How to Care for A Miniature Dachshund

Dachshunds were originally bred in Germany to be courageous, tough and persistent in order to hunt badgers and also foxes and rabbits. Their small size and short legs enabled them to dig foxes, badgers, and rabbits out of their dens. Dachshund, means "Badger Dog". Dachshunds were originally larger than seen today but were bred to be smaller towards the end of the 19th century.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Feed bowl
• water bowl
• collar
• dog bed
• Suitable toys

1. Grooming. Short haired Dachshunds will require only occasional grooming, long haired Dachshunds will require daily grooming.
   
   A brush or grooming mitt will be needed to prevent the hair from becoming matted and to remove loose hairs. Long Haired dogs will require a stiff brush, whereas short haired dogs will require a soft brush.
   
   Rubber Grooming Mitts fit over the hand allowing the dog to be groomed whilst firmly stroked.
   
   Claws may require trimming from time to time with a pair of nail clippers.
2. The amount of food required will depend on its size and also on its age and daily exercise. Most commercially prepared dog foods will include a feed chart indicating the average food requirement by size of dog and this will act as a reasonable guide.
   
   It is important when changing foods to do so gradually by feeding the old food with a small amount of the new food and then over a few days decreasing the amount of old food and increasing the amount of new. This should avoid any stomach upset due to change of diet and is particularly important with puppies and young dogs.
3. The Dachshund is very active and needs regular exercise. Early training is recommended. Long Haired Dachshunds require regular grooming and regular ear cleaning is needed for all varieties of Dachshunds.

Tips & Warnings

• This Breed tends to get into anything and everything. Even if you set something on top of a table, be careful! If you leave a chair pulled out even the slightest bit, they WILL figure out how to get to the food on top!
• Dachshunds tend to be excellent watch dogs.