subject: The Dachshund Dog Breed [print this page] The lovable Dachshund is one of the most popular breeds of dogs in the world, especially when you tally up all of the breed's many varieties. The Dachshund comes in both miniature and standard sizes and in three coat varieties (Smooth, Wire and Longhaired) within each size.
Although these adorable dogs usually find their place as beloved family pets now, they were originally bred to hunt and kill vicious badgers and other animals. The Dachshund was first and foremost a very efficient hunter. Don't let his playful attitude today fool you. If you were a badger down a hole then a Dachshund is the last thing you would want to see coming in after you!
The Dachshund originated in the early 1600s in Germany. The word "dachshund" means badger dog in German. Dachshunds were bred with a low, narrow body so they could dig underground and squeeze through the opening to go after badgers. The large, paddle-shaped paws of the Dachshund make them efficient diggers for digging holes to find their prey. Dachshunds were also used to hunt rabbit and fox. They have excellent noses.
The Dachshunds used for early hunting were larger than Dachshunds today and there has been an interest in breeding Dachshunds of different sizes. Today we have both the miniature and the standards sizes. The standard Dachshund weighs between 16-32 pounds as an adult. The mini Dachshund weighs 11 pounds and under when he's 12 months old.
Both sizes of Dachshunds come in three coat varieties: Smooth, Wire and Longhaired. The coat for the Smooth Dachshund is short. Dogs may be red, cream, and black, chocolate, wild boar, gray (blue) and fawn (Isabella) with tan or cream markings. They may also be dappled, brindled or sable on red.
Wirehaired Dachshunds feature a tight, short thick wirehaired outer coat. There is a finer, softer undercoat. There is an overall grizzled effect.
Longhaired Dachshunds have sleek, often wavy long hair. They usually look quite elegant. Colors are the same as for the Smooth Dachshund.
Dachshunds today make lovable, playful, friendly pets. They can be a little stubborn and hard to train, however. They tend to be very devoted and loyal to their families but they may be a little aloof with strangers. They are generally good with children and can adapt to many different living situations.
The Dachshund is generally a very long-lived breed but they may have problems related to their spine because they have a long spinal column in relation to the rest of their body. If you are interested in getting a Dachshund you should talk to the breeder about any health problems in the parents and relatives of the puppy or dog you are considering.
If you do get a Dachshund you should be aware that your Dachshund will probably like to dig. You may have to guard your flower beds and be ready to fill in holes in the rest of your yard. You can solve the problem by providing your Dachshund with his own sand box so he has a place of his own to dig.
The Dachshund today is a clever, lively and courageous dog, like his ancestors. He may not be called upon much now to hunt badgers but he is a great success when it comes to entertaining your children, keeping your couch warm, or just greeting you at the door and making you feel good.
