Dachshund

Dachshund

This is a good-natured dog with uncommon proportions. With its stubby legs and long body, this breed is courageous when hunting, and affectionate as a companion dog.

History:

Dachshund-like dogs were depicted in ancient Egyptian temples and tombs and in early Mexican carvings, and possibly existed in South America hundreds of years before Europeans arrived. The modern-shaped Dachshund possibly developed from the French Basset Hound, along with the Dachsbracke. It was known in Germany in the early 1700s and Queen Victoria mentions her "dash" in her 1833 diary. Dachshunds were used in Germany as fox and badger dogs, and were renowned for their fearless pursuit of prey into the animal's lair to drag it out.

Their penetrating bark could be heard above the ground by the waiting hunters, who would often be able to dig down to the dog and game. Many a zealous Dachshund would pursue game until it became wedged inside the lair.

Kennel Clubs now recognize six breeds of Dachshund; three of standard size named according to their coats - the Smooth-haired, the Long-haired, and the Wire-haired - and miniature versions of the three standard sizes.

Physical characteristics:

A long body on short legs best describes the shape of the Dachshunds, both in standard and miniature sizes. The short legs are due to a congenital defect that causes shortening of the bones in the legs. Height: although not specified, usually 8 in (20 cm) in the standard and 6 in (15 cm) in the miniature. Weight: in the standard: 25 lb (11 kg) for dogs and 23 lb (10 kg) for the bitches; the miniature: 11 lb (5 kg) for both dog and bitch.

The head is long and tapers to a long, narrow muzzle. The nose is black or brown, depending on the coat color. The skull is slightly arched with no prominent stop, and the jaw is well-developed with a scissor bite. The eyes are almond-shaped, with colors varying from reddish brown to dark brown. The ears are set high, moderately long, flat and rounded at the tips, and drop close to the cheeks. The body of the Dachshund displays a prominent sternum and broad thorax, and the loin is short and slightly arched. The belly is tucked up and the tail is set high, not curved, and carried level with the back.

The coat of the smooth-haired breed is dense, short, and smooth. The long-haired coat has silky, soft, straight hair with a slight wave at times, and abundant feathering behind the legs and on the tail. The wire-haired coat is short and rough, with a distribution of fine, shorter hairs among the coarse hairs. Coat colors of the Dachshund can be whole colors or a mix of two from red, black, tan, silver, blue or brown. They can be brindled, tiger-marked, or dappled.

Behavior:

Although now they usually act as companion animals, these small to medium-sized dogs have a tenacious spirit carried on from their past hunting days. Having a strong sense of territory and an alert nature, Dachshunds make excellent watch-dogs. It is advisable to teach them about the sounds you consider important while they are still young. This early training will make the most of their sometimes enthusiastic barking, and give it direction and purpose.

Dachshunds are very sociable and get along very well with most other dogs. To allow them to fully develop their potential for friendliness, wise owners with single dogs will allow them to socialize as puppies. Dachshunds make excellent companion animals. However, if they are playing vigorous games with larger children, care should be taken not to injure their long backs. Although short-legged, Dachshunds do greatly benefit from regular exercise.