Dachshund owners...?

Question

Are they great dogs? I have also been hearing that they get a lot of health issues as they get older, is this true?

Answer 1

Well bred Dachshunds do not have many health problems, even as they age. All Dachshunds may be prone to back/spinal issues, but if you get one from a responsible breeder and take care to avoid stressing their backs (jumping down off things is a major problem-causer), you will be fine.

I also agree with the person who said they need to be kept slim -- this will greatly benefit their back and joints as they age, and so many people keep their Dachsunds too fat!

I have 3 Standard Long-Haired Dachshunds who are wonderful. They are excellent watch dogs, but also very snuggly and mellow. The only other thing I'd caution you on is small animals -- Dachsies were bred to hunt small to medium-sized prey (not just Badgers, but Wild Hare, etc.) and may kill small animals such as pet rabbits, ferrets, rats, hamsters, etc. My male has problems with stray cats, but gets along with our cats just fine.

BTW, my male will be 11 in December and, other than occasional ear infections (due to his love of swimming in our horse trough!) has been a very healthy guy his whole life.

To locate a responsible Dachshund breeder in your area (if you're in the USA), check here:
http://www.dachshund-dca.org/kennelads.html

If you would consider rescuing an adult Dachshund, there are plenty in rescue who need homes! Check www.petfinder.com, as well as this link:
http://www.dachshund-dca.org/rescue.html

Good luck!

Answer 2

Dachshunds are great dogs our family had one for eight years, as he got older he put on too much weight, ( all four of us kids fed him too much table food) He was just so cute when he would beg, he looked like a little footbal with little front paws waving at you till you fed him a bite of what you had. He jumped off of the couch and broke his back, about a year later we got another one and that dog was mean and chased people down the street biting at their knees.
What I'm trying to say is that breeds of dogs are just like races of people. There is good and bad in all different types. It all depends on the way that you raise it . Although the best dog that I ever had is a pound puppy that was 3 years old when I adopted him. He just understands what I say. And is probably just happy to be alive. He's now 14, has arthritis but is just so happy and friendly to everyone, He has more friends than I do.

Answer 3

I am the proud owner of a 3 year old female Dachshund.They are wonderful pets,very loyal and loving.They do tend to have some health issues as the get older,mainly back problems so don't let them jump fromm high places such as furniture.My little girl is in good health.Good luck.

Answer 4

My mother in law has one and shes almost a year old and shes a great dog. She loves my kids (3 and 4 months) She lives with 3 other dogs of all different sizes and is a lap dog.

Answer 5

They can have back problems, so they need to be kept slim. They tend to have dental problems for some unknown reason. Tartar and plaque seem to grow faster on their teeth. They can be hard to housebreak. But other than these can be great dogs!

Answer 6

I've had them most of my life and never had a problem with them. They are great loyal dogs

Answer 7

here is a website to look at.
http://www.qualitydogs.com/Dachshund/information.html or here
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dachshund