You would always find a shorthaired dachshund on any list of favourite dog breeds. They are fondly called ‘sausage dogs’ for their sausage-like shape with sturdy legs.
Dachshunds are skilled hunters and great companions; thus, a lucky owner will get the best of both worlds.
In this article, our focus is on the shorthaired dachshund. We will talk extensively on what these wiener dogs are like, their origin, coat colours, temperaments, care requirements, and more.
There are three distinct coat variations from where each type of dachshund gets its name – the long-haired dachshund, the wire-haired dachshund, and the shorthaired (or smooth-haired) dachshund.
This guide will educate you on all things you should know about these stubborn and playful smooth-haired weiner dogs.
Where do Shorthaired Dachshunds Come from?
Shorthaired dachshunds are one of the several varieties of dachshund dogs. While the other types are long-haired and wire-haired respectively, they all share the same primary roots with the shorthaired weiners. But how did they come to be?
Initially, the dachshund ancestors were bred to be hunters, expressing so much bravery and independence when confronting badgers.
As early as since the 15th century, this breed has been doing their jobs perfectly. However, it wasn’t until the 17th century that they became used as breeding dogs in Germany.
The breeders continued to develop dachshund species, and a new size was obtained, the miniature dachshunds.
The normal-sized dachshunds made good of their purpose chasing wild boars and hunting down badgers and foxes. On the other side, the miniature wieners (including the shorthaired) were used in hunting smaller animals like rabbits.
The fluffy ears dachshunds have isn’t just a design but helped them keep dirt out after entering burrows.
The shorthaired dachshund became popular in the United States during the 1930s. However, it was first recognised by the AKC (American Kennel Club) way back in 1885 when they were shipped into the country from Germany.
These days, shorthaired dachshunds are used widely as excellent companions, family pets, and therapy dogs. They can even exhibit their inbred guard dog personality without the instructions of their owners.
What are the Most Common Colours of Shorthaired Dachshunds?
The truth is that the shorthaired dachshunds can have just about any coat colour. However, some are very rare, while others are common.
Initially, shorthaired dachshunds were commonly seen in black and red coat colours. The black, when viewed from its much rustier outlook, is sometimes confused with brown.
Shorthaired dachshund colours as recognised by the American Kennel Club are often referred to as base colours.
Shorthaired dachshund colours
✓ Red
✓ Black and Tan
The black and tan dachshund seems to be amongst the most popular dachshund colours in the world. These shorthaired pups have black body colour as a base and the tan in areas like their feet, muzzle, and tail and under the chest.
The black and tan are often confused as black and cream by some folks. However, it is one of the earliest colours the German dachshunds come in.
✓ Cream
Cream shorthaired dachshund is often referred to as the ‘bond girl’ of the breed. The cream colour is one of the most elegant colours ever bred for a dachshund, and just like most colours and markings, the cream colour is genetic.
It has to be in the recessive form in both parents of the dog before it can be recorded in the litter.
Cream-coloured dachshunds generally have black noses, nails and paw pads. And they have beautiful black eyeliner too!
Cream dachshunds are of two types: the American Cream and the English Cream dachshund. Sometimes you can also hear about Clear Cream doxie, which is in truth, the part of the English Cream family.
The English Cream has traces to a dog five generations ago in England. Shorthaired dachshunds of this breed usually have pale gold or cream colours.
The American cream dachshund has a similar cream colour but appears to be a light version of the red dachshunds. In fact, different genes are responsible for American Cream. To clarify, American Cream is just a diluted Red colour.
If you want to find out about different types of a Cream dachshund in detail, feel free to read our article about English Cream Dachshunds.
✓ Fawn
Dachshunds with this colour are sometimes called Isabella dachshunds. They present silver or fawn colour, which is, in fact, a dilute colour from chocolate. They strictly do not have any black colours, with their paws, nose and nails often carry a bluish silver hue with their eyes light hazel.
The colours of Isabella and tan dachshunds, aka fawn dachshunds, are often a product of a recessive gene. Hence, they must be present in both of the puppy’s parents to be visible in the offspring.
✓ Chocolate and tan
This colour, just like chocolate sweets, will melt your heart. The brown colour plus the tan points will make you want to have your doxie in sight all the time. Although cream dachshunds are believed to be the most exclusive and trendy weiners today, there was a time when the chocolate and tan colour was the ‘in’ thing.
Dachshunds of this colour have the chocolate as their base colour with the tan colour on the part of their face, eyes, and feet.
✓ Black and Cream
A black or entirely brown dachshund is also very rare.
Shorthaired dachshund patterns
Besides having these colours, shorthaired dachshunds can also have markings or patterns. According to the American Kennel Club classification, these patterns are grouped into four:
- The brindle (stripes)
- The dapple
- The sable
- The double dapple
- The piebald
Double dapple is a rare shorthaired dachshund pattern. Because of the genetic health complications, the American Kennel Club has refused to recognise double dapple dachshunds as show dogs.
Another rare characteristic colour pattern of dachshund is the piebald.
The piebald is the pattern and not the colour. One thing about the piebald pattern is that it is gene-based.
You cannot get a piebald except you cross breed parents with the microphthalmia transcription gene. This gene is mostly recessive and is responsible for the sprinkles of white spots covering the dachshund’s primary colour. For your puppy to piebald, the gene has to be present in both parents. Even if one of the parents alone possesses the gene, your puppy may not be piebald.
In other words, both parents of the piebald puppy may not be actual piebald, but they must possess the gene with may just be recessive in them.
Plus, breeding two piebald dachshunds will produce a litter filled with all-piebald puppies.
The best way to help your dachshund live longer?
Watch our video to find out!
Shorthaired Dachshund Temperament
The shorthaired dachshund is one of the most entertaining breeds you will ever have. Its temperament and attitude can be unstable and complicated sometimes, giving you some serious laugh.
If you live with or are planning to adopt a shorthaired dachshund, understanding its temperament and personality can help forge a solid relationship between you and your doxie.
Brave and defensive
Shorthaired dachshunds, just like every other weiner dog variety, are very brave. They can fight dirty – it’s what they were bred for. It is in their DNA.
Your shorthaired doxie will flex its deep grumpy voice if it hears a sudden sound or sees a stranger at the door. Their bravery is often expressed this way, barking with such sonorous voice as a big dog will.
Whether a car door is slammed outside, or a car horns from miles away, your shorthaired dachshund will likely flip into defense mode and invariable run in the direction of the noise. This temperament makes them an excellent option for a guard dog.
Your shorthaired dachshund will invariably lunge at other dogs, especially ones of different breeds – except when adequately trained not to. Even if it doesn’t stand a chance against these dogs, it won’t inhibit the brave spirit and instinct from attacking a perceived danger.
Independent and Stubborn
If your dachshund doesn’t feel like doing something, it will be challenging to try to make it do it. That’s why they are so difficult to train.
Dachshunds generally put their minds into play, not minding if you are giving instructions or not. Plus, your dog might false guilt after doing something terrible like peeing on the couch or breaking on the hallway.
If you want your shorthaired dachshund to listen to you as its boss, you will have to apply a little more consistency and patience into its training process.
Helpful Nature
Shorthaired dachshunds love to help with chores in the home. When they are not napping, they will follow you about as you do chores or work in the garden. They would watch you with all curiosity in their large eyes, and it is almost funny watching your doxie do this.
Friendly and Affectionate
Shorthaired dachshund can be affectionate and friendly. Even though they have a stubborn nature in the background, they are easily bored and require attention just like a newborn.
When it is not napping, your shorthaired doxie might act all clingy and get mad when it is not receiving the attention it wants. Plus, your weiner is always ready to give you all the hugs and kisses you’d ever want. No wonder most therapists advise patients to have at least one doxie!
Shorthaired dachshunds and dachshunds generally are excellent family pets.
Famous Shorthaired Dachshund Owners
Dachshunds have been the soulmates of most famous individuals since time immemorial. It is easy to understand why those in the limelight prefer weiner dogs. The dachshund’s smallish size, unique body shape, and independent spirit are to die for.
For most of the celebrities, the dachshund only adds to their glamour. Here are a few famous people that kept shorthaired dachshund as their companions:
- David Bowie
- Doris Day
- David Hasselhoff
- Clint Eastwood
- Brett Michaels
- Audrey Hepburn
- Christian Slater
- Ashley Olsen
- Adele
- Andy Warhol
- Fergie
- Gary Cooper
- Elizabeth Taylor
Shorthaired Dachshund Health Issues
The shorthaired dachshund has a unique build as compared to the other dog breeds. Long and stunted, no wonder it is called ‘sausage dog’.
However, there are diseases that your weiner dog stands at a higher risk of suffering. Most dogs might suffer the same, but your shorthaired doxie is more likely to experience these health issues at a point in its life if it is not adequately cared for.
We have listed some of the health problems your shorthaired dachshund might suffer from.
IVDD (Intervertebral Disk Disease)
This condition is the main foe of the dachshund because of its stunted legs and elongated spine. Intervertebral Disk Disease implies that one or more disks of the spinal cord of your dog have become herniated.
The skeletal build of a dachshund is the reason why it tops on the list of dog breeds commonly diagnosed with this problem.
Your doxie might have to endure severe pains in its spinal region and neck due to IVDD.
To reduce your dog’s chances of suffering this disease, you must stop it from performing activities that place excessive stress on its spinal cord.
One of the most important and effective measures to prevent IVDD is Supplementation.
We highly recommend the Dachshund Advanced Care by Breedology, it is an advanced dietary supplement, precisely formulated for the dachshund breed. Their powerful natural formula includes Chondroitin, Glucosamine and Hyaluronic Acid among other ingredients that work in perfect synergy to provide advanced joint and cartilage support for dachshunds at any age.
Hypothyroidism
Be watchful of your doxie, especially between the ages of 1 and 3. Most dog owners confuse this condition with canine obesity, whereas there is an acute shortage of thyroid hormones production.
Lymphocytic thyroiditis is a common problem for the shorthaired dachshunds. When your dog begins to suffer this condition, it exhibits symptoms such as depleted energy levels.
Although his condition is relatively easy to tackle, diagnosing it may be quite tricky.
Acanthosis Nigricans
No other breed suffers this condition except dachshunds. So when you start noticing that your dog’s groin or armpit is gradually being covered by black, thick skin, that’s Acanthosis Nigricans knocking on the door. Consult your veterinarian immediately.
Eye Issues
The shorthaired dachshund is prone to suffering several eye issues. These eye issues, however, can affect any dog breed and at any point in its life. Some of these eye issues include:
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is often an inherited condition where the dog’s eyes retain too much water, and this can lead to blindness. This condition is the top culprit for most dogs’ blindness. Testing a dog before breeding is often the best step in avoiding this condition in your dachshund.
PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy)
This inherited eye ailment is common in dachshunds and affects the retina. The visual impairment often progresses as time wears on. Dachshunds’ eyes will become dilated and useless at night.
The worst part is that there isn’t a cure yet for this condition, and it might be unfortunate for your dog to suffer such.
Cataract
A cataract is one of the top causes of total blindness in dachshunds and dogs generally. The hereditary problem often affects the dog’s eye lenses and makes it clouded, impairing its vision. The best way to keep cataract at bay is to give the dog foods that would make its eye lenses sharper and stronger, as the condition cannot be cured yet.
Eye conditions mentioned above are most common, yet it is not a full list of what your weiner dog can suffer from.
We wrote a separate article on Eye Problems in Dachshunds, in case you want to find out more.
Skin Problems
Your shorthaired dachshund might suffer skin problems, including sarcoptic mange, food reactions, and dermatitis (flea allergy). When your dachshund starts having a flaky cover or itchy skin, inflammations and excessive loss of hair, it means your dog is experiencing some skin problems.
In this case, you may need to contact your vet immediately.
Flea allergies are most common because of the abundance of fleas during summer and fall. Your vet might advise that you modify your pet’s diet or prescribe some medications for the treatment of dachshund skin problems.
Obesity
Because of the stocky nature or build of your dog, obesity is one problem it is bound to suffer. Statistics show that dachshunds are more prone to obesity than any other dog breed in the world. When obesity strikes, your pet dachshund’s joints, lungs, and heart are bound to suffer the consequences.
The worst thing about obesity in dachshunds is that it might open doors to several other ailments. Due to the extra weight on the spine and backline of your doxie, back and spinal cord pains might be the portal to other severe conditions.
Monitoring your pet’s weight is a good idea. Your shorthaired doxie doesn’t have to eat anything and whenever. Proper dieting and regular exercise can help control your dog’s weight.
If you wish to find out more, read our detailed article on Obesity in Dogs.
External and Internal Injuries
First thing to remember is that your shorthaired dachshund is prone to injuries, due to its unique skeletal structure. Additionally, your weiner is often at risk of physical hazards.
Therefore, your best bet is avoiding any strenuous activity that might stress your dog’s back or the length of its body. Such activities include too much running, jumping on and off the couch, or going up and down the stairs. If your dog has to use the stairs, try carrying it sometimes to avoid much stress on its vertebrae.
On the positive side, you can keep your dachshund safe from several health issues with proper nutrition and regular exercise. Also, ensure that you consult a trustworthy breeder to know the problems unique to each breed before making your decisions.
Additionally, do not hesitate to consult your vet when you notice signs your dog might be ill.
Shorthaired Dachshund Training Basics
There are many things we wish our weiner dog can learn. However, owing to the stubborn and independent nature of shorthaired dachshunds, you might have to narrow your training to a few basics.
You dachshund leash walking training
Firstly, you want your dog to know how to walk alongside you as you hold the leash without dragging you (leash walking).
To be successful in leash training your dog, you need to begin when it is still a puppy. Starting early, even when the dog is about eight weeks old can help it get used to walking in it and not feel uncomfortable. However, at first, your puppy might resist. Don’t give up.
Investing in the correct gear can also guarantee easier leash training for your dog. Ensure the dog’s collar perfectly fits, and the dog is comfortable in it, lest it might get agitated and make things difficult.
Also, your dog’s training sessions must be short, as dachshunds quickly lose interest in things. This is why cutting their training into several short sessions every day should do the trick.
When walking with your dog on the leash, ensure your pet is on your left and the leash on your right hand. If you keep doing this in said position, your dog will recognise when it’s time to take a walk.
You might experience some dragging at first. Your sausage dog might want to walk faster than you. Don’t drag it back. Instead, stop moving and gently tug the leash towards you. Your dog will walk back, and you can reward it with a tap on the head or a hug. This should be continued until your puppy finally understands that it isn’t supposed to move far ahead or lag.
Your Dachshund Potty training
Some dachshund owners want their dog to be potty trained. That is where the real problem shows up. Surveys on shorthaired dachshunds show that these dogs are the most difficult to potty train and you might need to employ several techniques before they get the point.
In either way, experts say the crate method is most natural for dachshunds to comply with. Firstly, get a crate that just about fits your dog and allows it to turn around comfortably, cover it with a floor of a blanket or something soft. Then you can place a toy that your dogs often play within the crate to encourage it to go in. If you don’t use toys, you can use treats. Place some treats inside the crate to encourage it to go inside.
As a next step, you can begin putting your pet’s food into the crate and luring it to go there and eat. When it goes in, you can close the crate and only open it up after he must have been done with its food. As time goes on, you can increase the time you let your doxie be locked in the crate.
You can then use the verbal cue like “bedtime” and throw a treat as it gets into the crate, not forgetting verbal praises like “good dog” and so on.
Housebreaking
Housebreaking is another training basics for dachshunds.
Generally, your shorthaired dachshund would show excitement signs and would be restless if it wants to use the bathroom. You should pay attention to these signs and take your dog out to the bathroom.
Always use the verbal praises or give it treats, assuring it that it has done well by using the bathroom. If you accidentally catch your shorthaired dachshund peeing or defecating inside the house, interrupt it immediately.
Do not use punishments as it will make your pet scared of you. Instead, make a sharp noise or yell its name and then carry it outside where you prefer it to defecate.
By doing this regularly, it will take your dog just a few weeks to get the message and act accordingly.
Shorthaired Dachshund Exercise and Activity Requirements
As a shorthaired dachshund owner, you might be wondering how much exercise or activity is adequate for your pet. You must have probably learned that too much of certain activities can be detrimental to your dog’s health. On the other hand, inadequate exercises can increase your dog’s chances of suffering obesity and other weight-related problems.
It’s important to realise that your shorthaired doxie was meant to be lively and athletic. It was initially bred to sniff out and hunt badgers known for their meanness. So it seems your shorthaired doxie might not be getting enough activity if you leave it to relax at home.
Additionally, you should take your weiner pet out several times every week to allow it to build toned muscles through exercise. However, these exercises shouldn’t be too strenuous or place much weight on your dachshund lower back as that might lead to injuries and IVDD.
Instead of letting it run up and down the stairs, why not take your shorthaired dachshund swimming? Folks believe that dachshunds don’t like water, but that’s not true. Yours might actually like it.
As your shorthaired dachshund grows up, you can begin to research and add other dachshund-friendly exercises to its activity schedule.
For puppies, exercising about 15 minutes daily and at least three times a week is recommended. As your dog grows older, you can increase the duration – 1 hour or more as the shorthaired clocks a year or two.
While your dachshund can safely involve in games such as fetch which exercises them mentally and physically, you must avoid activities involving much twisting and turning, like tug-of-war, which may cause problems on your dog’s spine and neck.
Should I Buy A Shorthaired Dachshund?
After all, people buy dogs for various reasons.
Firstly, shorthaired dachshunds are known to be cute and friendly. Also, they can be a reliable partner during tough times.
Some therapists prescribe families or retired people to buy a dachshund. These dogs can also be excellent guard dogs because of their alertness and bravery.
Although these dogs might be prone to some health issues, with proper care, these problems might not affect them.
If you have the time and patience to groom and care about your shorthaired dachshund, it is a great idea!
Shorthaired dachshunds: To Summarise
Dachshunds might be sometimes aggressive; moreover, the shorthaired variety tends to be more quick-tempered than the rest. To adopt or own one of these dogs, you have to understand its temperament so there won’t be clashing of orders.
Plus you have to be ready to do everything to keep your weiner’s health in good condition for as long as possible. The right nutrition and adequate exercise are all that needed to achieve that feat.
Strenuous exercises are a no go area for your doxie. Back pains, spine, and neck pains are symptoms of severe health problems that might terminate your dog’s life.
Information is the key to having a healthy and lasting relationship with your doxie.