 The
Dachshund's popularity has held fast over the years as it
has consistently been in the "top 10" most popular
breeds list. Accepted into the AKC in 1885. "Dachs",
meaning "badger" in German and "hund",
meaning "dog". The Dachshund was bred to hunt badgers
by going down into their burrows.
Commonly
known as the wiener dog, the Dachshund is a sturdy, long bodied,
short legged, spirited dog. The Dachshund is the only breed
recognized by the AKC, which hunts above and below the ground.
The Dachshund
comes in three varieties and two official sizes, offering
lots of options to choose from. They tend to be long lived
and their loveable personality makes it hard to stop at just
one.
Many owners
have now joined the different sport activities that are available
for Dachshunds. Field trials, go to ground and racing are
just a few fun activities for you and your Dachshund. Sometimes
seen as an overweight couch potato, these dogs should stay
active to stay fit. |
| Height: |
5"-6" miniature. 8"-9" standard |
| Weight: |
Miniature
11lbs and under at a year of age. The standard weighs between
16-32lbs. |
| Temperament: |
Clever
and courageous with the heart of a lion. This little package
should be outgoing and friendly. Shyness in the Dachshund is
a major fault. Dachshunds love to be with their people and will
let you know it. |
| Color(s): |
Solid
colors of red or cream, with dark hairs interspersed. Two color
Dachshunds in black, chocolate, gray, wild boar, fawn or blue
with tan markings. Brindle, dapple and piebald (white spotting).
|
| Grooming: |
A
light brushing for the smooth coat. Hand stripping or clipping
of the wirehair to keep them looking tidy and regular to extensive
brushing and detangling for the longhair. |
| Coat(s): |
Smooth
(shining and sleek). Wirehair (tough, harsh, tight and short
coat. Facial furnishings on muzzle and eyebrows. Ears are smooth.
Longhaired (long, sleek, shining with a slight wave permissible.)
The Longhair sheds slightly. |
| With
Children: |
When
raised with children they can be wonderful. Care should be taken
with miniatures and small children. |
| With
Pets: |
Yes,
when properly socialized. |
| Training: |
A
strong willed little dog with his own agenda. They can be a
challenge to train for the novice owner but with positive training
methods and consistency, they can learn quite quickly. |
| Exercise: |
Low to Medium. The Dachshund enjoys many activities. |
| Health
Issues: |
Invertebral disc disease, deafness, patellar luxation, epilepsy
and keratoconjunctivitis sicca (a tear duct problem). |
| Housing: |
Dachshunds live well in the city or country. They adjust happily
to apartment, townhome or single-family home housing. |
| Life
Span: |
Average
10-15 years, and older |
| Country
of Origin: |
Germany |
| Conformation
Group: |
Hound |
| More
Resources: |
