The Dachshund is a hound type dog breed with short legs and long-bodied. This breed is also known as wiener dog, badger dog or sausage dog. In the 1600s, it used to hunt, track, and retrieve burrow dwelling animals (mainly the badger) in Germany. Nowadays, it is one of the most popular breeds in the U.S. It can be found in the fields for hunting companions and homes as a family pet both.
History and Background of Dachshund
In the 18th Century’s dog books, the Dachshund name mentioned first. This dog breed was referred hundreds of years ago to as the Badger Dog in Germany. In German, “Dach” means “badger” and “hund” means “dog.” This name was given because of the badger’s extermination purpose. They were also handy for hunting foxes and rabbits, as per the ability to enter burrows for catching them. Also, Dachshunds sometimes used for hunting boar. Their courageous fight makes them worthy opponents. But, lack of self-awareness cause distinct disadvantage.
By crossing between the Bracke-French Pointer and the vermin-killing Pinscher, the smooth-coated Dachshund first developed. The long-haired version was developed by crossbreeding between the smooth Dachshund, spaniels, and the German Stoberhund. And the last one, the wire-coated Dachshunds, was developed by mixing smooth Dachshunds with German Wire-haired Pinschers and Dandie Dinmont Terrier, in the late 1800s.
In the 20th Century, small Dachshund produced by crossing Pinschers and toy terriers. These used for chasing rabbits. In 1910, the strict criteria taken, i.e., each variety should be crossed with various kinds of breeds to get only the best Dachshund results. After the war, the Dachshund has continued to grow up popularity. And, it is one of the most popular companion dogs in the U.S at present.
Physical Characteristics of Dachshund
The Dachshund dog has a massive power of stamina and long-low-slung body that helps him moving with ease through a tunnel or den. Without bulk, the muscles should be a regular and slight tempered waist. It belongs to slender athleticism with a trim profile. It is a symbol of the Summer Olympics in Munich, 1972. The Dachshund’s ear canals protected by distinctive forward flopping. It resists the entry of objects while running through the brush. The tail is slightly curled to make it visible as trailing hunters at the timing of hunt.
There are also three types of coats variant i.e., long silky coat, smooth coat, and wiry coat for this breed. The long silky skin is straight or wavy, whereas the smooth coat is short and glossy. And the wiry coat has thick, hard, and tight hair with a fine undercoat. All varieties of coats offer protection against extreme weather conditions. There is a wide variety of colors and patterns in this dog breed, where the most common one is red.
Size of Dachshund
Dachshunds are available in three different sizes. The larger one is used for hunting badgers and boars. The large Dachshund dog’s weight varies from 30 to 35 pounds. And the standard sized Dachshund dog is used for hunting badgers, foxes, and hares. Its weight ranges from 16 to 22 pounds. The smallest size, the miniature is more commonly pet in a house. Its weight is under 11 pounds.
Personality of Dachshund
Dachshunds are well-known for their courageous nature, although they are small in size. Dachshund can take on animals much more significant compared to themselves. Some of the Dachshund is aggressive toward strangers and other dogs. As a family pet, dachshunds are loyal companions and most preferable as a watchdog. If they are treated well, then they are good with children. Train a Dachshund is quite a difficult job. The personality of Dachshunds varies with the different varieties of the breed. As Dachshunds were known as hunters, so there is no surprise to see them digging, some are also barkers. In a survey, it is found that dachshunds ranked high for their destructive nature.
Role played by Dachshund
Dachshund is an exact combination of terrier and hound with abilities of digging, hunting, chasing games, and tracking by scent. Dachshund does not have much patience, so care should be maintained while playing with children and time spent by adults. Also, its attentive and protective nature, Dachshund’s loud voice, makes it an ideal watchdog.
Dachshunds need to feed 1.5 to 2 cups of high-quality dry food daily, dividing into two meals. However, the adult dog eats as per his requirement.
This dog breed needs daily exercise and opportunities such as physical games at the park to spend its energy. Regular walks will help to keep the Dachshund in shape and allow them to relax at home. This breed is especially right in the game of catch. The long-haired Dachshunds need to be combed and brushed once or twice in a week, and occasional trimming is also required. The wire coat breed needs to be combed and brushed once in a week. The smooth-coated breed is required less grooming, such as trimming hair and stripping dead hair about twice in a year.
Health Issues of Dachshund
The Dachshund breed has a lifespan of 12 to 14 years. Occasionally it suffers from diabetes, gastric torsion, deafness, seizures, Kerato-Conjunctivitis-Sicca (KCS), patellar luxation, and Cushing’s disease. Especially for Dachshunds with two different colored eyes, eye tests should be a regular part of the physical check-up. This symptom is prone to hearing and visual problems. The primary health problem is Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD).
- Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD) – This is the primary health problem of this dog breed that may happen due to genetics like wrong moving and falling down. It was causing spinal cord problems due to the elongated body of Dachshund. The thickness will increase the risk of spinal injury. Many owner believes that this problem might be solved out by taking their Dachshund to therapists.
To identify these issues, a veterinarian has to conduct eye, hip, and thyroid exams on this dog breed and also tests for osteochondrodysplasic.
So, this is all about one of the best dog breeds in India – Dachshund. With this comprehensive information, we try to provide you with basic knowledge about Dachshund dog. Finally, if you like our content and efforts behind it, please share this post with your lovable persons. If you want to know anything, then feel free to comment below.
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