June 21st is the longest day of the year. That makes it the perfect time to celebrate the longest dog: the Dachshund! Yep, it’s National Dachshund Day! A Bowmanville, ON vet discusses these charming pups in this article.
Breed Basics
Dachshunds—also called Doxies or Weiner Dogs—come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and kaninchen, which means ‘rabbit’ in German. (Note: The rabbit model is not officially recognized in the U.S. or U.K.) These guys are quite long lived, and can make it to 16 years with proper care. The pups can also choose from one of three different coat types: long, smooth, or wirehaired. Red is the most common color, followed by black and tan. Fido may also sport a few different patterns.
What’s In A Name?
Fido’s name is a direct clue to his origins. The word Dachshund means ‘badger dog’ in German. (Ironically, in Germany, they are now called Dackel, or sometimes Teckel.) As one may guess, the breed was originally bred to hunt badgers and other small burrowing critters. Of course, these days, Fido mostly hunts treats, squeaky toys, and tennis balls.
Temperament
These cute canines are playful and intelligent. They do tend to be a bit stubborn, and can even be aggressive. Due to their origins as hunting dogs, they also have a strong prey drive. Proper training is a must! Fido will be particularly receptive to positive feedback, so offer your canine buddy lots of treats and praise.
Fame And Fortune
Fido may not have achieved the levels of stardom that some of his canine friends have, but he’s still made his mark. He’s appeared in several movies, including The Ugly Dachshund, Manhattan, The Lady from Shanghai, Secret Agent, and all four Toy Story movies.
Cautions
The Dachshund is known for their unique, barrel-body-on-short-legs appearance. That cuteness does have a few downsides. Doxies are very much prone to back and spine injuries. Offer your furry friend pet ramps, and be careful picking him up or holding him. It’s also worth mentioning that your canine pal is not cut out for swimming. Keep a doggy lifejacket on Fido any time you bring him near water. You’ll also need to keep those floppy ears clean, to prevent ear infections. Ask your vet for specific care tips.Do you have questions about caring for a Dachshund? Contact us, your Bowmanville, ON pet clinic, today!
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