Description:
Gosh, how cute is Wiggles? Seriously cute!!! This little one is a cross between a Dachshund and a Chihuahua and about as adorable as they come. We named her wiggles because the moment she gets attention she wiggles with delight! Unfortunately her former owner did not give her appropriate care and she is heartworm positive. You can read about this condition on our webpage "Heartworms and Dogs." If her case is mild we may just treat it with monthly heartworm preventive ~ much less stressful on a small dog. If it is more severe we will cover the expense of the fullblown treatment. Meanwhile, this wiggle-monster is just waiting for the perfect home!

According to www.dogbreedinfo.com, the Dachshund (pronounced dak sund) originated in Germany many hundreds of years ago. "Dachs" is the word for badger. The Dachshund was bred to hunt and follow these animals to earth, gradually becoming highly evolved, with shortened legs to dig the prey out and go down inside the burrows. Smaller Dachshunds where bred to hunt hare and stoat. Dachshunds have many "terrier" characteristics. They are versatile and courageous dogs and have been known to take on foxes and otters, besides badgers. Lively and affectionate; proud and bold, almost rash. Tenacious. Can be willful and clownish. Curious and mischievous, they are very clever and may attempt to train the owner rather than allow the opposite. Devoted to his family, some fanciers feel the long-haired variety is calmer than the other two types. The wire-haired variety is more outgoing and clown-like. All are slightly difficult to train. Dachshunds are good dogs to travel with. They are best with older, considerate children and are moderately protective. These little dogs like to bark (their barks are surprisingly loud for their size) and are compulsive diggers. They are generally okay with other pets, however, they can be jealous, irritable, obstinate and very quick to bite. Sometimes they will refuse to be handled. They should not be over fed, for this breed tends to gain weight quickly. They have a life expectancy of 12-15 years.