Origin: Germany
Origin of Name: The dachshund was bred in Germany hundreds of years ago to hunt badgers.
Size | Temperament | Shedding | Drooling | Monthly keeping cost | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Small | Zero High |
Negligible Hair Everywhere |
Zero Excess |
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""Dachshund"" is a German word meaning ""badger dog"", and the German history of the breed goes back some 600 years. And, as the breed name suggests, Dashshund was developed to enthusiastically dig its way into a bad den and send its occupant. Dachshund's long, lower body was custom-made for this dirty underground work.
For a dog of any size, a badger is a formidable repellent, weighing from 25 to 40 pounds, with razor-sharp teeth and claws. The shrewdness, courage, tenacity, and strength that are the hallmarks of present-day Dachshund, were first designed to equip their long-time ancestors with the best to grapple with a deadly enemy. The small dog's surprisingly tall, bark of the hound is also a shock to its working roots: it allowed human hunting companions above the dachshund to mark the underground location of its hound.
In addition to the short, smooth coat of the breed, selective breeding produced variants with wire coats for work in barbed barrier patches, and long coats for cool climates. Dachshunds of different sizes were restricted to work on different types of mines. Packs of dachshunds were, according to breed officials, often used on wild boar. By the late 1800s, the process of standardizing the breed according to size, coat and color varieties was well underway.
The Dakshund has long been a national symbol of Germany, so closely associated with the fatherland that American fundamentalists during World War I called them Liberty Hounds because of their anti-German sentiment. Enlisted in the AKC Stud Book in 1885, his popularity in the US was immediate and lasting.
Dachshunds are of medium shade, are relatively clean, and have very low body odor. Grooming needs vary with the three coat types. Smooth-coated stainers are somewhat "washing and wearing", which requires a bit further than wiping with a towel or hound glove to see a damper. Depending on the thickness of the coat, the dashshund may need to be brushed more often over a longer period of time. Wirehair coats can be applied or peeled off several times a year to look their best, but beyond that it is easy to do the occasional trimming of beards and eyebrows and brushing or combing once or twice a week. All Dachshunds should have their nails trimmed every month.
Dachshunds are very intelligent, but also independent and often stubborn, so they can be a challenge to train. They like to give and receive affection and do best with positive, reward-based training. They are sensitive and will not react well to harsh orders or punishments. Patience and consistency are important. Dachshunds have an excellent sense of smell as well as a strong hunting drive. Because they were bred to concentrate and to follow a trail without distraction, they may not always pay attention to you if they are busy with something more interesting.
Many owners find that because they are very small, Dachshunds do not require more exercise than running around the house. However, they require regular exercise not only to stay fit, but to support their back and build strong muscles for protection. Two walks every day of medium length should be sufficient. To avoid injury, never allow your Dachshund to walk up or down stairs or to jump on or on furniture. Because they are very social, Dachshunds do not like outdoor dogs - they want to be with their humans.
It is very important that a dachshund is not allowed to become overweight. This is not only due to general health reasons, but also to avoid prolonged stress of the dachshund, which can lead to slip or broken (herniated) discs. Neglect happy eyes, and give only the recommended amount given by the manufacturer of quality dog food of your choice. Give the table scarp very sparingly, if at all, avoid bones and foods baked especially from high-fat foods. Remember that Dachshund's nose can get him in trouble, and always keep food out of his reach.
Typically a healthy breed, the dachshund can be expected to live 12 to 16 years with proper care, so long as it is not on a good diet and gets enough exercise to maintain good muscle tone. To avoid damaging Dachshund's long back, be vigilant about protecting him from being overweight, and always monitor his movements to avoid back injury. If like most dogs with drop ears, Dachshunds can get ear infections if their ears are not clean.
Read the official breed club health statement.
Recommended health tests from the National Breed Club: