Need some help/advise.....

I am thinking about getting a new puppy this weekend. A female mini dachshund.

Does anyone here have any experience with this breed and would like to share your experiences - good and bad.

Its a big decision for me and I don't want to make a mistake.

Thanks for your help.

It's really all about luck with smaller dogs. I, personally, am not a huge fan of small breeds because they usually tend to be skittish, yappy, and difficult to potty train. I took a chance and got a chihuahua maltese mix and she's one of the best dogs I've ever owned. My husbands grand mother has 2 dachshunds and they are very yappy, but the female is very sweet and loveable.

Thanks for your input. I've had large breeds in the past but I moved to a samller house now and would really like a smaller breed dog and just love the look of the Dachshunds.

I am looking at getting a female. I plan to crate train her like I did all my previous pets.

I work full time but have a family member that is willing to go to my house everyday at 9am, 12pm and 3pm to help with the potty training stage.

My 10 year boxer passed away a year ago - I really miss having a dog around but the committment and expense scares me a bit.

Its just such a big commitment.

You're welcome! It's great you have someone willing to come over and let the puppy out for potty breaks, that would probably help tremendously. Also if you do decide to get one, make sure the crate you get has a divider so the puppy only has enough room to stand up, turn around, and lay down comfortably since they don't like pottying where they sleep and eat etc the divider will allow her to still be comfortable but she won't have enough room to potty in the corner and get away from it so she will let you know she has to go out.

I would only give you the same advice I'd give someone buying a ball python. Go to a reputable breeder who knows the breed and will be there after the sale.

Especially with a dog like that it would be worth your time (and money) to look into rescues and clubs. Its nice because its a good source of information and breeder lists. Its always a positive if you can meet with different breeders in the area and really get a feel for their dogs and the breed.
I have a Cairn Terrier, I have fostered, bred, shown and rescued cairns and my family is big into the cairn community where we live. If you spend the time to get to know them you will probly get a great dog, but you will def. get great advice.

I don't believe small dogs are all about luck. Some need more exercise, or work to do, but ultimately, dogs are dogs, and if you raise and train them properly, and they match your lifestyle, all breeds of dogs can be amazing pets. Read some books, read everything you can about the breed online, and enroll in a basic obedience class as soon as possible - do not wait until your dog is 6 months old, do so as a puppy, so long as they are up to date on their shots. You may have to look around for the perfect dog training center/style for you. I'd stay away from the ultra-positive dog training classes as well as the type that focus only on dominating the dog. I like a healthy balance, as a pack of wolves might have in the wild. Ultimately, you should be the leader, but you will also get good results if you teach the dog a good behavior, and encourage that behavior in a positive way, without forcing them to do so.

One thing to look out for: their backs can have serious issues if they jump from too high, are dropped, or rough-house too hard. Do some serious reading on this topic, and adjust your home or lifestyle, to be appropriate for the dog, if this is the breed you are getting.

In my experience, (and we have had a few of them in the extended family) they can be super sweet to their people, good lap dogs. But they are very clingy and can have bad seperation anxiety. Also, they don't like to go out to potty in inclement weather, would rather hold it and go in the house. They also like to bark their fool heads off. Every dog is going to be different though. I am not a fan of little dogs, just my opinion. Good luck with whatever you decide.

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My friend has 5 wiener dogs. They are the most annoying dogs in the world. You pull into the driveway and they all start yapping and dont stop for 10 min. If one sees a squirrell and starts yapping they all start up. Like the seagulls in Nemo, " MINE, MINE, Mine!"

They potty trained for the most part but still have accidents if they get too excited. Dont get me wrong, theyre ok dogs and fun to mess around with, but i personally wouldnt wanna own one lol.

I just didn't want to jump in and regret my decision. Not so much as to what breed I get but more in the way is there room for the extra expense of having yet another animal. Vet bills can kill ya - been there and done that for many years.

I tend to be sorta impulsive - I see a cute puppy and gotta have it "now". I am trying to not do that anymore - showing some restraint. This will be a 16+ year commitment so I want to know that I am doing the right thing.

I also have a cat - not sure how she would welcome the puppy - sure don't want her to start peeing in the house like so many cats do when their environment is disturbed.

I did a pros/cons list to see for myself - the cons greatly outweighed the pros at this point in my life with financial reasons being number one - I mean, I have a good job but I also have two grown boys that tend to depend way too much on me for financial help - so that puts a strain on me financially.

I think I have pretty much talked myself out of getting the puppy right now. I will definitely have another puppy "someday" but I don't think right now is the best time.

Thanks to all of you for chiming in with valid points and opinions.

Good News Update. After talking it over with my husband - I have decided to go with my first choice of breeds (Boston Terrier) but don't plan to get a puppy until early 2013 due to how busy life is right now. Boston's are way more expensive than a dachshund which is why I was leaning towards a Boston but my hubby said that if you are going to make a 15+ year commitment - you better get what you really want.

I have been in touch with a good breeder and have put a deposit for pick of the litter come 2013. I am super excited about getting a new puppy and I have plenty of time to get projects done at home, plus purchase all the supplies I will need to properly care for her. Another plus is that my vacation time at work starts over in Jan. and I want to spend at least the first 2 weeks home with her getting the potty training off to a good start.

Just wanted to let you all know how this ended up.

:banana::banana::banana::banana:

Boston Terriers are like a million times cooler than daschunds! I approve!:gj::banana:

Lol. Was actually going to suggest a Boston over a Dachshund, but didn't want to push my preferences :P Great choice though ;)

Remember.. look for eyes that look as straight as possible, aren't too bulgy, and a snout that is closer to a 90 degree angle tot he forehead, rather than being too squished into the face. You're more likely to have fewer eye problems, and breathing (and farting) problems :)

The Boston Terrier was always my first choice but I was trying to save some money by going with a dachshund - lol.

In the end, we secured our place for pick of the litter next year so I am super excited.

I'm a planner and love to have all this time to prepare and get stuff ready for the little tyke. I reading every book I can get my hands on to learn more about the breed.

We have asked for a girl first choice but will consider a boy too.

Thanks all!!!!!

If you get a girl, get her spayed early to prevent a accidental pregnancy, since Bostons can have major issues giving birth. It's common for them to have 2 puppy litters, so getting pick of the litter could mean you get the ONLY puppy or one of the two available. Good choice.

You should make certain about the parent's knees, eyes and nasal issues too. Bad knees, dental issues, eye issues and nasal issues(as well as cleft palate) can crop up.

Dachunds are actually great dogs, you just need to train/raise them like a german shepard or bulldog. They don't know they're mini. They also have major issues with obesity, which for THEM is dangerous because a couple extra pounds can put way too much stress on the spine. We have a lot of great dachund clients and a few annoying ones. None of our clients are barkers, but I know a few people who have mentioned barking dachunds too.

Good luck with the new puppy next year. Make sure you keep the facial folds cleaned with baby wipes.

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Originally Posted by wolfy-hound

If you get a girl, get her spayed early to prevent a accidental pregnancy, since Bostons can have major issues giving birth. It's common for them to have 2 puppy litters, so getting pick of the litter could mean you get the ONLY puppy or one of the two available. Good choice.

You should make certain about the parent's knees, eyes and nasal issues too. Bad knees, dental issues, eye issues and nasal issues(as well as cleft palate) can crop up.

Dachunds are actually great dogs, you just need to train/raise them like a german shepard or bulldog. They don't know they're mini. They also have major issues with obesity, which for THEM is dangerous because a couple extra pounds can put way too much stress on the spine. We have a lot of great dachund clients and a few annoying ones. None of our clients are barkers, but I know a few people who have mentioned barking dachunds too.

Good luck with the new puppy next year. Make sure you keep the facial folds cleaned with baby wipes.

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I am not sure I agree with spaying too early. I normally prefer to wait 6-9 months before spaying, or sometime after their first heat. I have had a lot of small (rescued) dogs experience complications from being spayed to early and I have found that waiting until the dog is bigger not only gives it time to mature a bit but also makes it a lot easier to spay. Ultimately its up to you and the vet that you trust... This is just from my experience both from rescue dogs and breeding. If your careful and you watch her when she is in heat then you wont have any problems with accidental pregnancy (not to mention she most likely will not go into heat until the 6-10 month range).

I am not a huge fan of small breeds because they usually are generally nervous, yappy, and challenging to house break. I took a opportunity and got a chihuahua maltese mix and she is one of the best pets I've ever possessed.