Contents
Breed Profile: Dachshund
Where to Get a Dachshund
Gear for Your Dachshund
How to Feed Your Dachshund
How to Groom Your Dachshund
Dachshund Healthcare
How to Socialize Your Dachshund
How to Train Your Dachshund
How to Fix Dachshund Behavior Problems
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- The best places to find and adopt a dachshund
- The gear you need to make sure your dachshund settles in at home
- Feeding, grooming, and training tips to keep him healthy and well-behaved
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Breed Profile: Dachshund
The history of the dachshund dates back to the Middle Ages. The breed is thought to have evolved from dwarf mutations of taller hunting hounds, with possible crosses with terriers and/or spaniels. Developed as hunting dogs, their entire physical structure supports the purpose, from their strong jaws to their short legs—which helped them push their way into burrows to chase after their quarry. In the United States and Great Britain, modern dachshunds come in two sizes—standard and miniature.
The American Kennel Club first recognized the dachshund as a breed in 1885. World Wars I and II resulted in a huge decline in both the popularity and population of dachshunds, however. But the perseverance of breeders—and the winning qualities of the dachshunds themselves—caused their numbers to rebound, and the breed has been among the most frequently registered with the American Kennel Club for decades.
Appearance
The following description is of an “ideal” dachshund. Not all dachshunds will fit the description exactly, but that’s not an issue unless you want a dog who can participate in dog shows.
- Height: Height is about 8" (20 cm) for standard-sized dachshunds and 6" (15 cm) for miniatures.
- Weight: Weight ranges from 16–32 pounds (7–15 kg) for standard dachshunds and less than 11 pounds (5 kg) for miniatures.
- Coat: Dachshunds come in a wide variety of colors and three coat types: smooth, wirehaired, and longhaired. Smooth dachshunds have a flat, close coat that usually isn’t very thick. Wirehaired dachshunds are covered with a uniformly thick, rough, hard outercoat and a finer, softer, shorter undercoat distributed between the coarser hairs. Longhaired dachshunds have a sleek coat of longer hair, with long, slightly wavy hair under the neck, on the chest and ears, behind the legs, and on the underside of the body.
Temperament and Personality
Dachshunds are intelligent, affectionate, confident, and have a bit of a stubborn streak. They are also very lively and courageous and tend to be fearless in situations when it’s best to be cautious.
Traits
There are a few traits to consider when determining how well a dachshund is going to fit in with you and your family.
Companionability
The dachshund is generally a lively, happy breed and is very much a “people” dog who needs to be a part of the family rather than shut away in a crate or out in the yard. He also can serve very well as a watchdog. Generally, the dachshund can fit readily into a household with children, as long as the children are instructed on the proper way to care for a dog.
Environment
Dachshunds are ideal apartment dogs because of their small size and relatively low need for exercise. Despite being a less active breed, dachshunds benefit from a fenced yard or enclosed area where they can run around without a leash. Even in an enclosed space, however, the dachshund cannot be left unattended. His history is that of a hunting dog, and if he picks up the scent of a rabbit or squirrel, he’s going to follow that scent.
Exercise Requirements
Dachshunds need some daily exercise, but not as much as larger dogs. The dachshund is not built for long runs. Indoor games and a brisk walk around the block a couple of times a day should be sufficient.
Trainability
The dachshund’s combination of intelligence and willfulness makes obedience training particularly important; without it, he could end up running your household. Fortunately, he will learn quickly what he should and shouldn’t do as long as you are consistent and patient while training.
| Text & Photos Copyright © 2007 TFH Publications, Inc. | Acknowledgments & Disclaimer |
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