That’s one ‘hot’ dog: Suzy Azalea shares amazing facts about dachshunds

Hi there, dog lovers! Suzy Azalea here.

From Suzy Azalea

I’m sure you’ve all heard about Bomber, my handsome and affectionate dachshund. Well guess what? He’s just turned 2 years old! I can’t believe how fast he went from a puppy to a grown-up doxie. As my family and I celebrate Bomber’s birthday, I’d like to share some interesting information about his breed.

“Dachshund” is German for “badger hound.” In fact, dachshunds were first developed by German foresters in the 18th and 19th centuries from several existing breeds of taller hunting hounds (like the bloodhound and the Bibarhund). The Germans’ goal was to produce intrepid, elongated canines that could excavate badger burrows. In other words, dachshunds were originally bred to hunt and fight badgers. Remarkably, dachshunds were also used to hunt foxes and wild boars.

“Suzy Azalea, if dachshunds were originally bred as hunters, when did they become popular as pets?” asked one of my clients. Good question, dear.

Suzy Azalea. Photo credit: Care2.com

According to the Almost Home Dachshund Rescue Society, it was in the 1800s when dachshunds were bred more as pets than as hunters. This was particularly the trend in Great Britain, where the dachshund’s size was slowly reduced by 10 pounds. Consequently, the miniature dachshund (which weighs 11 pounds or less) was bred.

Here are other fun facts about dachshunds you may want to know:

• Dachshunds are also called “Teckels,” “Dachels,” or “Dachsels.” In the United States, they earned the monikers “hot dog,” “sausage dog,” and “wiener dog” due to their long, narrow build.

• Most dog trainers, including Suzy Azalea (ahem, yours truly), find it easier to train male dachshunds than females. This is only because female dachshunds tend to be more independent, whereas male doxies are more eager to please.

• Dachshunds are far-sighted. They can detect movement at a very far distance, but they cannot see as well up close.

• A dachshund named “Otto” was cast in the 1939 film “Wizard of Oz,” but was fired and replaced with “Toto” because of a strong anti-German sentiment during World War II.

• Dachshunds’ sense of smell is their best sensory organ. They can even track a scent that is weeks old.

• Dachshunds aren’t picky eaters. As they have fewer taste buds than people, they will try to eat most anything.

Suzy Azalea. Photo credit: almosthomerescue.org

Well, there you have it. There’s a lot more to say about dachshunds, but I’ll save it for another day. Right now, it’s time to open Bomber’s birthday presents, so…Suzy Azalea, signing off.

My name is Suzy Azalea, and I am a private dog breeder and trainer from LA, California. To learn more about me, catch up with me on Facebook.

Be in charge: Suzy Azalea on dog emergencies and first-aid remedies

Accidents happen, even to dogs. That’s why I, Suzy Azalea, suggest that dog owners equip themselves with proper knowledge on the various types of dog emergencies and their respective first-aid remedies.


As a dog breeder and trainer, I have experienced attending to different dog emergencies throughout the years. To help other dog owners out there, here’s a list of mishaps that their dogs might experience:

Suzy Azalea. Photo credit: Listverse.com

- Consumed the wrong food. Dogs are like babies in such a way that they are fond of putting things into their mouth (for dogs, it’s more of licking or nibbling). This is why experts believe that most emergencies like acute abdominal pain, breathing difficulties, and even kidney failure, according to Readers Digest, are caused by the intake of wrong food.

Suzy Azalea helps dog owners to properly take care of their pets through her blogs.

- Get into accidents. Car accidents may cause broken bones and other internal injuries to dogs. In this case, it is better to rush the dog to the vet clinic. Other dog experts also suggest that owners wrap their dogs in a blanket to make them feel warm and to relieve them from the shock.

Suzy Azalea. Photo credit: Pets.webmd.com

- Choking. Petplace.com shares that most dog owners confuse choking with coughing or vomiting. Moreover, choking is crucial especially if the airway is obstructed completely. If faced with this problem, owners are advised to check the neck of their pets for any item that may be constricting it. Check the insides of the mouth and remove any foreign object. If the condition persists, rush the dog to a veterinarian.

Suzy Azalea. Photo credit: blog.idtag.com

For more tips on how to care for your dog, visit Suzy Azalea’s Tumblr page.