Dachshund Dogs

Breed: Hound

Height: Standard: 8-11 inches, Miniature: 5-7 inches, Toy: Up to 12 inches

Weight: Standard: Over 11 pounds, Miniature: 11 pounds, Toy: 8 pounds

Coat Type: Smooth, long-haired, wire-haired

 

A short-legged, elongated dog, the Dachshund belongs to the hound family. The name “dachshund” is a German word which literally means “badger dog”. Due to its long and narrow build, it is nicknamed as the hot dog dog, wiener dog or sausage dog. It is a dynamic, affectionate and extremely devoted breed and makes wonderful family pets. There are three varieties of Dachshund dogs, namely, the short-haired, the long-haired and the wired-haired. Although the dog looks cute and cuddly, it is tirelessly energetic, clever and curious. Due to its hunting lineage, it loves the outdoors. Read through the following lines to know more about the Dachshund dog breed.

 

The Dachshund dog is known to originate in Germany in the early 1600s. The breed was bred to hunt small games such as badgers and rabbits since it had shortened legs and could follow the animals inside their burrows. Smaller Dachshunds were bred to hare and stoat. Since these dogs are versatile and courageous, they can take on foxes and otters also. Although their population dwindled during World War I, they were imported to the USA from Germany where the gene pool once again increased. The Dachshund breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885.

 

The body of a Dachshund dog is tall, muscular with short legs. The elongated head has a slight convex skull that is arched with protruding eyebrows. It has a long muzzle and the jaw is robust with non-pendent lips. It has dark-red or brown-black almond shaped eyes. The ears are mobile and hang long on its cheeks. Its tail is carried in line with its back. The Dachshund dog can be found in a wide variety of colors. Solid colors include black, red (from strawberry blond to deep auburn), chocolate (brown), isabella (tan or fawn), creme (blond with no trace of red, from golden blond to platinum, the lighter the better) and blue (gray). Bi-color dachshunds may be black and tan, black and creme, chocolate and tan, chocolate and creme, blue and tan, or blue and crème.

 

Dachshunds are curious, clever, lively, affectionate, proud, brave and amusing. They can be slightly difficult to train and housebreak, but not impossible. They are devoted to their family and travel well. They become unpredictable with strangers and if the situation worsens, they can get impulsive with their owners too. Although they are recommended for elders, but with proper leadership, they can get along well with children. They need to be walked daily as they are active with surprising stamina. They should be prevented from jumping as they can damage their spine.

 

Dachshund dogs are prone to spinal disc problems, urinary tract problems, heart disease and diabetes. Since Dachshunds tend to become overweight and lazy, they add strain on their back that causes a serious health risk. Other health problems include epilepsy, dental issues, Cushing’s syndrome, thyroid problems, various allergies and atopies. Eye diseases include cataracts, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy, corneal ulcers, non-ulcerative corneal disease, sudden acquired retinal degeneration, and cherry eye.

 

The Dachshund dog sheds moderately. The long-haired Dachshund should be combed and brushed daily. The wire-haired Dachshund requires professional trimming twice a year. The smooth-haired Dachshund should be given a regular rubdown with a damp cloth. The droopy ears of this breed should be regularly cleaned and dried.