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Growing numbers of mini Dachshunds being dumped by owners who bought them to look cool on Instagram


MINI Dachshunds are being dumped in rescue centres by owners who bought them to look cool on Instagram.

The Kennel Club has seen a 23 per cent rise in litters of mini sausage dogs thanks to their popularity on social media and in adverts.

 Mini Dachshunds are being dumped by owners who bought them to look cool on Instagram

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Mini Dachshunds are being dumped by owners who bought them to look cool on Instagram

Celebrity dachshund fans include singer Adele and Sex And The City actress Kim Cattrall, 63. There are more than 12million posts devoted to #dachshund on Insta.

Christine Furneaux, from Dachshund Rescue, said: “In the last year we’ve re-homed 157 dogs, many of them smooth haired mini Dachshund which are very popular with social media influencers at the moment.

“It seems people buy these dogs, often for between £1,200 and £1,800, without doing their research and understanding the needs of the breed.

“Although they are cute, they are active and are not the most obedient.

“If owners are at work all day and only have a dog walker to call in on them, they will get bored and become destructive. Another sad thing we see is couples treating them as babies.

“Then, when a real baby comes along and the dog gets jealous, it’s up to rescues to pick up the pieces.”

The Red Foundation Dachshund rescue say four times as many dogs have been handed in this year than two years ago, from 50 in 2017 to 170 so far this year.

Sharon Laird from the charity said:

“We’ve seen a rise in dogs being given up. It’s also worrying that there has been an increase in ‘rare’ colour dogs, including blues.

“These can come with health risks meaning many insurers won’t cover them.

“It’s worrying that unscrupulous breeders are selling these at inflated prices.” The gene that causes the rare colours which can sell for up to £8,000 can result in Colour Dilution Alopecia or CDA meaning hair drops out leading to baldness, sunburn, infections and even cancer.

Another condition the breed is susceptible is Intervertebral Disc Disease, which can require expensive surgery.
Because backyard breeders often don’t carry out genetic screening for this dogs are being sold to owners who are unaware they face a lifetime of health problems.

Christine suggested potential buyers do proper research and find a reputable breeder to avoid these problems.

She said: “Dachshunds are real characters. They can be bossy and like to rule the roost.

“They’re not handbag dogs.

“With mental stimulation, adequate exercise, being kept at a healthy weight and being treated like dogs and not babies, they can bring lots of happiness to the right owner.”

You can find out more about the breed at dachshundrescue.org.uk or theredfoundation.net

Star of the week

WHEN Springerpoo Rolo was rescued from a puppy farm, RSPCA staff feared he might not survive as he had eColi.

But the little dog put up the battle of his life and today, thanks to owner Claire Dean, he is bringing happiness to other people as a Pets As Therapy dog.

Claire and Rolo are regular visitors to their local children’s ward at Southend Hospital and he also comforts people nearing the end of life.

Claire said: “They can stroke him and it’s nice for him to bring joy to people who really need it.

Follow Rolotherescue therapydog on Facebook.

Pet Vet

Sean McCormack, head vet at the tailored food firm tails.com

JACKIE HEATH from Birmingham fears German Shepherd Sasha will be upset if she gets another dog. 

Q) “My daughters would love Sasha to have another dog to play with, but I think Sasha, who is five, will get really jealous.

She’s been the only dog in our family for so long and I don’t want her to be sad that there is another dog in our family.”

A) As long as Sasha enjoys the company of other dogs she meets out and about, then I think it’s a great idea to get a second dog.

It’s an ideal time with her being five to think about it now, especially if getting a new puppy. Just make sure not to pay all the attention to the new dog.

A rescue dog is also an option, and then you have the benefit of introducing Sasha to several new dogs and let her decide who comes home to join the family. A bit more difficult to do that with a new puppy. Another dog in her life will most likely be a positive, and provide a welcome playmate as your daughters suggest.

Zoe Bird of Guildford, Surrey has an eight-year-old Staffie, Lala, that eats things he shouldn’t.

Q) “Lala loves to eat grass and when he’s playing out he picks things up from the floor that he shouldn’t and starts to eat them. What can I do to try and stop him from doing this?”

A) First of all, it’s quite natural for dogs to eat grass from time to time. Sometimes it’s for the sweet flavour when grass is growing, other times it may be to relieve an upset stomach.

Sometimes it can be because they are lacking fibre in their diet. I’d start by checking Lala is on a high quality diet, tailored to his needs and that he’s getting the right amount of food for his activity level and size. If he’s very hungry, or the food is lacking in fibre or calories, or is just poorly digested, it could mean he’s hungry all the time.

Staffies have a tendency to be quite curious so exploring objects with their mouth is quite common. Train him using the “Leave” command, and substitute the unwanted behaviour by redirecting him to exciting chew toys.

Win a festive collar

WE have six £40 ginger- bread print sets from Leo, Charley and Me (leocharleyandme.co.uk/) to give away.

They come in small, medium and large, are machine washable and have a comfy lining. For a chance to win, email sundaypets@the-sun.co.uk. Use subject line LEOCHARLEYand say what size you would prefer.

T&Cs apply.

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