What To Look For In A Dachshund Puppy
In choosing your puppy, assuming that it comes from healthy, wellbred parents, look for one that is friendly and out-going. The biggest pup in the litter is apt to be somewhat coarse as a grown dog, while the appealing “poor little runt” may turn out to be a timid shadow-or have a Napoleon complex! If you want a show dog and have no experience in choosing the prospect. His prices will be in accord with the puppies’ expected worth, and he will be honest with you because it is to his own advantage. He wants his good puppies placed in the public eye to reflect glory on him and to attract future buyers.
If you are interested in showing your dog, it is a good idea to attend a dog show or two in your locale before buying your future entry. Watch the judging and ask exhibitors for information, some of them will probably have young stock for sale.
The puppy should have a bright eye, without too much haw, or inner eyelid, showing in the corner. The head should be long, with dark eye, the body long, with well-sprung ribs. Short legs should be set well under the brisket, or chest, and the back should be neither sway nor roach (or arched). The tail should be long and tapered. In the Smooth, richness of coloring is desirable; the Long-haired should have a flat-lying coat with plenty of feathering on the legs and tail, and the hair on the ears should extend well below the tips. The puppy’s coat should give promise of fulfilling these requirements. The Wire-haired’s coat should be rough and hard.
Although the Dachshund puppy may wobble clumsily when it moves, it should be able with coaxing to step out briskly and put one foot in front of the other instead of meandering or crossing in front of itself. The puppy should be lively and scamper with its littermates instead of sitting alone all the time.
Now that you have paid your money and made your choice, you are ready to depart with puppy, papers and instructions. Make sure that you know its feeding routine, and take along some of the same kind of food if you have not already bought some. It is best to make any changes in diet gradually so as not to upset digestion. If the puppy is not fed immediately before leaving, it should ride comfortably in your lap. Take along a towel or newspaper just in case, however.
