Everything You Need To Know About Owning A Dachshund In Singapore

Did you know that Dachshunds were originally bred to hunt badgers in the 15th century due to their small bodies and ability to fit into tight spaces? Today, they’re no longer hunting dogs and make great apartment companions!

Read on to learn more about their personality, grooming, training and exercise needs and possible health conditions! agen sbobet judi bola

How to care for Dachshunds

Key Traits of Dachshunds

Weight
  • Miniature: Less than 5kg
  • Standard: 7 - 15kg
  • Height
  • Miniature: 13 - 18 cm
  • Standard: 20 - 22 cm
  • Life expectancy12 - 16 years
    Fur coat
  • Smooth or short-haired
  • Long-haired
  • Wire-haired (double coated: top layer of hair is short and wiry, and the undercoat is soft and fluffy)
  • Common coat colours
  • One-coloured: Red, cream
  • Two-coloured: Black and tan, black and cream, chocolate and tan, chocolate and cream, blue and tan
  • Personality of Dachshunds

      Affectionate

    Dachshunds are very affectionate towards family and they’re great with kids as well. You can consider them as an option if you happen to have young children in the household!

      Loyal

    Once these canines form a bond with their pawrents, they’ll be extremely loyal companions. Despite their size, they’re courageous and will step in to defend their family, even against bigger dogs!

      Stubborn

    As Dachshunds were born to hunt and make their own decisions, they can have a stubborn streak that makes them slightly difficult to train. However, they can be obedient if the right training methods are used.

    How to Care for a Dachshund in Singapore

    Dachshunds are relatively simple to care for, but we’ve included some tips below to help you get started, especially if you’re a first-time pawrent.

    Staying in a HDB Flat

    Due to their petite size, Dachshunds are permitted in HDB flats. Furthermore, they adapt well to any apartment size and can keep themselves occupied for hours on end. 

    Grooming Needs of a Dachshund

    owner grooming a dachshund

    It’s important to groom your Dachshund regularly so that his coat is kept shiny and clean. You can take him to a professional groomer or try your hand at grooming him at home.

    Here are the frequencies for each grooming activity:

    Grooming activityFrequencyReason (if any)
    Hair trimming
  • Smooth or short-haired: 4 times per year
  • Long-haired: Once every 8 - 12 weeks
  • Wire-haired: 2 times per year
  • BathingFor all types: Once every 3 monthsOverwashing can remove their natural oils
    Brushing
  • Smooth or short-haired: Once a week
  • Long-haired: Daily
  • Wire-haired: 3 - 4 times per week
  • Smooth or short-haired: Little grooming needed due to their short coat
  • Long-haired: Regular brushing needed to ensure that there are no tangles or knots
  • Wire-haired: Brushing needed to maintain quality of coat
  • Teeth brushingOnce a week
    Ear cleaningOnce a week
    Nail clippingOnce a week or when it gets longTheir nails tend to grow quickly, thus they need to be trimmed frequently

    Exercise Needs of a Dachshund

    dachshund playing with a ball in the grass

    Dachshunds are more likely to become overweight due to their short and small legs as they’re unable to get as much exercise compared to other dog breeds. This is why it’s important to ensure that they get their daily exercise!

    • Duration of exercise

    Miniature Dachshunds require at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, while standard-sized ones need at least 60 minutes. You can divide the sessions into 2, with 1 in the morning and the other in the evening.

    • Types of exercises

    The most common activities for Dachshunds are neighbourhood walks and a game of fetch. If your furiend’s more adventurous, you can try exploring other activities such as hiking, swimming or even an agility obstacle course!

    Diet of a Dachshund

    Dachshunds have hearty appetites so you’ll need to watch out for their diet. As their backs are long and rather fragile, any additional body weight can cause a strain on their backs. This can result in complicated health issues such as a slipped disc.

    In general, a growing puppy will need 3 meals per day while a full grown Dachshund will require just 2 meals. Do try to limit treats and control the portion sizes of all their meals.

    To ensure that your canine friend has a balanced diet, this is the recommended breakdown of the nutrients that he should be consuming:

    • Protein (50%)
    • Carbohydrates (25%)
    • Fruits and vegetables (25%)

    You can also consult a vet for advice on your dog’s diet and the kinds of food that are suitable for him.

    How to Train a Dachshund

    Black and tan dachshund playing fetch

    Dachshunds are highly independent and slightly mischievous, which can make them hard to train. However, they’re also fast learners. Thus, with consistency and patience, they can still be trained well.

      Repetition is key

    The key to training any dog is through consistent repetition and the same goes for Dachshunds.

    Though it’s possible to work on multiple commands at once, you’re advised to stick with the same few commands and only move on after your dog has mastered them.

      Short training sessions

    It’s advised to have multiple short training sessions (each 5 minutes or less) throughout the day. If you notice that your dog is losing focus during the session, try taking a break and resuming after a few hours.

      Reward them with their favourite treat

    Rewarding your dog with treats will encourage him to repeat the good behaviour that he has just shown. 

    If your furry friend doesn’t seem to be excited by the treat that you’re giving him, you can try:

    • Switching up your usual type of treats
    • Using foods such as cheese, chicken or other types of meat
    • Playing games
    • Giving them their favourite toy

    You want to ensure that you’re using an irresistible reward so your Dachshund is more motivated to learn!

    How to Socialise a Dachshund

    bringing out dachshunds for a walk

    Dachshunds are naturally wary of strangers. Therefore, socialisation is important for their development and prevents behavioural issues from occurring. It’ll also help them become calmer, friendlier and more approachable if they’re socialised from a young age.

      Introduce them to new people

    Create opportunities for your Dachshund to play with others. You can expose him to friends, gentle children or even strangers like the delivery man. It’s important to be on the lookout and step in if he exhibits any signs of aggression or stress.

      Introduce them to different sounds and sensations

    The idea is to introduce your Dachshund to a variety of experiences so that he’d be more open to explore and try new things in the future.

    Some of the way you can do this is to:

    • Get your pup accustomed to the floor surfaces at home
    • Expose him to various household appliances such as the TV, kettle and washing machine
    • Let him play with toys made out of different materials

    Introducing your Dachshund to these different sounds and sensations will allow him to feel more comfortable when experiencing something new.

      Bring them out

    The best way to help your Dachshund socialise is to bring him to unfamiliar places and experiment various activities with him. This includes:

    • Bringing him out on a car ride
    • Visiting dog cafes
    • Visiting the pet clinic for a health check

    Before you bring him out to public spaces, ensure that he has completed all his vaccinations!

    Common Health Conditions Found in a Dachshund

    black and brown dachshund

    Early intervention can be beneficial in ensuring that your puppy can be treated in time. To help you with this, we’ve listed some common health issues found in Dachshunds and the telltale signs to look out for.

    Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)

    Dachshunds are prone to musculoskeletal conditions such as Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) due to their long bodies and short legs. This condition is characterised by the weakening of one or more discs that separate the vertebrae.

      Signs and symptoms

    • Hunched back
    • Inability to lift head fully
    • Pain in the neck or back
    • Uncoordinated walking or limping
    • Unusually quiet and withdrawn
    • Lower activity levels

      Treatment

    • Mild to moderate condition: Steroid and anti-inflammatory medications with 4 to 6 weeks of strict crate rest
    • Severe condition: Surgery

      Preventive measures

    • Maintain a healthy weight
    • Prevent your dog from jumping off furniture or stairs
    • Keep your dog’s spine horizontal when holding him

    Patella Luxation

    Patella luxation, also known as loose knees, occurs when the kneecap of your dog pops out of its groove. Due to their short legs which alter the angle of their kneecap, Dachshunds are predisposed to this condition.

      Signs and symptoms

    • Swelling
    • Limping
    • Pain in the legs
    • Inability to run or jump
    • Unable to bend knee

      Treatment

    • Body weight management 
    • Physiotherapy
    • Anti-inflammatory medication
    • Surgery for severe conditions

      Preventive measures

    • Have a balanced diet and maintain a healthy weight
    • Regular exercise

    Hip Dysplasia

    This condition is caused by a hip joint deformity in which the thigh bone fails to fit properly into the socket, resulting in lameness in the hind legs.

      Signs and symptoms

    • Difficulty in getting up
    • Limping
    • Decreased activity
    • Decrease in thigh muscle mass

      Treatment

    • Weight reduction
    • Physiotherapy
    • Anti-inflammatory medication
    • Surgery for severe conditions

      Preventive measures

    • Maintain a healthy weight
    • Health supplement for joints

    Price of Owning a Dachshund in Singapore

    One-off Costs

    The average price of buying a Dachshund in Singapore ranges between $7,000 and $9,000. If you have plans to adopt one, the adoption costs can range from $0 to $400.

    Licensing

    According to the Animals and Birds (Dog Licensing and Control) Rules, all dogs must be licensed. In the event of a disease outbreak, licensing will help to facilitate tracking and inspection.

    1-year license2-year license3-year licenseLifetime license
    Cost of license for sterilised dogs$15 per dog$25 per dogN.A$35
    Cost of license for non-sterilised dogs$90 per dog$165 per dog$230 per dogN.A

    To apply for a new dog license or renew an existing one, visit the Pet Animal Licensing System (PALS) website.

    Sterilisation

    It’s important to sterilise your Dachshund as it can help to prevent certain health conditions. Depending on your dog’s gender and clinic, the cost of this procedure can range from $100 to $350.

    Microchipping

    While microchipping is optional, it’s highly recommended as it can help you locate your pet if he ever goes missing. The procedure can cost anywhere between $50 and $90.

    Recurring Costs

    Some recurring costs that you may incur include:

    • Food: Up to $120 each month
    • Grooming: Approximately $50 for each appointment
    • Medical and dental expenses: Approximately $50 each month
    • Vaccinations: $30 – $60 per vaccine

    Other costs associated with owning a puppy include pet insurance, accessories and toys!

    Frequently Asked Questions About Owning a Dachshund in Singapore

    Are Dachshunds suitable for first time pet owners?

    Dachshunds tend to be more stubborn compared to other breeds. Additionally, training can be slightly challenging, thus, they may not be a good option for first time pet owners.

    However, you can overcome this by having regular training sessions, using different methods to train them or sending them to a training school.

    Do Dachshunds bark more compared to other dog breeds?

    Dachshunds are extremely sensitive to changes in their surroundings and this can cause them to bark excessively. Exposing them to new people and objects when they’re young can help with this behaviour and allow them to feel more comfortable with their surroundings.

    Can you leave a Dachshund alone at home?

    Dachshunds were bred to hunt in groups, so they may begin to feel anxious and lonely if they’re left alone for more than 4 hours. 

    If you really need to leave your dog alone at home, keep the TV or radio on or give him treat puzzles to keep him entertained. Alternatively, you can consider a pet sitter so your pup will have some company while you’re away.

    Owning A Dachshund In Singapore

    Dachshunds are incredibly loyal and often form a special bond with those who are closest to them. They’re full of life and character, so if you’re looking for a lively dog, Dachshunds may be the one for you! 

    Owning a dog is like having a lifetime companion who’ll always be there for you regardless. But do remember to get one only when you’re mentally and financially ready ☺️

    Authors

    • Deslyn Chia

      Deslyn is a passionate dancer who won't stop until she can stop moving. You can always spot her on the hunt for affordable and tasty food deals. Seeing alpacas in real life and sky-diving are some of the few items on her bucket list!

    • Emilia Wong

      Bubble tea and sleeping are two of Emilia's favourite things. She also enjoys cooking and loves to experiment with new recipes for different cuisines.

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