Introduction
Are Dachshunds the right fit for you? Dachshunds, also known as sausage dogs, are one of the most popular dog breeds in Vietnam. However, before bringing home a Dachshund, it’s crucial to carefully consider whether this breed is suitable for you.
1. Origin of Dachshunds
Dachshunds are beloved worldwide and are also referred to as wiener dogs, Doxies, or Badger dogs from Germany. The breed originated in Germany around the 15th century and was initially used for hunting. Larger Dachshunds were used to hunt badgers and even wild boars. This is where the breed gets its name: Dachshund. In German, “Dachs” refers to badgers and hunting, and “Hund” means dog.
Smaller versions of Dachshunds were bred to hunt small prey like rabbits and foxes in burrows and tunnels. The design of their bodies makes this task easier:
- Their paddle-shaped feet are useful for digging deep into the ground to chase after their prey.
- Their long tails are used to help their owners pull them out of tunnels after they’ve trapped their prey.
- Loose skin protects them from cuts when digging or being pulled out of the ground.
- Their slim bodies allow them to squeeze into tight spaces.
The size of Dachshunds varies depending on their purpose, although they were all bred for hunting, burrowing, and digging.
- A dog weighing 13.6-16kg typically hunts badgers and wild boars.
- A dog weighing around 7-10kg typically hunts foxes and deer.
- A dog weighing 3.6-5kg typically hunts raccoons and wild rabbits.
- A dog weighing about 2kg typically hunts Cottontail rabbits (in the US).
2. Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Own a Dachshund
Dachshunds can be great companions, but they are not suitable for everyone. Here are some reasons why:
a. Stubbornness and Willfulness
Dachshunds are not dogs that enjoy following your commands. They can be quite stubborn and difficult to train. This means they may not be the best choice for first-time dog owners. For first-time owners, Pugs would be a more suitable choice.
Dachshunds will “boss” you around if they can. Even if they are trained, they may sometimes choose to do what they want instead of what you want.
b. Accidents in the House
Dachshunds are notorious for being difficult to potty train. This issue becomes even more common when the weather turns cold. Many Dachshunds dislike going to the bathroom in cold and wet conditions. So when you let them out to go potty, they will run right back inside and relieve themselves on your floors.
German Dachshunds also tend to have separation anxiety, leading to your puppy pooping indoors right after you leave. These issues can be resolved with a lot of patience, but you may never fully train a Dachshund to go potty outside 100% of the time.
c. High Maintenance Needs
Dachshunds are always in need of attention. A Dachshund will feel happiest when they get plenty of quality time with their owners. If they are not happy, they will find ways to keep themselves occupied by doing things that may annoy or endanger themselves.
If you work long hours, frequently leave the house, or cannot dedicate time to your Dachshund, then a Dachshund may not be the right choice for you.
d. Need for Exercise
Many people choose Dachshunds (or small dog breeds) thinking they do not require much exercise. However, Dachshunds are actually hunting dogs with lots of energy and endurance. While they can adapt to a less active lifestyle, Dachshunds need plenty of exercise to keep them happy, healthy, and at an appropriate weight.
e. Excessive Barking
While some dogs bark more than others, Dachshunds are particularly known for their excessive and loud barking. Dachshunds will bark at the slightest sound outside the house; they can bark in the morning, evening, afternoon, and whenever they feel bored.
This characteristic makes Dachshunds unsuitable for small apartments or living in close proximity to others. Excessive noise can be annoying and disruptive to your neighbors, and you cannot muzzle them to stop them from barking.
f. Tendency to Be Aggressive and Prey Drive
This means you cannot keep Dachshunds with cats or small animals. While there are cases where Dachshunds get along with cats, they are in the minority. They will go crazy at the sight of a squirrel or cat and may act aggressively or foolishly. They may bark, lunge, or even jump around larger or other unfamiliar dogs.
g. Prone to Back Problems
About 25% of Dachshunds will experience back problems in their lifetime due to a genetic disease called Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). There is no genetic test for this disease, so even a purebred Dachshund cannot guarantee that they won’t have any issues.
Not all Dachshunds will develop back problems, and in many cases, it is a minor issue. If you are not willing to take the risk and/or cannot afford to spend up to $10,000 on emergency treatment, this breed may not be for you.
Summary
Dachshunds are unique, loyal, intelligent, and fun dog breeds, but they are not suitable for everyone or every lifestyle. If you are considering getting a Dachshund, take the time to learn everything you can about them and how to work with them rather than against them.
You should be aware of what you’re “facing” before bringing a Dachshund home. If you are not up to the challenge, there’s a possibility that you may end up selling or rehoming them. Dissatisfaction with their characteristics, temperament, and behavior is the number one reason why Dachshunds are abandoned or given to others.
If you want to own a Dachshund, you will need to invest time and effort into researching and learning about Dachshund care. Just because you are unfamiliar with Dachshunds doesn’t mean you cannot catch up and appreciate their peculiar and unique quirks.
Dachshund Price
The price of Dachshunds varies depending on factors such as origin, size, appearance, age, gender, and coat color.
-
For domestically bred Dachshunds in Vietnam, the price is relatively affordable, ranging from 2-3 million VND per puppy. However, with cheaper Dachshund mixes, purebred characteristics will not be guaranteed.
-
The price for purebred Dachshunds bred in Vietnam is higher, ranging from 3-4 million VND per puppy.
-
If you are looking for high-quality Dachshunds, there are two main sources:
- Imported Dachshunds from Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, which range from 7-8 million VND (excluding shipping fees).
- Imported Dachshunds from Europe, which range from 12-15 million VND.
- Dachshunds imported from their home country of Germany can cost around 20-25 million VND per puppy.
In general, Dachshunds imported from Germany rank highest in terms of quality, purity, health, and appearance. Additionally, the European market is highly competitive due to stringent breeding requirements and regulations.
Conclusion
Dachshunds are unique, loyal, intelligent, and fun dog breeds, but they are not suitable for everyone or every lifestyle. If you are considering getting a Dachshund, take the time to learn everything you can about them and how to work with them rather than against them.
You should be aware of what you’re “facing” before bringing a Dachshund home. Because if you can’t handle it, there’s a possibility that you may end up selling or rehoming them. Not being satisfied with the characteristics, temperament, and behavior is the number one reason why Dachshunds are abandoned or given to others.
If you want to own a Dachshund, you will need to invest time and effort into researching and learning about Dachshund care. You can still catch up and learn to appreciate their peculiar and unique quirks, even if you are unfamiliar with them.