Dachshund
Dachshund Dog Breed Information
The Dachshund dog, or "wiener dog" is one of the most famous and recognizable of all dog breeds. Even Queen Victoria had a dachshund. The early version of the Dachshund was bred in Germany as a hunting dog and, as such, has a lot of energy. A Dachshund is not a lap dog, despite its size.
History
The name Dachshund means "badger hound." In the Middle Ages, hunters needed a dog that could get under brush and into holes to chase prey into the open. This breed is also known as an "earth dog," as in a dog that goes into the earth to drag or flush out prey. A small, energetic dog with a keen sense of smell was needed. A book from 1560, La Venerie by Jacques de Fouilloux, includes a woodcut that shows short-legged Dachshund-looking dogs during a hunt.
There are still Dachshunds bred for working. The working dog has longer legs, a leaner body and a higher chest to improve movement in the brush. Show dogs have shorter legs and a stouter body, however, they are still considered one breed for registration purposes.
Description
- Coats: smooth, long-hair, wire-hair
- Colors: red, black-and-tan, chocolate, brindle (equal mix of black with a lighter color), dapple (mottled)
- Height: 5 - 10 inches (13 - 25 cm)
- Life expectancy: 14 - 17 years
There are two sizes of Dachshund, the Standard and the Miniature. There is a medium Dachshund. It is not an official size in the United States, though many European counties accept them. In the U.S., weight is the deciding factor in size, in Europe, it is chest circumference.
- Standard weight: 16 - 32 lbs (7 - 14 kg)
- Medium weight: female up to 14 lbs (6.5 kg) male up to 17 lbs (7 kg)
- Medium chest circumference 14 in (35 cm)
- Miniature weight: up to 11 lbs (5 kg) though usually 7 - 8 lbs
Traits
If you want to own a Dachshund, there are some things you need to know. For one, they eat a lot for their size, however, don't overfeed yours and allow him to become overweight. This causes other problems, especially back and joint problems. The elongated back is prone to disk slippage.
They are very loyal and can be territorial. Miniatures are more aggressive and less likely to respond well to new children. Standards make better pets for houses with children, though with consistent training from a puppy through adulthood, a "wiener dog" of any type can make a good pet. Dachshunds are more likely to bark than the average dog, but once again, training can help. Of the three coats, the wire-haired responds best to obedience training; and, the long-haired (especially females) are the most independent.