Dachshund Information for Kids

Dachshunds are fun, playful dogs that thrive on attention. They can have a lifespan of nearly 30 years, but many live 15 to 16 years. So adding a dachshund to your family involves a long commitment. With their long bodies and short legs, they are a favorite, and it seems few people can't resist them. For the past decade, the American Kennel Club has ranked the dachshund in the top 10 of most popular dogs.

  1. Colors

    • Dachshunds come in all colors of the rainbow and a number of combinations. Reds, varying from a light red to a dark brown, and black with tan points, are the two most common colors for dachshunds. Other colors include chocolate and tan, just like black and tan but the base color is brown; Isabella and tan, the same as black and tan but the base color is a yellow-brown with tan points; cream; wheaten, which is a really light red; and wild boar, which is more common in wire-haired dachshunds and consists of a black outer coat with lighter undercoat.

    Size

    • Dachshunds come in two sizes--miniature and standard. Standard dachshunds are usually 16 to 32 lbs., but still have the short legs and long bodies associated with a dachshund. Miniature dachshunds are 11 lbs. and under and are a more compact version of the larger dachshunds. The unclassified "tweenies" are dachshunds weighing 11 to 16 lbs. These dachshunds are just as fun-loving and playful as the rest and shouldn't be left out.

    Personality

    • A dachshund's personality should be fun, feisty and fearless. Dachshunds can be independent and, like any dog, they like their space. Dachshunds love to dig and can spend many happy hours in the backyard digging up mom's flower garden. Dachshunds love to bark and are world-class beggars, but don't be tempted to give them scraps from the table or an extra scoop of food.

    Back Concerns

    • Because of their long backs, dachshunds have a history of back problems. Avoid having your dachshund jump from high places. This includes couches, chairs or even your arms. If you have stairs in your house, do not let him run up and down them. Carry him instead.

    Exercise

    • Dachshunds are especially playful. Because they love to eat and are such great beggars, exercise is the key to keeping your dachshund in good health. Take him for walks. Get out and teach him to fetch. Ask if you can train him for an agility class, where he can run through tunnels, over seesaws and in and out of poles. A healthy dachshund is a happy dachshund.