Dachshund originated in Germany and have a documented history going back as far as the 15th century. Most dog breed experts feel that Basset Hounds and some unknown terriers were the ancestors of the breed. The Bassets provided the long body, short legs, strength, good nose for scenting, and smooth coat. The terriers provided tenacity, stamina, the drive to hunt, and the wire coat to that variety. Other experts feel the Dachshund is simply a short-legged version of the German Schweisshund. In any case, the name Dachshund wasn’t given to these long-bodied, low-slung hunting dogs until the 17th century; the name reflects both the breed’s hunting ability and its prey drive (Dachshund means badger hunter).
Dachshunds are very devoted to their families and quite wary of strangers.
Dachshunds are found in two sizes: standard and miniature. Standard dachshundss weigh between 16 and 32 pounds, while miniatures weigh less than 11 pounds. In Germany, there are three sizes that are determined by the dog’s chest measurement. The dwarf Dachshund measures no more than 13.8 inches around the chest, while the rabbit Dachshund measures no more than 11.8 inches. The standard is the largest, measuring more than 13.8 inches.
All Dachshund sizes have three coat varieties. The smooth coat variety is shiny and slick. The longhaired is silky and slightly wavy with feathers on the legs and tail. The wirehaired variety has a rough, coarse, wiry coat with a softer undercoat. In all varieties, the dog is long-bodied and muscular, with short legs and a long tail that continues the line of the spine. The head is carried high and boldly, and the eyes are almond-shaped and expressive. The ears are dropped and of moderate length.
Grooming depends upon the coat type. The smooth coat Dachshund is easy to groom; it should be brushed twice weekly with a soft bristle brush or curry comb. The longhaired Dachshund coat needs a little more work, as the feathers can get tangled. Every other day the coat should be brushed and combed. The wirehaired Dachshund coat should be brushed twice weekly, and several times a year it needs stripping to remove dead hairs. If you don’t know how to strip the coat, talk to your breeder or call a professional groomer.
Don’t let the Dachshund’s short legs fool you; these hunting dogs are athletes and need daily exercise. They need a good walk morning and evening, a chance to play ball, and a chance to run around the yard looking for squirrels. Because of their long backs and the potential for injury, exercise should not include any jumping onto, off of, or over high obstacles or leaping to catch a ball or flying disc.
Dachshunds are very devoted to their families and quite wary of strangers. It’s important that Dachshund puppies attend a puppy class where socialization is incorporated into the lesson plans. Dachshunds can also be barkers; a training class begun when the dogs are young can help prevent or control this tendency. Dachshunds can be good with children who are not overly rough. Interactions with small pets should be supervised; after all, Dachshunds are still tenacious hunters. Health concerns include back problems, knee problems, and obesity.
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3 replies on “Dachshund”
Curious, lively, charming, and brave, the Dachshund is similar to a terrier in his demands to be in on everything.
This comical clown loves to play games and has a great sense of humor. He is a loyal little dog, very attached to his family, and he firmly believes that sleeping under the bedcovers is in the Dachshund Bill of Rights.
Dachshunds attract devoted followers who would never consider having any other breed. Indeed, Dachshunds are often kept in pairs, which is A-OK with them, since they seem to recognize and prefer being with other “wiener dogs”.
They’re usually good with other family pets, too, though they can be jealous when they want attention and they can be possessive of their toys. You need to put a firm stop to the first signs of jealousy or possessiveness so that these don’t become bad habits.
Though the Dachshund makes a great house dog, he does need his daily walks (on-leash! Dachshunds are chasers who will take off! — and plenty of companionship. Loneliness will lead to excessive barking.
You’ll also hear his sharp, persistent bark when people approach, for most Dachshunds are alert watchdogs who do not take kindly to strangers intruding on their domain. Again, you need to put a stop to overt signs of suspiciousness, lest this progress to nastiness.
Though bright and clever, Dachshunds like to do things their own way. In other words, they’re stubborn. Cheerful praise and treats should be offered freely, as Dachsies are proud little dogs who resist force. They become irritable when pushed too far, and they may respond defensively (growling or snapping) if jerked around, handled harshly, or teased.
Other behavioral problems? Well, the Dachshund’s hunting and tunneling instincts may lead to holes being dug in your garden. Also, housebreaking may go slowly, as many Dachshunds don’t like to go outside in cold or wet weather. A covered potty yard is recommended, if possible.
In general, Miniature Dachshunds are more active than the larger Standard Dachshunds. Comparing the three coat varieties:
Wirehaired Dachshunds tend to be the most energetic, the most mischievous, and the most obstinate (probably stemming from their strong terrier heritage).
Longhaired Dachshunds tend to be the quietest and sweetest-natured (probably stemming from their spaniel heritage).
Smooth Dachshunds are most apt to attach themselves to one person and are often more aloof with strangers.
But remember, these are just generalities!
Before I got my dachshund, I had just lost a little doxie shortly before. She had gotten run over.There was to be no more dogs,as the pain was to hard to get over.My son didn’t buy that,and him and my grandsons traveled 300 miles and brought my baby home to me.She was 2 months old and about as big as a chipmonk.It was love at first sight.She was bought from a breeder and he (my son) had a hard time finding her. My dachshund is always happy to see me. She is allowed to get in bed with me at 5oclock in the morning.I hold the blankets up and under she goes.She likes to lay right against me and is always so nice and warm. Really a lap dog and spends most of the day with me in my chair covered up.She likes her Dad pretty well too.Likes to go to his shop with him.She is a two person dog.
My dachshund has mellowed out over the years.She self governs herself on food and stays about 7 lbs. She does not seem to like children.The only problem with this dog is she sometimes gets too many tidbits from her Dads plate!
Mary-Kate Olsen’s sausage dog is so cute.. its a Dachshund !