Last Updated on July 13, 2022 by Cristina
It’s often easy to misjudge when the temperature becomes too much for your pet. Here we’ll examine do dachshunds get cold easily and what you can do about it. Are sweaters and jackets really necessary? Boots even? How can you even figure out if your dog is cold? Let’s try to answer each of these questions one by one.
Do Dachshunds Get Cold Easily?
Dachshunds are moderately susceptible to cold weather. They are not quite as cold-aversed as Chihuahuas, for example, but they are no Huskies either. This is especially true for short-haired dachshunds and smaller miniature dachshunds. Despite coming from the moderately cold climate of Germany, these dogs don’t do all too well in cold weather and will need some protection in the winter.
Read more about How Fast Can A Dachshund Run? – Should You Jog With Your Dachs?
Why Do Dachshunds Get Cold Easily?
You’d think being bred in Germany would make these dogs tolerant to cold but there are a few factors that make Doxies susceptible to cold weather:
Their short legs keep them way too close to the ground. This spells trouble not just in snow and puddles but even when it comes to something as simple as walking through dewy grass on a cold morning, for example.
Dachshunds are pretty small so, even when they have some extra fat – which they shouldn’t have – they still don’t have all that insulation compared to larger breeds.
Even though they are a double-coated breed, dachshunds don’t have all that much fur for external insulation either. This is especially true for short-haired dachshunds but don’t think that your long-haired dachshund is safe in the winter either.
So, while you absolutely can have a dachshund in a bit more northern climates than what’d be recommended for the more southern breeds, you should still be careful when you go out in the winter.
Are Dachshunds More Cold-averse Than Other Dog Breeds?
Dachshunds are not the most cold-averse breed out there but they are closer to the Chihuahua end of the spectrum than the Husky’s end. All in all, they are still relatively “moderate” in this regard but you should be wary of walking your dog in the snow, rain, and in cold weather in general.
How Can You Tell If Your Dachshund Is Feeling Cold? – Do Dachshunds Get Cold Easily?
People often ignore the signs that their dog is feeling cold even though they are pretty obvious even from a human’s point of view. The things to watch out for include:
- Shivering and shaking
- Frequently lifts paws off the ground
- Whining
- Barking
- Tucked tail and an overall hunched posture
- Clear discomfort and anxiety
- No desire for walking and attempts to turn back home
If you see even one of these symptoms clearly enough, it’s advisable that you just pick up your Doxie and go home.
What Can You Do For Your Dachshund When It’s Cold Outside?
Do Dachshunds Get Cold Easily? If you’ve ever mocked people for putting sweaters and jackets on your dogs but you then get a dachshund in a moderate or cold climate, prepare to do exactly what you’ve been mocking others about. Dachshunds absolutely need clothes for cold weather.
This can mean either sweaters for cold and dry weather or jackets for cold and wet weather. Or both in extreme situations. Generally, we’d recommend just going with a jacket – it’s better in most situations and some jackets also come with a built-in harness, handle, etc.
You can get a light jacket for the autumn and spring or just for a moderate climate in general, and you can get a heavy winter jacket if you live even further up north.
How about dog boots, are those necessary? Some people prefer just not taking their Doxies out if it’s so cold that boots are needed. This is an option as dachshunds can do their “duty” on doggy pads in the bathroom too. If you want to keep taking your dog out, however, then – yes, doggy boots can help keep your dog’s paws warm and dry.
FAQ’s
Are Dachshunds sensitive to cold?
Despite coming from the forests of Germany, the dachshund breed isn’t the best at dealing with cold weather. This isn’t to say that Doxies are as incredibly sensitive to cold as some southern breeds like the Chihuahua – not at all. However, the small size, short legs, and predisposition to back and joint issues do mean that you’ll need to be careful with your dachshund during the colder months.
Two out of the three coat types of dachshunds are pretty long and most Doxies are double-coated but even that is often insufficient when their short legs get them too close to the cold ground, snow, puddles, and so on. Plus, there are lots of short-haired dachshunds that are even more susceptible to cold weather.
Do Dachshunds need sweaters?
In cold weather, it is indeed recommended to get your Doxie a sweater. People often see dog clothes as just a fashion accessory bought by pretentious dog owners but once they see their short-legged pets shivering with a cold, that opinion changes very quickly. So, you should have at least a couple of sweathers for your canine. This way you can always be ready even if one is already being thrown in the washer.
Do Dachshunds like to be hot?
Doxies are neither Brachycephalic (short-faced) nor do they have overly thick coats and subcutaneous fat (at least they shouldn’t have too much fat, obesity isn’t good for dachshunds). All this means that they can tolerate warmer or even hot weather better than some northern breeds.
That being said, no canine is really suited for prolonged exposure to “hot” weather. So, if the question actually is “Can I leave my dog in the car with no AC or water while I shop?” the answer still is “Absolutely not!”
How can I keep my Dachshund warm?
For walks outside during cold weather, a simple sweater and/or jacket are usually enough. For even harsher weather you may want to consider dog boots, although an argument can be made that if it really is that cold, you’d do better not to take your dog out.
Jordan is an animal–lover who specializes in dachshunds. He has owned and cared for dachshunds since he was a child, and his passion for these unique dogs has only grown with time. Jordan is an avid researcher and learner, and spends a large portion of his free time studying the history, behaviour, and health of dachshunds. He has a knack for training and socializing his own dogs, and loves introducing them to new experiences. When not caring for his own pets, Jordan likes to volunteer at local animal rescue shelters, helping to find homes for abandoned dachshunds. He is a true animal advocate, and dedicates his time to ensure that all animals receive the love, respect, and care they deserve.
