Anal gland expression

The emptying of fluid from two small scent sacs located inside the dog's rectum. While normally emptied naturally during defecation, dachshunds can suffer from impaction or infection, which causes scooting or licking and often requires veterinary assistance.

Badger dog

The literal English translation of the German word Dachshund, referencing the breed's historical hunting purpose. Standard dachshunds were developed with short, powerful limbs and courageous temperaments to dig into underground sets and confront badgers directly. See also: Rabbit dachshund

Body condition score

A visual and hands-on clinical method used to assess a dog's fat reserves. Maintaining a lean score is crucial for dachshunds, as excess body weight places mechanical strain on their elongated spines, raising spinal injury risks. See also: IVDD

Brachygnathism

An abnormal jaw conformation where the lower jaw is significantly shorter than the upper jaw, commonly known as an overshot bite. Severe cases can cause discomfort, improper wear of dental surfaces, or soft tissue injuries from lower canines.

Brindle

A distinctive coat pattern featuring dark, tiger-like stripes overlaid on a lighter base colour, usually red. It can appear in all three dachshund coat varieties and must be inherited from at least one brindle parent. See also: Dapple (merle), Piebald

Chest circumference

The measurement around the widest part of a dachshund's ribcage, taken just behind the front legs. In many kennel clubs, including the FCI, this measurement officially distinguishes miniature dachshunds and rabbit dachshunds from standard varieties once fully grown. See also: Rabbit dachshund

Chondrodystrophy

A genetic trait causing disproportionate dwarfism, giving dachshunds their characteristic short legs and long backs. It alters cartilage development and causes early calcification of intervertebral discs, making the breed highly susceptible to spinal disc problems. See also: IVDD, Hansen type I

Colour dilution alopecia

A genetic condition that causes hair thinning, follicle damage, and chronic skin infections in dogs with diluted coat colours like blue or isabella. It frequently affects dachshunds bred specifically for non-standard coats, often resulting in permanent patchy baldness.

Crate rest

A vital conservative treatment and post-operative recovery strategy for spinal disease. Confining the dachshund to a small, secure enclosure restricts movement, preventing spinal bending and twisting so damaged tissues or surgical sites can heal completely. See also: IVDD, Hemilaminectomy

Cushing's disease

An endocrine disorder caused by an overproduction of cortisol from the adrenal glands, frequently diagnosed in middle-aged or older dachshunds. Symptoms include increased thirst, frequent urination, hair loss, lethargy, muscle weakness, and a distinctive pot-bellied appearance.

Dachshund paralysis

A traditional term for acute loss of hind-limb mobility or sensation, almost always caused by intervertebral disc disease compressing the spinal cord. It requires urgent veterinary evaluation to prevent permanent nerve damage and determine if surgery is needed. See also: Ramp gradient, Sit-to-stand

Dackel

A common everyday German word for the dachshund, used synonymously with teckel. In native German culture, the term captures both the beloved family pet and the dog's traditional cultural identity as a determined hunter. See also: Teckel, Kaninchen

Dapple (merle)

A coat pattern produced by the merle gene, creating lighter patches against a darker base colour. While visually striking, breeding two dapple dachshunds together must be avoided due to the severe health risks associated with double dapple offspring. See also: Double dapple, Piebald

Deep pain sensation

A critical neurological reflex evaluated by pinching a toe bone with forceps to check for conscious brain perception. Loss of deep pain indicates extensive spinal cord injury from severe disc herniation, carrying a guarded prognosis. See also: IVDD, Paraparesis

Double dapple

A high-risk pattern caused by mating two dapple dachshunds. Puppies inherit two copies of the merle gene, frequently resulting in severe, irreversible congenital defects including microphthalmia, missing eyes, partial or complete blindness, and sensorineural deafness. See also: Dapple (merle)

Earthdog

A non-competitive instinct test and sport designed for small terriers and dachshunds. Dogs navigate artificial underground wooden tunnels to locate caged quarry safely, testing their original working ability, scent tracking, and underground perseverance. See also: Teckel

Hand stripping

The process of manually removing dead, blown hair from a wirehaired dachshund's coat using fingers or a stripping knife. This traditional grooming technique encourages healthy regrowth and preserves the coat's wiry texture, rich colour, and natural protective qualities. See also: Wire coat

Hansen type I

An acute form of disc herniation seen typically in young adult chondrodystrophic breeds. The inner nucleus of the disc calcifies, hardens, and suddenly ruptures through the outer ring into the spinal canal, causing rapid neurological decline. See also: IVDD, Chondrodystrophy, Hemilaminectomy

Harness fit

The careful adjustment of walking gear to suit a dachshund's unique chest shape. A well-designed harness prevents neck strain, clears the shoulders freely, and sits far enough behind the front armpits to avoid painful friction. See also: IVDD

Hemilaminectomy

A surgical procedure performed by a specialist to treat severe IVDD. The surgeon removes a portion of the vertebral bone to access the spinal canal, allowing the gentle removal of herniated disc material that compresses the spinal cord. See also: IVDD, Hansen type I, Crate rest

Hot spot

A painful, inflamed, and moist patch of infected skin that develops rapidly when a dachshund excessively scratches or chews an area. Often triggered by flea bites, allergies, or damp undercoats, it requires prompt veterinary cleaning and topical treatment.

Isabella

A pale, greyish-fawn coat colour produced by the dilute gene acting on chocolate pigment. Because it involves colour dilution, isabella dachshunds can sometimes be prone to colour dilution alopecia, causing patchy hair thinning and skin sensitivity. See also: Wild boar colour

IVDD

Intervertebral disc disease is a serious spinal condition common in dachshunds. The cushioning discs between the vertebrae degenerate prematurely, potentially herniating into the spinal canal and causing extreme pain, nerve damage, or paralysis. See also: Hansen type I, Hemilaminectomy, Crate rest

Kaninchen

The smallest recognised dachshund size classification under the World Canine Organisation (FCI), developed specifically to flush rabbits from narrow burrows. Classification is based strictly on chest circumference measured at fifteen months rather than adult weight. See also: Teckel, Dackel

Knuckling

A neurological symptom where a dog curls its paws under, walking on top of its toes rather than the pads. It indicates impaired proprioception caused by spinal cord compression, often signalling an early or progressing disc injury. See also: IVDD, Paraparesis

Paraparesis

A partial loss of voluntary movement and weakness in both hind limbs, caused by spinal cord compression. Dachshunds with paraparesis often show a wobbly, uncoordinated gait and struggle to stand or walk normally without assistance. See also: IVDD, Knuckling, Deep pain sensation

Piebald

A striking colour pattern characterised by distinct, symmetrical patches of solid colour or dapple over a predominantly white base. The trait is governed by a recessive gene separate from the merle mutation responsible for dappling. See also: Dapple (merle), Brindle

PRA

Progressive retinal atrophy, an inherited eye disease that causes gradual degeneration of the retina and eventual blindness. Miniature longhaired and smooth dachshunds are particularly susceptible, making pre-breeding DNA testing and screening programmes vital for ethical breeding.

Rabbit dachshund

The smallest of the three dachshund sizes recognised by the FCI, originally bred to flush rabbits from narrow burrows. Classification depends on chest circumference measured at fifteen months of age, being smaller than a miniature dachshund. See also: Chest circumference, Badger dog

Ramp gradient

The degree of slope on an incline ramp designed for dachshunds to access furniture or steps safely. A gentle gradient protects the breed's elongated spine from compression forces and jarring injuries associated with jumping down from heights. See also: Dachshund paralysis

Resting energy requirement

The basic number of daily calories a dachshund needs to maintain vital body functions while completely at rest. Calculating this figure helps owners avoid overfeeding, which is critical because excess body weight significantly increases spinal strain in long-backed breeds.

Reverse sneeze

A harmless, sudden respiratory spasm where a dachshund rapidly pulls air inward through the nose, making a loud snorting or honking sound. It often occurs due to nasal irritation, excitement, or pulling against a collar, resolving within a minute.

Sable

A coat colour pattern where lighter hairs, often red, are tipped with black, giving a shaded appearance across the body. It occurs in dachshunds and is often confused with wild boar, though the individual hair banding differs. See also: Tan points

Sit-to-stand

A controlled physical therapy exercise where a dachshund transitions repeatedly between sitting upright and standing. Used during rehabilitation, it targets hind-limb strength, improves core stability, and supports spinal recovery following injury or conservative disc treatment. See also: Dachshund paralysis

Tan points

Distinct, clearly defined reddish-tan markings located above the eyes, on the muzzle, chest, lower legs, and under the tail. These contrasting patches are characteristic of two-coloured dachshund varieties, such as black and tan or chocolate and tan. See also: Sable

Teckel

A traditional German term for the dachshund, frequently used across Europe to denote working and hunting bloodlines. Teckels are bred to strict hunting standards, excelling in tracking, underground earth work, and game retrieval. See also: Dackel, Earthdog, Kaninchen

Tuck-up

The upward curve of a dog's abdomen behind the ribcage when viewed from the side. A moderate tuck-up is correct in a dachshund, reflecting a lean body condition and proper weight management, which reduces strain on the spine. See also: Withers

Wild boar colour

A classic wirehaired dachshund coat colour where individual hairs have banded rings of light and dark pigment, mimicking the coarse coat of a wild pig. It gives the coat an earthy, grizzled grey and brown appearance. See also: Teckel, Isabella

Wire coat

A harsh, dense double coat found on wirehaired dachshunds, featuring a thick undercoat, coarse outer jacket, distinct beard, and prominent eyebrows. It requires manual plucking rather than clipping to retain its natural weather-resistant texture and deep colour. See also: Hand stripping

Withers

The highest point of a dachshund's back, situated directly between the shoulder blades at the base of the neck. This anatomical landmark serves as the standard point for measuring height and assessing overall body balance and spine alignment. See also: Tuck-up

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