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    HomeNewsOct 23, Dachshund: Complete Dog Breed Profile with Photographs

    Oct 23, Dachshund: Complete Dog Breed Profile with Photographs

    Dachshund By Janice Jones   |Last Updated 10-23-2021

    Curious, loving, intelligent, and comical are adjectives to describe the Dachshund. 

    Still true to his nature, these dogs were bred to be excellent hunters, above and below ground and these traits are evident in their strong prey drive, their propensity to dig and their fierce devotion to the task at hand.

    DachshundDachshund

    They are fun-loving and
    will keep you amused with their comical antics. 
    While being a very sturdy breed, they are prone to problems with their
    long backs so precautions should be taken when carrying and holding them. 

    Jumping off the furniture can cause serious
    injury, so be prepared to install ramps or doggie steps.

    A typical dachshund has a long body and
    short muscular legs.  Being low to the
    ground allows them to burrow and maneuver through tunnels.

    They come in two sizes, three coat
    types and a rainbow of colors, providing something for anyone who would love to
    share their home with these exceptional dogs. 
    Their name comes from the German where they were first developed.

    The Dachshund Dog Breed Profile at a Glance

    Dog Breed Ratings Got You a Little Confused?
    Here’s a little help in understanding them

    • Playfulness:   Most Playful = 5    Least Playful = 1
    • Affection:  Most Affectionate = 5   Least Affectionate = 1
    • Friendliness Towards Strangers: Most Friendly = 5  Least = 1
    • Good With Children:  Great= 5    Not Good with Children = 1
    • Good With Dogs:  Great = 5   Not Good Around Dogs = 1
    • Good With First Time Owners:  Fine=5  Not Appropriate = 1
    • Exercise Required:  Extensive Daily Exercise = 1  Minimal = 1
    • Ease of Training:  Very Easy = 5     Difficult = 1
    • Watch Dog:  Excellent Watch Dog = 5  Minimal = 1
    • Grooming:  Time Consuming = 5   Minimal = 1
    • Shedding:  Heavy Shedder = 5     Minimal = 1
    • Cold Tolerance:  Well Tolerated = 5   Poor Tolerance = 1
    • Heat Tolerance:  Well Tolerated = 5  Poor Tolerance = 1

    If not socialized properly from an
    early age, these dogs can become suspicious of strangers; making them good from
    a watch dog perspective; not so good if you enjoy company.   

    Playful by nature, they seem to be able to
    make up the rules for any game they choose, changing the rules whenever it
    suits them.  They can make great family
    dogs, but often will choose one person to bond with and own.

    They are an extremely intelligent breed but
    because they are somewhat stubborn, they are not always easy to train.  Persistence and patience will pay off and
    early socialization is a must.

    Miniature Dachshund PuppyThis is Walter, a very calm miniature Dachshund puppy from Fairlawn, Ohio. Used with Permission

    Quick Facts

    Other Names Used (Nick
    Names): 

    • wiener dog
    • hot dog
    • Weenie dog
    • Sausage dog
    • Slinky
    • Low rider
    • Doxie
    • Dachsie
    • Schnitzel
    • Shorty
    • Bassotto (in Italian)
    • Teckel or Deckel in German.

    Affiliation:  AKC, UK:  Hound

    Size

    • Height: Miniature, 5 — 6 inches at the shoulder; Standard, 8 to 9 inches at the shoulder
    • Weight: 11 pounds and under (Miniature); 16 to 32 pounds (Standard)  Between 11 and 16 pounds:  affectionately called Tweenies

    Coat Type:  Short, Long, Wire

    Colors
    Chocolate & Cream, Red, Black & Tan, Blue, Cream, Tan, Black, Chocolate,
    Blue and Tan and Isabella (fawn)

    Color Patterns: Patterns
    in dachshund coats include dapple (light or diluted markings over the color),
    brindle (black streaks over the color), and piebald (large areas of white over
    the color).

    Country of Origin:  German

    Activity Level:  Moderate

    Life Expectancy:  12-15 years

    Good with Children:  Yes if managed correctly

    Good with other pets:  Good with other Dachshunds

    History

    Long haired Dachshund

    The history of the breed goes
    back more than 500 years originating in Germany or so the story goes.  There is some evidence, however that the origins
    of the breed go back much farther in history at least 1000 years to Egypt. 

    There have been dogs found depicted in tombs
    and drawings that resemble the breed during that era. 

    Most agree that the Germany was
    the country to develop the breed.  First
    known as a Teckel, it was then renamed Dachshund from the German “Dachs”
    meaning badger and “Hund” meaning dog. 

    These dogs were developed to help rid farmers of badgers and other burrowing
    creatures and hunting these small animals is what the breed did best. 

    The doxie’s determination,
    excellent sense of smell and courage gave him a reputation for being an
    excellent hunter.  The breed was and
    still is considered to be the only one that has the capability to hunt above
    and below the ground.  

    These dogs were
    trained and developed to not only hunt their prey, but kill it too.  It’s almost comical to watch a dachshund
    attach a plastic toy and destroy it by tearing out the squeaker.   Anything
    is fair game for a Dachsie, toilet paper roll, half dead insect, red laser
    beam!

    The original German dachshunds were larger than the
    dachshunds we know today – averaging between 30 and 40 pounds.Breeders probably
    used a variety of dogs to create the modern day Dachshund including the
    Schweisshund, Dachsbracke, Basset Hounds and Beagles. 

    The original dachshunds were all smooth
    coated in a variety of colors.  Later
    they were crossed with different types of spaniels to create the longhaired
    varieties that were especially popular for hunting water prey such as
    otters. 

    The wire-haired dachshund was the last
    to be developed, late in 19th century. There is some debate as to which dogs
    were used to create this new variety. 

    It
    has been suggested that the wire-haired dachshund was a cross between the
    smooth dachshund and various d terriers such as the Schnauzer, the Dandie
    Dinmont Terrier,
    the German Wirehaired Pointer, or the Scottish Terrier.

    Beginning in the 1800s, dachshunds were bred in England for pet purposes and their size was slowly reduced by about 10 pounds. Eventually, an even smaller version – the miniature dachshund – was bred.

    The earliest members of the breed came to the United States around 1870 to hunt rabbits with the first ones being registered by the AKC in 1885.  The breed lost popularity during World War I due to its German origins, but began to gain acceptance two decades later. 

    They have been gaining popularity ever since.  In 2002 they were the fifth most popular dog in America.  In 2012, the Dachshund’s popularity dropped to number 10, but still very impressive. In 2016, he is ranked number 13 in popularity.

    Personality

    Dachshund Personality

    The descriptive words use most
    frequently for this breed include determined, stubborn, comical, brave,
    fearless, clever, and lively.  Even
    though they belong to the hound group, their personality is strikingly
    terrier-like. 

    Unlike many breeds that have
    different varieties, the different hair coats found on the dachshund seem to
    bestow different personality quarks. 
    This is likely due to the breeds that were used to create the various
    coat types. 

    All Dachsie are brave, but the wire-haired
    variety gets dubbed the clown.  Being the
    most terrier-like, they seem to be the ones always in trouble. 

    The Spaniel personality shines through in the
    Longhaired members of the breed making them quiet, docile, and focused on
    humans.  The smooth coated variety is
    somewhere in between, not wild as the Rough, not quiet as the longhair. 

    As personality quarks goes, digging is probably at the top
    of the list of any owner along with barking and chasing.  They were bred to dig and dig they do all so
    well. Whether it is in the garden on your bed, they will find ways to burrow. 

    This breed will keep you laughing and
    it’s hard to resist the kisses and love that they bestow their favorite
    people. 

    They make good family dogs if
    they are brought up with kids, but with any small breed dog, it is important to
    teach and supervise play so that children learn how to pick up, hold, and
    interact with the dog in an appropriate way. 

    However, you should know that there are
    some negatives as well as all the wonderful positive reasons to own a
    dachshund.  Housetraining is not always
    on their list of priorities and the process may take longer with this
    breed. 

    They are often cautious around
    strangers and tend to bark. They are alert and will bark whenever they
    hear an unusual noise.  They do make
    excellent watch dogs, but often their barking is the result of a squirrel
    searching for nuts two miles down the street.

    They are an active breed but adaptable
    to most any situation.  Moderate exercise
    means a walk or two a day and a romp around the yard.  Most of their exercise requirements can be
    met by following you around the house. 

    But
    if you are more active, your doxie is likely to be a willing partner.  He will track rabbits in field trials, take
    part in earthdog trails and even agility. 
    They also make good therapy dogs. 

    Another characteristic of the breed is
    their fondness for food.  Some dogs
    will literally eat until they are sick. 
    When they become obese, they are most prone to back problems, so the
    challenge of all good dachshund owners is to find a diet that will be satisfying
    but not put on the pounds. 

    Treats should
    be counted into the overall daily calorie count and food should not be left out
    where your hungry hound might feel tempted.

    So, if one had to discuss potential
    behavioral problems in this breed they might fall into:

    • Barking
    • Digging
    • Strong Prey Drive:  Chasing can be a problem, so all walks should be on a leash.

    Early training and socialization are
    most important to curb some of the natural tendencies found in the breed.

    Grooming

    Grooming the Dachshund

    These dogs are the perfect breed for people who do not enjoy the grooming process, although don’t think you’ll get away with doing nothing. 

    One of the big tasks of grooming these dogs involves keeping them clean and smelling fresh.  As long as your dog does not go outside, a bath one a month should be fine. 

    But for the average dog who enjoys a romp in the yard and a walk or two, bath time will come more frequently.  Doxies love to roll in the grass and usually the spot they choose has some aroma that only they can appreciate. 

    A quick bath will take care of that problem. 

    Smooth haired doxies require little in the way of brushing, but a quick rub with a towel will help keep their coat soft and shiny.  They do benefit from a weekly brushing because they do shed. 

    The long haired
    dogs will need regular brushing so mats do not form.  The wire haired coat will need striping twice
    a year. 

    This is a process that involves
    plucking out hair; their beard and eyebrows will also need to be trimmed to
    keep him looking great.  The hair between
    the paw pads will also need to be trimmed on the wire-haired and long-haired
    dachshund.

    As with any breed that has long droopy
    ears, good hygiene will help keep them from getting infected.  It’s a good idea to get into the habit of
    cleaning the ears once a week with a cotton ball and an ear cleaning
    solution suggested by your vet.

    Health Concerns

    This breed is relatively healthy with most members living on average 12-15 years.  The most common issue that plagues them, however, is back problem. 

    Their long back can be damaged easily even with normal doggie behaviors such as jumping off the bed can result in a slipped, pinched, or ruptured disc. 

    Health Concerns of the Dachshund

    Depending on the location of the disc(s) involved, the poor dog may be
    left unable to walk, urinate or defecate. 
    Surgery is almost always needed to restore normal function. 

    To protect their backs, it is important
    to pick them up and hold them correctly with one arm under his hind end and one
    supporting his chest. 

    They should not be
    allowed to jump on or off high furniture if possible so many owners will invest
    in ramps or doggie steps that lead do the bed or sofa. Read more about IVDD and Spinal Injuries Solutions.

    Bloat and Gastric torsion are also
    serious concerns in dogs that have deep chests. During an episode of bloat, air
    fills the stomach.

    If the stomach twists (gastric torsion) blood supply is cut
    off and is a medical emergency.  Surgery
    is the only option for twisted stomachs.

    Other conditions such as epilepsy, eye
    disorders, diabetes, hip dysplasia and skin problems are also found in dachshunds.

    Deafness
    has also been reported in dogs who are born from parents that both have a
    dapple color pattern.

    Dachshund

    Pros

    • Curious, brave, fun-loving and intelligent
    • Good Watch dog
    • Good with children as long as proper supervision
      is encouraged
    • Good with other household pets, especially other
      dachshunds
    • Treats work well as a training aid
    • Relatively healthy breed living 12-15 years.
    • Very loyal, devoted to his family
    • Needs only moderate exercise

    Cons

    • Can be stubborn
    • Strong prey instinct;  likely to chase things
    • May be difficult to housetrain
    • May bark excessively
    • Likes to dig
    • Serious health problems include back problems
    • Can be suspicious towards strangers
    Dachshund Dog Breed ProfileDachshund Dog Breed Profile

    Resources

    For Lovers of the Dachshund

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