Dachshunds 101
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The Dachshund is popularly known as a dog of
German origin although they can be traced throughout Western Europe back to
the 15th century. Some speculate that the sculptured dog on Egyptian tombs are
ancestors of this breed. The word Dachshund stands for "dachs" meaning badger
and "hund" meaning dog. The Dachshund is well-suited physically and temperamentally
to pursue prey above and under ground, especially the tunnel-residing badger.
Behavioral Traits
- Extremely intelligent
- Lively
- Comical
- Confident
- Courageous to the point of rashness
- Obedient
- Persevering hunters and trackers
- Faithful
- Versatile
- Good-tempered
- Stubborn
- Adorable
- Irresistable
- Can be difficult to housebreak
- Possesses a tendency to be barkers
Physical Traits
- Long and low, but with compact, well muscled bodies
- Especially suited to going to ground because of low build, very strong
forequarters and forelegs, long strong jaw, and immense power of bite and
hold
Genetic Problems
- Cushings Disease
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Epilepsy
- Hearing Problems - more common in Dapple coats
- Microphthalmia Eye Disorder - more common in Dapple Coats
- Thyroid
- Weight
The Dachshund is bred with three varieties of coat:
- Smooth
- Longhaired
- Wirehaired
Is shown in two official* sizes:
- Standard - Over 11 pounds
- Miniature - Under 11 pounds
*The Tweenie has become known as the
unofficial, yet popular term to describe the dog that falls into the gray area
of 11 to 16 pounds.
The following features are applicable for each variety:
-
Two-colored Dachshunds - black, chocolate, wild boar, gray (blue)
and fawn (Isabella), each with tan markings
- Dappled Dachshunds - The "single" dapple pattern is expressed as lighter-colored
areas contrasting with the darker base color
- Double" Dapple - has varying amounts of white coloring that occur over the
body in addition to the dapple pattern.
- The Brindle - a pattern (as opposed to a color) in which black or dark stripes
occur over the entire body although in some dogs the pattern may be visible
only in the tan areas.
Smooth Dachshund
The coat is short, smooth and shiny.
Longhaired Dachshund
The coat of a longhair is sleek, glistening, and slightly wavy.
Wirehaired Dachshund
With the exception of jaw, eyebrows, and ears, the whole body is covered
with a uniformly tight, short, thick, rough, hard, outer coat but with finer,
somewhat softer, shorter hairs on the undercoat, which is distributed between the
coarser hairs.
The Tweenie has become known as the
unofficial, yet popular term to describe the dog that falls into the gray area
of 11 to 16 pounds.
Resources
AKC
The South African Dachshund Club
The Dachshund Network
Dachshund Club of America
Dachshund.org
Canine-epilepsy.com