The Dachshund is a short-legged, long-bodied dog breed belonging to the hound family and is sometimes referred to as the "sausage dog". The breed dates back 600 years and was depicted in German artwork in the 15th century. They were bred as working dogs that could go to ground after game such as badgers. The German name Dachshund actually means "badger dog".

Today, the breed is popular as a show dog, working dog and a pet. Dachshunds are still used by some people for working; typically tracking fallen deer, and these are usually called Teckels. They tend to be slighter in body and longer in the leg than many "show" Dachshunds, but are highly regarded for their working ability and "good noses". In Europe a show champion has to have a working certificate to become a full champion.

Longhaired Dachshunds are usually credited with having spaniel blood behind them, which accounts for their coats. Long coats are not suited to underground work, so the role of the Long-haired variety was overground trailing and even working in water.

Dachshunds are active dogs, and will take as much exercise as you can give them. They are, however, just as happy curled up on your lap, snoozing. They are sociable with other family pets, especially other Dachshunds and are very loyal to their owners. They make keen watchdogs and due to their small size are inexpensive to keep.

Socialisation is a vital part of training a dachshund, without proper training a dachshund may be wary of strangers and other dogs, particularly bigger dogs. They must also be introduced to small children at a young age if children are to be around them. The Dachshund is a typical hound and therefore is inclined to use its voice. They are not noted for their obedience, but can be trained, given persistence by the owner. However, they do like "to get their noses down" when off the lead and can "go deaf" when it suits them.

Long-haired dachshunds are the "glamour kids", with feathering on their ears and tails and long, silky body coats. These coats need regular grooming to keep them tidy and to avoid matting. The most common colours are Black & Tan, Red (ranging from Cream to Shaded Red) and Dapple. Brindle (tiger-striped) also occurs. More recently creams either Shaded (with black hairs in the coat) or Clear Creams (no black hairs pale in colour) are becoming very popular and are our favourites!

We own a stunning Black & Cream stud dog who is the father to all our Mini Longs.  A Shaded Cream girl called Alice & a Clear Cream girl called Willow.  The creams are thought to be the most relaxed and laid back of the colours and we have experienced this too. They are so beautiful and very elegant little dogs.

English Creams- The majority of English Creams have longhair. They are born a dark brown and as they grow (during the first 12wks) they will loose the dark hairs and they will be replaced with cream hairs. In some English creams a blanket of dark hair will stay on thier back, tips of the ears ect... this is called a Shaded English Cream. They typically have black nails, whiskers, paw pads, and noses.

To be honest all the Miniature Dachshund varieties make ideal pets for someone who is maybe less active and who wants a small, but affectionate companion.

Miniature Long-haired Dachshunds should weigh 10 - 11 lbs however many pet-bred Dachshunds are bigger than these ideal weights.

Dachshunds generally suffer from few health problems, provided they are kept well exercised, fit and fed on a healthy, balanced diet. As with most breeds obesity can be a problem if they are fed too much and do not get enough exercise. The average life expectancy recorded in the Kennel Club's Health Survey was over 12 years.

Because they are a "dwarf breed", there is a greater risk of slipped disk problems than in a longer-legged dog. However, such problems are best avoided by keeping the dog fit and not allowing it to become overweight or to run up and down stairs, which clearly will put extra stress on the back. 

We have a stunning litter of Creams available at the moment from Willow please contact us for more information or to join our waiting list!

Alice our gorgeous shaded cream girl