Dachshund

Dachshunds are tenacious, which was good in the field, but may be annoying in the home. Dachshunds have a strong prey drive, so they may not be a good fit for a household with rodents or other small animals. They usually get along well with other dachshunds, but tend to want to be top dog in a multi-pet household. The tendency to dig can cause damage to your potted plants and garden. Keep this in mind and provide alternative activities for your pet.

Exercise

Dachshunds are naturally prone to obesity. To prevent weight gain, your dachshund should get regular exercise. Daily walks are recommended, with at least a couple of 10-minute walks per day, plus some playtime, such as fetch. Proper nutrition is also important, and you should be careful to avoid overfeeding.

Grooming

The grooming needs of the Dachshund depend on the coat type. The longhaired variety requires daily brushing, but does not usually require professional grooming. Smooth dachshunds have a higher shedding rate than other breeds. All dachshunds should be bathed as needed (often if there are skin problems).

Regular nail trims are essential to prevent problems with the paws. Those flap-down ears also need attention to keep clean and monitor for signs of infection or mites. Brush your dog's teeth a couple of times a week to maintain good oral hygiene.

Training

The dachshund is loved for its bold personality, but it must be acknowledged that the breed has a tendency to be stubborn, protective, and defensive. Dachshunds are also known for their tendency to bark. Proper obedience training can turn these potential problems into beneficial qualities.

Dachshunds are notoriously difficult to housebreak. Persistence is key. Consider crate training. Be prepared with puppy pads and cleaning supplies.

Nutrition

It is of the utmost importance that a Dachshund not become overweight. This is not only for the dog's general health, but also to avoid strain to the Dachshund's long back, which can lead to slipped or ruptured (herniated) discs. Don't be fooled by those pleading eyes. Stick to the recommended amount of quality dog food, as specified by the manufacturer. Do not give table scraps, especially cooked bones and foods with high fat content. Remember that the Dachshund's nose can get him into trouble, so keep food well out of his reach.

Health Problems

Responsible breeders strive to maintain the highest breed standards as established by kennel clubs like the AKC. Dogs bred by these standards are less likely to inherit health conditions. However, some hereditary health problems can occur in the breed. The following are some conditions to be aware of:

Intervertebral disc disease: You'll need to take care to protect your dachshund's back. As many as 25 percent of dachshunds have intervertebral disc disease, which can result in their spinal discs deteriorating and being susceptible to bulging when they have back strain or injury.

Diabetes mellitus: This is a common chronic, but manageable disease found in younger and older dogs that have an abnormal response to insulin. Excessive thirst and weight loss are two early symptoms.

Epilepsy: This disease of the brain causes seizures in dogs. There are no known causes of this disease.