Dachshund
Temperament:
The Dachshund is a very special and unique breed of dog. It is a hunting dog and is often called a dachshund. Dachshunds are considered idiosyncratic but very loyal companions. They are also popular as companion dogs. They are very popular because of their small size and special appearance. Their friendly and confident nature makes them ideal family dogs. The Dachshund is one of the German dog breeds recognized by the FCI and is assigned to Group 4. These brave four-legged friends have a high life expectancy of 12 to 16 years.
Characteristics
The Dachshund is one of the very small dog breeds. On average, it only reaches a size of 30 - 35 cm and a weight of 3 - 5 kg. Due to its body size, it is often referred to as a "miniature dog". The most important visual characteristic of the breed is its low gait. The animals have very short legs and are therefore very close to the ground. The elongated, slender body is also striking. Dachshunds have large, long, floppy ears and loyal, dark eyes.
Today, the breed can basically be divided into three subspecies: The standard dachshund, the dwarf dachshund and the rabbit dachshund. The latter is particularly small and light.
All of these subspecies can also have three different coat structures. The hair varieties are divided into short-haired, long-haired and rough-haired dachshunds. Depending on the coat structure, certain characteristic behavioral patterns occur. This is due to crossbreeding with other dog breeds, which has left its mark on the nature of the animals.
Short-haired dachshunds have a short, smooth and close-fitting coat. The coat is silky and shiny and has no bald patches. The rough-haired dachshund has a dense, wiry coat. It also has an undercoat. A kind of beard forms on the muzzle of this type of dachshund.
Long-haired dachshunds, on the other hand, have long, straight hair. This is very soft and shiny. Their tails and hind legs in particular are covered with very long fur.
Dachshunds' coats can be very different in color. From solid brown or black to spots, shades or streaks, anything is possible. The intensity of the colors in particular varies greatly.
Dachshunds have a strong personality. Even though they are small, cute dogs, they are not suitable as lap dogs. Their typical characteristics include courage, stamina and a strong will. Despite their small size, Dachshunds are very self-confident. Shy or insecure animals are rarely encountered.
Dachshunds are considered stubborn dogs. Nevertheless, the animals are easy to train and capable of learning. These active and agile four-legged friends are easy to train and love to move.
The breed is generally considered friendly, but has its own temperament. Dachshunds do not get on with everyone straight away. However, the little four-legged friends rarely show aggressive behavior. They simply have a mind of their own and a very special charm.
Coat care:
Shedding:
Energy level:
Trainability:
Children suitable:
The right food
A healthy diet is important to ensure a long life expectancy for the animals. The feed must be of high quality and balanced. The animals must be able to absorb all the necessary nutrients from the feed. An oversupply or undersupply of nutrients must be avoided.
Treats between meals are allowed in moderation. To avoid obesity, snacks should be deducted from the basic diet.
Health & Care
Dachshund grooming depends heavily on the structure of the coat. The time required varies depending on the length and structure of the coat.
Rough-haired dachshunds in particular are more demanding when it comes to grooming. The wiry hair needs to be trimmed from time to time. Regular brushing is important for both rough-haired and long-haired dachshunds. Dirt easily gets caught in the long hair and can only be removed by regular brushing or, if necessary, washing.
Dachshunds make no great demands on their living space. They can be kept both indoors and in large yards. However, the animals should not climb stairs, at least not regularly. Their low build is not suitable for this.
But the little four-legged friends love to run for their lives. It's amazing how fast dachshunds can run and how persistent they are. The breed is therefore even suitable as a companion for jogging or cycling. In any case, dachshunds should be taken for a long walk every day. A lot of exercise is important and is good for the animals.
Dachshunds are generally well-balanced animals. They know how to behave and can be taken into restaurants or hotels without any problems. Traveling with a Dachshund is also possible. However, it is important that the animals always have enough exercise. Otherwise they will be underchallenged or bored.
Dachshunds generally get on well with other dog breeds. However, complications can arise with other pets. This is due to their pronounced hunting instinct. So don't be surprised if your dachshund chases rabbits or squirrels like crazy. If you keep a hamster or a bird as a pet, it could therefore become problematic.
Suitable accessories
Dachshunds are very active dogs. They like to play and need plenty of exercise. They are also very suitable for dog sports. These four-legged friends are particularly easy to train. They are very determined and strong-willed. They take great pleasure in being given a task.
Due to their use in hunting, they have a pronounced sense of detection. This should definitely be encouraged, even if your dog is unlikely to actively hunt. Nevertheless, there are various games to encourage the sense of smell. These include, for example, games of skill in which the dog has to sniff out treats.
Strategy games are also very popular with dachshunds. These are available in various designs in any pet shop or on the internet.
Origin & History
The history of Dachshunds goes back a long way. Even the ancient Egyptians have drawings of dogs that look very similar to our modern Dachshund. Even back then, the distinctive personality of these animals is said to have been used for work purposes.
The first dachshund club was founded in Germany in 1888. It is the second oldest German breed club. With its foundation, the breeding of today's dachshunds began.
Dachshunds were mainly used as working dogs for hunting. Due to their size, they were sent into caves and burrows to lure the animals living there out of their hiding places. The dachshund's courage and agility made it a popular hunting dog. Hardly any other dog breed is as self-confident and fearless as the Dachshund.
Dachshunds were also popular for hunting foxes and rabbits. Today, the Dachshund is the only small dog that is still regularly used as a working dog.
