Having fun with your Dachshund

Dachshunds were originally working dogs and, despite their short legs, are perfectly capable of being active dogs who can participate in a range of canine activities. The Kennel Club lists a range of activities that you can get involved in with a dog, many of which will be suitable for Dachshunds. They include:

• • Agility (or Mini Agility)

  • Heelwork to music

  • Obedience

  • Rally

Another popular canine activity is Canicross.

KC Regulation H2 refers to the welfare considerations associated with participating in Flyball and Agility, but this advice is equally applicable for other activities.

An exhibitor (or competitor) whose dog is entered at a Kennel Club licensed event should take all reasonable steps to ensure the needs of their dog(s) are met, and should not knowingly put their dogs’ health and welfare at risk by any action, default, omission or otherwise. A breach of this Regulation may be referred to the General Committee for disciplinary action under Kennel Club Rules and Regulations.

There is a discussion at the AgilityNet website about some of the issues that affect small dogs when doing agility. This article from Runners' World describes the suitability of different breeds for activities involving running with their owner. With regard to running, bear in mind the original purpose of the breed. They are not designed for sustained periods of running and if you watch what they do off the lead they tend to have bursts of activity then slow down to sniff (or roll in something smelly). We're not saying don't jog with them and there are people doing Canicross, but most "Dachshund activities" tend to have shorter, more intense periods of activity (Mini Agility, Tracking). You need to be sensible and sensitive to what your dog is comfortable with.

Vet Carol Dobson offers this advice on the Scottish Canicross website:

Consider your dog’s type, and exercise him appropriately. Not all dogs are designed for prolonged running, some are not built for running at all! Exercise is healthy, but some need ‘little and often’, rather than a sporting event. The ‘brachycephalic’ or short-skulled breeds are rarely able to cope with fast or long exercise because their breathing and cooling abilities are impaired. Seek veterinary advice if you’re not sure, and watch your dog. He should be enjoying this exercise too!

There is this specific advice from the official UK Canicross website:

• • Take your dog to the vet for a health check before starting Canicross

  • Consult your vet for recommended exercise for your breed

  • Check with your GP and vet that you and your dog are fit and healthy if new to running

There is more useful information in "The ultimate guide to running with your dog" which includes breed-specific advice and discusses how to build a dog's endurance, as well as spotting signs of problems caused by running.

Another Dachshund-friendly activity is Canine Hoopers. For advice on this, please contact Dachshund owner and Hoopers Trainer Anna Richardson.

You may also wish to read our advice on your Dachshund's ideal weight and body condition to help decide if he/she is likely to be at risk when doing these activities. Please also refer to our information leaflet on Back Disease and the discussion of the origin of the Dachshund's shape/conformation and its relationship to back disease.