Dachshund

Description:
A long, low dog with short, powerful legs and a long tapering muzzle with very strong jaws and teeth. The skin is elastic without too much wrinkling. The ever-popular Dachshund comes in three distinct coat varieties, smooth, long-haired and wire-haired, and in two sizes, standard and miniature (under 11 inches). The ears are pendant, with rounded ends, and should be set near the top of the head, not too far towards the front. The dark, medium sized eyes are almond shaped and rimmed with dark color. The muzzle is slightly arched, producing a “Roman nose” effect. Black is the preferred nose color. The teeth should meet in a scissors bite. The sternum (chest bone) is very prominent, with a depression or dimple on either side, providing a powerful front end for underground digging. The front paws may be angled slightly outward. Front dewclaw removal is optional, but rear dewclaw removal is mandatory for showing. The usual coat colors are solid red, black and tan, chocolate, and wild boar dappled with brindle, however, the standard is quite specific about the coat and colors for each variety. Consult the standard carefully before purchase if you are planning to show your dog.

History:
The first documentation of a Dachshund-type dog is found in an Egyptian pharaoh’s tomb that is than 5000 years old. The dog’s length was developed (probably from natural short-legged mutations) to help dig den animals out of their holes, particularly the badger (“dachs” in German.) The smaller varieties could actually go into rabbit warrens to scare out the hiding rabbits. The Dachshund is still used as a rabbit and small game hunter today in some countries, and there are AKC field trials for the breed in the United States. Above all, today’s Dachshund is prized as a companion dog.

Notes:
Use caution when selecting a Dachshund puppy as this is a very popular breed and animals with poor temperaments are being sold. Buy from a reputable breeder. The Dachshund is a good dog to travel with. Don’t overfeed, for this breed tends to put on weight quickly. Can be difficult to housebreak. Likes to dig and bark, and has a big bark for his size. Can snap if provoked. Good for older people, as the breed is easy to take care of with almost no grooming needed for the short-haired variety. Long-haired and wire-haired types need more grooming. Usually no problem with other pets. Prone to spinal disc problems. Can develop heart disease, urinary tract problems and diabetes.

Talents:
Hunting, tracking, watchdog, and performing tricks.

Personality:
Lively and affectionate. Proud and bold, almost rash. Tenacious. Can be willful and clownish. Curious and mischievous. Very clever. May attempt to train the owner rather than allow the opposite. Devoted to his family. Some fanciers feel the long-haired variety is calmer than the other two types. The wire-haired variety is more outgoing and clown-like.

Behavior:
Children: Best with older, considerate children.
Friendliness: Moderately protective.
Trainability: Slightly difficult to train.
Independence: Moderately dependent on people.
Dominance: Moderate.
Other Pets: Generally good with other pets.
Combativeness: Friendly with other dogs.
Noise: Likes to bark.
Indoors: Fairly active indoors.
Owner: Good for novice owners.

Grooming and Physical Needs:
Grooming: Very little grooming needed.
Trimming & Stripping: No trimming or stripping needed.
Coat: Short coat.
Shedding: Average shedder.
Exercise: Very little exercise needed.
Jogging: A poor jogging companion.
Apartments: Good for apartment living.
Outdoor Space: Does all right without a yard.
Climate: Does well in most climates.
Longevity: Moderately long lived (12 to 15 years).