QUESTIONS
1. What is my relationship with the breed? (ie breeder, first time owner etc)
I own two- a long haired standard and a dapple mini/standard.
2. Where and why was the breed first developed?
In german, to hunt down tunnels and badgers.
3. How common is it in Australia?
Seems to be more common in other states than South Australia.
4. What is the average lifespan?
14-16 years.
5. What is the general temperament/personality?
Stereotypically, long haired doxies are laid back, short haired are very in your face, and wire haired are the comedians. However I think how you raise them has a big part to do with it, but my dogs fall exactly into those cateogies lol so i'm probably wrong.
6. How much daily exercise is needed for the average adult?
I take my two girls out for an hour about four times a week.
7. Is it a breed that a first time dog owner could easily cope with?
Depends on how stubborn that owner is, my two girls can be very stubborn sometimes.
8. Can solo dogs of this breed easily occupy themselves for long periods?
I found that my first dog couldnt, so that's one of the reasons I got a second pup. Much better with two.
9. How much grooming is required?
Short haired very little. Long haired, I brush her three times a week. I wash them both once a fortnight.
10. Is it too boisterous for very small children or for infirm people (unless the dog is well trained)?
No, I think that kids would need to be carefully especially due to spinal problems with the breed.
11. Are there any common hereditary problems a puppy buyer should be aware of?
Spinals issues.
12. When buying a puppy, what are the things you should ask of the breeder? (eg what health tests have been done (if applicable) and what is an acceptable result to those tests so the buyer has an idea of what the result should be)
Vaccinations, temperment, see the parents and see what kind of conditions they were raised in.
