Dachshunds are adorable characters with great personalities and a choice of three coat variations. When it comes to colours they range from rich red right through to softer shades and hues that are really quite eye catching. Originating in Germany and often called sausage dogs"", these long great looking canines were bred to hunt and track which they are extremely good at. Today, these adorable and affectionate canines make wonderful companion dogs and family pets – even though they do boast a bit of a stubborn streak!

When it comes to coat variations there are three which are listed below:

Smooth Coat

The most common Dachshund coat is smooth and is very easy maintenance just needing the occasional brush to take out any dead hair and to keep it looking nice and shiny. However, regular brushing allows you to check your dog over for any injuries or lumps and bumps and it's a great way to form a really strong bond with your pet because they adore all the attention! One thing to bear in mind is that smooth coated Dachshunds do tend to shed quite a lot.

Wirehaired Coat

Wirehaired Dachshunds boast a rough coat that covers their entire bodies and this includes their ears, jaw and even their eyebrows. They also have a cute beard. Their top coats are wiry to the touch, however, their undercoat is a lot finer and softer. They also have a striking tail covered with thick rough hair that tapers to the tip. When it comes to grooming, a wire-haired Dachshund needs quite a bit of grooming to keep them looking great. You also need to bear in mind these cute little dogs shed their undercoats seasonally which is typically in the spring and autumn.

Long-haired Coats

Long-haired Dachshunds boasts a sleek coat that's slightly wavy. Their coats are longer under their necks and on their chests as well as their ears and abdomens. They also have cute feathering on their legs. The longest hair is on their tails which balances the look of these gorgeous little canines really well. It goes without saying that a long-haired Dachshund does need quite a bit more care and grooming in order to keep their coats looking brilliant.

The Many Colour Variations

Most people when thinking about Dachshunds see them as having a gorgeous red coloured coat. However, there are many colour variations which includes the following solid colours:

• Black
• Black & tan
• Cream
• Fawn
• Chocolate
• Blue

However, Dachshunds can also boast delightful patterns and markings on their coats which includes:

• Dapple
• Brindle
• Merle
• Sable
• Piebald
• Double dapple

For a Dachshund to have these markings and patterns, one of their parents would need to have passed down the gene. However, when double dappling occurs it is because both parents boasted dapple coats. The problem is that many puppies born with a dapple coat can suffer from certain physical disabilities which includes deafness and blindness so it is best to avoid breeding two dapple Dachshunds and all responsible breeders will never do this.

This is why if you are thinking about getting a Dachshund as either a companion dog or as a family pet, you need to contact a breeder who boasts a great reputation for breeding healthy, well socialised and happy puppies from healthy parents that have been specifically selected for a well planned breeding programme.

You also need to know the puppies have been weaned correctly and that the breeder has allowed the mother to keep her pups until they are eating solid food and happy to spend more and more time away from her. This is very important for puppies because they will turn out to be far happier and well balanced pets as they get older.

Diseases Dachshunds are Prone to Suffer From

A lot of Dachshunds suffer with spine issues due to their body shape. However, there are other health issues you should be aware of so if your pet does develop any symptoms, you would recognise them quickly so a treatment can be started earlier rather than later. These include the following:

• Intervertebral Disk Disease (IDD)
• Canine Cushing Disease
• Anal glands
• Colour dilution alopecia
• Hip dysplasia
• Patellar luxation
• Eye problems
• Seizures

If you notice any strange behaviour and are unsure why, the best thing to do is take your pet to the vet as soon as you can so that a correct diagnosis can be made followed by the right type of treatment to speed up your dog's recovery.

Dealing with Colour Dilution Health Issues

Because more people are keen to own a Dachshund that boasts extraordinary colour dilutions, owners need to be aware of the health issues associated with this genetic defect. There is no cure for the condition but dogs can lead happy and healthy lives as long as they are given the appropriate care. If you notice that your dog is losing hair along its spine, there could be an issue which your vet would be able to correctly diagnose and then treat but this would have to be on an ongoing basis.

Conclusion

Dachshunds are adorable little dogs that boast very outgoing personalities. They can be a little stubborn at times and just because they are cute, they should not be allowed to get away with things. It is far better to treat your pet with a firm yet gentle hand and coax them to behave well and do the things you want them to using positive reinforcement which is a great training technique that works a treat!

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