Wirehaired Dachshund: temperament, education, health, and price

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 The wire-haired dachshund is an excellent hunter, very bold and pugnacious. Playful, loyal, and friendly, he nevertheless needs clear boundaries because he can quickly take up more space than he should. He therefore needs humans who understand the basics of dog training. Discover this mischievous and endearing breed.

The Wirehaired Dachshund in brief

  • Other name(s): Dackel, Dachshund (for Dachshund)
  • Life expectancy: 12 to 14 years
  • Weight: approx. 9 kg (standard), 4 kg (dwarf), 3.5 kg (kaninchen)
  • Height: more than 35 cm (standard), less than 35 cm (dwarf) or less than 30 cm (kaninchen), measured in chest circumference
  • Silhouette: long, muscular body on short legs
  • Hair: hard, short, and coarse
  • Coats: black and tan, chocolate, fawn, brindle, boar, harlequin
  • Character: playful, pugnacious, stubborn
  • Origin: Germany
  • Type: hunting dog
  • Group: 4 (dachshunds), consisting of a single section

History of the Wirehaired Dachshund Breed

The Dachshund breed dates back to the 15th century in Germany. Originally bred to hunt badgers, this small dog quickly proved to be excellent at pursuing other prey. It is a bloodhound, meaning it is attracted by the smell of blood from a dead or wounded animal. The wirehaired variety was developed later. There are texts relating to this model in the 19th century, there were texts about this model. It was obtained by crossing a short-haired Dachshund with Schnauzers, Basset Griffons, and Pinschers. Towards the end of the 19th century, Dandie-Dinmont Terriers and perhaps even Skye and Scottish Terriers were also used.

Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria, introduced the Dachshund to Britain, where the little dog enjoyed great success. Its standard was established in Germany in 1979, and a breed club was created nine years later.

Although it was developed for hunting, it proved to be an excellent companion dog, as it was both cheerful and affectionate. The Dachshund, all hair types combined, has therefore logically become the French's 11th favorite dog in 2023.

Physical Characteristics of the Wirehaired Dachshund Breed

The Wirehaired Dachshund is rather small in size, but with a long and very muscular body. Because of its morphology, it can sneak into burrows. Its ears are rather large, drooping, and well-rounded. They frame an elongated, fine, and chiseled head with a well-bearded muzzle, which, with the thick eyebrows, is the distinctive sign of the wirehaired model. Its eyes are lively and expressive.

Its chest is deep with a strong ribcage, and its back is straight or slightly inclined towards the rear but never arched. As for its feet, they are close together and arched. Finally, its tail is straight, although it may have a slight curve in its last third.

Wirehaired Dachshund Temperament

The Wirehaired Dachshund is a good family dog, playful and daring. Although he is a little stubborn, he enjoys being around people and is very friendly with children. He is extremely endearing; he behaves like a mischievous and mischievous elf, with energy to spare and a good dose of affection. This enduring athlete does not get discouraged easily.

Although he is not aggressive, he barks easily and does not automatically trust strangers. He is therefore a wonderful little guard dog. He is ultimately quite multi-talented: hunting dog, guard dog, and companion!

Ideal living conditions for the Wirehaired Dachshund

This is a very adaptable and easy-going dog, even if it can be stubborn and dominant. Whether it lives in an apartment or a house, it needs to exercise. Remember that it was developed for hunting, so for long walks in the forest and chasing their prey. If the smell of blood tickles its nostrils, it can run away. If it lives in a garden, you must also fence the house well. It is also a dog that does not like to be left alone for too long; it needs human presence, which is good because it gets along very well with children!

Wirehaired Dachshund Training

In terms of his education, you must set clear and firm limits for him with kindness and consistency. Because he is intelligent and determined, he may require more patience than other breeds. With positive reinforcement, encouragement, and rewards, he will understand his place with confidence.

Above all, don't forget to give him plenty of opportunities to exercise; he needs it both physically and mentally!

Grooming and Maintenance of the Wirehaired Dachshund

The hair of this type of Dachshund should never be shaved or cut, as this would damage its beautiful coat. It should be plucked two to three times a year by a professional groomer.

Once a week, you should gently brush his body and head because his coat tends to knot, which is why his maintenance must be regular, just like visits to a grooming salon!

As he easily develops tartar on his teeth, he must benefit from regular oral care using a suitable brush or finger cot. Likewise, his ears must be checked and cleaned regularly.

To remain protected against the main canine viral diseases, he must be up to date with his vaccinations, like all dogs. He must also receive a regular dose of dewormer for good intestinal health.

Main Health Problems of the Wirehaired Dachshund

These Dachshunds are susceptible to certain diseases and issues like others.

  • Back pathologies: as he is long in the back and short on the legs, he suffers more frequently from spinal column and herniated discs. This is why he must not develop excess weight.
  • Obesity: This sporty little dog needs exercise. Otherwise, he can quickly gain weight, which would aggravate his back problems.
  • Heart disease: The vet should have his heart checked on a regular basis.
  • Ear infections and ear disorders: their drooping morphology increases the risk of ear infections. Rigorous hygiene is therefore essential.

Feeding the Wirehaired Dachshund

The Wirehaired Dachshund should not be overfed because of the risk of obesity. It must therefore receive a balanced diet, made up of either kibble and pâté, or well-balanced raw food following the BARF model, or a home-cooked ration calculated by an expert and made up of cooked meats, vegetables, oils, food supplements, etc.

His stomach is best suited to a distribution of two meals a day.

Weigh him at least once a month to adapt his diet and monitor his weight.

Wirehaired Dachshund Price

A wire-haired Dachshund declared to the LOF (if it is not, we cannot speak of a purebred dog) costs between 1200 and 2000 euros, depending on its lineage, quality, and breeder's evaluation. Dog professionals are free to set the prices they wish. It should be noted that breeding requires a heavy investment, both in terms of structures and monitoring the health of breeders and puppies, taxes, selection, training, maintenance of premises, etc. It is not a question of placing a male and a female in a room, but it requires long-term work, time, energy, availability, knowledge, and expenses that must necessarily be reflected in the price of the puppy.
Some breeders offer adult dogs a well-deserved retirement after a few litters. In this case, the price is lower.

Otherwise, there are also many unfortunate dogs in shelters. Some have physical and behavioral characteristics close to these wonderful dogs. Not only is the price lower, but you also save a life.

Celebrity Wirehaired Dachshunds

Host Stéphane Bern is the proud owner of two wire-haired dachshunds in the rare chocolate color.

Likewise, Doris Day, an American actress from the 1950s/60s, shared her daily life with a delightful wire-haired Dachshund!

Anecdotes about the Wirehaired Dachshund

June is a wire-haired Dachshund who starred in the film "Les Fantasmes" by Stéphane and David Foenkinos with, among others, Karin Viard, Jean-Paul Touve, and Ramzy Bedia.

The German name, Daschhund, means "badger dog." Be careful; the "badger" is, of course, not the owner but the animal for which the breed was developed in order to hunt it. This dog has proven to be just as effective with rabbits and foxes. This does not prevent you from adopting it as a pet dog, where it excels, provided you give it exercise.

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