Dachshund questions, answered

There's no single pair. Dachshunds were developed in Germany in the 1700s to hunt badgers ("dachs" means badger and "hund" means dog). Historians think the breed came from a mix of old hunting dogs, likely including pointers, terriers, bloodhounds and basset-type hounds, which would explain that famous nose.

Longhaired dachshunds came from breeding smooth dachshunds with longer coats, and wirehaired dachshunds came later, in the 1800s, when rough-coated terriers were added.

From a registered breeder, a dachshund puppy usually costs around $3,500 to $7,000, depending on bloodline, coat and colour. Wirehaired dachshunds and rarer colours like dapple or cream tend to cost more. Adopting from a rescue is usually $500 to $1,500.

Budget for ongoing costs too. Pet insurance quotes for a dachshund range from roughly $1,060 to $3,930 a year, and back problems are common in the breed, so insurance is worth considering. Be wary of puppies advertised well below normal prices, which can come from unregistered breeders.

Yes, for the right home. Dachshunds are playful, brave and very loyal, and they cope well in apartments and small homes as long as they get daily walks and play.

They can be stubborn, love to bark and have a strong prey drive. They suit families with older children and people who have time for training and exercise. Supervise play with young children, and protect their backs with ramps instead of jumping on furniture.

Back problems are the big one. Up to 1 in 4 dachshunds develop intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), which can cause pain, weakness and even paralysis if it isn't treated quickly.

Other common issues include obesity (which puts more strain on the back), dental disease, kneecap problems (luxating patella), eye conditions, epilepsy, and deafness, especially in dapple puppies. Most dachshunds live 12 to 16 years.

There's no reliable evidence that one size or coat type is calmer. Some people believe wirehaired dachshunds are softer-natured because of their terrier ancestry, but that's speculation, and personality varies a lot from dog to dog.

Plenty of exercise and training make the biggest difference. If a calm temperament matters to you, adopting an adult dachshund from a rescue lets you meet the dog and know its personality before you commit.

Their long backs and short legs make their spines vulnerable. Jumping on and off furniture, twisting, rough play and extra weight all add strain and raise the risk of a disc injury.

Use ramps or steps, keep them lean, walk them every day to build supporting muscle, and always pick them up with one hand under the chest and one under the bottom. If your dachshund can't walk, drags its legs or can't wee, go to a vet straight away.

It depends on your lifestyle. Standard dachshunds weigh about 7 to 15 kg and miniatures under 5 kg. Smooth coats are the easiest to care for, longhaired coats need regular brushing, and wirehaired coats need occasional hand-stripping.

Avoid anyone selling "teacup" dachshunds. They're bred to be as small as possible, often with little regard for health. Whichever type you choose, a reputable breeder or a rescue is the safest start.

Many dachshunds love cuddles and being close to their people, but each dog is different. Let your dog come to you, and watch for signs it would rather be on the ground.

How you hold them matters more than how often. Always support the whole body: one hand under the chest behind the front legs and the other under the bottom, keeping the back level. Never lift a dachshund under the front legs alone.

Not necessarily. Dachshunds bond strongly with their people and mostly need company, daily exercise and things to do. A second dog can help some dachshunds that are left alone a lot, but it isn't a fix for boredom or separation anxiety.

If you're thinking about another dog, choose one with a gentle play style, and introduce them slowly. Rescues can often tell you how a dog gets on with others.

Several breeds share the long, low look. The Basset Hound is the best-known, along with Corgis, the Swedish Vallhund, and long-bodied terriers like the Dandie Dinmont and Skye Terrier.

There are also many dachshund crosses, such as the Dachshund x Chihuahua (often called a Chiweenie), that can look like a small dachshund.