AboutCindy Expertise Rescue questions, general behavior, coat colors, sizes, and general information. I cannot provide detailed medical answers but can share some experiences.
Experience I have worked with dachshund rescue for over 4 years and rescued about 300 dachshunds, have owned dachshunds all my life, and have worked with special needs, puppy mills dogs, and other breeds as well.
Expert: Cindy Date: 2/15/2008 Subject: fawn Mini dachund and alopecia
Question QUESTION: I am considering gettting a mini that is fawn colored with green eyes. I know thet there is a baldness possibility in this color. are there any percentages? Is there a way to tell when the puppy is only 8 weeks old
ANSWER: A fawn color is an isabella. I have fostered several and they all had coat issues. Since it is a dilute color, the coat issue is common but I do not know a percentage - in my own experience it was 100%. It may be hard to tell so young. You can look around in spots and see where the coat is thin. They typically have a very thin coat which can lead to spotty or bald areas. I know a breeder who stopped breeding isabellas and blues because of coat issues. I hope this helps since it is hard to tell and you do not know what they will be like as a adult.
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QUESTION: I am also curious about male versus female and bathroom issues. I have read
that if a male is neutered early ( by 4-5 months) they do not tend to lift the leg
or mark territory. I am wondering if that is true. I had preferred a female but a
male puppy from a champion sire is available from a DCA member, not sure, she
says that he is sweet and will not have those issues your thoughts thanks
Answer Neutering early does help, if it prevents it completely I am not sure, but the hormones contribute a lot to it. Once they start marking it can be harder to get them to stop and as a puppy, he should housebreak easier and neutering will help. Neutering is one of the first things we do in rescue - to prevent marking, aid in housebreaking, reduce over population, and it is so much healthier for the dog - esp. as they age. I had 4 girls one time and did not want a boy and then I ended up fostering and adopting five of them! I love them dearly and I only have one that I have to watch - he will not generally spray unless he is in a strange place (like a hotel) and then I tell him no a couple of times when he looks like he is thinking about it and he stops and is fine after that. He was an adult when I got him so a puppy should be even easier. Girls are great too. I now have 2.
