Dachshunds are playful, lovable, and at times, mischievous dogs. Since the 16th century, their primary purpose was to hunt the badger and fox. Because they possess courage, persistence, stamina, and a keen nose, they exceeded expectations. No matter what the size of a dachshunds' adversary, nor how formidable, they will display a fight-to-the-finish attitude, which usually allows them to come out on top. Oft times referred to as "two dogs long and a half a dog high", the dachshund doesn't let his size get in the way. They have a deep bark, a mind of their own, and outstanding courage. They show total love and devotion to their master and family, making wonderful pets. Dachshunds come in two sizes, standard and miniature, and three coats; smooth, longhaired and wirehaired. All require minimal grooming, and are easily cared for. Dachsies learn fast - when it suits their purpose. They can be stubborn, but those big eyes always melt your heart and you tend to overlook any "faults". Thus, they generally seem to get their way, while winning your heart. Once you acquire a dachshund, and experience the wonderful personality and complete devotion, no other dog will ever do. You don't own a dachshund, they own you!

Longhaired Dachshunds were developed from a mix of smooth Dachshunds and various land and water spaniels, with the aim being to develop a dog that could work on water fowl and upland game as well as badgers. Pleased with the result, the lovely spaniel temperament came through along with the full, magnificent coat, which has the resemblance, texture, arrangement and "drape" of an Irish Setter's. The coat should be sleek and glistening, slightly wavy, but never curly. To keep it looking its best, daily brushing is required; however, this is easily accomplished while they are sitting on your lap! Allowing for individual differences, longhairs are generally more affectionate and eager for caresses than smooths and wires, and a bit more "laid back" in temperament. All three coats are good family dogs and hunters.

Smooth Dachshunds' coats are sometimes compared to that of a thoroughbred horse, since it is short, smooth and shining, with generally no coarseness. These are the most recognized coat and the easiest to care for. Minimal brushing is required and as with all dachshunds, baths are seldom necessary. They, too, are affectionate and eager to please, love attention and are good family dogs and hunters.

Myth vs. Fact on Spay/Neuter:

Myth: Dogs gain weight and become lazy after spay/neuter.

Fact: Dogs get fat because they are overfed and under-exercised. Some dogs do put on weight after the surgery, but adjusting the diet and increasing exercise will take care of it.

Myth: Pet’s behavior will change dramatically after surgery.

Fact: Neutered male dogs are less aggressive and wander less since they no longer pursue females in heat. Spayed/neutered animals live longer, healthier lives because chances of certain cancers/diseases are decreased.

Myth: Spay/neuter causes the dog to no longer be a good watchdog.

Fact: Surgery doesn’t change an animal’s protective nature.

Myth: A female should have one litter before she is spayed.

Fact: Absolutely not. It’s best to spay the female before she ever comes into heat. It will prevent uterine infections such as pyometra, which can be fatal, and also reduces incidence of breast cancer. It will also keep unwanted males from coming around.

Myth: Preventing dogs from ever having a litter isn’t natural.

Fact: Dogs weren’t “pets” in the first place. They were domesticated 15,000 years ago. Producing unwanted pets that results in killing dogs at shelters isn’t natural – it’s inhumane.

Myth: Neutering a male dog will make him feel like less of a male.

Fact: Pets don’t have any concept of sexual identity or ego. This is human thinking – neutering doesn’t change a pet’s basic personality. He won’t suffer any kind of emotional stress or identity crisis after neutering.

Myth: We want the children to experience the miracle of birth.

Fact: You can rent a movie and do that. You don’t sit around eating popcorn and all watch when whelping a litter. Many things can and do go wrong – it’s messy, the dam needs privacy and how are you going to explain when a puppy dies, or trouble arises? This is real life – not a fairy tale.

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