Are You Ready For a Dachshund Charlotte NC

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The Size of Love: Standards versus Minis

A Dachshund decision you need to consider is what size will work best for you. Dachshunds come in two sizes — Standard and Miniature — according to the official breed standard published by the American Kennel Club and the Canadian Kennel Club. Although the AKC doesn’t officially consider the two sizes as separate classifications, the sizes are divided by weight for the purpose of competition:

Miniatures are 11 pounds and under at 12 months of age and older; Standards are over 11 pounds, usually falling between 16 and 32 pounds.

Unofficially, many people call Dachshunds between 11 and 16 pounds tweenies, because they’re between the two preferred Dachshund sizes. Tweenies may not be preferable in the show ring, but they’re just as good as the larger Standards and the smaller Miniatures as pets. Some pet owners even prefer the medium size.

In Europe, Dachshunds officially fall into three sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Rabbit. These sizes are determined not by weight, but by chest circumference. Rabbits are what Americans would consider the smallest Miniatures.

What size suits your fancy? Maybe you’ve seen only Standard Dachshunds, or you like a sturdier dog. Maybe your heart melts at the sight of a Mini pup, and you can’t wait to hold one in the palm of your hand. Maybe you aren’t sure. No matter what, Dachshunds are a surprisingly sturdy dog and tend to believe they’re much bigger than they are. Here are some general considerations:

If you live in an apartment or a house without a fenced-in yard, a Miniature Dachshund may be best for you. Smaller dogs can fulfill much of their exercise needs inside the house.

Minis may need more help with stairs and ledges because every jump is bigger for them than for a Standard, and they’re just as prone to disk disease.

If you like the idea of participating in outdoor activities with your Dachshund — things like hiking or long walks, for example — you may want to consider a Standard. I’m not saying Minis can’t go on walks. On the contrary, they have a lot of energy and love to exercise. They may not be able to keep up with your fast strides, however. Remember how short their legs are!

The size matter is largely a personal one. Some people just like smaller or larger dogs — although Standards can hardly be considered large, even at their biggest and most roly-poly. Whatever size you choose, a Dachshund is a Dachshund — challenging and fun, full of mischief, and brimming with love for you (yes, even when he tips over that trash can). A Dachshund wants only your care, loving authority, and devoted attention in return.

Are You Ready to Be Owned by a Dachsie?

I can almost hear you: “Yes, yes, I’m ready to own a Dachshund! Sure, Dachshunds have minds of their own, but I can handle one. How tough could it be with a dog that short?” Ah, but Napoleon was short, too. Take the following quiz to make sure you’re truly prepared and ready to be owned by a Dachshund; I’ll address the answers afterward:

1. Dachshunds believe they should
A. Guard the house.
B. Rule the house.

2. A Dachshund loves to please you
A. No matter what.
B. When you’re holding a doggy treat.

3. Dachshund training sessions should be
A. Fastidiously structured.
B. Cleverly disguised as playtime.

4. When your Dachshund really, really wants that (third) oatmeal cookie, you should
A. Just give it to him.
B. Close your eyes tightly, take a deep breath, try not to think about that cute little cocked head, and just say no.

5. Dachshunds are obedient
A. After you’ve trained them.
B. When the spirit moves them.

6. When it comes to crowds, Dachshunds
A. Are a little shy and would rather blend.
B. Love to be the center of attention and will do just about anything for applause (even if it’s naughty).

7. When it comes to the power of destruction, a Dachshund
A. Doesn’t do much damage after the initial teething stages.
B. Can rival a Labrador Retriever in his ability to dismantle a sofa.

8. Dachshunds often keep their noses to the ground because
A. They’re surveying their environment through scent.
B. They’re hoping beyond hope that they’ll run across a piece of food.

9. If you don’t allow your Dachshund on the furniture, he’ll
A. Never get on the furniture.
B. Quickly learn to get off the furniture when he hears you coming.

10. To a Dachshund, a fence is
A. A safe enclosure.
B. Something to dig under.

11. To a Dachshund, the outside world is
A. An intimidating place.
B. His personal playground.

12. A Dachshund likes to perch in high places in the room because
A. He doesn’t want to get stepped on.
B. He likes to survey his kingdom.

13. Dachshunds bark
A. Only when a true threat is approaching.
B. When anyone approaches — or just for fun.

14. To a Dachshund, any animal under 10 pounds is
A. Not worth noticing.
B. Absolutely worth chasing (hamsters beware!).

15. Dachshunds love
A. People.
B. Kids.
C. Other Dachshunds.
D. Other dogs.
E. The occasional cat.
F. All the above

Body of a hot dog; eye of a tiger
Dachshunds are big fans of adults (although not necessarily strangers), well-behaved children, other Dachshunds, and often other dogs. A Dachshund may even befriend the family cat. Everything else, however, is quite literally “fair game.” Neighborhood cats, rabbits, squirrels, birds, field mice, hamsters, and other small animals look like prey to your Dachshund. And being bred to hunt, a Dachshund will pursue.

Count up all your responses. If you answered mostly As, you may not be ready for a Dachshund. Your ideas of what a dog should be and do may be better fulfilled with another breed.

If you answered mostly Bs, you’re already talkin’ Dachsie. You already know, or can guess at, what life will be like with a Dachshund in the house. Challenging? Yes. Fun? Oh, yes. Easy? Oh, no! But as long as you know what you’re getting into and are ready to trade in the easy parts for some great fun, you may be just the kind of companion a Dachshund needs.

And as for Number 15: Although the answer is F (all the above), you will be tops on your Dachshund’s list.

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For Dummies is a registered trademark of Wiley Publishing, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Used here by license.

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