A Dachshund Puppy Sat Out the Family Football Game, Sort Of
On a carpet of orange and yellow leaves, a dapple Dachshund puppy sits and watches the family football game happening in the yard. His long ears hang, his silvery coat is spotted with grey and tan and his nose points forward as though he is following the ball. Behind him, a few blurred figures run across the lawn, a fence marks the edge of the yard and the porch is decorated for fall.
Dachshunds were bred to hunt badgers and other burrowing animals, so they are bold, curious and a little stubborn. Their long backs are delicate, which means it is best to avoid having a puppy jump from high places and to keep him from joining rough play with larger dogs or people. A sturdy fence also helps, because a nose-driven Dachshund will follow an interesting scent anywhere. Dapple is a coat pattern with lighter patches on a darker base, and it is one of the breed's well-known colors. Ask your vet about safe exercise for a growing puppy, and make sure he can rest in a quiet spot after a busy afternoon outside.
The game goes on and the puppy stays at the sidelines, a small, loyal fan with the best seat in the house. Maybe he will join the next play, but for now he is content to supervise, which is a perfectly good job for a Dachshund.
