topic Re: Dachshund Question in Pet Lovers

Dachshund Question

lovesallanimals — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 14:46:26 GMT

As many of you know from my previous post, I lost my Jack Russell Molly all of a sudden. She was on my lap happy, I was rubbing her belly which she loved, then later on she came out of her doggie bed collapsed on the floor and passed away. She was going to be 10 in April. That being said, I live alone having lost my husband this past spring. I am in my 70s and so miss having a dog companion. I always loved Dachsunds but read they cannot be allowed to jump onto a couch, bed, go up and down stairs. It seems like you have to carry them everywhere. And what if you ar not home for a couple of hours.

I wanted to know if anyone has experience with these adorable dogs. I want a short haired small dog so if not a Dachshund I might get another JR. Any input would be appreciated.

Oh, them I looked into a Yorkie and the health problems, especially them losing their teeth were horrible. These dog website are making me crazy, I don't know what to believe. I just want a calm, sweet small dog who I can take on walks with me.

Re: Dachshund Question

wonderfulworld — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 14:59:02 GMT

My sister has had two. You are right about jumping. They have portable stairs the dogs use to get on furniture and the bed.
You need to watch their weight as well. Hard on their backs.

One of hers had bad allergies and skin issues. Lived to 12.

The other is healthy and is now 5.

Re: Dachshund Question

wonderfulworld — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 15:01:11 GMT

When the dogs were small they were crated when they went out. Once they were trained to use the stairs they did not jump.

Re: Dachshund Question

lovesallanimals — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 15:03:22 GMT

@wonderfulworld wrote:
My sister has had two. You are right about jumping. They have portable stairs the dogs use to get on furniture and the bed.
You need to watch their weight as well. Hard on their backs.

One of hers had bad allergies and skin issues. Lived to 12.

The other is healthy and is now 5.

wonderfulworld - That's what I was afraid of. I would have to have portable stairs everywhere and I have a small house. Thanks for the info.

Re: Dachshund Question

Janey2 — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 15:15:20 GMT

I guess there are exceptions to every rule....I had a Yorkshire that lived to be 17 and was not sick a day in her life.

Any pet can be ill at any time

Re: Dachshund Question

Dusty1 — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 15:17:49 GMT

@lovesallanimals I am so sorry about Molly. It's so hard.

I am not over losing my JR, Dodger. He was 18 & I lost him 4 years ago.

Dachsunds are sweet, sweet dogs.

JR are so energetic, though. I don't know if I would be up for that when they are a puppy.

Maybe a nice kitten?

Re: Dachshund Question

Meadowgirl — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 15:22:33 GMT

I am sorry for the loss of your Molly. We have had a (miniature) dachshund in our home for 25 years. The first (Cocoa) was a short hair chocolate and tan female who lived to be 14; our current (The Duchess) a long hair chocolate and cream who is 11. They were (are) the most loving, loyal dogs we have ever had. We have a two story home and as they aged stairs became an issue and we do carry them up at bedtime. I will caution you that both were difficult to potty train. Cocoa had "accidents" her entire life. You had to be very attentive to her toileting habits to limit those. Duchess, however, while it took a while, less than one year though, is very good with her routine. Cocoa was a jumper onto furniture and liked to dig little holes in the yard; Duchess however, has never attempted in jump up on furniture (has tried to jump down but we have caught her as she prepared to do the jump) and has NEVER dug a hole in her life! We are considering adding another long hair dachshund to our home as we love their loving, clownish ways.

Re: Dachshund Question

goldensrbest — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 15:22:45 GMT

@lovesallanimals wrote:
As many of you know from my previous post, I lost my Jack Russell Molly all of a sudden. She was on my lap happy, I was rubbing her belly which she loved, then later on she came out of her doggie bed collapsed on the floor and passed away. She was going to be 10 in April. That being said, I live alone having lost my husband this past spring. I am in my 70s and so miss having a dog companion. I always loved Dachsunds but read they cannot be allowed to jump onto a couch, bed, go up and down stairs. It seems like you have to carry them everywhere. And what if you ar not home for a couple of hours.

I wanted to know if anyone has experience with these adorable dogs. I want a short haired small dog so if not a Dachshund I might get another JR. Any input would be appreciated.

Oh, them I looked into a Yorkie and the health problems, especially them losing their teeth were horrible. These dog website are making me crazy, I don't know what to believe. I just want a calm, sweet small dog who I can take on walks with me.

Gosh ,i hear you i had to give up my golden,clancy had to seel my home,could not find any place to live that had a big yard,we had over 3 acres, my heart so misses my goldens,had 6 in all as time went buy,i have a king charles, can't get him house broke ,soon to be 6 months old ,never,ever had a dog like this,i had always heard that your breed was high energy.

Re: Dachshund Question

lovesallanimals — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 15:23:23 GMT

@Dusty1 wrote:
@lovesallanimals I am so sorry about Molly. It's so hard.
I am not over losing my JR, Dodger. He was 18 & I lost him 4 years ago.
Dachsunds are sweet, sweet dogs.
JR are so energetic, though. I don't know if I would be up for that when they are a puppy.
Maybe a nice kitten?

Dusty1 - I did think of a kitten, I had cats many years ago and they were wonderful. But I was working then so I was always around people and active. If I get a kitten now, I will feel kind of solitary whereas with a dog, I can take her out and about on my walks. I truly do not know which way to go. I have not been without a furry companion for so many years I guess I just need some time to figure this out and it will happen.

Re: Dachshund Question

Puppy Galore — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 15:24:37 GMT

@lovesallanimals wrote:
As many of you know from my previous post, I lost my Jack Russell Molly all of a sudden. She was on my lap happy, I was rubbing her belly which she loved, then later on she came out of her doggie bed collapsed on the floor and passed away. She was going to be 10 in April. That being said, I live alone having lost my husband this past spring. I am in my 70s and so miss having a dog companion. I always loved Dachsunds but read they cannot be allowed to jump onto a couch, bed, go up and down stairs. It seems like you have to carry them everywhere. And what if you ar not home for a couple of hours.

I wanted to know if anyone has experience with these adorable dogs. I want a short haired small dog so if not a Dachshund I might get another JR. Any input would be appreciated.

Oh, them I looked into a Yorkie and the health problems, especially them losing their teeth were horrible. These dog website are making me crazy, I don't know what to believe. I just want a calm, sweet small dog who I can take on walks with me.

@lovesallanimals

I'm sorry that you lost both your dear husband and sweet Molly.

Have you considered a mix breed?

My sweet old pup is a mix of Yorkie and Chihuahua. When I rescued him he was under year old. He was very playful until last year, old age has caught up with him.

He has lost three teeth through the years and has had no major health issues. I make sure he has his teeth cleaned as needed by our vet. I clean his teeth everyday. He is very sweet and loved walking and playing. Best of all he loves me and I love him.

I've had several friends who had or have Dachsunds and every one of them have problems with their backs and hind legs.

I also read the official sites of breeds and truly believe pure breeds have more problems than mixed breeds.

My boy weighs about 13 pounds and I can lift him and carry him. I'm 75 and IF I considered having another it would be an older pup or senior and small. I don't have family left to care for him after I'm no longer here.

These are things which need to be considered before adopting another precious fur baby.

I wish you many years with your pup when you decide.

Re: Dachshund Question

lovesallanimals — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 15:27:47 GMT

@Janey2 wrote:
I guess there are exceptions to every rule....I had a Yorkshire that lived to be 17 and was not sick a day in her life.
Any pet can be ill at any time

Janey2 - I read that since they are so small, their teeth get impacted and they start losing their teeth as well as so many other dental issues. From what you say, I guess it really does depend on the dog. They are so adorable and sweet. I always loved these dogs but was afraid to take the chance from what I read. After your post, I may reconsider. Thank you.

Re: Dachshund Question

Sunshine Kate — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 15:28:20 GMT

I had a super smart miniature poodle -- the best dog ever!!! He lived to be 15 and was always healthy.

Had a friend that owned a Dachsund and had beautiful coloring. He passed though when he was 4 years old. Jumped off the bed and broke his back. He was an only dog in the house for one person. That was so tramatic for the dog and owner.

Good luck in finding your perfect furry companion.

Re: Dachshund Question

lovesallanimals — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 15:34:49 GMT

Puppy Galore - You have given me a lot to think about. I was afraid to get a dog from a shelter as I would not know what condition the dog was really in. If they bite, etc. But even though I wanted a puppy I have to think of the dog first and foremost. I checked so many shelters in my area and mostly all of the dogs are very big, i.e., pitbulls. I will just have to keep checking.

Re: Dachshund Question

brandiwine — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 15:37:28 GMT

We've had 2 doxies and my DH grew up with one. We got steps that work for the couch and bed. No problems. Exercise is the key to keeping healthy backs. You have to really watch their weight. They are wonderful, sweet and love to cuddle. They do need to be socialized when they are young. Best wishes in finding a new companion.

Re: Dachshund Question

lovesallanimals — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 15:39:03 GMT

@Sunshine Kate wrote:
I had a super smart miniature poodle -- the best dog ever!!! He lived to be 15 and was always healthy.

Had a friend that owned a Dachsund and had beautiful coloring. He passed though when he was 4 years old. Jumped off the bed and broke his back. He was an only dog in the house for one person. That was so tramatic for the dog and owner.

Good luck in finding your perfect furry companion.

Sunshine Kate - OMG that is so heartbreaking! At this point in my life, I know I could never recover from something like that the poor dog was only 4, beyond devasting. I guess a Dachshund is a no for me.

Re: Dachshund Question

Puppy Galore — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 15:43:54 GMT

@lovesallanimals wrote:
Puppy Galore - You have given me a lot to think about. I was afraid to get a dog from a shelter as I would not know what condition the dog was really in. If they bite, etc. But even though I wanted a puppy I have to think of the dog first and foremost. I checked so many shelters in my area and mostly all of the dogs are very big, i.e., pitbulls. I will just have to keep checking.

@lovesallanimals

Decades ago I was at my vet for medicine for my Westie and she had one in the office playing with her baby. She told me it was brought in and had been abused by the current owner and she gave the owner a choice of being reported or leaving the pup with her. Needless to say the owner left and she reported the abuse to the authorities anyway.

I adopted that very pup.

You may want to ask your vet if they have or know of anyone who needs to find a good home for their pup.

Re: Dachshund Question

sugarbee — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 15:53:42 GMT

@lovesallanimalsI would suggest getting both an older cat and an older dog. I have had two long haired doxies from babies and they were as different as night and day. I used stairs for them to climb on the bed and both loved to jump off the bed when my back was turned.

One was so sweet and attached to me - I took him to work with me for many years. The other one was a sweet boy but a little on the shy side.

If you get an older dog and older cat they are already trained and need your love just as much as the younger ones. Pet Finder is an excellent source of finding a specic breed in your vicinity and how many miles you would want to travel in finding a pet. Good luck and don't wait too long. I can tell your heart is longing for a special furbaby.

Re: Dachshund Question

Janey2 — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 16:18:49 GMT

Out of curiosity I googled dogs for seniors and there were a couple of good articles with suggestions. You might want to look at those @lovesallanimals

Re: Dachshund Question

Zhills — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 17:09:07 GMT

Get a Doxie! You will never be the same! Stubborn little sh*ts but sooooo loveable, and sweet, and funny!

Re: Dachshund Question

lovesallanimals — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 18:24:48 GMT

@Zhills wrote:
Get a Doxie! You will never be the same! Stubborn little sh*ts but sooooo loveable, and sweet, and funny!

Zhills - Do you have ramps by your couch, bed, chair, etc? Do you let your Doxie walk up and down the steps from your front door when she has to go out or do you have to carry her? I have eight steps in front of my door. Thanks!!