- Affenpinscher
- Afghan Hound
- Airedale Terrier
- Akita
- American Foxhound
- Australian Cattle Dog
- Basset Hound
- Beagle
- Bichon Frise
- Bloodhound
- Borzoi
- Boxer
- Bulldog
- Bull Terrier
- Chihuahua
- Chinese Foo Dog
- Chow
- Cocker Spaniel
- Collie
- Dachshund
- Dalmatian
- Doberman Pinscher
- English Cocker Spaniel
- German Shepherd
- Golden Retriever
- Great Dane
- Greyhound
- Irish Setter
- Irish Terrier
- Irish Wolfhound
- Jack Russell Terrier
- Labrador Retriever
- Maltese
- Mastiff
- Newfoundland
- Old English Sheepdog
- Pekingese
- Pembroke Welsh Corgi
- Pomeranian
- Poodle
- Pug
- Rottweiler
- Saint Bernard
- Yorkshire Terrier
DOGS BY BREED :: DACHSHUND
Dachshund
The Dachshund comes from Germany and is a dog which can be classed in three coat varieties and two sizes. It was bred originally to hunt badgers and other small game animals. It's origins can be dated back to the 1500's and it is classified as one of the Hound Dog Group which we go on to describe in detail in the section at the bottom of this page. Name Facts and Dog Names: This dog's name is often mis-spelt in a variety of ways including Dachshund, Dashshund, Dashhund, Dachund, Dashund, Dashound and Dachshound.
The Dachshund belongs to the collection of dogs referred to as Scent Hounds, which specialise in following the scent or the smell of its quarry. It wasnÕt until the mid 1500's that hounds began to be classified according to their purpose, i.e. sight hounds, scent hounds, etc. Scent Hounds have distinctive characteristics, features and traits which are perfect for their purpose. They have large noses which have deep, open nostrils and their lips are loose and moist, designed to pick up scent particles and follow the trail of an animal. Their ears are long which concentrates the scent on the nose. Their bodies are designed for endurance, an essential asset when following any scent trail. Hunting takes different forms and as man opts for hunting their quarry either on foot or on horseback the scent hounds have been selectively bred to produce small legs, to enable a man to easily follow on foot, or longer legs suited to keep up with a man on horseback. Most scent hounds were used in packs - making a loud, deep baying noise alerting hunters to their location. As a pet the Dachshund is brave, kind, curious and loves to be part of the family.
The unforgettable outline of the Dachshund is world famous. It is colloquially, and affectionately, known as the Sausage or the Hot Dog. Dachshund translates from German to "badger dog" - Dachs being the German word for badger and Hund the word for hound. The standard dog is also known as the Teckel and the miniature is known the Zwergteckel. Although the breed is famous for its use in exterminating badgers, Dachshunds were also commonly used for rabbit and fox hunting. The Dachshund can be traced back to the 16th century in Germany. They have been kept by royal courts all over Europe, including that of Queen Victoria, who was believed to have been introduced to the breed by the German Prince Albert. The three types of coats and standard and miniature sizes were bred for different purposes:
- Smooth Haired - Crossed with pointer and pinscher specialising in catching vermin
- Long Haired - Crossed with spaniels to obtain the longer coat for colder climates
- Wire Haired - Crossed with German wirehaired pinschers and the Dandie Dinmont terrier
- Miniature - Bred to 'go to ground' into burrows of small animals
As a member of the Hound Group of dogs the Dachshund was at one time used to hunt in packs - their quarry was the Wild Boar. The Dachshund whether classed as Standard or Miniature sized has evolved into the popular house dog that it is today - the Dachshund is free from "doggy" odour. The Dachshund was first registered by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1885.
Coat and Colors
The Dachshund's coat comes in a range of any solid colours, two colours & brindle. Its coat can be smooth haired - short & smooth, long haired - soft & wavy, wire haired - harsh & short.
Potential Health Problems
All owners of dogs and puppies are concerned about the health care of their pets and just as with humans dog health issues arise from time to time. Resolving dog health problems, including those of the Dachshund, can prove to be costly and it would be wise to consider the benefits of obtaining dog health insurance. Diseases in dogs may occur because of trauma, infection, immune system abnormalities, genetic factors, or degenerative conditions. Common health problems and questions occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves, Ears, Eyes, Teeth and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can relate to the Digestive System, Heart & Respiratory Systems, Immune & Blood Systems, Reproduction and Urinary Systems. Potential health problems of the Dachshund can include:
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Epilepsy
- Entropion (the inversion, or turning inward, of the border of the eyelid against the eyeball)
- Gastric Torsion
- Patellar Luxation (The patella, or kneecap, is part of the stifle joint [knee]. In patellar luxation, the kneecap luxates, or pops out of place)
Comparative Sizing Pictures & Information
The pictures above allow for a useful sizing perspective between an average man (Five feet ten inches) or an average sized woman (Five feet six inches) in comparison to the average sized Dachshund dog which we have detailed above. These pictures are extremely important as they provide an immediate and accurate visual representation of the height of an average Dachshund compared to the height of a male or female - essential information but unique to this site. Use the pictures to help to estimate the size of this breed of dog to each the various growing stages of children. Use the pictures to provide a guideline to the adult size of Dachshund Puppies. The pictures will also prove to be invaluable when comparing the sizes and heights of other dog breeds. The dimensions will vary according to the sex of the dog or puppy. Girl dogs, or bitches, are on average, 2 inches smaller than boy dogs. Another useful piece of information when considering puppies.
Grooming and Care
The Dachshund requires a minimum amount of grooming. Regardless of the breeds, a certain amount of grooming and care is necessary to keep dogs and puppies looking at their best. Grooming consists of not only brushing out the coat and bathing but also giving attention to the eyes, teeth, ears, feet and nails. A regular routine also ensures that any potential health problems are identified as quickly as possible, especially important in puppies and older dogs.
Temperament and Character
The Dachshund is a very sociable breed, enjoying the company of other dogs and humans, they are playful, loyal, intelligent and affectionate. Although the Dachshund was developed as an active hunting dog it is also obedient although it is a natural scent trailer and digger. This dog makes a good house pet providing it is given lots of exercise and attention. The Dachshund is free from "doggy" odor.
Living Conditions and Exercise Requirements
The Dachshund dogs and puppies are well suited to living in the town or the country. They require moderate exercise such as walks or exercise in the yard. They can be kept outside, in a kennel but are better suited to live indoors.
Age Comparison Between the Dachshund Dog Breed and a Human
Age comparisons between dogs and humans are always a matter of debate - we hope that the following information clarifies the situation. After the first year of life, a dog is equivalent to sixteen human years. After two years, they are equivalent to a 24 year old, at three years a 30 year old, and each year after, add 5 human years to determine a dog's age.
Life Expectancy
The life expectancy for this particular breed is between 12 Š 14 years.
Hound Dog Breed Information
As implied by its name the Hound has been bred to chase a quarry by sight or smell, or a combination of both senses. Sighthounds have exceptional eyesight, combined with the speed and stamina necessary to catch the intended prey once seen, typical examples being the Greyhound and the Whippet. Hounds which rely strongly on the sense of smell to follow the trail of a prey, such as the Bloodhound, quite literally follow their noses, speed and eyesight is of less importance. Characteristics and features have been introduced and strengthened by breeding from animals who already demonstrated the desired traits. Breeding for appearance was only introduced in the 19th Century. Before this time dogs and puppies were bred to increase useful abilities and traits helpful for the duties they were intended for. Thus, the various hound breeds were initially introduced to help man according to specific requirements such as:
- Hunting and running down small quarry
- Flushing out and Driving game
- Vermin Hunting
- Guard duties
- Tracking
