Pets

With its short legs and unique, elongated body, the Dachshund is an easily recognizable dog breed. There are actually a number of variants of the breed including three sizes, the standard, toy and miniature. There are also three coat types, the smooth-haired, wire-haired, and long-haired.

Dachshunds are usually either black and tan or red, although there are a number of other color variations, including merle, piebald and sable. They are members of the hound group, and have an elongated snout and a nose with excellent scenting abilities.

The name, “Dachshund” actually means “badger dog”, but the breed is known by a number of different names around the world. In its native Germany it is called the Teckel, while in America, it is often referred to as the Wiener Dog. In other English-speaking countries it sometimes goes by the name, Sausage Dog, while “Doxie”, is a popular shortening of the name.

Although the mummified remains of Dachshund-like dogs have been found in ancient Egypt, it is generally accepted that the breed originated in Germany. There, 17th century breeders sought to develop a dog that could pursue badgers, rabbits and other small game into their burrows. The breed was created by interbreeding various hounds and terriers, to produce a dog similar to the Dachshund we know today.

The temperament of the different Dachshund types varies greatly. The smooth-haired dog is confident, lively, and dominant, with a reputation as a prodigious barker. The long-haired Dachshund is somewhat gentler in nature, due to the introduction of Spaniel blood to produce the longer coat. The wire-haired, which was bred to the Dandie Dinmont and Schnauzer, falls somewhere between the two.

All Dachshunds though are affectionate with those close to them. They are generally good with older kids and toleratant to other pets, although the hunting instincts is still strong, so they need to be watched around small animals. Doxies are also notoriously stubborn, with many owners suggesting that they are impossible to train.

Like most purebred dogs, Dachshunds suffer from a number of inherited diseases. Back problems are a particular concern with this breed, due to their unique profile. They may also suffer from heart disease, diabetes, epilepsy, and hyperthyroidism.

As you’d expect, grooming requirements depend on the coat type of your Dachshund. Smooth-haired dogs require only the occasional brush down, while the long-haired must be brushed daily, and the wire-haired’s coat requires stripping twice a year.

Given its small size a Dachshund can live quite happily in an apartment. However, it should be remembered that these are still hunting dogs at heart, and therefore require regular exercise – a long walk daily should do the trick.

Visit dogs 101 at dogsanddogtraining.com for lots more on the Dachshund and other types of dogs.