Sausage dogs/Dachshunds. Mean and bad backs? Truth about rumours?

[LittleSquidge]

I'd love to get a Dachshund/Sausage Dog.
A lot of people are trying to put me off mind you. . .

"Ooh they get terrible bad backs. Pain for them and bills for you!"
"They're nasty little things. Most bite and growl at you daily."
"Very unloyal and unfriendly."
"Destructive little dogs."

Anyone had one? I think they're beautiful and I have the time for one. I've had many dogs in the past, but most have been Yorkshire Terriers. Are Dachshunds much different?

Thank you.

[NOX]

Old lady down the hall from us had two when I first moved to London, dear little things they were, very loving and funky- we dog sat them when she used to go on holiday, I can't see anything wrong with them, but those are the only two I know.

[LittleSquidge]

Thank you NOX!
I hadn't heard of them being bad tempered until recently. . .

[tinkerbell23]

I must say my dads friend had two and one did bite, but im a believer that owners can train from a puppy and they can be ok!

Was same when we wanted a westie people said they were yappy and my friend has one who is a nightmare but ours is a wee gem....so go for it xxx

[LittleSquidge]

Thank you Tinkerbell23, that's what I think also. All breeds of dogs can bite, etc.
I was more worried about their backs. Apparently a lot of the time it casing them to have very short lives "apparently".

[woofgang]

It's another one of those things that pedigree breeding has made worse. Backs have got longer, dogs have got less able to exercise because of their configuration so muscle tone has got worse and sadly bad painful backs are the result. Dogs, like people who are in constant pain or even discomfort tend to be bad tempered and there you have it.

[woofgang]

http://www.dachshundhealth.org.uk/

I would be a bit dubious about any breed where the general advice seems to be no jumping, no stairs and so on.......

[Brinjal]

They suffer from dwarfism which is what gives them their bad backs. I think they are cute little dogs.

[wildwood]

Cute they may be. Would it really be responsible to support this breed that is bound to suffer from problem because of their shape?

[slinkycat]

My friend has a miniature long haired dachshund, he is absolutely gorgeous. Not snappy, not growly, very friendly and loves his owners to bits.
Ok they can have back problems (he hasn't as yet and is 6) and he was destructive when he was a pup.
Other than that I'd say the only drawback, looking at my mates dog, is that you can't expect an energetic good long walk, because he just bimbles along!

[mike11111]

"Yorkshire Terriers. Are Dachshunds much different? "
According to the War Office directive 24/1940, Yes!

[askyourgran]

I've always fancied an Afghan hound, (had to put hound in there just in case someone comments) but I'm told they are the most stupid dog. Dachsunds are not snappy, my mate had one when we were kids, he loved to play, very cute.

[divegirl]

If that is your breed of choice then go for it.....just do your research first.


Why not start your quest here......

http://www.miniatured.../dachshund_rescue.htm

I'm sure that they will be able to give excellent advice and point you towards a reputable breeder who health checks their dogs.

Lisa x

[divegirl]

Oh and you and me both AYG ....such an elegant breed!

[Traci66]

We had a miniature long haired one for twelve years, we never had any problems with him being snappy and we had our children and then grandchildren. We did not have any medical problems with him, he was always fit and healthy. However we did have to have him put to sleep because he was on the sofa and jumped off paralysing himself, the vet told us that they could probably operate, but that given his age she would not advise it. He was a much loved member of our family and he gave us many happy years, they have such lovely characters, so I would say, if that's what you want then go for it.