Dachshunds are a distinct breed of dog — easily identifiable, cute, and their appearance fits their nicknames "sausage dog" and "wiener dog" remarkably well. Short in stature, long-bodied, and floppy-eared, these short or long-haired dogs were bred originally in Germany to hunt burrowing animals like rabbits, mice, and badgers. Chasing animals such as this through brush and down holes gave Dachshunds quite a different capacity for exercise than dogs bred for guarding or shepherding.
Despite this, Dachshunds are more active than you might think. Depending on who you ask, they may need anywhere from thirty minutes of exercise a day to at least an hour of exercise daily, broken down into two sessions. However, Dachshunds are not animals that can be exercised by leaping, jumping, or climbing stairs. Activities like these can cause them back, spinal, and hip injuries. Dachshunds need to be walked for exercise — they must avoid jumping onto high furniture or climbing stairs whenever possible.
Similarly, this breed can suffer from back problems by climbing into a poorly constructed dog bed. Climbing into a high or less accessible dog bed night after night can wear their joints, bones, and muscles out over time. For this reason, you should choose a dog bed that will be specifically accessible to Dachshunds.
But what else do you need to know about dog beds for Dachshunds? Well, this article will examine the best dog beds for Dachshunds and look at what exactly to consider when buying your doxie a comfortable place to sleep. We will discuss size, construction, health issues, and different brands for the perfect Dachshund bed.
Benefits | Features | Best Beds | Bottom Line
Benefits of A Good Dog Bed for Your Dachshund
A good bed will benefit your Dachshund in several ways. Ideally, the bed will give your little buddy a distinct place to sleep, keep its physical health in good order, and be a clean place for your Dachshund to spend the night. Here are a few good things that can come out of buying the right bed for your doxie:
1. Gives your Dachshund a steady place to sleep. A dog bed that your pet is committed to will almost give it a second home. This can be useful as a bed that is pet accessible will lessen the frequency of having to chase your doxie off your chair or bed. Besides this, you will be able to avoid the issues that arise (as noted on PetMD) when a Dachshund climbs onto furniture or up a flight of stairs to reach a certain place in your home.
2. Helps avoid physical health issues. Dachshunds are quite likely to experience some back problems during their lifetimes (with 1 out of every 4 Dachshunds, especially older and obese pets, experiencing what NorthStar veterinarians call "Intervertebral Disc Disease," or the compression and/or protrusion of intervertebral [spinal] discs). These problems can lead to pain and paralysis. In addition to this, they are susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia, eye, joint, knee, and skin problems. A good bed—one designed to be Dachshund-accessible—can lessen the likelihood of these ailments (especially those related to bones, joints, and muscles) taking hold.
3. Provides a clean, temperate place for your Dachshund. A Dachshund is meant to get plenty of regular outdoor exercise (even given their reputation as mostly indoor pets), and just walking along can track up a lot of outdoor dirt, mud, and water. Besides this, if you own a long-haired Dachshund, you will have to watch out for shedding more than most. If you get the right bed (one that is easily washable) you will be able to provide your doxie with a clean place to sleep nightly. Also, if you live in a cold climate, there are heated beds available —and even outdoor beds for those who live in places where dogs may be too hot to sleep inside. This will provide your pooch with a comfortable place to sleep, preventing it from getting chilly or overheated.
Features To Consider In A Dachshund Bed
Here are a few things to consider when you buy a Dachshund bed.
The Perfect Size
Adult Dachshunds can be anywhere from 14 to 19 inches in height (with males slightly larger than females), and 21 to 25 inches in length. According to the Dachshund Club of America, these dogs can be bred for competition in standard or miniature sizes. Standard size Dachshunds are 16 to 32 pounds as adults, while miniature Dachshunds, as adults, are 11 pounds and under.
In order to choose the right-sized bed for your Dachshund, pick a bed that will neither be too cramped nor too large for your pet.
Non-Slip Bottom
Because these dogs are prone to getting back injuries (and because of their active, energetic nature) you will want to get a bed that is conducive to both their genetics and behavior. For this, getting a dog bed with a non-slip bottom is recommended.
If your wiener dog is active enough (especially on hardwood or tiled flooring) it will find comfort on a bed with a bottom it can securely put its paws on. A non-slip bottom can help your pup get in and out of bed easier. This will serve as greater protection against back injuries and against any floor-sliding injuries an active, playful Dachshund might encounter.
Cave Beds
A Dachshund is a type of dog that was traditionally bred to follow other animals down burrows and holes — and besides this, is a fairly active breed that can sometimes get anxious, even when trying to rest. For this, a cave bed would be a perfect idea.
This kind of bed provides plenty of burrowing cover for Dachshunds, but also a degree of privacy. A cave bed would certainly be a good alternative for those wanting to keep their doxie sheltered, relaxed, and warm.
Decent Construction and the Right Materials
You might be aware of your doxie's limitations, especially when climbing on the furniture or just walking around the house. You will want to keep these limitations in mind as you purchase a bed for your Dachshund, with an emphasis on a low-to-the-ground, easily accessible sleeping space.
In addition to this, you will want to make sure that the bed is made of a durable, non-toxic, and easy to clean material. Some common fabrics for Dachshund beds are polyester, microsuede, cotton, microfiber, latex, memory foam, cedar, sherpa, nylon, and cotton/poly blends.
Dog beds also come in several differently constructed styles. Here is a breakdown of each of them:
These beds may vary in shape and size, but generally, you will want a low enough bed to the ground so your dog can easily access it. In addition, if your Dachshund is known to chew on furniture, look into removable or polysynthetic canvas covers.
Orthopedic Support
Some dog beds feature orthopedic support in the form of memory foam or latex linings. These beds can act as a preventative measure against injuries or as an alleviating cushion for injured pets.
In the case of Dachshunds, these features can help with a breed that is already prone to spinal injuries. Extra padding and cushions can relieve or prevent muscle and joint aches.
Easily Washable
You will want your Dachshund and the bed he sleeps on to remain clean. Dachshunds, if not sleeping in clean beds, may develop skin diseases like Malassezia dermatitis. For this, you should look for an easily washable bed, preferably one that can be put into a washing machine and quickly air-dried.
If you have a long-haired Dachshund, look for a bed conducive to vacuuming or washing easily in a machine. Some beds have removable covers that are easily washable as well.
Good Insulation
If you live in a cold climate or a region with long winters, you might want to consider getting a heated bed for your Dachshund. You will have to watch how long your dog spends on a heated bed; this can adversely affect its health.
If you live in a warmer climate, consider getting a raised bed and using it outside. Besides this, always keep in mind your selected dog bed's ability to keep your Dachshund at the right temperature.
7 Best Dachshund Dog Beds
Let's now take a look at some of the best dog beds for Dachshunds available today.
1. The Furhaven Round Snuggery Blanket Burrow Pet Bed
The Furhaven Round Snuggery is a suitable cave bed for Dachshunds in that it offers the sheltering protection of a cave bed with burrowing and orthopedic qualities of its own. Comprised of a micro suede exterior and a fluffy white faux lambswool interior, the bed is also lined with a CertiPUR-US Polyurethane memory foam base, aiding in preventing potential back injuries. This can make all the difference for Dachshunds — the thermal, burrowing, and orthopedic properties of this bed seem like an ideal match for the breed. For more information, visit Amazon to see it for yourself.
Key Features
Possible Drawbacks
2. PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed
The PetFusion Ultimate Dog Bed is an orthopedic dog bed that features a water-resistant cotton/polyester cover that zips over a waterproof inner liner covering a solid memory foam base. With three low walls and a small opening in the front, this bed would be a good "comfort chair" for your Dachshund, in addition to its orthopedic features. You can check it out on Amazon here.
Key Features
Possible Drawbacks
3. Snoozer Luxury Cozy Cave Pet Bed
The Snoozer Luxury Cozy Cave Pet Bed is a "Cave Bed" — a type of covered bed that has an open flap on top of a foamy cushion. The Snoozer Luxury Cozy Cave looks more like a clamshell -- but this doesn't detract from its better features. Considered one of the best "cave beds" with a microsuede exterior and a Sherpa interior, this plush bed offers comfort and a chance for your Dachshund to get back to its burrowing roots. Give it a look here on Amazon.
Key Features
Possible Drawbacks
4. MIXJOY Orthopedic Dog Bed
The MIXJOY Orthopedic Dog Bed isn't just your normal orthopedic dog bed. It is a doughnut-shaped, shaggy, poly-nylon bed with a faux fur outer lining. In addition to this, the unit is entirely washable -- just pick it up and throw it into the washing machine entirely. Its best feature might be its approachable design, accessible from all angles and able to be placed just about anywhere. You can view the details here on Amazon.
Key Features
Possible Drawbacks
5. Best Friends by Sheri Pet Throne
The Best Friends by Sheri Pet Throne certainly lives up to its name in its appearance. It is a high-walled bed with a polyester/nylon exterior and what Best Friends by Sheri calls a "vegan fur" interior. The unit is round and is available in a single-layer mini, or double-layer jumbo size. Visit Amazon for a closer look.
Key Features
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6. Snoozer Cozy Cave Pet Bed in Poly Cotton
The Snoozer Cozy Cave Bed in Poly Cotton features a cotton/polyester exterior with a washable cover and a Cedar/Polyester filling. Its cover can be removed by way of a brass zipper, and its cozy "clamshell" top is the perfect fit for smaller dogs like Dachshunds. Look for more about the Cozy Cave Pet Bed here.
Key Features
Possible Drawbacks
7. Big Barker Mini - 4" Pillow Top
The Big Barker Mini 4" Pillow Top is a truly orthopedic dog bed with two layers of foam (and a contoured foam headrest) surrounded by a zippable microfiber exterior. It is guaranteed by Big Barker to maintain 90% of its original shape for at least ten years. It is a simple, open rectangular design, and its low orientation makes it easily accessible to Dachshunds. Check it out here on Amazon.
Key Features
Possible Drawbacks
The Bottom Line
Looking for the best dog bed for your Dachshund may be intimidating, but with the right amount of knowledge about your doxie's shape, weight, and habits you can make the right choice. If you keep in mind your pet's comfort, health, and safety, you can't go wrong — and your Dachshund will appreciate your choice.