The Prospective Dachshund Owner Guide: Why The Sausage Dog is One Of Australia’s Most Beloved Breeds

If you're considering adding a dachshund, affectionately known as a "sausage dog," to your family, you're not alone. Dachshunds have become one of Australia’s most beloved dog breeds (not far behind the Cavoodle, Staffy and Border Collie), and for good reason. 

These charming, long-bodied pooches are full of personality and make for fantastic companions. 

Let’s dig in to why they’ve shot to popularity for Aussies…

Unique and Adorable Appearance

One of the first things that draw people to dachshunds is their distinctive appearance. With their long bodies, short legs, and expressive faces, they have a look that is both unique and endearing. Their physical traits are not only eye-catching but also add to their charm and make them instantly recognisable.

Varieties and Sizes

Dachshunds come in three coat types—smooth, long-haired, and wire-haired—and two sizes—standard and miniature. This variety means there's a dachshund to suit almost any preference. Whether you prefer a sleek coat or a fluffy one, a tiny companion or a slightly larger one, there's a dachshund for you.

Colouring

Dachshunds are renowned not only for their distinctive shape but also for their wide variety of beautiful coat colours and patterns. This diversity in colouring makes each dachshund unique. 

Here's an overview of the colours and patterns:

Solid Colours

Red:

• The most common solid colour for dachshunds.
• Can range from a deep mahogany to a lighter golden red.
• Some red dachshunds have black shading on their ears and tails, known as "sabling."

Cream:

• A pale yellow or golden shade that is highly sought after.
• Often found in long-haired dachshunds.

Black:

• Pure black dachshunds are rare.
• Usually, black is combined with tan markings.

Two-Coloured (Bicolour)

Black and Tan:

• A classic dachshund look.
• Black body with tan points on the face, eyebrows, chest, and legs.

Chocolate and Tan:

• Dark brown (chocolate) body with tan points.
• Similar distribution of tan markings as in black and tan.

Blue and Tan:

• A dilute of black and tan, resulting in a bluish-grey colour with tan points.
• Considered rarer than other colour combinations.

Isabella (Fawn) and Tan:

• A dilute of chocolate and tan, leading to a pale brownish or fawn shade with tan points.
• Also quite rare.

Patterns

Dapple:

• Characterised by a mottled coat with lighter and darker patches.
• Can occur in any colour and may affect one or both colours in bicolor dachshunds.

Brindle:

• Features tiger-like stripes on a solid or bicolor coat.
• Often seen on the lighter parts of the coat, like the tan areas.

Piebald:

• Features large patches of two or more colours with white as the base.
• Unlike dapple, the colour patches are solid and not marbled.

Sable:

• Appears mainly in long-haired dachshunds.
• Characterised by a reddish coat with black-tipped hairs.

Rare and Exotic Colours

Wild Boar:

• A mix of black, brown, and grey that resembles the colouring of a wild boar.
• Typically found in wire-haired dachshunds.

Chocolate Dapple:

• A combination of chocolate colouring with the dapple pattern.

Double Dapple:

• Results from breeding two dapple dachshunds.
• Typically features more extensive white markings. Note: this pattern can come with health risks.

Playful and Spirited Personality

Dachshunds are known for their spirited and playful personalities. They are full of energy and love to engage in fun activities with their owners. Despite their small size, dachshunds have a big-dog attitude, often displaying surprising bravery and curiosity. This bold personality makes them highly entertaining and incredibly loyal companions.

Intelligence and Trainability

These dogs are intelligent and often display an independent streak. They can be trained with patience and consistency, making them capable of learning a variety of tricks and commands. Their intelligence also means they require mental stimulation, so puzzle toys and interactive games are ideal for keeping them engaged.

Loyal Companionship

Dachshunds are incredibly loyal to their owners. They form strong bonds with their families and are known to be affectionate and loving. This loyalty makes them excellent companions for individuals and families alike. They enjoy being involved in family activities and are happiest when spending time with their closest loved ones.

Great Family Pets

Dachshunds are well-suited to families and can get along well with children when properly socialised. They often enjoy playing with kids and can be gentle and patient. 

However, it's important to teach children how to interact with dachshunds respectfully, as their long backs can be sensitive.

Socialisation is crucial for dachshunds to develop into well-adjusted and confident dogs. As a breed with a strong independent streak and a history of hunting, dachshunds can sometimes exhibit stubbornness and wariness of strangers or unfamiliar situations. Proper socialisation helps them learn how to interact positively with other dogs, people, and environments. Keep our treat pouch within an arms reach to practice positive reinforcement with your dachshund.

Adaptability to Different Living Situations

Whether you live in a spacious home or a cosy apartment, dachshunds can adapt to various living situations. Their small size makes them well-suited to urban living, and they don't require large yards to be happy. Regular walks and playtime are sufficient to keep them healthy and content.

Exercise Needs

While they don’t need as much exercise as some larger breeds, dachshunds do benefit from regular walks and play sessions. Their playful nature means they enjoy exploring and sniffing around, so a daily walk is a great way to satisfy their curiosity and keep them fit.

Health and Longevity

Dachshunds are generally healthy dogs with a lifespan of 12 to 16 years, making them long-term companions. However, potential owners should be aware of health issues such as intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) due to their long backs. Regular veterinary check-ups and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent and manage health concerns.

Health Maintenance

To ensure your dachshund stays healthy, it’s important to provide them with a balanced diet and regular exercise. Monitoring their weight and avoiding activities that strain their backs, such as jumping from heights, can also help maintain their health.

Dachshunds, with their distinctive appearance and spirited personalities, have rightfully earned their place as one of Australia’s most beloved dog breeds. Their adaptability, loyalty, and playfulness make them fantastic companions for a wide range of households. If you’re ready for a devoted and lively friend, a dachshund might be the perfect addition to your family.