Dachshund Questions

When can I visit the puppies?
Many people question if they can pick out, see, or play with the puppies before they are ready to go at 8 weeks old. The
answer to the question is NO. There are several reasons why we do not let anyone around the new puppies between
birth and 8 weeks – all to protect our dogs and your puppy.

It is extremely stressful for the moms to have strangers visit as she is caring for her new litter. This in turn will put stress
on the new born pups. Remember, you are one of many people who are getting a puppy, not including everyone else
who “just want to peek at the new babies.” If we allow everyone to see, touch, or spend time with the new pups, the mom’
s routine would be disrupted: her eating and caring for pups and even her ability to produce enough healthy milk for
them could be at risk.

Like a new baby, the opportunity for young pups to pick up infectious diseases is increased with all new contacts. Their
immune systems are building, so at this time, the moms and pups live in whelping nests which have controlled
temperatures and are separate from all outside traffic. Most illnesses and diseases are innocently carried on people’s
shoes and clothing. Entire litters of puppies can be wiped out within 48 hours by the puppy killer parvo virus. This
disease could be picked up unknowingly by people in a school yard, a park, or on a sidewalk, and this is only one
disease. We can not risk exposing our dogs and your puppy to diseases that could destroy them.

Your puppy is not the only puppy. By protecting all of our puppies from stress and disease that could be brought on by
high traffic, we are protecting your puppy. Just think about how you would feel if someone who just wanted to see his or
her pup happened to bring in stress or illness that would cause us to lose a litter and you to lose your future puppy. We
have heard from many people that pet stores, other breeders, or other kennels let clients visit puppies; the reality is that
their number one concern is selling a puppy. Also, will those people be there to support you, replace the puppy, or guide
you in the days, weeks, or years after you get your puppy home? Are they willing and capable to help you with training,
breeding, behavioral, or health questions? Just because someone allows you to see the puppy, it does not indicate the
quality of dog or of service you will receive throughout the puppy’s lifetime.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. We take great care and much time caring for all of our dogs and their
puppies. It is time and energy consuming. This is what we do best, so please let us do it. We understand your
excitement, and we are happy that you are enthusiastic about getting your pup. But until you take your puppy home, we
are responsible and the puppy’s health and safety is our priority. I guarantee you that in 8 weeks after the birth it will be
well worth your wait.

How long have you been raising Dachshunds?
I started raising dachshunds in 1992, when I fell in love with one at a boarding kennel I worked at.

Are dachshund's good with kids?
These dogs are very adaptable. They are excellent pets for children.   The dachshund has an affectionate, delightful,
playful, clownish type temperament,   they are alert, eager to please, and adaptable. However, as with any dog, it is not a
good idea to let puppies and children play unattended. Children and puppies tend to be unaware of their own size and
strength and could accidentally injure each other. The best thing to do is to teach your child and new puppy how to
behave around one another and you shouldn't have any problems.

Are dachshund's good with other pet's?
These dogs are very adaptable. They are excellent with other dogs and cats but yet retain a hunting instinct so it is best
that they are raised with cats and other pets from puppy hood.

What's their temperament like?
The dachshund is bold, curious and always up for adventure. It likes to hunt and dig, tracking by scent and going to
ground after game. It is independent but will join in its family's activities whenever given a chance. It is good with children
in its own family, but some may snap at strange children. Most are reserved with strangers. Some bark. The longhaired
variety may be quieter and less terrier-like; the wires may be more outgoing and clown like.

Are dachshunds hard to house train?
It depends on the puppy -- some are easier than others. It takes a lot of patience and dedication to house train any puppy
-- dachshund's small size and stubborn nature can make it even more of a challenge. Also See House Training

Do your dachshunds have back problems?
Not so far, all our dachshunds are very active and happy!

What is the difference in the sizes: Miniature and Standard?
A mini or miniature dachshund is one that weighs less than 11 lbs.
A standard size dachshund is 16-35 lbs

What's a tweenie?
Tweenie is a term used to describe dachshunds that weigh from 12-15 lbs they are considered in between miniature and
standard size.

How tall are Dachshunds?
Most Dachshunds stand from 5 to 9 inches in height at the withers (shoulders).

How long do Dachshunds live?
With proper care dachshunds can enjoy a long life span of 12 to 14 years.

What About Exercise?
Although dachshunds are active, their exercise requirements can be met with moderate walks on leash and games in the
yard. The dachshund is amenable to city life or apartment living, but it is still a hunter at heart and enjoys forays into the
wilds. Although it can live outdoors in warm weather, it does best when sleeping inside. The smooth coat requires minimal
grooming. The long coat requires brushing or combing once or twice weekly and occasional trimming of stray hairs. The
wire coat requires brushing or combing about once a week, with occasional trimming of stray hairs and stripping to
remove dead hair twice a year.

Male vs. Female which sex makes a better pet?
There are subtle differences between the sexes but overall there is little difference once your doxie has been
spayed/neutered. If your puppy is fixed at around 5- 7 months of age, your puppy it doesn't know if it's a male or female
because it has not yet started producing nor will it ever produce sex hormones. So behaviors classed/caused by sex are
somewhat nonexistent. We will say though having had quite a few males and females, if we had to pick between the two,
we like our boys best. Why? The males seem just a little more loyal and dedicated. The females are a little busier than
males and a bit more self absorbed. We love those girls too though!

Do you recommend Vitamins?
We use a supplement called NuVet Plus, 1 tab a day. NuVet Plus is produced by a small company in California. It's
available only by mail order. We highly recommend it to all dog owners! NuVet Plus has been proven to help increase
your pet's longevity and quality of life, along with providing an antioxidant that gives a boost to the immune system and
creates a natural defense against over fifty major diseases. NuVet is the best on the market!
The number for NuVet Plus is 1-800-474-7044 (order code 83113)