a nice little chap to have around. I wouldn't recommend them with cats though. They have plenty of attitude and character which fits in well in my house but may not be suited to every household!


  • Registered Users Posts: 337 ✭✭Elevelyn


    My sister has a dachshund who is about 6 and she is great with other dogs and her three children (12,6,3) she loves to be around people and she is happy to be left alone and has had no health problems to date.

    I have a 12 month old dachshund/westie mix and i have to say she is the best dog i have ever had, she loves people and animals and loves to play. she loves going for walks, i often take her for at least 1hour a day if possible, she is a great house dog and will follow orders (she was hard to train but now she is great).

    She is quite happy to lie around and will follow me everywhere, she hasnt damaged any furniture (only teddies :p). She tries to guard the house and will bark if strangers come to our house but quickly calms down.


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