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The Dachshund is a small dog with a bold character that approaches every trip with the determination of an explorer born in a sausage-shaped body. Its atypical long and low silhouette gives it irresistible charm but also requires specific precautions to protect its fragile spine. This hunter at heart loves exploring trails at its own pace and poking its long nose into every burrow encountered. With the right precautions, the Dachshund is a wonderful travel companion whose endearing personality wins over every host.
Atouts en voyage
- Compact size and light weight allowing free train travel and cabin air travel
- Brave and curious personality making discoveries enthusiastic
- Adaptability to many types of accommodation thanks to its small size
- Exceptional scenting ability inherited from its badger-hunting origins
Defis a anticiper
- Fragile spine prone to herniated discs, requiring avoidance of stairs, jumps, and overly rough terrain
- Stubborn and independent character complicating obedience in stimulating environments
- Short legs limiting speed and walking distance on difficult terrain
Profil voyage
Se deplacer avec votre Dachshund
Dachshunds under 6 kg travel free on the train in a closed carrier; larger ones need a half-fare ticket. Choose a bag with a rigid base to support its long, fragile spine during the journey. Avoid setting it on the train floor where vibrations and jolts could stress its back. Place it on your lap or the seat beside you in its bag.
In the car, the Dachshund must travel in a crate with a thick, firm cushion supporting its back. Never let it jump in or out of the vehicle on its own: carry it or use an access ramp to prevent any impact on its spine. Sudden braking is particularly dangerous for its body shape; drive smoothly. Secure the crate firmly so it does not move during the journey.
The standard Dachshund generally travels in the cabin thanks to its weight under 8 kg with carrier. Choose a bag with a rigid base and generous padding to protect its back during turbulence and movement. Miniature and rabbit Dachshunds are even easier to carry in the cabin with their featherweight. Check with the airline for exact allowed dimensions as the Dachshund's length can be a problem in bags that are too short.
Sante en voyage
Risques specifiques
- Herniated disc (intervertebral disc disease or IVDD) that can occur from a jump, stairs, or uneven terrain
- Back problems worsened by obesity; strictly monitor diet on holiday
- Injuries to short legs on rocky or thorny terrain
Precautions
Preventing back problems is the absolute priority when traveling with a Dachshund: no stairs, no jumping, always carry it to get in and out of vehicles, beds, and sofas. Maintain strict ideal weight and avoid giving table scraps on holiday as every extra gram increases pressure on its spinal discs.
Tolerance chaleur
The Dachshund tolerates heat moderately but its proximity to hot ground can be problematic in summer. Its short legs keep it just centimeters from scorching tarmac; always test the surface with your hand before setting it down. Favor walks on grass or in woodland and avoid the hottest hours.
Pharmacie de voyage
- Anti-inflammatory prescribed by the vet in case of sudden back pain
- Supportive mat for the travel crate
- Paw pad protection against abrasive terrain
- Veterinary warming balm to relieve back muscle tension
Equipement indispensable
Foldable access ramp
Absolutely vital to protect its spine by preventing it from jumping in and out of vehicles, sofas, or beds
Distributed-pressure back harness
A harness distributing pressure across the whole chest protects its fragile spine unlike a collar that strains the neck
Rigid-base travel crate
The firm base support is essential to maintain alignment of its long spine during travel
Warm coat
Its belly close to the ground and short legs expose it to cold damp ground much more than other breeds
Shoulder carrier bag
Being able to carry it easily on stairs, steep climbs, and difficult passages preserves its spine daily
Ou partir avec votre Dachshund ?
The Dachshund enjoys gentle walks on flat terrain, cultural visits, and restaurant terraces. Sandy beaches are ideal as the soft ground is easy on its fragile back.
Le saviez-vous ?
The Dachshund was bred to hunt badgers in their burrows; its name literally means 'badger dog' in German (Dachs = badger, Hund = dog)
Waldi, the mascot of the 1972 Munich Olympics, was a Dachshund, making it the first official mascot in Olympic history
A determined Dachshund can dig a hole 30 cm deep in under two minutes thanks to its powerful front paws designed for underground work
Questions frequentes
How do you protect the Dachshund's back while traveling?
The golden rule is to eliminate all jumps and stairs: carry your Dachshund or use a ramp to get in and out of vehicles, beds, and sofas. Choose single-story accommodations without stairs and flat trails without steep elevation changes. A back harness and rigid-base crate complete the prevention.
Can the Dachshund go hiking?
The Dachshund can handle walks of 5 to 8 km on flat, soft terrain at its own pace. Absolutely avoid steep trails with rocky steps or sharp descents that endanger its spine. Flat forest paths and coastal trails on sand are its preferred terrain.
Can my Dachshund use the stairs in the accommodation?
No, stairs are the number one enemy of the Dachshund's back and represent a major herniated disc risk. Carry it systematically on stairs or choose single-story accommodations without steps. This is an essential selection criterion when booking your holiday.
Does the Dachshund travel well by car?
The Dachshund travels well by car provided it is in a stable crate with a rigid base and thick cushion. Never leave it unsecured on the seat as braking could cause spinal trauma. Systematically use a ramp so it gets in and out of the vehicle without jumping.
Is the Dachshund sociable with other dogs on holiday?
The Dachshund has an assertive character and can be dominant or wary toward other dogs despite its small size. Introductions should be gradual and on neutral ground. Its small stature also makes it vulnerable to playful large dogs that could accidentally injure it by jumping on it.
