Five Things You Didn’t Know about the Blue Dachshund
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Dachshunds are small, lengthy dogs, short-to-the ground, and often affectionately referred to as “Weiner dogs.” Their short legs, long bodies, long, floppy ears, and elongated snouts are unmistakable and the combination makes them some of the most recognizable dogs of any breed.
The Dachshund is most often seen as a reddish color, or, a Red Dachshund, although there are a number of Dachshunds colors and blue is just one of them. These spunky little dogs have a log of character and personality.
They love their humans and attention. They love to be spoiled but do have a bit of a stubborn streak, primarily due to their inbred nature to hunt and chase prey.
This stubborn streak can make them a bit hard to train, despite the fact that they are very intelligent dogs. If you are interested in purchasing a Dachshund of a different color, here are five things you didn’t know about the Blue Dachshund
1. What causes the blue tone?
The Blue Dachshund is really a genetic trait and depends on the pup’s parents and gene code. The blue develops from a dilution of a black and tan Dachshund’s gene pool. It’s a recessive gene trait, and really, the color is more gray, but looks blue, and they have tan points.
One thing you won’t find on the Blue Dachshund is any black on any part of their body. Their noses will be a bluish color, as well as their nails and the paw pads. In order for a Dachshund to have a Blue puppy, both parents must either show themselves as blue, or carry the recessive gene to produce a Blue Dachshund puppy.
2. Hunters
Dachshunds were bred to hunt. They were bred to chase small animals and scatter prey, so as pets, this innate instinct to chase and hunt animals comes out in the breed and is a trait you will want to be aware of.
Your Blue Dachshund will have times when he has a mind of his own and find it hard to follow your commands, especially if other, small animals are around. He will turn on his instinct to chase, and off and running, he will be. It’s best to always have your Dachshund on a leash so that you remain in control of him at all times, especially on walks or other activities.
3. Stubborn
Yes, this little dog can be quite stubborn. Due to the stubborn streak that often runs in this breed, it can be a little difficult to train them and will require quite a bit of time working with them training, general commands and obedience.
This is something that should start right away and continue on, reinforcing the lessons even as they get into adulthood. You always want them to be aware that you are the pack leader and never let them think they are, because this breed will try to do the controlling, if you let them.
Positive reinforcement is the form of training that works best with your little Blue Dachshund, and not forceful or punishment training.
4. Prone to back issues
If you couldn’t guess, the Blue Dachshund, and all Dachshunds, are more prone to back issues, due to the length of their spinal column. Their little “slinky” design, coupled with a short ribcage, means that more pressure and stress is put on their spines, making them more susceptible to a particular type of spinal problem, known as Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD).
The disease can also be made worse by too intense exercise, rough handling or rough play, obesity, jumping too high, or other reasons. These dogs should be handled with care and not allowed to jump off high places, or made to walk too long of a distance, or allowed to get overweight. Regular check-ups can help detect it early on so that treatment or proper care can be initiated.
5. One of the most popular dogs
Dachshunds are one of the top breeds to own as a pet in the country, and the AKC has ranked them as the 13th most popular. In 76 of 190 major US cities, they are the tenth most popular breed in small dwelling and urban homes. When it comes to the Blue Dachshund, they are one of the most popular of all the different colors and patterned Dachshunds, due to their striking good looks. Their beautiful smoky grey coloring and striking eyes make them one of the most sought after color variations.
