Dachshund
Dachshund
Dachshund Characteristics
CLASS: Hounds
Recognized: AKC, ANKC, CKC, FCI, KC (GB), KUSA
HEIGHT: Miniature: 5-6in; Standard: 8-9in
WEIGHT: Miniature: 11lb & under; standard: over 11lb (usually 16-32lb)
COAT: Longhaired: straight or slightly wavy, long. Smooth: smooth, short. Wirehaired: rough, medium length
COLOR: Solid red, sable, or cream; black and tan; chocolate and tan; wild boar and tan, gray and tan, or fawn and tan; single dapple (lighter set on darker background, as in a merle); double dapple (white in addition to dapple); brindle
Life Span: 12-14 years
Dachshund History
The Dachshund derives from the oldest breeds of German hunting dogs, such as the Bibarhund, and existed as long ago as the 16th century. Originally there was only one variety, the Smooth-haired Dachshund.
The oldest of the Dachshund varieties, the Smooth-haired is a favorite in Britain and the United States. The Wire-haired Dachshund results from cross-mating with various terrier breeds. The Long-haired Dachshund formed by cross-breeding between the Smooth-haired and gundog types yielded the Long-haired Dachshund.
Dachshund Temperament
Sporty and devoted, the Dachshund makes an excellent family pet and a good watchdog, with a surprisingly loud bark for its size. The Dachshund is very affectionate within its family. Playful and mischievous, the Dachshund is sometimes stubborn as befits a hunting dog. The Dachshund is an adaptable breed that lives with equal ease in the town or countryside. Intelligent and easily trained, the Dachshund is sometimes spirited and always humorous. The Long-haired Dachshund is more independent than the Wires and Smooths, which make more demonstrative family pets.
Dachshunds are bold, curious, and always up for adventures. They enjoy hunting, digging, tracking, and going to ground after game. Though independent, they gladly join in family fun. They are one-family dogs, and don’t take to strangers. Some bark.
Dachshund Profile
Mystery veils the real origins of this alert, lively breed. The Dachshund’s German name is Teckel, a word found at the base of an ancient Egyptian sculpture of familiarly long-bodied, short-legged dogs. The word ‘Dachshund’ means ‘badger dog,’ and the Dachshund is one of the oldest hunting dog breeds in Germany today.
Despite its size, the Dachshund is a game little dog that loves hunting.
Dachshund Appearance
This long, low dog is sometimes known as the ‘sausage dog.’ All colors are acceptable but only small white patches on the chest are permitted. The Dachshund has a long, tapering head with medium almond-shaped eyes and high-set ears.
There are six varieties of Dachshund: Smooth-haired, Long-haired, and Wire-haired, each occurring as both Standard and Miniature.
Dachshund Care
The Short-haired is easy to groom, requiring only daily attention with a hound glove and soft cloth. The Wire-haired and Long-haired should be brushed with a stiff-bristled brush and also combed.
Dachshunds need daily romps or short walks. The Smooth coat requires weekly brushing, the Long coat twice weekly. The Wire coat requires weekly brushing plus stripping to remove dead hair twice yearly.
All varieties of Dachshunds can have back problems and they should not be allowed to run up and down steps or stairs. Only buy Miniatures from eye-tested parents.
To prevent infection, keep the long, hanging ears clean and dry. The Dachshund’s long backs make some prone to disc problems, especially since Dachshund tend to be overweight. Limit treats to training session; the Dachshund is highly motivated by food, and it’s a good way to get them to pay attention. Dachshunds do best in homes with older children who won’t treat them roughly. In good condition, the Dachshund is capable of going on long walks and participating in dog sports such as agility, but when the weather is bad or time is short, they can get by with a play session in the yard or even indoors.
Dachshund,