Dachshunds are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world, but they are also one of the worst. They may look cute and cuddly, but they are actually stubborn, destructive, and prone to many health problems. Here are seven shocking reasons why you should never own a dachshund.
1. They Have Serious Back Problems
Dachshunds have a unique body shape, with long backs and short legs. This makes them vulnerable to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), which is a condition that causes the discs between the vertebrae to degenerate and compress the spinal cord. This can lead to severe pain, weakness, paralysis, and even death.
Dachshunds are 10 times more likely to develop IVDD than any other dog breed. There is no cure for this disease, and the treatment options are limited and expensive. Some dachshunds may need surgery, pain medication, anti-inflammatory drugs, or even a wheelchair to cope with their condition.
To prevent IVDD, you need to keep your dachshund at a healthy weight, avoid letting them jump on and off furniture or stairs, and provide them with regular exercise. However, even with these precautions, there is no guarantee that your dachshund will not suffer from this debilitating disease.
2. They Are Prone to Dental Issues
Dachshunds have small mouths and crowded teeth, which make them susceptible to dental problems such as plaque, tartar, gingivitis, periodontitis, and tooth loss. These problems can cause bad breath, pain, infection, and difficulty eating.
Dental issues can also affect your dachshund’s overall health, as bacteria from the mouth can enter the bloodstream and cause damage to the heart, kidneys, liver, and other organs. To prevent dental problems, you need to brush your dachshund’s teeth daily, provide them with dental chews or toys, and take them to the vet for regular check-ups and cleaning.
However, even with proper dental care, your dachshund may still develop dental issues due to their genetic predisposition. In some cases, your dachshund may need dental surgery or extractions to treat their condition.
3. They Are Stubborn and Hard to Train
Dachshunds are intelligent dogs, but they are also very independent and stubborn. They have a strong hunting instinct and a high prey drive, which make them chase after anything that moves. They also have a loud bark and a tendency to dig holes in your yard or garden.
Dachshunds are not easy to train, as they often ignore your commands or do what they want. They can be very selective about what they learn and remember. They can also be very manipulative and use their cute appearance to get away with their bad behavior.
To train a dachshund, you need to be patient, consistent, and firm. You need to use positive reinforcement methods such as praise, treats, and toys. You also need to socialize your dachshund from an early age and expose them to different people, animals, and situations. However, even with proper training, your dachshund may still be disobedient and defiant at times.
4. They Are Aggressive and Territorial
Dachshunds are loyal and protective of their owners, but they can also be aggressive and territorial towards strangers or other dogs. They can be very possessive of their food, toys, bed, or space. They can also be very jealous of any attention that you give to other people or pets.
Dachshunds can bite or snap if they feel threatened or provoked by children who do not respect their boundaries or personal space. They can also bark excessively or growl at anyone who approaches their territory or belongings. They can be very difficult to control when they are in this mode.
To prevent aggression in your dachshund, you need to establish yourself as the leader of the pack and teach your dachshund to respect you and follow your rules. You also need to socialize your dachshund from an early age and expose them to different people, animals, and situations. However, even with proper socialization, your dachshund may still be aggressive towards certain individuals or situations.
5. They Are Prone to Skin Problems
Dachshunds have three different types of coats: smooth, longhaired, and wirehaired. Each coat type has its own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to skin problems.
Smooth-coated dachshunds have short hair that sheds moderately throughout the year. They are easy to groom and keep clean. However, they are also more susceptible to sunburns, allergies, and skin infections.
Longhaired dachshunds have long, silky hair that sheds moderately throughout the year. They are more resistant to sunburns, allergies, and skin infections. However, they are also more prone to matting, tangling, and debris accumulation in their hair. They need regular brushing and trimming to keep their coat healthy and neat.
Wirehaired dachshunds have coarse, wiry hair that sheds minimally throughout the year. They are the most resistant to sunburns, allergies, and skin infections. However, they are also the most prone to acanthosis nigricans, which is a condition that causes darkening and thickening of the skin. They need regular stripping and plucking to remove the dead hair and maintain their coat texture.
To prevent skin problems in your dachshund, you need to choose the right coat type for your climate and lifestyle. You also need to groom your dachshund regularly and check their skin for any signs of irritation, infection, or parasites. You also need to feed your dachshund a high-quality diet that supports their skin health.
6. They Are Prone to Obesity
Dachshunds love to eat, but they also have a slow metabolism and a tendency to gain weight easily. Obesity is a serious health problem for dachshunds, as it can cause or worsen many other health problems such as IVDD, diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, and cancer.
Obesity can also affect your dachshund’s quality of life, as it can make them less active, less playful, and less happy. It can also shorten your dachshund’s lifespan by several years.
To prevent obesity in your dachshund, you need to monitor their food intake and limit their treats and table scraps. You also need to provide them with regular exercise and mental stimulation. You also need to weigh your dachshund regularly and consult your vet if they are overweight or obese.
7. They Are Not Good for Families with Young Children
Dachshunds are not the best choice for families with young children, as they can be very sensitive, nervous, and intolerant of rough handling or loud noises. They can also be very jealous of any attention that you give to your children or other pets.
Dachshunds can bite or snap if they feel threatened or provoked by children who do not respect their boundaries or personal space. They can also bark excessively or growl at children who approach their territory or belongings.
To prevent conflicts between your dachshund and your children, you need to teach your children how to interact with your dachshund in a gentle and respectful manner. You also need to supervise their interactions and intervene if necessary. You also need to provide your dachshund with a safe and quiet place where they can retreat if they feel overwhelmed or stressed.
Conclusion
Dachshunds are not the worst breed in the world, but they are definitely not the best either. They have many health problems, behavioral issues, and special needs that make them unsuitable for many owners. They require a lot of care, attention, and patience that not everyone can provide.
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