I've wanted a dachshund for years now. Recently I did a research on them, and I found a site that said that dacshunds are prone to spinal problems, slipped discs, and they cant climb stairs, or jump up on anything without a high risk of spinal injury.
Is this true? or is it just what *could* happen years down the road? If you have (or know anyone who has) a dachshund, what type of problems (if any) have you experienced with it? Do you have to baby it more than other dogs? Any information would be helpful, thanks!
2007-02-28 20:16:11 · 7 answers · asked by Dani 7 in Pets ➔ Dogs
ahem......I just realized I spelled Dachshund wrong in the question title. Sorry about that. ....I know how to spell (part of the time). Im just stupid tonight=P
2007-02-28 20:20:14 · update #1
I have a mini long chocolate dapple dachshund. The best way to ensure that you minimise any risk is to first purchase your puppy from a reputable breeder. Ask them whether their dogs have suffered spinal problems as some are deemed to be hereditary. When you get your puppy make sure you never allow it to get fat and that it has plenty of exercise to keep it's muscles strong that support it's back. My dachshund does run around, jump on the furniture, stairs etc but I try to keep that to a minimum but he is very fit and lean and unless he has an accident I don't believe he will suffer. He will be 5 this year and even having been attacked by a terrier that resulted in his throat being ripped and a crushed broken rib cage he has never suffered a back problem!
2007-02-28 20:54:54 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
They are the only breed of dog my next door neighbor will own, and she has had many. She has 2 right now( 1 is 1 year old, the other is 5 years old), and neither has had a problem. They are active and jump on the furniture and climb stairs all the time. Her last one lived to be 15 years old, and she never had any spinal problems. I happen to be Chihuahua person myself, but I do really like Dachshunds. They are very good dogs. I would watch their weight though, because I hear they can be prone to getting heavy. Good Luck on your search, and I am sure when you find your perfect dog she will make you a great companion.
2007-03-01 08:59:30 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have a mini dachshund. I also asked all of these questions when I got her. The vet and several books tell me that as long as you keep them at a healthy weight and try to deter them from jumping on and off of things from a young age they should not have any problems.
2007-03-01 05:47:20 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Because of their long body and heavy chest - they can develope back and hip problems but if you keep it at a healthy weight and exercise, it will bring you many years of happiness. They are a very smart and protective dog. I hope you find a dachshund friend to love. Good luck.
2007-03-01 05:29:40 · answer #4 · answered by sandy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have 2 dachshunds. The only thing I do is carry one of mine up the stairs when it's bedtime (she sleeps with me) and lift her up on the sofa. They spend most of the day downstairs anyway where the living room and kitchen are. You simply have to watch their weight and don't let them get overweight as that contributes to back problems. My dogs have not had any back issues.
2007-03-01 08:10:40 · answer #5 · answered by KathyS 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An aunt of mine had them when I was a little kid, two of them. they lived full normal lives. They could jump up on the couch and climb stairs. Currently my brother has one and it is able to run up and down the stairs and jump up on the couch as well.
They are prone to spine/hip problems. If you watch their diet and keep their weight down, give them plenty of exercise you should be ok.
2007-03-01 08:17:47 · answer #6 · answered by on02151blueline 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Keep his/her weight at a safe level and as long as you dont have a double story house or a graduated backyard with steps you should be fine.
2007-03-01 07:32:25 · answer #7 · answered by Big red 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋