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Choosing a puppy...
Does Size Really Matter?
"Are there toy dachshunds? Teacup dachshunds? I'm looking for a 5-pound dachshund. Do you have any?"
Please, folks, don't ask us these questions. Breeders with quality dachshunds cringe when these words are uttered. Dachshunds were never meant to be five pounds at maturity. All the wonderful dachshund traits...short, muscular legs, a deep chest, a long roman nose...disappear. A dachshund should not have a high forehead, bulging eyes, long legs and a thin chest.
The breed standard for a miniature is 11 pounds. We have some dachshunds that are on the smaller side and some on the larger side. Always ask to see photos of the parents before buying a puppy, and do your homework. If you're not sure what a quality dachshund should look like, view photos of champions and compare their body structure to the parents of your prospective puppy. Nearly all puppies are cute, but it's important to know what your puppy will turn into as an adult.
The extra time you spend in finding a quality puppy will be well worth the trouble.
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Choosing a puppy...
Temperament
With all the coat and color possibilities in dachshunds, it's easy to overlook the most important thing...personality. It should be first and foremost in the selection of your puppy.
We know the personalities of all our dogs, and by the time a puppy is four to five weeks old we can tell you about the puppy's personality also. One size definitely does not fit all in dachshunds. We can tell you whether a puppy is dominant or submissive, active or sedate, and what type personality will blend with another. It is extremely important to us that your puppy fits into your life with ease.
Let us know some of the important details that will affect your puppy's life, such as;
a) Activity Level - If your family is very active, you might want a puppy that can participate in your active lifestyle. If you have active children that will be the puppy's playmate, that should also factor into your decision. If you lead a quieter, more sedate life, you would probably be happier with a puppy that loves to snuggle.
b) Environment - Do you live in an apartment in the city? Do you have a yard with plenty of room for the puppy to play?
c) Do you work during the day? Will the puppy be alone during that time? Or are you retired, and looking for a friend to spend your days with?
We will do our very best to help you find the puppy that is perfect for you. Our puppies aren't just a color and a price...they're our babies.
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Choosing a puppy...
Coat Type
You probably already know which coat type you prefer, but did you know that each coat type also has its own distinct personality traits? It's fun to learn about the differences and maybe one day you'll be adventuresome and try something new.
Smooth coat is the most common. The smooth coat is virtually care free...just an occasional bath is all that is needed. A smooth coated dachshund is playful and loving.
Wire coat can range from soft and curly to stiff and spiky. Both coats can be left as is, plucked by hand (such as wire dachshunds shown in competition), or shaved. It's really just your preference. The wire coat sheds very little. They are the clown of the dachshund world. They are feisty, amusing, playful and protective.
Long coat is the regal, elegant look. They do shed somewhat, but with occasional brushing it is minimal. Their temperament is usually softer, extremely loving, and very sensitive to your moods.
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Choosing a puppy...
Dachshund Colours
Did you know that there are more color/coat combinations available in dachshunds than in any other breed? Sometimes having so many options makes a decision even more difficult. Aesthetics, or eye appeal, is an important consideration, but should be secondary to personality.
The colours available in dachshunds are:
Red
Shaded Red
Black & Tan
Solid Black
Black & Cream
Silver Dapple
Chocolate
Chocolate & Tan
Chocolate Dapple
Cream
Shaded Cream
Wheaten
Wild Boar
The patterns available in dachshunds are:
Brindle
Dapple
Add to the mix the three coat types and the two sizes, standard and miniature, and the list of possibilities is mind-boggling!
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