A few frequently asked questions about Wirehaired Dachshunds:
close this window Q. What are they like to live with?
A. All Dachshunds are great characters, but Wires are especially extroverted and can be great fools. They do have very strong characters and need to know who the boss is; otherwise they can definitely rule the house. They do not need to be smacked in order to get them to behave; tone of voice is all that is needed.
Q. Do they have good temperaments?
A. Yes, in general. They are more extroverted than other varieties of Dachshund and full of character. They can become very devoted to one person in the family - usually whoever they spend the most time with. Basically they are fun-loving dogs that want to be involved in everything their owners do! Be guided by the
temperaments of the parents of any puppies you look at with a view to purchasing.
Q. Are they good with children?
A. Yes, provided they are brought up with them from puppyhood. As with all breeds of dog, you should never leave one alone with a child. Provided you supervise your children with the puppy, your Wire Dachshund will become a great friend to your children, and will enjoy joining in some of their games. They make excellent family dogs. The standard size is more suitable for life with very young children, than the smaller miniature dachshund.
Q. Should I get a dog or a bitch (male or female)?
A. There is little difference in size or temperament between dogs and bitches in this breed.
Q. Are they easy to house-train?
A. IF you start training when the puppy is young, yes. At first you must be prepared to keep taking your puppy out to relieve himself/herself frequently.
As the puppy grows, you can extend the time interval. The secret is not to let puppy puddle or mess in the house, so they learn the right habits, and don’t make mistakes.
Sometimes Pups can become "confused" and end up playing outside in the garden, then coming in and relieving themselves indoors. Staying with them and having them on a leash at first can be a big help, especially if they’re given lots of praise when they relieve themselves outdoors.
As with all breeds of dogs, they can never be classed as 100% house-trained. Accidents can happen, especially if the dog is unwell, or afraid. However, with consistency and reward for good behavior, your new pup should be well on the way to being clean in the house by about 6 months of age. Even when adult, make sure to take your Dachshund out to relieve himself at regular intervals, especially upon waking, soon after a meal, in order to avoid him making a mistake!!
Dachshunds generally don’t like going out in the rain, but usually enjoy snow if it’s not too deep for them. A dog coat to protect from the weather, may be a big help.
Q. Are they destructive?
A. As with all pups, they can be, especially when young and certainly if they are left alone for long periods of time. All dogs can suffer from "separation anxiety, which basically means they dislike being apart from their owners, and are lonely, and may take their frustrations out on furniture, carpets etc. Provided you are only going to be out for a couple of hours, putting your Dachshund in a dog-crate or pen, can be the best solution. Make sure he’s exercised before you shut him away, and give him a cozy blanket to lie on, and some interesting but safe toys to play with. Dachshunds are not really suitable pets for people who are out at work for long hours. They really like to be with their people.Q. How much exercise do they need?
A. About a 10 to 20 minute walk each day, when young and once they’re adult they can walk much longer. If you have a large fenced yard, and the dog can get out to have a good run around, less walking time would be needed. They’re an active breed, and need regular exercise if they are not to become bored, noisy or destructive in the house.Dachshunds need proper exercise both on and off the leash. Teach your new puppy to walk sensibly on the leash and get him used to traffic when young. Teach him to come back, off lead while he is still small, (do this in an enclosed space.) Don’t over exercise young dachshunds. About 10 minutes a day is plenty for a pup of 4 - 6 months old. By the time they reach maturity at about 1 year old you can increase the time spent walking, to about 45 minutes each day.
Q. Will my Dachshund come back, if let off the leash?
A. Dachshunds are scent hounds, bred to go to ground and hunt their prey (such as small rodents) their instincts will usually tempt them to follow a scent, and they could easily wander off and become lost. They should be on a leash at all times unless in a fenced area.Q. My Wire is very well behaved and obedient. Is it safe to let him off leash when we are out for road walks?
A. No matter how well trained your Dachshund may be, it’s simply not worth the risk (and potential heartbreak) to let him walk near a road, off the leash. Near a road, always keep your dog on a short leash, don’t use an extending flexi-lead near a road..
Q. Does my garden need to be "dog-proof"?
A. Yes, Dachshunds can be great escape artists; many love diggingl.
Your garden needs to be dog proof, with a good fence all round. Make sure any gates are clearly marked so that visitors shut them properly. Your Dachshund could ‘take off’ given the slightest opportunity, and will of course have no road sense.
Most dachshunds will bark when someone comes to the door, but generally are quiet once they have made sure that all is ‘safe’.
A. Wirehaired dachshunds don’t shed like smooth coated dogs; they have the type of coats, which require "stripping”, once or twice a year. They can be clipped, instead, but will perhaps loose some of the wiriness of their coats, and become softer coated.
Q. How much grooming do they need?
A. Apart from stripping/tidying the coat a couple of times a year, your pet will need brushing and combing at least a couple of times a week, This only takes a few minutes, and is a good opportunity to check all round health. Take this time to make sure ears are clean, eyes free of discharges, and feet free of mud-balls between the pads. It‘s as well to get your Dachshund used to having his teeth brushed with a toothbrush, and "doggy" toothpaste, as this avoids health problems with tartar accumulation and associated gum disease. Nails will need to be cut every two to three weeks; this is something you need to get a puppy used to early on.
Q. Are they healthy as a breed?
A. Wires are generally very healthy dogs and, given a good balanced diet, plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, should be no more prone to ill-health than any other breed of dog.
Q. Are there any particular health problems to look out for?
A. As with all Dachshunds, and other low long backed dogs, such as Bassets, Corgis, back injuries can occur. Simple precautions, such as not allowing them to race up and down stairs, jump into or out of cars or off furniture and supporting their backs when you pick them up really are important.Not allowing your dog to become overweight is very important to it’s health and fitness.
SIZE OF DACHSHUNDS: The ideal weight for Miniature Dachshunds is 10 lbs with 11 lbs being the maximum allowed for the show ring. Occasionally, though Miniatures may grow slightly larger than this, and make wonderful pets. While size is only a factor in showing, No Dachshund is ever too big, or too small – they are all “big hearted” dogs with short legs!
Please note: Always check with a Vet regarding any health concerns about a dog you are considering acquiring.
