As a dachshund, I am very adorable. It is a compliment that I get everywhere I go. I know people love me and I am quite lovable. If you are planning to get a dachshund, there are a few things that you need to consider and understand so that you and I will have a good time together.
Compared to other dogs, I look very different. I am usually shorter, with small legs and a long trunk. I have a cute, lovable face and I love running around. These are important factors to consider when selecting a dachshund, but there are other factors that you should look at as well. Read further to find out what other things you need to take care of before bringing me or one of my kind into your house.
Physical Appearance
Given the nature of my unique stature, there are a few things you should look out for before taking me home. The first is wrinkles that are too saggy. Saggy wrinkles can mean there is a chance that my skin can rub on the ground and cause bruising and pain. The wrinkles should not be too tight or too loose. At first glance, they must look healthy.
My shoulders should not have saggy skin and must be broad, holding my neck, torso and arms intact. My trunk should be straight with no hunches or disfigurations. My tail should be relatively straight, not too close to the ground or not too high above. My spine should be straight and align with my tail, with no twists or knots in between.
My legs are not very flexible; they should be quite straight and point forward, not turning inside or outside. My hind legs are a little shorter than my front legs, and my back feet are smaller than my front feet. The pads of my feet should be soft, firm and thick in order to provide maximum comfort beneath my feet. My nails are usually thick and of darker color, in line with the color of my fur.
Walking Style
If you are planning on bringing me home, it is a good idea to watch me walk. A dachshund’s walk is the true measure of perfect posture. When I am perfectly healthy, I walk straight, with equal weight distribution on all four of my tiny legs.
If your prospective dachshund is putting too much pressure on only one or two legs, or tipping toward any one of them, this may cause a lot of undue pressure on either of his legs and lead to health issues in the long run. Although, if the dog is still really young, he may not have learned to walk perfectly yet. It can take a puppy time to learn to walk properly.
The Face And Related Features
My face is bilateral with a sharp, perfect nose at the tip. My facial structure is strong; my ears stick out of either side of my head, which enhances my exceptional hearing. My head seems like it is perfectly fitted to my body.
My nose is triangular and I have large nostrils, which helps my very keen sense of smell; I am even able to smell from miles away. My eyes are shiny and dark with a darker outer covering. You will find that they glisten, beautifully reflective, especially at night.
Coats And Fur
My breed has three distinct coat varieties:
- Smooth and short-hairedis one. It comes in different colors.
- The long-hairedcoat can be either straight or mildly curvy.
- A wire-hairedcoat is short, yet dense. It provides maximum protection in countries with chilly weather.
Whatever the coat of your prospective dachshund, make sure it is tightly fitted around his body and not sagging anywhere.
A dachshund’s fur is usually the longest near the neck area and goes on to become scanty near the mouth and jaw. There are also several coat colors. You can choose a color that appeals to you the most, and keep in mind that they usually always have spots. Any spots should have fur.
My whole body is covered with fur. If you find a spot that does not have fur, you need to be aware of a probable underlying infection or allergy that is causing the lack of fur in that area. Patches are usually in a darker shade so you can easily spot them.
Nature And Character
I am usually very happy and bubbly, which is probably why you are interested in taking home one of my kind; I will bring more joy and happiness into your life. If we are not socializing and we appear to be unhappy, there may be a bigger, underlying problem, and you might consider choosing a pup with a better demeanor.
I am never really lethargic; I am almost always upbeat and jovial, even when I am hungry. If I am too aggressive and trying to dominate the room, that is not a healthy sign, either.
Parents And Health
It is always a good idea to check my history and lineage. If possible, check if my parents are healthy, and try to do a background check to find out where I was brought from and if I came from a good place or whether or not I might have experienced anything traumatic.
Also, check for possible signs of illness. The easiest way to do this is to check my eyes and ears to see if there is any discharge or residue. Hopefully, they are clear. Also, you should check that I have received all the required vaccinations. If I haven’t received the proper vaccinations, then I can pose a health hazard, not just to myself, but for the whole family.
Conclusion
One very important thing to check for is compatibility with you. Make sure we both like each other so that we can have a great time together.
See Also My Other Related Posts:
Don't Forget To Make Your Dachshund Happy And Check Out Dachshund Favorite Products!
In my article, I reveal all the information about Dachshund’s Favorite Food. The best dachshund food available on the market: Most Nutritious And Delicious Dachshund Food Products Available On The Market.
If you want to learn what are the latest trends in Dachshund fashion check my article: Dachshund’s Fashion. How to choose the dachshund clothes that just simply fit: Finding the Right Clothes for Your Dachshund.
If you want to prepare your beloved Dachshund for cold weather check out my article: Jackets And Outdoor Gears For Dachshund.
To go out with your dachshund, but not choke him to death check out my article about harnesses: Finding The Best Harness for Dachshund When you are ready to get one check the options available on the market Choosing The Right Harness For Your Dachshund.
