which is better?

Question

a dachshund or a chihuahua? im getting one or the other and need to decide. which is cheaper? better in colder weather? is healthier? ive done my research in chihuahuas, but need some more info on dachshunds, thanks! :-)

Answer 1

I definately think Dachshunds are cuter. Especially the long haired mini dachshunds!

Here's some info...
http://www.akc.org/breeds/dachshund/index.cfm

http://www.thedachshundnetwork.com/

Answer 2

Dachshunds are less stubborn, are not nearly as prone to being cold as Chis, and I have found that Doxies are just more fun to have around! I would certainly chose a Doxie over a Chi, but this is soon to be your dog, so you have to do more research and just find out which dog is going to be right for you.

The comment about which is "cheaper" surely has me worried. You should be willing to spend everything you have on your new dog, should something go wrong. A $300 Doxie out of the newspaper would worry me, just as a $2000 Chi found online would also worry me.

You have to do tons of research for your new dog!!!

Answer 3

Both dogs have their benefits and drawbacks. I don't know where you live, but in FL Chihuahas are frequently advertised and their prices seem to be lower than Dachshunds.

HOWEVER it is most important to get a healthy, well-bred dog at a reasonable price. Any savings you may get from getting a low-cost dog can be quickly lost on high vet bills if the puppy has health problems. Dachshunds can develop back, spinal and joint problems. Chihuahas are very fragile (especially as puppies) and can easily sustain fractures. They also commonly have dental problems (as many small breeds do). If you go with a Chihuaha DO NOT get a "Teacup" one. Those dogs are abnormally small and I have heard of many dying very young b/c their internal organs do not develop properly.

Both Dachshunds and Chihuahas can have attitudes and be snappish. Long-haired varieties of both breeds tend to have milder temperaments and will do better in the cold.

WHEN MAKING YOUR FINAL DECISION, PLEASE BASE IT ON HEALTH AND GOOD TEMPERAMENT! Even the "cutest" puppy loses its cuteness if it is poorly socalized or has constant health problems. Please extensively research both breeds, visit or call breeders and ask them questions. DO NOT BUY FROM A PET STORE! They sell puppy-mill puppies that are typically poorly cared for and difficult to socialize and housebreak. Good luck!

Answer 4

neither breed is "better" than the other. It is all a matter of preference, I prefer the more hound dog breed. As far as problems with a dog, I think every breed of dog has one some sort of problem. You just have to be ready to take a lifelong responsiblity for your pet. Here is a remedy for your problem, I saw some Chi-doxie mixes on puppy find under the dachshund listing, you get them both in one small package LOL,,,,, I think the heading was Rut_Roh ,,,,,, cute as a button in my opinion........

Answer 5

I'm partial to miniature dachshunds and have had them my whole life. They are awesome dogs with strong, wonderful personalities. Mine is curled up in a comforter in her bed right now.

One very important factor you have to take into consideration because of their body structure is to make a commitment not to let him/her become overweight. They are eating machines, and food is really important to them! They are extremely prone to neck and back problems. Weight is a huge contributing factor to these problems, but their overall body type makes them prone to injury whether they're overweight or not. Surgery to correct these problems can run into the thousands of dollars. Make sure you are ready to possibly take on the lifelong responsibility of a little guy/gal who could have problems in the future.

Answer 6

ok first of all "cheaper" is not always "better". Go read the breed standard for each breed and decide what trates you like about each and witch trates are more inportant.

Answer 7

Dachshund

Breed Group: Hounds
Weight: 11-32 lbs
Height: 5-9 inches
Color(s): solid red, sable, or cream; black and tan, chocolate and tan, wild boar and tan, gray and tan, or fawn and tan, brindle
Coat: The Dachshund comes in three different varieties. The Smooth Haired Dachshund, Wirehaired Dachshund, and the Longhaired Dachshund. He also comes in two different sizes being standard and miniature. The Longhaired Dachshund has a long and straight coat, with hair slightly feathered and longer on the underbelly, ears, chest, and legs. The Smooth Coat has a straight, smooth, short, and glossy coat that should all be of equal length along the body of the dog. The Wirehaired has a coat of broken appearance with wiry, coarse, and harsh hair.
Overview: The Dachshund was originally developed in German hundreds of years ago. They were originally bred for hunting Badger, hence the name Dachshund. "Dachs" is the German word for Bader. The elongated body and the shortened legs were bred into this dog to dig the prey out and go inside their burrows forcing them to leave their dens. The Miniature variety was bred to hunt hare and stoat. This breed has also been known to hunt foxes and otters along with the badger.
Character: Dachshunds are a very clownish breed and can be very mischievous at times. A very intuitive dog, the Dachshund is now most commonly seen as a companion rather than a hunter. This breed loves to be around people and should never exhibit signs of aggression or timidity. The Dachshund is an all around friendly dog, is very outgoing, and is sure to steal the hearts of everyone he meets.
Temperament: The Dachshund is a fun loving dog, tenacious, and lively, but can become jealous and be very irritable. This breed does not do well with smaller children, but can do very well with older and more considerate children. Due to his small size and tiny legs, this breed should not be placed in a home with larger dogs unless they were raised around each other. The Dachshund has the tendency to become jealous, however can do very well with many other toy breeds in the home providing they are not snippy.
Care: The Long Haired variety requires quite a bit of grooming. Being that this dog is so low to the ground, he is prone to getting burrs, sticks, and twigs stuck in his coat which should be removed daily if any are present. Brushing of the coat should be done on a regular basis to prevent tangling and/or matting. The Smooth Haired variety doesn't require much grooming and would respond well to an occasional wipe down with a damp towel, or a harsh towel to remove any dead or loose hair.
Training: The Dachshund can be stubborn at times, making training a little bit difficult for the average owner. This breed requires firm and consistent handling, but can be a little sensitive so he should always be corrected in a gentle manner, never harsh or this breed could become submissive and timid. Dachshunds respond best to a variety of training methods.
Activity: The Dachshund can be lively and vivacious, however he does not need much exercise. A short walk per day would suffice for this short-bodied breed. The Dachshund tends to tire out easily so any exercise provided should be given at different times rather than one long walk. This breed is prone to back problems so high jumping and/or running should never be allowed.
Ownership: If you are looking for Dachshund puppies for sale from reputable Dachshund breeders or to adopt a Dachshund from a Dachshund rescue then make sure you understand as much about the dog breeds you are interested in as you can. Every puppy breed is different. Begin your research by reading the breed information about the Dachshund puppy above. Search our dog breeds section to find Dachshund puppies, dogs and puppies that make great pets.




Chihuahua

Breed Group: Toy
Weight: 6 lbs
Height: 6-9 inches
Color(s): any
Coat: The Chihuahua coat comes in two varieties: The Smooth and Long coat. The Smooth coat has a glossy, soft, and close coat which is full textured over the entire body, but quite scanty on the head and ears. The Long coat has a soft, longer coat that can be slightly curly or flat. This variety does have an under-coat. Either coat type comes in a variety of colors such as fawn, brown, black, and white. The coat may be solid in color, marked with splashes of color, or tri-color. They are an average shedder.
Overview: The Chihuahua is the smallest of all breeds and has the distinction of being the oldest breed in America. They were named after the Chihuahua region in Mexico. It is believed that this breed descended from ancient breed that was larger in size and highly prized by Aztec royalty. The Chihuahua of today has a very fine bone structure, but are actually quite muscular.
Character: The Chihuahua is a very individualistic breed. They each have their own unique personality, so only a few generalizations can be made. They are commonly referred to as a "Chi". They are energetic, graceful, and display a human-like expression. Their life span is the longest of any size dog.
Temperament: The Chihuahua is deeply devoted and fiercely loyal. They typically become extremely attached to one or two people. They are bold, fearless, and highly protective of their masters. They thrive on inordinate amounts of attention. The Chihuahua is by nature gentle, loving, and sweet-tempered. They are wary of strangers and make excellent watchdogs. This breed is not well suited for children or other pets. However, they are sociable with their own kind. Chihuahuas are excellent companions in the right circumstances.
Care: The Chihuahua requires minimal grooming. The Smooth coat variety requires only occasional brushing. The Long coat variety should be brushed several times a week with a soft bristle brush. Both varieties only need bathing once a month using a mild shampoo. Special care must be given to not get water into their ears as they are prone to ear infections. Dental hygiene is a must to prevent tooth loss. The health issues that affect this breed include slipped stifles, open font or soft spot, eye problems, and heart disease. The Chihuahua does not tolerate cold climates and must be protected when taken outside.
Training: The Chihuahua is can be difficult to train, but with patience, love, and consistency do well. They respond best to positive reinforcement. Chihuahuas can be housetrained by either the crate method or the paper training method. Early, extensive, and intensive socialization is an absolute must for this breed.
Activity: The Chihuahua is an excellent apartment or condominium dweller. The majority of their exercise needs can be met indoors with toys or play sessions. However, they greatly enjoy going with their owners and benefit from daily walks. Using a harness is recommended instead of a leash is best given their delicate neck and bone structure.
Ownership: If you are looking for Chihuahua puppies for sale from reputable Chihuahua breeders or to adopt a Chihuahua from a Chihuahua rescue then make sure you understand as much about the dog breeds you are interested in as you can. Every puppy breed is different. Begin your research by reading the breed information about the Chihuahua puppy above. Search our dog breeds section to find Chihuahua puppies, dogs and puppies that make great pets.

Answer 8

Chihuahuas are cuter but have you thought of the maltese

Answer 9

dachshunds are better animals because they are easier to socialize and easier to potty train.chihuahuas are too small to potty train so they go everywhere and they are bite.Also not very good with kids....

Answer 10

Pomeranian. they are like hardy, extra long haired chihuahuas. 4-6lbs. as loving as can be. that's my choice.