About the Dachshund
History and General Information:
The dachshund was developed in Germany over a period of several hundred years for the primary purpose of hunting badgers. They were specifically bred for their strength, tenacity, adventurous nature, and body style.
The standard size was developed to scent, chase, and flush badgers and other burrow-dwelling animals, while the miniature was developed to hunt smaller prey, like rabbits. In America, the dachshund has been used to hunt prairie dogs. Though the breed is famous for its use in exterminating badgers and badger-baiting, dachshunds were also commonly used for rabbit and fox hunting, for locating wounded deer, and in packs were known to hunt game as large as wild boar and as fierce as the wolverine. The dachshund is the only breed of dog to hunt both above and below ground. They are one of the most popular pets in the United States, ranking in the top ten dogs registered with the American Kennel Club for the last fifty years.
General Appearance
The typical dachshund is long-bodied and muscular, with short and stubby legs. Its paws are unusually large and paddle-shaped, for efficient digging. It has skin that is loose enough not to tear while tunneling in tight burrows to chase prey. The dachshund has a deep chest to allow enough lung capacity to keep going when hunting. Its snout is long with an increased nose area that absorbs odors. Because of their long, narrow build, they are often nicknamed hot dog, wiener dog, or sausage dog. Appearing neither crippled, awkward, nor cramped in his capacity for movement, the Dachshund is well balanced, with bold and confident head carriage, and has an intelligent, alert facial expression. His hunting spirit, good nose, and distinctive build make him well suited for belowground work and beating the bush. His keen nose gives him an advantage over most other breeds for trailing.
Do you ever wonder how dachshund got those short, stubby, little crooked legs? Check out this scientific explanation of the how of it.
Science Magazine News Blog.
Size
Dachshunds originally weighed 40 lbs. to 50 lbs in order to swiftly handle their game. Today, Dachshunds range in size from the mini, which by AKC standards is from 8 lbs to 11 lbs., to the standard, which is 18 lbs to 25lbs. The unofficial terms “micro-mini” is any dog less than 8 lbs. and the "tweenie" is sometimes used for dogs weighing between 12lbs. and 18 lbs.
The dachshund was developed in Germany over a period of several hundred years for the primary purpose of hunting badgers. They were specifically bred for their strength, tenacity, adventurous nature, and body style.
The standard size was developed to scent, chase, and flush badgers and other burrow-dwelling animals, while the miniature was developed to hunt smaller prey, like rabbits. In America, the dachshund has been used to hunt prairie dogs. Though the breed is famous for its use in exterminating badgers and badger-baiting, dachshunds were also commonly used for rabbit and fox hunting, for locating wounded deer, and in packs were known to hunt game as large as wild boar and as fierce as the wolverine. The dachshund is the only breed of dog to hunt both above and below ground. They are one of the most popular pets in the United States, ranking in the top ten dogs registered with the American Kennel Club for the last fifty years.
General Appearance
The typical dachshund is long-bodied and muscular, with short and stubby legs. Its paws are unusually large and paddle-shaped, for efficient digging. It has skin that is loose enough not to tear while tunneling in tight burrows to chase prey. The dachshund has a deep chest to allow enough lung capacity to keep going when hunting. Its snout is long with an increased nose area that absorbs odors. Because of their long, narrow build, they are often nicknamed hot dog, wiener dog, or sausage dog. Appearing neither crippled, awkward, nor cramped in his capacity for movement, the Dachshund is well balanced, with bold and confident head carriage, and has an intelligent, alert facial expression. His hunting spirit, good nose, and distinctive build make him well suited for belowground work and beating the bush. His keen nose gives him an advantage over most other breeds for trailing.
Do you ever wonder how dachshund got those short, stubby, little crooked legs? Check out this scientific explanation of the how of it.
Science Magazine News Blog.
Size
Dachshunds originally weighed 40 lbs. to 50 lbs in order to swiftly handle their game. Today, Dachshunds range in size from the mini, which by AKC standards is from 8 lbs to 11 lbs., to the standard, which is 18 lbs to 25lbs. The unofficial terms “micro-mini” is any dog less than 8 lbs. and the "tweenie" is sometimes used for dogs weighing between 12lbs. and 18 lbs.
Coat Types:
Dachshunds have three coat varieties:
Smooth: The short, smooth and sleek coat is the original and the most well known of the three coat types. The smooth coat requires minimal grooming.
Longhair: The second coat type to develop, the longhair, is believed to be a result of earlier cross breeding with spaniels. The soft, silky, often slightly wavy hair is longer under the neck, on the underside of the body, and especially on the ears and behind the legs. The long coat requires brushing or combing once or twice weekly and occasional trimming of stray hairs.
Wirehair:The wire-haired dachshund, the last to develop, was created in late 19th century. There is a possibility the wire-haired dachshund was a cross between the smooth dachshund and various hard-coated terriers and wire-haired pinschers, such as the Schnauzer, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, the German Wirehaired Pointer, or perhaps the Scottish Terrier The whole body is covered with a uniform tight, short, thick, rough, harder, outer, wire coat, but with a finer, softer, shorter undercoat. The face carries distinctive bushy eyebrows and a beard. The wire coat requires brushing or combing about once a week, with occasional trimming of stray hairs and stripping to remove dead hair twice a year.
Dachshunds have three coat varieties:
Smooth: The short, smooth and sleek coat is the original and the most well known of the three coat types. The smooth coat requires minimal grooming.
Longhair: The second coat type to develop, the longhair, is believed to be a result of earlier cross breeding with spaniels. The soft, silky, often slightly wavy hair is longer under the neck, on the underside of the body, and especially on the ears and behind the legs. The long coat requires brushing or combing once or twice weekly and occasional trimming of stray hairs.
Wirehair:The wire-haired dachshund, the last to develop, was created in late 19th century. There is a possibility the wire-haired dachshund was a cross between the smooth dachshund and various hard-coated terriers and wire-haired pinschers, such as the Schnauzer, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, the German Wirehaired Pointer, or perhaps the Scottish Terrier The whole body is covered with a uniform tight, short, thick, rough, harder, outer, wire coat, but with a finer, softer, shorter undercoat. The face carries distinctive bushy eyebrows and a beard. The wire coat requires brushing or combing about once a week, with occasional trimming of stray hairs and stripping to remove dead hair twice a year.
Colors
Many people are accustomed to the very popular red, and black and tan dachshunds, but are unaware that there are many colors and patterns that the dachshund can come in. Not all colors and patterns are sanctioned by the AKC for the show ring, so do your research if you are thinking of getting a show dog.
The following is a list of dachshund colors:
Many people are accustomed to the very popular red, and black and tan dachshunds, but are unaware that there are many colors and patterns that the dachshund can come in. Not all colors and patterns are sanctioned by the AKC for the show ring, so do your research if you are thinking of getting a show dog.
The following is a list of dachshund colors:
Red
Black Black and tan Black and cream |
Chocolate
Chocolate and tan Chocolate and cream Wheaton |
Isabella
Red Boar Wild Boar Cream |
Blue
Blue and tan |
Patterns:
Dapple
Piebald |
Double Dapple *
Brindle |
Piebald Dapple
Brindle Piebald |
Sable
|
- Double dapple dachshunds occur when a dapple is bred to a dapple. The dapple gene pool is very shallow and breeding them in this way has a very high rate of birth defects. Typically, about half of the puppies will be sight and/or hearing impaired to a certain extent. Worst case scenario, puppies are born without eyes and completely deaf. Here is a link to a website for more specific information: Dapple and Double Dapples
Personality & Temperament
Dachshunds are lovable, playful companions and are known for their devotion and loyalty to their owners. They have a very impish personality and love an adventure. They are smart, but that doesn't necessarily mean quick to obedience train. Many trainers would consider them fairly stubborn and feel that teaching them obedience and potty training, depending on the dog, can take the patience of a saint!
Although the dachshund is generally an energetic dog, some are sedate. They absolutely love to cuddle and snuggle. They are often found burrowed under any available blanket, quilt or, if allowed, under the covers of the big bed. Coincidentally, they do a great job of keeping you warm when it is cold.
Dachshunds are lovable, playful companions and are known for their devotion and loyalty to their owners. They have a very impish personality and love an adventure. They are smart, but that doesn't necessarily mean quick to obedience train. Many trainers would consider them fairly stubborn and feel that teaching them obedience and potty training, depending on the dog, can take the patience of a saint!
Although the dachshund is generally an energetic dog, some are sedate. They absolutely love to cuddle and snuggle. They are often found burrowed under any available blanket, quilt or, if allowed, under the covers of the big bed. Coincidentally, they do a great job of keeping you warm when it is cold.
Care
The dachshund should visit a veterinarian for a check up annually and receive necessary booster vaccinations to maintain it’s immunity to disease. The vet should be consulted about flea control, heartworm prevention, dental care, etc. Some of these items will vary depending on the area located. The dachshund should be spayed or neutered. It will not only help control the pet over population, but has health benefits for the dog as well, If the dog was adopted from a rescue or shelter, chances are it is already micro chipped, but if not, micro chipping is highly recommended. Most vets and shelters offer this service.
Dachshunds should be fed a high-grade dog food. The first ingredient should be meat if you ant a quality product. Crude protein should be no less than 30 percent and crude fat no less than 20 percent. The fiber content needs to be 4 percent or less. Avoid over feeding and the breed is prone to gain weight quickly, which can cause back problems.
Although dachshunds are active, their exercise requirements can be met with moderate walks on leash and games in the yard. The dachshund is amenable to city life or apartment living, but he is still a hunter at heart and enjoys the occasional foray into the wild. The sedimentary dogs should be exercised to help avoid their tendency to be overweight. It is highly recommended that a harness be used on dachshunds instead of a collar.
Health
The dachshund has an average life span of 12 to 15 years, however, some have been known to live as long as 20 years.
The breed is known to have spinal problems, especially Intervertebral Disc Disease, due in part to an extremely long spinal column and short rib cage. The risk of injury may be worsened by obesity, jumping, climbing stairs, rough handling, or intense exercise, which place greater strain on the vertebrae. Treatment consists of combinations of crate confinement and courses of anti-inflammatory or chronic pain medications. Serious cases may require surgery to remove the troublesome disk contents. A dog may need the aid of a cart to get around if paralysis occurs.
In addition to back problems, the breed is also prone to patellar luxation, which is where the kneecap can become dislodged. Other dachshund health problems include hereditary epilepsy, glaucomatous meningoencephalitis, dental issues, Cushing's syndrome, thyroid problems, various allergies and atrophies, and various eye conditions including cataracts, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy corneal ulcers, nonulcerative corneal disease, sudden acquired retinal degeneration, and cherry eye. Since the occurrence and severity of these health problems is largely hereditary, breeders are working to eliminate these characteristics. Obesity is also a major problem for the dachshund. Many tend to be overweight, which in turn predisposes them to intervertebral disc disease.
Check out our Helpful Information page for more information on IVDD.
Is a Dachshund the Right Dog for You?
If you enjoy an energetic, playful little dog and are not demanding of one that is readily compliant, you will appreciate the dachshund’s plucky independence. The breed is playful and active both indoors and out and most love an audience for their hijinks. Some are social with everyone they meet, while others are more of a "one family" dog. They are best with older children. Be forewarned that some doxies can be quite vocal, announcing each visitor with a round of sharp barks.
Dachshunds are known to quickly convert new owners to a lifetime addiction to the breed, hence the saying….
The dachshund should visit a veterinarian for a check up annually and receive necessary booster vaccinations to maintain it’s immunity to disease. The vet should be consulted about flea control, heartworm prevention, dental care, etc. Some of these items will vary depending on the area located. The dachshund should be spayed or neutered. It will not only help control the pet over population, but has health benefits for the dog as well, If the dog was adopted from a rescue or shelter, chances are it is already micro chipped, but if not, micro chipping is highly recommended. Most vets and shelters offer this service.
Dachshunds should be fed a high-grade dog food. The first ingredient should be meat if you ant a quality product. Crude protein should be no less than 30 percent and crude fat no less than 20 percent. The fiber content needs to be 4 percent or less. Avoid over feeding and the breed is prone to gain weight quickly, which can cause back problems.
Although dachshunds are active, their exercise requirements can be met with moderate walks on leash and games in the yard. The dachshund is amenable to city life or apartment living, but he is still a hunter at heart and enjoys the occasional foray into the wild. The sedimentary dogs should be exercised to help avoid their tendency to be overweight. It is highly recommended that a harness be used on dachshunds instead of a collar.
Health
The dachshund has an average life span of 12 to 15 years, however, some have been known to live as long as 20 years.
The breed is known to have spinal problems, especially Intervertebral Disc Disease, due in part to an extremely long spinal column and short rib cage. The risk of injury may be worsened by obesity, jumping, climbing stairs, rough handling, or intense exercise, which place greater strain on the vertebrae. Treatment consists of combinations of crate confinement and courses of anti-inflammatory or chronic pain medications. Serious cases may require surgery to remove the troublesome disk contents. A dog may need the aid of a cart to get around if paralysis occurs.
In addition to back problems, the breed is also prone to patellar luxation, which is where the kneecap can become dislodged. Other dachshund health problems include hereditary epilepsy, glaucomatous meningoencephalitis, dental issues, Cushing's syndrome, thyroid problems, various allergies and atrophies, and various eye conditions including cataracts, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy corneal ulcers, nonulcerative corneal disease, sudden acquired retinal degeneration, and cherry eye. Since the occurrence and severity of these health problems is largely hereditary, breeders are working to eliminate these characteristics. Obesity is also a major problem for the dachshund. Many tend to be overweight, which in turn predisposes them to intervertebral disc disease.
Check out our Helpful Information page for more information on IVDD.
Is a Dachshund the Right Dog for You?
If you enjoy an energetic, playful little dog and are not demanding of one that is readily compliant, you will appreciate the dachshund’s plucky independence. The breed is playful and active both indoors and out and most love an audience for their hijinks. Some are social with everyone they meet, while others are more of a "one family" dog. They are best with older children. Be forewarned that some doxies can be quite vocal, announcing each visitor with a round of sharp barks.
Dachshunds are known to quickly convert new owners to a lifetime addiction to the breed, hence the saying….