Dachshund general features, temperament, health

Dachshund dog breed face

FCI # 148, Origin: Germany, Group 4 Dachshunds

Rabbit DachshundHeight: 8-10 in, Weight: 8 pounds

Grooming: High in wire-haired and long-haired Dachshunds, low in smooth

Color: Black and tan, chocolate and tan, fawn.

Ease of training: Medium, Energy level: Medium, Span of life: 12-15 years.

Breed: Dachshund is one of ??the oldest breeds of hunting dogs. The time of Dachshund's appearance as a breed is still controversial.??Some people believe, that Dachshund appeared already in ancient Egypt, but the modern dog breeders agree that the formation of this breed began in the XVI century in Southern Germany, which is reflected in the engravings of the time.

Ancestors of the Dachshunds - low German hounds. From this dogs the Dachshund??inherited his ability to chase the prey with voice, great instincts, a moderate virulence and willing for hunting. And what was previously a disadvantage - a disproportionate ratio of a long body with short, slightly crooked-looking legs - with the time made Dachshund an excellent hunting dog.

For hunting fox, badger or even a hare Dachshund is indispensable.??German hunters, evaluating those qualities, began to breed a certain type of dog: a squat, short-legged, with a longer torso, so that it can freely penetrate into the holes.

Hunting was an expensive and prestigious hobby, but the maintenance of a Dachshund does not require large expenditures.??That's why he was loved by the middle class - landowners and small gentry.??In the middle of XVII century there are mentioned two types: the bow-legged dogs to hunt underground and coarsewooled lower hounds.

Dachshund dog breeds

Over time Germans were increasingly attracted to the Dachshunds.??They appreciated their energy, hunting zeal and diligence, loyalty, reliability and intelligence.??By the end of the XVIII century the Dachshund almost had all his modern features - he became lower in withers, with a long body and a slightly curved legs.

Livestock of Dachshunds was significantly increased. Some dogs were exported to the other countries. In Germany was formed a large network of kennels.??Their owners were breeding dogs, keeping personal sympathies.

Over the time, Dachshunds became a brilliant show dogs as well.??Naturally, there was a need to establish a breed standard.??The turning point for the Dachshund was 1870 - the year when the first standard of the breed was issued and approved.??Today the German standard, issued in 1979 is used as international.

General Features: Dachshund comes in three sizes and three kinds of coat.??Generally it is a small dog with the??elongated??body and short legs. Dachshund's ears and tale are never docked. Head is elongated with the protruding eyebrows, eyes are dark, almond shaped.

All three types of the Dachshund must meet the same standard (except for the size and kind of coat).

The coat of a Dachshund comes in a huge variety of colors, but the most common are: black and tan, chocolate and tan, fawn.

Dachshund dog breeds photo

Temperament: The Dachshund is a dog of a strong constitution, with a strong stable nervous system, sanguine by nature.??Multilateral use of a Dachshunds for hunting predetermined their increasing popularity among hunters, especially professionals, so that their presence is required in each cottage or hunting lodge.

For some time the fashion for Terriers in Europe made the Dachshunds to loose a little bit their positions, but today they are rapidly getting their popularity back again. The unique features of Dachshund's nature, as well, as his hunting qualities, provide him constant affection and love.

Some people who never kept Dachshunds and do not even communicate with them directly, will tell about these dogs: "I heard that this is the smartest dog ever!".??This is probably one of the very rare cases, when the rumors can be believed -this one makes absolutely correct characterization of a Dachshund's mental abilities.??However, there is a perception that they are very stubborn. But the fact is that the??stubbornness??on a closer inspection turns out to be the "strong autonomy" of the Dachshund.??This is directly related his nature.??When the Dachshund was struggling in the dark and cramped hole with a sly fox, or many times more severe badger, for the dog it could be a matter of life and death. Many generations of Dachshunds studied how to rely only on themselves, on their own ingenuity, inventiveness and resourcefulness, instead of only relying on a physical strength. This dogs??could not expect any orders from the hunter, and in the course of the struggle had to think and react very fast and make their own??decisions.??Therefore, in their actions, Dachshunds must be able to perform autonomy. How can we then be surprised that the Dachshunds wants (and maybe even should) be independent, even in everyday life, accompanying his master.

The Dachshund is usually attentive, affectionate and communicative. He??has a stable, balanced nervous system - the natural characteristic of all strong dogs. From the Dachshund you will never see the extraordinary reaction to any event, he will not "lose his head" because of some external, unusual manifestations of the world.??The Dachshund is very sensible.??It looks like he is even capable of in-depth analysis of current events, of course within the abilities of a dog.
Dachshunds are naturally decent and very intelligent.??They are very clean, similar to a cat in this case. Many Dachshunds love bathing. And they really hate dirt. If the Dachshund accidentally will step in a puddle, he will do his best to stay as clean, as possible, going out literally on toes. That's why most of the Dachshunds are pretty easy to housetrained. The do not like to make their "business" in the house and prefer to wait as long as they can.??The dog may be stressed, sad, even "cry"??out loud, but never will allow himself such an embarrassment.

Some Dachshunds might be aggressive with the strangers or strange dogs, but this cautious attitude to strangers is bordering on disbelief.??However, without compelling and obvious reason this dog never bites and will not cause any harm. In the??house the Dachshunds are a very tactful, sensitive, affectionate and sociable members of the family.??They need constant interaction with people. For those people, who are constantly busy, and, figuratively speaking, just sleep at home, it is probably better to choose another breed.

The Dachshund will never be servile, he respects himself and, above all, he respects you. Usually the Dachshund??is not begging at the table, he would be offended, go away, if he did not receive a tasty treat, but will never sit and beg.??Dachshunds are very clever and persistent.??They are trying to achieve their aims using quite different, sometimes diametrically opposed ways.??Very often they are juggling, but once their plan is discovered, they look very touching.

Dachshunds are very cheerful and happy.??They like outdoor games, especially with children. Most of the Dachshunds are very good teachers and playmates for children, and in the street they can defend even better than a big guard dog. Almost any??child will be able to cope with the Dachshund because of his small size.

Dogs of this breed are very curious, this is again due to the nature of their work.??For a successful hunt in a hole the Dachshund should be interested in everything that is happening.??At home they are always very well informed, they always know what happened, they are the most knowledgeable members of the family.??Dachshund always knows what you have brought from the store in your bags.??If during the walk something is happening, our hero - Dachshund - will become the first witness, he simply can not overcome his innate sense of curiosity.

Many Dachshunds have a very well-developed guard instinct. This dogs are always??protecting their home and their master.

The Dachshund is definitely one of the most amazing and unusual breeds. They??combine the small size, the character of a large dog, courage and - at the same time - a huge and kind heart. Any owner of a Dachshund will also tell you that this dogs - in addition to all their amazing qualities - have an excellent sense of humor!

Health problems: The biggest concern in Dachshunds should be their long back. It is quite fragile and prone to so-called "Dachshund paralysis". This is also a good reason for a Dachshund's owners to prevent the overweighting of their dogs.



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