The Mountain Cur is a hunting and treeing hound primarily, although he was often tasked with other jobs as well in the “pioneering days” – which he would do with a determined and hardworking attitude. Brought to American from Europe by settlers, these dogs were often seen on farms and ranches being used as hunting companions and guard dogs. They were, and still are, prized for their courage and excellent scenting abilities alike. Their companionable nature also makes them great candidates as therapy dogs.

Mountain Curs are hardworking, intelligent dogs and are trainable – especially when plenty of praise and games are used in training. This said, many are known to be extremely stubborn. This may be why they tend to do very well in dog sports that are game-like, but are less proficient in strict obedience trials that seem more “boring” to them. This breed does need a job in order to be happy, but they also need structure and rules – whether or not they want it! Some members of the breed are more easily trained and even quite biddable, there is a great variation in temperament. All do best with active owners who are willing to put in a lot of work to fulfill the dog’s basic drives.

The Mountain Cur, like most hunting dogs, is extremely active and requires a great deal of regular exercise. They can become very destructive if not given daily outlets, both mentally as well as physically. As many Mountain Curs will live very healthy lives (often up to 14 or 15) it is necessary that any potential owner make sure they are up to the challenge of providing this exercise over many years!

The Mountain Cur generally gets along well with children as well as other pets (provided the pets aren’t too small and prey-like). They prefer playing outdoors quite a lot but can play rough, so families with small children may not make for the best matches. This rough-and-tumble hound makes a great companion for older kids or active adults who live in rural or semi-rural settings. This is definitely not a dog for apartments life or for people who work all the time! As active as they are, they also don’t do well when left home alone for long stretches of time. Between their energy and intensity, truth is that they are simply too much dog for many people.

Mountain curs are aloof with strangers and can be territorial at home, which makes them good natural guard dogs. Due to their hunting drive, they may also try to go after cats and other small animals. An owner must be responsible on both accounts – do not let your Mountain Cur become a nuisance with people or animals! This is one-part early socialization and one-part making sure to recognize the dog’s drives and keep them from getting out of control. While it is fine to use the dog to protect the home, make sure to include plenty of training and household rules in the dog’s life so he doesn’t become a liability!

There is a vast size range within the Mountain Cur breed, with heights ranging from 16 to 26 inches at the withers and weights everywhere from 30 to 60 pounds. This is but one example of the wide variation in appearance from one Mountain Cur to the next, and has to do with the numerous different strains that existed when these dogs were first being bred. At the time of its creation, there wasn’t much need or desire for pedigrees among the settlers who utilized these dogs. They also come in a virtual rainbow of colors, and with several different acceptable types of tails ranging from a short bob to a medium-long tail. Whatever the appearance, however, all members of the breed require plenty of opportunities to move and to work!

Photo By Tacosunday at wikimedia commons

The Black Forest Hound (also known as the Slovensky Kopov or the Slovakian Hound) is a hunting dog through and through – alert and bold, while also possessing an excellent sense of smell. This medium-sized scenthound, originally developed to go after wild boar, is strong-minded and will hunt all day if given the chance. As might be expected from a dog created to dispatch a creature the size of a boar, the Black Forest is exceptionally hardy and strong. His short but stocky build is built for rugged work. This proud hound is recognized as the national breed of Slovakia.

The Black Forest is an intelligent breed and has shown to be fairly adaptable to many different types of work – even being used in the Slovakian police force! While hunting is their favorite past-time, they can (and should) be taught at least basic obedience. Like many hounds, they have a definite stubborn streak and therefore need an owner and/or trainer who will stay completely consistent and won’t give up if the hound tries their patience! They aren’t the most difficult breed to train… but they also aren’t the easiest. Just because they’re intelligent doesn’t mean they necessarily care about following commands. As such, they may be more of a challenge for a novice.

The Black Forest Hound’s trademark black-and-tan coat doesn’t require a lot of grooming, but because he is double-coated will require extra brushing during shedding season. When the coat gets muddy, oftentimes the dirt will dry and fall off without causing too much of a mess which means he doesn’t require frequent bathing. This said, all dogs require occasional baths to keep them hygienic, healthy and happy. Brushing or bathing sessions will also allow the owner to inspect the skin for cuts, scrapes or parasites – especially important for dogs who hunt. Cleaning ears, trimming nails and regular dental care are also important (and easy) maintenance issues to remember.

Black Forests tend to bond very strongly to one person in a family, spending the most time with that person. They will still be friendly and social toward everyone but it is common for them to have a “favorite”. There may be some slight suspicious attitudes around complete strangers. While active and alert in the field, the Black Forest is calm and even laid-back when in the home. He tends to get along with other dogs as well (although some hounds have issues with those of the same sex). Most do well around children. Unlike some breeds which tend to do better as a hunting dog (and not as much a family dog), the Black Forest actually excels at both. The best match for a Black Forest is an active person who enjoys being outdoors with their dog, preferably someone experienced with scenthounds. Hunters get extra points, however are not completely necessary. A person or family that lives in a home with a decent-sized fenced yard is ideal.

Black Forest Hounds are somewhat popular in their own country but are a rare breed in the United States. Not only are they still used for hunting and tracking, but they are appreciated for their watch dog abilities as well. Their alert nature and generously-used (to put it nicely) voices mean that many intruders will stay away. If an intruder does try to enter the house and become threatening, many will defend their home and people.

Otherwise, the Black Forest is an affectionate and fun-loving dog who enjoys life to the fullest whenever possible! This includes using his voice freely and loudly, a trait he shares with other scenthounds. He does have a lot of energy and as such, requires a fair amount of daily exercise. Even with exercise, his high levels of enthusiasm means he can easily bowl over small children or elderly individuals. Make sure to do a thorough evaluation of your family before deciding to bring home this excitable fellow! He can live with small children, however he should be raised with them from puppyhood, given regular training, and of course a regular exercise regime.

The Black Forest Hound has a medium to medium-high energy level. He does need regular exercise but can live in a smaller home… as long as the owner is active and willing to take the dog out frequently. Energy level of the owner is a more important factor than size of the living space. Without enough exercise he can be frustrating to live with. Not only should his body be given exercise, but also so should his mind. This breed especially thrives on activities involving scent, and is a natural when it comes to dog sports such as tracking or nose work!

The Treeing Tennessee Brindle is attentive and alert to his surroundings. This mid-sized American scenthound is clever when it comes to hunting but isn’t always interested in following direct orders without specific training. Even still, he is sociable and friendly with people while remaining courageous and dedicated to his job. With the right owner he is very loyal but he is not recommended for novice owners.

The TTB is a healthy and hardy breed, created to work hard outside in the fields. He makes a great hunting dog, being both agile and fast, and he uses his voice freely when he catches wind of prey. This isn’t to say that he can’t be kept as a pet, however a prospective owner needs to understand this dog’s personality quirks as well as making sure to give him enough exercise to meet his needs. As a hunting/treeing breed, it is good to recognize that this dog has an incredible nose and will want to follow it at all times – this goes hand in hand with his very high prey drive, which means he is prone to wandering. It is also important to note that barking has been sought-after trait, and is therefore very much a part of this breed. Apartment-dwellers may want to look elsewhere for a dog that is quieter and doesn’t require as much exercise.

The Treeing Tennessee Brindle, like other pack-hunting dogs, needs companionship in his day to day life and doesn’t thrive in a setting where he is often alone. This is probably why he is so affectionate to everyone (although particularly to his family and other dogs in his life). He tends to do great with children as well, although younger children as likely to get bowled over by his energetic exuberance. Although friendly and definitely not guard-dog material, most do make good watchdogs as they will bark to alert the presence of someone on the property. Depending on the bloodline, the TTB may or may not do well when living with cats. Outdoor cats might get chased up a tree.

Although he has a short, slick coat that requires little grooming, the TTB does shed moderately. Keeping him brushed regularly will help, especially during heavier shedding seasons. As the name might imply, the brindle color of the dog is his trademark. While dogs can also be black, most of them have at least some brindle markings. The coat and color of the dogs were one of the important features when they were developed, although hunting prowess was the most significant sought-after trait.

The Treeing Tennessee Brindle is an active dog and needs to be given frequent outlets to burn this energy. Without these outlets he can become fairly intense and difficult to live with. Like many of the cur breeds (the sub-group to which he belongs), the breed was created primarily for hunters rather than as a family pet. As such, he does best in homes or farmlands that have spacious fenced yards.

When it comes to training, the TTB is more sensitive than other hound breeds and requires patience. Harsh treatment should be avoided as it will cause the dog to shut down. A basic puppy kindergarten class that involves both socialization and obedience training is a great way to get the dog used to learning while young. This will prep him for later learning and make him easier to live with.

Photo By Hummelong

The Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen is the newest member of AKC’s hound group. These happy, outgoing hounds love to meet new people although they have an independent nature like most other scenthounds. This French breed is very uncommon in the United States, however enjoys a bigger following overseas. Though short in height, GBGVs are hefty and can weigh up to 45 pounds.

In the house, the GBGV tends to be fairly relaxed and calm as long as he is given regular exercise (although he’s not really a couch potato). Once he goes outside, however – he can run and play forever! Don’t let his short-legged looks fool you… he has a lot of stamina and agility, and if he catches the scent of an animal he will be off in an instant! For this reason, he needs plenty of walks and/or other exercise with his owner daily. Don’t count on him exercising himself in the backyard unless you live in an exceptionally interesting place full of critters for him to safely chase – and even then, he must be kept in a fenced yard at all times. Take note – the GBGV doesn’t tend to slow down as he ages like other dogs. He does best with energetic owners who can give him an active, full life for the long-term!

The harsh and wiry coat of the Grand needs only minimal grooming. A quick brush down once a week and the occasional bath should suffice to keep his coat in good condition. Nails, teeth and ears must also be attended to regularly. Like most long-eared dogs, they need cleaning more often than other breeds. While this scenthound does shed, most of the shedding happens seasonally and not year-round.

Grand Basset Griffon Vendeens, because they were bred as pack dogs, get along very well with other dogs! While it is not necessary to have a multi-dog household in order to own a GBGV, it is usually much-appreciated by these hounds, and also makes it easier for an owner to leave for the day without worry about the dog getting lonely. The breed also tends to do well with children. In fact, they love everyone – family, stranger or even postal worker! Aggression or shyness is so atypical in this breed, that when it comes up it usually has more to do with a lack of early socialization. A quick note – they might not be safe around small pets because of their prey drive.

Generally eager to please, the GBGV takes well to training although his independent nature means that he can become easily distracted and/or bored. A series of short obedience sessions generally works better than hour long lessons. Like most other scenthounds, obedience isn’t his first priority but he can be encouraged to learn as long as the trainer is skilled in motivation as well as setting down firm boundaries. Knowing that stubbornness is a common trait in the breed, a trainer or owner should also be prepared to utilize a lot of patience! Because of these traits, the Grand Basset does best when living with an experienced dog owner.

Photo by brindis320.

The Dalmatian is known by many as “the firehouse dog” because of his work clearing the path for olden-day, horse-driven fire wagons. Because Dals have always had an affinity for horses, the job was a great fit. In addition to this very specific task, the breed has also been employed as war dogs, herding dogs, draft dogs, vermin hunters, tracking dogs, boar hunters, bird dogs and even circus dogs! Very few breeds have ever been assigned this many roles. The breed’s other (often more obvious) trait is his beautiful array of either black or liver spots on a white body. No two Dalmatians are marked exactly the same!

Dals are easy to take care of – their smooth, short coat doesn’t mat like longer-haired breeds and their coat tends to stay fairly odor-free. Bathing is only needed every couple of months unless the dog will be shown. This said, they breed does shed year round and will require regular quick brushings to minimize this somewhat. Because their coat doesn’t afford them a lot of protection from the elements, they may need to wear a coat when outside on very cold days.

Dals are great dogs for families who have children, as long as the kids are taught to respect the dog. Ideally, the Dal should have been raised around kids while still a puppy, and also been given obedience training so he won’t be unruly when playing. Overall their medium size is ideal for most kids – not too big to hurt children nor too small to be hurt by them. They are also athletic and sturdy – always ready to bounce and play in the yard with the smaller members of the family.

While the Dal should never be a hyper dog, he is a high energy dog. What’s the difference? A high energy dog has the ability to lay down and chill when his exercise needs are met, while a hyper dog often has a hard time settling down mentally as well as physically. This said, the Dalmatian was bred to jog all day and thus does need a good deal of exercise every single day to stay happy. It has been said that you can never give a Dalmatian too much exercise – 2 hours a day, spread into 2 or more sessions, is ideal.

When it comes to training, the Dalmatian is willing to please and quite intelligent. He should be given rules and boundaries which need to be followed through consistently, but this doesn’t mean that obedience needs to be a boring and drab. Dals learn very well when the training is exciting and fun! Keep in mind that the breed can be quite strong-willed when they want to be, and plan ahead. Sometimes the trainer needs to be more stubborn than the dog!

The Dalmatian is loyal to his owner and can be somewhat territorial. He needs to live inside with his owner and can develop behavior problems if made to live outside, especially if tethered. As long as the dog is able to be with his owner he will be happy in any type of residence – whether it be a house, apartment, or large ranch. The smaller the home, however, the more he will need to be exercised. As he tends to wander, a fence will be necessary when he is off-leash. While inside, be prepared for a shadow – Dals love to follow their owners wherever they go! As such, they make horrible pets for people who spend their whole day at work.

The temperament of the Dalmatian can vary quite widely from individual to individual. Because of this, prospective owners are advised to study the temperaments of different lines to find a kennel that produces what they are looking for. Furthermore, let the breeder help you choose the right puppy for you! It is very unwise to buy a Dal puppy from a pet shop as you run the risk of getting a dog with poor temperament as well as health. Because this is a long-lived breed for their size (13 or 14 is not unusual – with some living even longer), it is pretty important that an owner chooses a dog that they will enjoy living with!

Every breed of dog has certain health problems that are associated with that breed and the Dalmatian is no exception. Deafness and bladder stones are the two most commonly seen conditions in this breed. Luckily, there is a test for deafness that will let you know whether or not the puppy you plan to bring home can hear – called the BAER test. While there is not a test for bladder stones, it is normally a condition that can be managed fairly inexpensively.

The Beagle is a compact little hound that can make an excellent companion in the right home. Their small size makes them more affordable to care for than their larger scenthound counterparts, and their affectionate nature wins over hearts wherever they go. Constantly happy – it is hard to be sad when there’s a Beagle in the room! Despite being very friendly, however, they have an independent nature which can make them difficult to train. An owner must understand that this breed thinks with their nose before thinking about following orders. This quality makes them great hunting partners but not always the most reliable obedience dog.

Their independent nature and easy distractibility means that obedience training doesn’t come easy for most Beagles, but they are nonetheless very intelligent. It’s best to start training in low-distraction environments, and capitalize on any enthusiasm they may have for working with you. They do like to please the people they care about, so if you can make the training interesting and fun, they will learn! This is a breed that enjoys being “part of the action”, so take advantage of that and work with the dog rather than just shouting commands at him. As mentioned before, the Beagle’s nose is his specialty – doing tracking or nosework with this breed is highly recommended so he can have a chance to put his sniffing abilities to good use!

Beagles get along great with kids and can provide hours of entertainment every day. Many love to run and play out in the yard with children, although they may or may not be open to playing fetch. Like other scenthounds, they can also become very distracted outside when they smell something interesting. Being bred to follow their nose, they will always place the highest priority on following scents. For this reason, a fully fenced yard is a necessity for Beagles (a real fence – not an invisible fence)! Because they are master escape artists, the fence should be dig-proof. Likewise, the dog must always be kept on leash whenever off the property.

When young, Beagles can be fairly active dogs. They require daily walks to expel this energy, the length of the walk depending on whether or not they have also have a yard to burn off energy. While a yard is encouraged, it is not necessary as long as the owner is prepared to walk the dog more frequently. Remember that these are hunting dogs that were bred to have a lot of energy and stamina! That won’t just disappear just because the dog was bought as a pet. Furthermore, some Beagles have the tendency to get fat so this exercise is necessary to keep them fit and healthy.

The Beagle’s short, smooth coat is very easy to care for. If he gets dirty, a rub down with a towel might be enough to rid the coat of dirt and grime, but even if it is not a bath takes only a few minutes! There is no special clipping or scissoring to keep him looking his best. He is also an easy keeper when it comes to vet care – while any dog can develop a medical issue, Beagles generally are a very healthy breed.

Beagles are social dogs, originally bred to work in packs. In fact, they love other dogs almost as much as they love “their people”! As such, they do not do well when left at home all day by themselves. This is the most common reason that Beagles become destructive and problem-barkers. Getting another dog as a companion for the first will work to alleviate boredom and loneliness in some circumstances, but not in all. Even if it does fix the problem, the owner now has two dogs to train and take care of! It may be best to look into another breed altogether if the owner works long hours.

Despite his AKC recognition, the Otterhound is one of the rarest dog breeds in the world. These friendly hunting dogs have a unique wire coat which sets them apart from other scenthound breeds – a coat that allowed them to hunt otter in frigid rivers. Despite their general rarity, the breed makes great companions for those owners patient enough to wait for one to become available.

Otterhounds can be versatile enough to succeed in many different activities. Not only are they adept at their specific hunting task, but several members of the breed have become Search and Rescue dogs – a task which makes use of their great senses of smell. Tracking and nosework are two other nose-centric dog sports which Otterhounds are quite successful at. Overall, however, the breed is adaptable to many different activities although growing puppies will need special care to make sure they aren’t over-exercised. Once the joints are fully formed, the dog will be able to engage in more physically demanding tasks.

The Otterhound tends to have a sense of humor and loves to amuse his owner. He is definitely one of the clowns of the hound world! Many Otterhounds do not realize their size and think they are lapdogs – and a 100 pound lapdog is a heavy load! This is not a frantic or anxious dog by nature and, in fact, has a slow and steady way about him. He is not normally in a hurry – unless he is in hunting mode. In spite of his unhurried nature, he is moderately active overall and does require regular exercise, although once back at home after a long walk he will turn into a couch potato. Without mental and physical stimulation he is prone to boredom.

Living with an Otterhound can be a trying experience for those expecting a perfectly clean dog. To start with, these big dogs are fond of digging and covering themselves in mud. Most are not dissuaded by rain and think nothing of taking a joyful run through the yard during a rainstorm – leaving you to clean up after them. Furthermore, their beards are prone to getting wet from the water bowl, or covered in food from the food bowl. They require a brushing every week, nail care, tooth care, and special care of ears. Long ears tend to get dirty easier than other types of ears and must be cleaned regularly.

When meeting new people, the Otterhound is a social butterfly, often becoming more excited and active. He will eagerly announce the visitor’s arrival (which serves as a great alarm and deterrent), but will quickly make friends afterward. This is not an aggressive breed, nor a natural guard dog. With family (including children), the breed is loyal and equally friendly, without being demanding of attention (although young dogs may inadvertently hurt toddlers or senior citizens because of their size). With other pets, as well as with strange dogs, they are normally happy and social.

Otterhounds are fairly intelligent animals, although not always easy to train. They are great problem solvers and can figure out how to manipulate people into doing their bidding. They must be trained with methods that are fair and without excessive harshness. Sensitive in nature, they tend to shut down with harsh corrections. The breed can be equally stubborn – this combination make them difficult to train for novices. If he doesn’t feel like doing a command he will often pretend to be deaf, and his huge size makes it hard for him not to get his way!

Being bred to hunt, the Otterhound requires a safe yard when he is outside. Otherwise, his nature will take him right off the property in pursuit of game – a prospect that can be very dangerous. This is true for most, if not all, scenthound breeds. Furthermore, Otterhounds were bred to hunt in packs and therefore enjoy living with other dogs. If this isn’t possible, they require a living situation where their owner is frequently at home. They must have a companion, in one way or another, to keep from becoming destructive, bored or outright depressed. Excessive loudness is one common behavior problem seen in Otterhounds without a companion.

Like most scenthounds, the Otterhound has a melodic (read: loud) voice that he enjoys using. This can result in complaints from neighbors. He does best living in a country setting away from direct neighbors, in a situation where he is socialized early and often with other people. The breed matures slowly and needs this socialization to keep him from becoming fearful – and instead nurtures his natural tendency to become social and friendly.

The Redbone Coonhound is an American scenthound breed with an even-tempered personality. When hunting, however, they are full of fire and vigor! Although occasionally stubborn, these hound dogs do enjoy pleasing their owners. Fairly active, they require plenty of outdoor activity although they are able to calm down and relax in the house (as long as they are given enough exercise). Prospective owners should remember that these are hunting dogs, first and foremost. As such, they thrive on outdoor hikes, swims and jogs.

As long as they get enough exercise, Redbones are able to live in apartments but a house in the country is usually a better fit for most members of the breed. Bonus – their short red coats shed very little. Not only does this make grooming a breeze, but it means that it is possible to live in a clean house with this breed. This said, their droopy-ish lips does mean that they are prone to drooling when hot or excited, so an owner may want to have a few drool rags around the house. Some also tend to have a “doggy odor” – and while regular baths will help, a prospective owner should be prepared to deal with.

Redbones, like most scenthounds, are not quiet dogs. They were bred to chase raccoons up trees, and once they’d finished the task, would howl to alert the hunter to their catch. Because vocalizing is in their blood, they will gladly and freely use their voice whenever they see or hear anything that excites them. They may also howl when they play, when they run around, and even when they eat. Although they may bark as well, they most commonly howl or “bay” – which is a very distinctive loud, drawn-out sound. For some people, it is like music. For others, it is simply frustrating.

The Redbone Coonhound, being the stubborn breed that they are, aren’t usually recommended for novice owners. This said, in the right home they are supremely affectionate and loving. Getting along well with kids, other dogs and even strangers, this is a very sociable breed. So much so, in fact, that they make terrible guard dogs! This sociability doesn’t always extend to cats or small pocket pets, however – their prey drive is understandably high. 

The Redbone Coonhound must never be allowed to roam off-leash in unfenced areas, as they are prone to wandering and chasing small critters. This prey drive must never be under-estimated – Redbones that catch sight of a running squirrel can instantly change from a mild-mannered beast to a super-intense hunting machine. Novice owners are often surprised at this sudden change in temperament and must be prepared in advance. An off-leash Redbone in hunt-mode is in danger of being hit by a car.

These gentle hounds are very sensitive to the emotions of their owners, and don’t tend to do well in homes that are filled with chaos. Redbones need stability, love, and attention in order to be happy. Being pack animals, they need to be around their owners on a regular basis, or if that is not possible – they require other dogs to keep them sane. If not given people or animals to coexist with, it is common for Redbone Coonhounds to become quite destructive, particularly with chewing.

Redbones are intelligent… but often are more difficult to train than breeds developed to work with people such as herding or sporting breeds. Many have an almost ADHD-type personality, and they enjoy putting their own spin on commands. They also tend to be very mouthy as puppies, and may be extra destructive when young so definitely should be given regular obedience training to get them (and keep them) on the right track. They tend to do better with positive-based methods and may shut down if the training is filled with harsh treatment.

Redbones have been said to be the easiest of the coonhound breeds to take care of, as well as having the most stable temperament of the group. While they retain a strong hunting instinct, they are easier to accommodate into a household pet situation. Although they can be kept outdoors (with canine companionship), they tend to enjoy the comforts of an indoor living environment. The more interaction they are given, the better a pet they will become! Goofy and loving, a well-raised Redbone can be a fantastic companion.

Dachshunds may have a comical appearance, but the breed’s unique look is what made them excellent at their job – hunting badgers and other small game from inside the animal’s burrow! The breed’s short legs allowed them to squish into these tight tunnels in order to do battle with their (sometimes fierce) foe. This is a hunting dog through and through, and even today Dachshunds have a load of courage, independence and tenacity – the traits that enabled them to stay alive to do their job. These same traits can make them difficult to live with in modern society, particularly if the owner isn’t prepared to meet their distinctive needs.

Perhaps because of their incredibly stubborn nature, many people are led to believe that Dachshunds are not smart. This is completely false- they are incredibly clever (even conniving at times)! This was not a breed that was built to work with people (they worked independently with the hunters nearby). As such, many don’t see the point of learning obedience and instead prefer trying to train their owner instead. This said, with the right motivation they can learn! Some even compete successfully in obedience competitions, although it takes a lot of consistency, motivation and patience on the part of the owner to get to competition-level.

Dachshunds love to be close to their owners, often bonding very strongly with one person in particular and then following them everywhere (although some do bond with the whole family). The breed particularly prefer to be in the middle of the action! This can be pleasant… but can also prove to be frustrating to have a tiny dog underfoot at any given time. Care must be taken not to step on the dog, or accidentally drop something on him. As this is a playful breed, he may try to engage in a game of fetch (or some other type of game that he finds amusing) although he will usually insist that you follow his rules!

Dachshunds are not always easy to housebreak, perhaps to due their incredibly stubborn nature. While some people have been able to 100% housebreak this their Dachie, it is more common to hear about individual dogs who are 90-95% housebroken. If the dog fails to go outside despite being (mostly) housebroken, it is usually because of the weather. Many Dachshunds would rather face the consequences of their actions (via their owner) than face the cold/rain/wet realities of going outside on a particularly nasty day! Keep in mind that in addition to their penchant for not always being reliable, they also may take longer than other breeds to “catch on” to housebreaking in the first place. It just doesn’t seem to be of particular interest to them.

Because of his structure, the Dachshund is more susceptible to back injury than other breeds. Slipped disks are unfortunately common, and while there is often a genetic component, there are precautions an owner can take to minimize the risk. The biggest way to protect the back is to keep the dog in good shape. Fat Dachshunds have more strain on their backs, which leads to more frequent injury. Furthermore, the breed should never be allowed to jump off of tall furniture as this can also cause problems – providing a ramp would be a better choice. Keeping the nails short and taking care to support the back when holding the dog are two other precautions an owner can take to diminish the chances of back problems.

The Dachshund can get along well with children although it is recommended that they are introduced while they are still puppies. Supervision is also advised, particularly with younger children. Some people make the mistake of keeping the dog outside all the time because they are scared of one hurting the other – this is ill-advised with a Dachshund as they are far too social to be outdoor-only dogs. Take the time to make the introductions right the first time so both child and dog can get along harmoniously!

Dachshunds make great watch dogs as they will bark when people come to the door. Many have voices that make them sound bigger than they actually are, which is an added deterrent – although this breed is not suited to be a guard dog. Once they are satisfied that they’ve “chased away” the threat, they’ll usually go back to their “spot” to chill out again – often a spot of sunlight or a warm blanket to tunnel into.

Dachshunds come in a number of different appearances! The breed exists in two different sizes (standard and miniature), as well as three different coat types (smooth, longhaired and wirehaired). While the breed’s short legs means that they are never taller than nine inches off the ground, miniatures are only about 10 pounds while standards can be three times as heavy! They also boast a wide number of colors and patterns, which means that the combinations of appearance are almost endless. While some color and coats are more typically seen than others, a gathering of Dachshunds usually consists of a broad variety of looks.

Perhaps as a throwback to their hunting roots – Dachshunds tend to roll around in the smelly things that they encounter outside. Manure, pungent mud or dead worms are all fair game! Another dirty habit is their love of digging, which they tend to do when left to their own devices. Despite their outside antics, however, Dachshunds are relatively clean and don’t usually have a strong doggy odor (as long as they haven’t been rolling in something). They don’t need to be bathed particularly often and only shed only a small-medium amount. As would be expected, smooths are the easiest to take groom while longhairs and wirehairs require more maintenance.

The Dachshund is moderately active and does need regular exercise. Two walks a day, each about half a mile, is usually considered sufficient. Because of their short legs, they don’t make the best jogging companions but do appreciate a nice walk. This exercise will keep them happy and healthy, and contributes to their long life (they live an average of 14-16 years). It also strengthens muscles, which factors into a strong back. Dachies that don’t receive enough things to do can easily get bored.