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Origins
Some experts think that the Dachshund dates back to antiquity and was depicted in Egyptian Reliefs.
While that may be true, it is widely accepted that the Germans were largely responsible for the development of the dog we know today.
Some type of field spaniel and a terrier were likely bred to the smooth to produce the long coat and the wire coat.
Their unique shape was developed to search for their quarry, the badger. “Dachshund” translated means “Badger Hound.”
Hunters of that day used the Dachshund to keep the number of badgers in check while today’s hunters use the Dachshund in a variety of settings.
His hunting spirit and good nose, loud tongue and distinctive build make him suitable for belowground work and for beating the bush.
His keen nose gives him an advantage over many other breeds for trailing.
Today, Dachshunds can be seen in many AKC sanctioned activities, such as Earthdog, Agility, Tracking, Obedience, Field Trials and Conformation.
In addition, some are involved in pet therapy work while others have been trained as drug sniffing dogs by the police.
General Appearance
According to the standard, “The Dachshund is low to the ground, long in body and short of leg with robust muscles and elastic, pliable skin.”
The Dachshund is bred in two sizes, which are defined by weight.
The standard Dachshund ranges in weight from 16-32 pounds and the miniature Dachshund weighs 11 pounds and under.
In addition, he is bred in three coat varieties, the smooth (short hair), the long hair (long, silky coat), and the wire (a dense wiry coat).
His small to medium size makes him particularly suited for small yards and apartment living.
Temperament
The Dachshund is clever, lively and courageous.
He is affectionate and loving to his family.
The Dachshund craves being the center of all family activities, and he is not a dog well suited to being an outside pet.
The Dachshund is protective of his environment and may bark when he senses a potential threat.
Grooming
Dachshunds are generally very clean dogs with little to no body odor.
Minimal grooming requirements to maintain the Dachshund include clipping the nails, cleaning the inside of the ears, bathing when necessary and removing tartar from the teeth at least twice yearly, when indicated.
Wirehaired and longhaired Dachshunds may require professional grooming with frequent brushing of the coat.
Crate Training
Dogs are by nature den animals and contrary to the belief that crates are “jails,” they provide your Dachshund with a sense of safety and security.
Crates also foster peace of mind for you when you are away, knowing that your Dachshund is safe.
In addition, it can be an important adjunct to the housebreaking regimen.
Most dogs don’t want to soil their own bed.
Introduce your Dachshund to the crate gradually and make the inside appealing and comfortable.
Provide soft bedding and toys for your puppy.
Treats can be used to encourage your Dachshund to enter the crate and should be given as rewards for every successful training period.
Gradually increase the time your Dachshund remains in the crate.
Release your Dachshund only when he is quiet and reward him.
Routine Care
All dogs require proper nutrition, a clean environment, routine veterinary care with immunization and dental care to maintain optimal health.
This will facilitate a long, healthy life.
All new pups should receive a thorough exam by your vet within seventy-two (72) hours of purchase.
Monthly heartworm prevention is required in many areas.
Your breeder will likely recommend a type of dog food or you can seek the advice of your vet.
Be aware that dog food labels may recommend an amount that is more than necessary to maintain a fit and healthy Dachshund.
Be wary of over feeding and giving too many treats.
An overweight Dachshund is prone to many of the same problems experienced by overweight humans, such as diabetes, joint problems, decreased stamina and possibly, problems with the back.
Your Dachshund should never be allowed to run free. A fenced yard will provide your Dachshund with a safe place to exercise and will prevent injuries such as being struck by a car.
In addition, it will reduce the likelihood of his being a nuisance in your community.
Remember, your Dachshund should never run free unless involved in hunting or some similar activity.
Make sure your Dachshund is identified with tags, tattoo, or microchip in case it is lost.
AKC Companion Animal Recovery (AKC CAR) offers a free collar tag with every microchip and tattoo enrollment.
Your dog’s unique ID # and the AKC CAR 24/7 recovery hotline are printed on the tag.
Whatever the method of identification, be sure to enroll the microchip, tattoo or AKC CAR collar tag for lifetime recovery protection.
For more information, visit www.akccar.org, or call 1-800-252-7894.
15 Things You Didn’t Know About Dachshunds!
From: IHeartDogs.com By: Kristina Lotz
One of the most recognizable dog breeds on Earth, the dachshund is also one of the most popular breeds. But how much do you really know about them? Check out the following facts and learn more about this tenacious hound.
1. They Come in 15 Colors. While you are used to seeing red, black & tan and dappled Doxies, did you know they come in 15 colors and 6 marking combinations? Colors include: black & cream, black & tan, blue & cream, blue & tan, chocolate & cream, chocolate & tan, cream, fawn (also called Isabella) & cream, fawn & tan, red, wheaten, wild boar, black, chocolate and fawn. Marking combinations include: brindle, dapple, sable, brindle piebald, double piebald and piebald.
2. They’re Known As Badger Dog. The name Dachshund comes from the German “Dachs” meaning “badger” and “hund” meaning dog. According to the AKC, Americans called the dog “Badger Dog” during the postwar years to disassociate the breed from his German origins. (www.akc.org).
3. They Come In Three Sizes. Many people are used to seeing a Miniature Dachshund, they forget that the standard size exist, and it can be almost triple the size of the mini. The mini is usually around 11 pounds and hunted small vermin while the larger, 32 pound dog hunted the badger. In Germany, they come in a third size, in between the miniature and standard.
4. Have 3 Coat Types. Another trait people are not always aware of is that the doxie comes in the popular smooth coat as well as a longhaired and a wire-haired. All three coats are acceptable in the show ring.
5. They Are A Queen’s Favorite. Queen Victoria is known for being partial to the breed, saying “Nothing will turn a man’s home into a castle more quickly and effectively than a Dachshund.” (GoodReads.com). She is credited for the breed’s popularity in Britain.
6. They Were The First Olympic Mascot. The very first Olympic Mascot in the history of the Olympic Games was Waldie a dachshund for the 1972 Munich Olympic Games. The Olympic marathon route was designed to be in the shape of the dog that year. (Olympic.org).
7. They Have A Long Lifespan. Chanel, a Doxie living in New York, held the Guinness World Record for oldest living dog in 2009. She died at age 21, and then another Doxie named Otto briefly held the title. That was until a terrier, Max was proven to be older. Doxies are known for living long lives, many into their late teens.
8. Small Stomachs, Big Eaters. This little breed LOVES to eat! They will eat practically anything and obesity is a big problem for them, which shortens their lives and causes back and joint issues.
9. Tweenies. This term is sometimes used for Doxies that fall between the mini and standard size, roughly 12 to 18 pounds. As mentioned, in Britain this is another size allocation and there they are sometimes referred to “rabbit Dachshund” because this was the size used to hunt rabbits and hares.
10. They Are The Smallest Hunting Breed. The Dachshund is the smallest breed in the AKC hound group, but don’t let that fool you. They are tenacious and were bred to not just stalk prey but kill it.
11. They Are Jumpers. For some reason, the little Doxie is known for jumping out of people’s arms, often hurting their backs. It is recommended you keep them safe while in your arms by tucking one hand around the hind end and the other holding him from underneath, up through his front legs with your hand on his chest, to keep him from getting free.
12. The Ultimate Watch Dog. Since they were bred to hunt and kill, the Doxie has the will to go after anything. In fact, a study in the 2008 Applied Animal Behavior Science journal ranked the Dachshund as one of the most aggressive breeds toward both humans and other dogs.
13. Used in War Propaganda. During WWll the Doxie’s popularity in America dropped considerably. The breed was even used in anti-German propaganda for children, where the Kaiser is depicted as a “rabid hound”.
14. You Can Find Weiner Dog Races. Ever wonder where this came from? They started in the 1970’s in Australia, where they raced other breeds as well. The events are meant to be more fun than anything, since obviously the breed was not bred for racing. The Wienerschnitzel Weiner Nationals is held every December in San Diego, California.
15. They Are One Of The Most Popular Breeds. Despite the downfall during postwar years, the doxie has rebounded well. In fact, due to public relations work, the breed went from being ranked 28th according to AKC STATS to 6th by 1940. It has stayed relatively popular ever since then; in 2015 it was the 13th most popular breed, according to the AKC.