The English Cream Dachshund, with its stunning creamy coat and charming personality, is a delightful twist on the traditional Dachshund breed. Known for their playful demeanor and affectionate nature, these dogs make wonderful companions for families and individuals alike. Their unique appearance, characterized by a long body and short legs, endears them to pet lovers around the world.
The English Cream Dachshund is a gorgeous variant of the traditional Dachshund breed, known for its strikingly beautiful cream-coloured coat. However, like any breed, they come with a set of considerations that potential owners should be aware of before making a decision to bring one into their home.
Barking: Dachshunds can be quite vocal. If not properly trained, they may develop a habit of excessive barking, which could be an issue for those living in close quarters with neighbours.
Early Socialisation: It is crucial to socialise English Cream Dachshunds at a young age to ensure they grow up to be well-adjusted adults. These dogs can have a tendency towards possessiveness and may become fearful around unfamiliar dogs or people if not properly socialised.
Separation Anxiety: Dachshunds often form strong attachments to their owners and may experience anxiety when left alone. This can lead to undesirable behaviours, including destructive chewing if not properly managed.
The English Cream Dachshund, a delightful variant of the standard Dachshund breed, is distinguished by its pale cream coat. Originating in Germany, the Dachshund was bred in the 15th century primarily for hunting badgers and other small animals due to its keen sense of smell and remarkable agility. As the breed progressed, the long-haired variant emerged in the late 19th century, attributed to crosses with other breeds, such as the spaniel.
The English Cream Dachshund is a distinct variant of the Dachshund breed, celebrated for its elegant, long body and charming personality. Typically, these dogs possess a silky, light-coloured coat that gives them an almost regal appearance, distinguishing them from their standard counterparts.
English Cream Dachshunds generally measure between 20–25 cm (8–10 inches) at the shoulder. Their small stature is balanced with a longer body, creating their unique and easily recognisable silhouette.
Adult English Cream Dachshunds usually weigh between 7–14 kg (15–30 lbs). Their weight will vary depending on age, diet, and whether they fall within the standard or miniature category of Dachshunds.
As their name suggests, English Cream Dachshunds possess a cream-coloured coat that can range from a light golden hue to a deeper cream shade. Their coats can also display subtle variations, such as shading along the back or darker tones on the ears. The breed typically has a luscious, smooth, long-haired coat, which contributes to its elegance and grace.
English Cream Dachshunds are not typically effective guard dogs. Their friendly and social nature often leads them to be more welcoming than aggressive towards strangers. However, they may bark to alert their owners of unfamiliar visitors, driven by their watchdog instincts.
While Dachshunds can be vocal, they do not excessively bark. Their barking is generally limited to playtime, expressing excitement, or alerting their owners to something unusual. With proper training, their barking tendencies can be managed.
English Cream Dachshunds are intelligent, but they also possess a streak of stubbornness, which can make training a bit challenging. Consistency and patience are key when training them. Positive reinforcement methods, such as treats and praise, work well to encourage desired behaviours.
English Cream Dachshunds typically have a life expectancy of around 12-16 years, although individual lifespans can vary based on genetics and overall care.
English Cream Dachshunds are active dogs but, due to their shorter legs and predisposition to back issues, they require moderate exercise. Around 30 minutes to an hour of exercise each day is sufficient, which can include walks, playtime, and mental stimulation.
English Cream Dachshunds, like other Dachshund varieties, are prone to several health issues, including:
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): This is a common condition due to their long spine and short legs.
Obesity: Because of their small size, they can easily become overweight, which exacerbates other health problems.
Hip Dysplasia: Although less common than in larger breeds, some Dachshunds can still suffer from this hereditary condition, leading to joint pain and arthritis.
Eye Problems: Conditions such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy can occur in Dachshunds of all coat types.
Dental Issues: Due to their small mouths, dental problems can be common, necessitating regular dental care.
Skin Problems: Dachshunds can be prone to certain skin conditions, including allergies and infections.
Grooming needs vary depending on the coat type. English Cream Dachshunds typically have long hair, which requires regular brushing to prevent mats and tangles. This should be done at least once a week. They will also need routine nail trimming and dental care.
The diet for an English Cream Dachshund should consist of high-quality dog food formulated for their age, size, and activity level. It’s crucial to monitor their food intake to prevent obesity, which is a common issue in the breed.
As a rough guide in pricing:
Cost to buy: roughly £500-£1,500 for a well-bred English Cream Dachshund puppy.
Other costs (Vet, Food etc): average to £70-£100 per month.
You can read our general buying guide here, with the most important thing being going to view your English Cream Dachshund puppy, seeing it with its mother, and checking the quality of the breeder.
A big thank you to the following sources who helped to shape this article:
Dachshund Club: http://www.dachshundclubofamerica.org/
Kennel Club UK: https://www.thekennelclub.org.uk/services/public/breed/display.aspx?id=1009
