Mary Allen
These dogs have long roots and are probably one of the most popular breeds in this country. With their proverbial Dachshund look, these limbers end up in the heart of every animal lover. Are you interested in these small purebred dogs? Then you can get interesting information about the history, temperament, character, or care of these animals in our breed portrait.
General
- Origin: Germany
- Height at the withers: 20 to 26 cm.
- Weight: 3 to 15 kg
- Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
- Expressed muscles
- Vertical head position
- Attentive facial expression
- Shortened, curved legs
- Hanging ears
- Strongly developed upper and lower jaw
- Coat length/structure: short coat, long coat, rough coat
coat color: red, reddish-yellow; Black with a yellow or reddish-brown border on the chest, legs, head; Brown with yellow to reddish-brown stripe on chest, legs, head, striped, brindle.
In addition, four-legged friends are divided by chest circumference and weight:
- Dachshund: more than 30 cm; Maximum weight 9 kg
- Miniature Dachshund: from 30 to 35 cm; from 4 to 5 kg
- Rabbit Dachshund: up to 30 cm about 3.5 kg.
Hunting Dog with a Long Tradition
Today’s Dachshund comes from the Celtic hound, which was valued by the Celtic tribes already 2000 years ago. Loyal comrades supported their masters, especially when hunting. In addition, the Dachshund is also mentioned in Roman records from the 2nd century AD. Even then, four-legged friends were popular because of their hunting skills. In the Middle Ages, they were used to exterminate foxes and badgers that hunted domestic chickens and ducks. Due to their body size, working dogs could penetrate narrow buildings and hunt there. Therefore, animals were specially bred in such a way that they could move quickly and dig well. Hanging ears protected the ear canal from dust and dirt. In 1879, for example, the first breed definitions were established, and the following year the German Teckel Club was founded. Only at the beginning of the 19th century did this breed spread beyond Germany. Therefore, in 1925, international standards for Dachshunds were established. Even today, because of their abilities, purebred dogs are still very popular, especially with hunters.
Recommendations
Although the four-legged friend was originally bred for hunting, it is now also very popular as a family dog. Dachshund needs consistent training, in which its breed characteristics should be taken into account. Because he quickly recognizes the weaknesses of the leadership and uses them. In addition, Dachshunds are stubborn by virtue of their nature. That is why you should not resist the gaze of a Dachshund under any circumstances. Because it takes persistence. You have to control the natural hunting instinct of four-legged friends when they are still puppies. Otherwise, it will be difficult to wean them. If you decide to have a Dachshund as a family dog, you should teach it to live with children as a puppy.
Since four-legged friends love to dig, they should definitely have a garden where they can let off steam. However, if you value a well-groomed English lawn, then this breed is not necessarily recommended. In addition, a faithful companion needs a place of refuge where he can go when he can’t afford it. Despite their small size, Dachshunds need to move a lot. So long walks are a must.
Health and Care
Due to their physique, faithful companions require special care and attention. The spine of babies is heavily loaded. Therefore, Dachshunds often suffer from rheumatic diseases and herniated discs. The latter is a special form – Dachshund paralysis. In this case, the nerves are compressed by the vertebrae. As a result, the four-legged friend can no longer coordinate certain body parts. In addition, it is very important, especially for Dachshunds, to maintain an ideal weight, as the joints are already under enormous stress due to their physique. In the case of obesity, to which the breed is prone, this load increases even more. Therefore, you should make sure that your pet eats properly. This is the only way to reduce the risk that your dog will later suffer from joint problems. In addition, daily exercise is necessary to maintain an ideal weight, as well as to build and strengthen the muscles of the Dachshund. That’s why you should go for a walk with your little companion three times a day.
Regular brushing is also essential for grooming and preventing tangling. Wire-haired Dachshunds also need a haircut.
Features of the Breed
Since the Dachshund was bred as a hunting dog, it is not a lap dog. It is persistent and lonely. In addition, it has a strong will, courageous and persistence. You must adapt to these characteristics of this breed. Four-legged friends do not obey and show their opinion. Thus, consistent training is essential for Dachshunds. It’s the only way to get it under control. Otherwise, they are stubborn. Therefore, a Dachshund should attend a dog school already as a puppy. There it comes into contact with larger dogs and learns the necessary respect.