Dachshund: Dog Breed Facts & Information

The Dachshund – also known as Teckel – is still one of the most popular family companion dogs in Germany (despite the declining number of puppies). Whether smooth, rough, or long-haired – small or large – the dachshund is not only a capable and docile hunting dog but also a loyal, lovable and adaptable family companion.

Origin and history

The Dachshund is descended from short-legged medieval Hounds. Their task was to penetrate fox and badger dens (hence the name dachshund) and drive the wild animals out of their burrow systems. This work required a short-legged, robust and courageous dog that could also make decisions independently.

Dachshunds have now been bred for over 100 years. The oldest type of dachshund is the short-haired Dachshund. Later, through cross-breeding with other dog breeds, the long-haired Dachshund, and the universally popular wire-haired Dachshund were added.

Appearance

The Dachshund is small and short-legged with an elongated, compact body. Despite their small stature, dachshunds are very muscular, agile, and agile. Their head is rather narrow but not pointed, the ears are set high and hanging.

The fur is either smooth, dense and shiny (in the short-haired Dachshund ), dense and wiry with a beard and bushy eyebrows (in the wire-haired Dachshund ), or slightly wavy, longer, and shiny (in the long-haired Dachshund ).

Dachshunds are bred not only in three coat types (shorthair, wirehair, longhair), but also in three sizes: regular (default), miniature Dachshund, and rabbit Dachshund (which can still enter a rabbit hole). Unlike other dog breeds, the size of the dachshund is not measured by shoulder height, but rather by chest girth, which determines which underground burrows the dachshund can invade. The normal breed has a chest circumference of 35 cm or more, the miniature dachshund from 30 to 35 cm, and the smallest rabbit dachshund has up to 30 cm chest circumference.

The short-haired and wire-haired Dachshunds are very easy to care for. The long-haired dachshund must be brushed regularly, otherwise knots form in the fur. The rather sensitive ears should be regularly cared for in all Dachshund variants.

Nature

Dachshunds are very friendly, balanced family dogs that love children. They are very docile, fun-loving, and intelligent and it is not for nothing that they are still one of the most popular companion dogs in German-speaking countries. In the German puppy statistics, the Dachshund – after the German Shepherd – has been in second place for decades, despite declining numbers.

Dachshunds are very adaptable companions who feel just as comfortable in a large family as in a single household. The prerequisite, however, is appropriate employment and a consistent and loving upbringing. Because in every dachshund there is a passionate, self-confident hunter with a strong personality. Although trained hunting dogs follow every word, blind obedience – just for the sake of obedience – is rather foreign to the dachshund. In addition, they are masters at twisting their fellow human beings around their fingers to get their way. Therefore, the dachshund is often said to be stubborn. With clear leadership and sensitive training, Dachshunds are reliable and loyal companions who are fun for everyone.

The life expectancy of the Dachshund is very high at 16 years and over. Due to the extremely long spine about short legs, the dachshund is prone to back problems. In the so-called Dachshund paralysis – a special form of a herniated disc – nerves in the spine are pressed and the hind legs begin to paralyze. Regular exercise should be ensured to prevent dachshund paralysis. This strengthens the back muscles and prevents obesity. The Dachshund should not have to overcome large steps or make high jumps in everyday movement.