Dachshund

The Dachshund ('badger dog' in German) was bred in Germany to hunt badgers and foxes underground and to track wounded game.

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognises three sizes (standard, miniature and rabbit) and three coats (smooth, long-haired and wire-haired).

Brave, curious and very attached to its family, the Dachshund has a strong personality. It can be stubborn, vocal and wary of strangers.

Patient, consistent, reward-based training works better than force.

Its long back makes it very prone to disc herniation, which can cause paralysis: avoid jumping off furniture, repeated stair-climbing and excess weight. Inherited eye diseases also occur depending on the variety.

See a vet urgently if it shows back pain or weakness in the hind legs.

It is very greedy and gains weight easily, which worsens back problems. Weigh portions and limit treats.

Choose food suited to its size.

It needs daily walks and scent games. It has more stamina than it looks.

Carry it on stairs where possible and use a harness.

In summer, walk it during the cool hours: being low to the ground, it feels hot pavements more. It may feel the cold in winter in mountain regions.

The smooth coat needs little care; the long coat should be brushed several times a week; the wire coat needs hand-stripping twice a year.

Check its ears and teeth.