We have a 7 year old labrador bitch, and want to get another dog as a companion for her.

My husband grew up with a dachsund and would love to have one of them, but I have some reservations about having such a small second dog.  Does anyone have an opinion about whether it would be a good or bad idea? 

Thanks

A standard wire dachs would make a very good sporting companion for a sensible Labrador.  What you have to rember is the standard sizes are not smal dogs, they just have short legs.

As a standard wire owner I can say they are extremely hardy doggies with a great sense of fun - the real extroverts of the dachshund family.  I have 2 and a GSD - they get along just great.  If you want to investigate more try looking at this great website for info on all dachsies but wires in particular, links to all the dachsie breed clubs too

http://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/sunsong

Did my bias for the wires show that well :D  I just think they have such wonderful extrovert natures. 

mini smooths are lovely dogs too !!!
caron

I dont have experience of owning  dacksies (spel) but they are lovely tough  little dogs and Labs seems to get on with small dogs.
we had our maltese Bobby for 15 years and he lived happily with the big dogs all his life could side step them and never got injured even when out walking   and for a toy breed could walk miles with them and then some more,and he tended to be top dog as well :)
we really miss him.

I don't want a mini Dachsund as I think that really would be too small to be a real companion for our lab.  They do look lovely though.

I've read that the wire haired Dachs are the most extrovert,which would be good for us.  Plus they look like little old men and we do like dogs who look a bit odd LOL.

Thank you all for your responses, and for that website which I've been reading :)

The wire haired ones are the ones I like the sound of best, although OH grew up with a smooth black and tan, and before him his family had a golden longhaired one.

It does sound as though they'd be ok with a labrador - she's gentle anyway, but she is a lump and likes to play.

I am considering other breeds as well ... cocker spaniel, king charles spaniel, petit griffon basset vendeen, and of course I'm also looking at dogs in rescue, although we would prefer to have a pup. 

Thanks

I love the daxies, especailly the long haired ones, had a freind who had one when I was in college called Norman  what a character....

My mum has two mini long haired ones and they get on fine with all other dogs. They have met up with our crew and got mauled but in a nice Lab sort of play way ;)

Lucy
xx