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The Wire-Haired Dachshund is a medium breed dog on short legs. The coat is hard and wiry, forming an attractive moustache, beard and characterful eyebrows. The ears are kept smooth and neat and the whole coat maintained with regular hand stripping or plucking.
| Lifespan: | 12 – 16 years |
| Weight: | 9 – 12kg |
| Height: | 33 – 37cm |
| Colours: | Red, cream, black and tan, black and cream, chocolate and tan, chocolate and cream, blue, Isabella |
| Size: | Medium |
| UK Kennel Club Groups: | Hound |
| Family-friendly: | 4/5 |
| Exercise needs: | 3/5 |
| Easy to train: | 2/5 |
| Tolerates being alone: | 3/5 |
| Likes other pets: | 3/5 |
| Energy level: | 3/5 |
| Grooming needs: | 3/5 |
| Shedding: | 3/5 |
The Wire-Haired Dachshund is a bold, courageous dog with a lively personality and nature. The rugged workman of the Dachshund varieties, the Wire-Haired Dachshund still retains the independent and sometimes seemingly obstinate nature of the breed, but is also known for being loyal and good-tempered. They are excellent at tracking a scent outdoors, but equally make an affectionate, people-friendly housedog. It should not come as a surprise that the Dachshund is fond of the sound of their own voice, bearing in mind their ancestral purpose!
Dachshunds can be traced back to the 15th Century in Germany, and came to Britain with Prince Albert. Dachshunds short legs allowed them to go to ground after badgers and other burrowing animals, where they would bark loudly to let hunters know where they were underground.
They enjoyed popularity throughout Britain and America during the 19th Century though lost favour during World War I due to their Germanic origins.
Today the Dachshund is again a popular family pet, and the Wire-Haired Dachshund is an attractive somewhat shaggy version of the breed.
The most common health problem seen in the Dachshund is related to their body shape, making them prone to spinal disorders. Heart disease is also relatively common in the breed. As with many other breeds, various inherited eye disorders can be seen, and breeding dogs should be routinely eye tested.
The breed club monitor the health of the breed carefully and should be contacted for the most up-to-date information and details of any DNA or additional testing they recommend. Breed Clubs can be found on the Kennel Club website.
The Wire-Haired Dachshund requires at least an hour’s exercise per day. Ensure they have a good recall before letting them off the lead as they will be inclined to follow their noses and can get into some small spaces and under fencing!
Whilst this is not a huge dog, they are long-backed and care should be taken to provide steps and ramps to avoid them jumping on or off furniture. Repeated trips up and down long flights of stairs should be avoided so the Dachshund is better suited to single storey living. A small to medium garden will suit as long as varied walks are provided.
Your dog's diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's also important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape and remember to feed them at least twice daily and in accordance with the feeding guidelines of their particular food.
Ensuring the Dachshund is not allowed to become overweight is crucial, as excess weight can put pressure on their back.
The wire coat is hard-wearing and weather proof, but will require regular hand stripping to retain the charming beard and eyebrows. Being low to the ground, the coat can sweep up all sort of debris on walks, so check it when you return home. Check ears and between paw pads regularly, and take care when lifting this long-backed breed into the bath.
The Dachshund can make a good family dog with older children or families without children. Their long back is easily damaged and their short stature easily leads children to try to pick them up or treat them as toys which they will not tolerate.
While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.
Not a dog ideally suited to those who enjoy training as a hobby, the Wire-Haired Dachshund is capable of learning the basics, including walking on a loose lead, settling quietly and a reasonable level of recall. Typically a friendly dog, they should still be well socialised with people and other animals from an early age.
