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
Key Traits of Dachshunds
| Weight | |
| Height | |
| Life expectancy | 12 - 16 years |
| Fur coat | |
| Common coat colours |
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
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 activity | Frequency | Reason (if any) |
|---|---|---|
| Hair trimming | ||
| Bathing | For all types: Once every 3 months | Overwashing can remove their natural oils |
| Brushing | ||
| Teeth brushing | Once a week | |
| Ear cleaning | Once a week | |
| Nail clipping | Once a week or when it gets long | Their nails tend to grow quickly, thus they need to be trimmed frequently |
Exercise Needs of a Dachshund
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
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.
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
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
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 license | 2-year license | 3-year license | Lifetime license | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cost of license for sterilised dogs | $15 per dog | $25 per dog | N.A | $35 |
| Cost of license for non-sterilised dogs | $90 per dog | $165 per dog | $230 per dog | N.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 ☺️
