About the Dachshund
The Dachshund’s history dates back to working dogs bred to hunt animals like badgers, foxes, and rabbits by going to ground. Known for their moderately long, low build, strong muscles, confident posture, and intelligent expression, Dachshunds have become a favourite choice for pets. In the UK, they are available in six varieties, combining two sizes—Standard and Miniature—and three coat types: Smooth, Long, and Wire Haired. At Coots, we specialise in Miniature and Standard Smooth and Long Haired Dachshunds.
Coats & Colours
Smooth haired are the “traditionally recognised” Dachshund. Their coats are dense, short, smooth and shiny, requiring little maintenance. Most common colours are Black and Tan, Red, Chocolate and Tan, and Dapple.
Long haired coats are soft and straight with feathering on the underparts, ears, behind the legs and the tail where it forms a flag. Their coats require regular grooming. Most common colours are Black and Tan, Red, Brindle (Tiger-striped), Chocolate and Tan and Silver Dapple.
Wire haired are the “rugged workmen” and have a short, harsh coat with a dense undercoat. There is a beard on the chin, the eyebrows are bushy, but hair on the ears is almost smooth. Wire coat texture varies from “pin wire” (very harsh) to “hairy” (longer and less harsh). A Wire coat typically will need stripping (never clipping) two or three times a year, depending on its texture. Most common colours are Wild Boar where the individual hairs are striped (also called Brindle in the UK) and Red. Chocolate and Tan, and Dapple also occurs.
Don’t be talked into buying a “dilute coloured” Dachshund (Blue or Isabella). These dogs have a high risk of skin diseases such as Colour Dilution Alopecia and no reputable breeder would deliberately breed them.
Will a dachshund be the right breed for me and my family?
Dachshunds are lively dogs and will take as much exercise as you can give them. They are, however, just as happy curled up on your lap, snoozing. While they are loyal companions and excellent family pets, they can be noisy. They are not known for their obedience but, with patience and persistence by the owner, they can be trained. However, they are Hounds and when they are off the lead, if they get a scent, they can “go deaf” when it suits them.
As a generalisation, Wires are the most extrovert and active, Longs are the most laid-back, and Smooths are perhaps more “one person” or “one family” dogs. All our Coots at Eversden Sausages are fiercely loyal to our family members.
Standards are more robust and probably more suited to families with young children. All the Miniatures make ideal pets for someone who is perhaps less active and who wants a small but affectionate companion.
Health issues to be aware of
Dachshunds generally suffer few health problems providing they are kept well exercised and fed a healthy, balanced diet. On average, they live to around 12 years old, with Miniatures often living longer than Standards. However, as a dwarf breed, they are at higher risk of back problems such as IVDD.
At Coots at Eversden, all breeding bitches and studs are thoroughly tested for IVDD to help reduce the risk of back problems. Maintaining a healthy weight and keeping your Sausage fit are key to avoiding these issues, as activities like running up and down stairs can place unnecessary strain on their back. Early neutering is also known to increase the risk of IVDD. Additionally, all our breeding dogs are tested for retinal degeneration (cord 1 mutation PRA), an inherited condition that can lead to progressive vision loss or blindness.
Grooming
FAQs
There is very little difference in size or temperament between Dachshund bitches and dogs. Bitches do require some extra care as they come into season twice a year, while dogs may occasionally develop leg-lifting habits. However, this is usually only seen in dogs used at stud. Both have unique qualities, making them equally delightful choices for a loving home.
If you put the time in when your puppy is very young, then yes. You must be patient and consistent; never chastise but show the puppy the area to be used outside and offer plenty of praise when they get it right. Positive reinforcement works wonders!
Yes. All Dachshunds can dig! Your garden needs a good strong fence all round. Make sure all visitors shut any gates.
It depends!!! If you let them off the lead when they are young puppies (after they have completed their vaccinations), you can usually teach them to come back by use of encouraging commands and little treats as rewards. However, some Dachshunds have a strong hunting instinct and may never be completely reliable off the lead. The secret is to start young and make it fun for them to come back. They have absolutely no road sense and however well-trained your Dachshund may be, it is simply not worth the risk (and potential heartbreak) to let it walk near a road, off the lead. Near a road, always keep your dog on a short lead; never use an extending flexi-lead. Their safety is the most important thing!
In general, they are a noisy breed, and they can become persistent barkers so you do have to work hard with them as puppies to ensure they know when to be quiet and how to behave around other dogs and people.
Young puppies don’t need formal exercise—playing in the garden is plenty for them at this stage. They also need lots of rest, so let them sleep whenever they feel like it. Once your puppy has had all their vaccinations, you can begin taking it on short walks of about 5 minutes daily; this helps them get used to traffic, other people, and dogs. By around 4 months old, they’ll be ready for a 20-minute walk each day, gradually increasing to 25 minutes by 5 months and about 30 minutes by 6 months.
When your Dachshund reaches a year old, they’ll enjoy longer walks of 50 to 60 minutes each day. As adults, they’ll happily take as much exercise as you’re able to give, always eager to spend time exploring with you!
