Dachshunds

The Dachshund, also spelt as Daschund, is said to have been developed originally in Germany for badger hunting. The word ‘Dachshund’ is German and means ‘badger dog’. The Dachshund has physical features that are quite extreme, since the body is very long while the legs are very short.

A Peek into the History of the Dachshund

Some people are of the opinion that the Dachshund dates back to Ancient Egypt due to carvings portraying hunting dogs with short legs. However, the modern day Dachshund is regarded as being a European creation, which has resulted from breeding various German, English and French terriers and hounds.

Dachshunds have been part of the royal courts in Europe for a very long time, including Queen Victoria’s. It was from books written in the early part of the 1700s that the first confirmable references to this breed, originally named ‘Tachs Krieger’ or ‘Tachs Kriecher’, can be found.

Before that, the references denoting a ‘hole dog’ and ‘badger dog’ could be regarded as denoting the Dachshund, although it could also be a reference to the purposes the dogs were used for rather than any particular breed.

The standard sized Dachshund is particularly famous for being developed and used to scent, chase and the flush out badgers and other animals that live in burrows. They were also used for the blood sport known as badger baiting, which is now banned in various countries. The miniature Dachshund was used to hunt rabbits.

The Temperament of the Dachshund

Dachshies are courageous, lively, intelligent, fun and playful dogs. Because of their badger hunting past, they have a tendency of chasing small animals like lizards and birds, as well as tennis balls and the like, in play. The breed also has the trait of digging into the garden, which is also due to their roots. Dachshunds can be stubborn and strong-willed, which makes them more challenging to train. However, it can be trained with positive training methods, which includes patience and constant reinforcements.

Some Dachshunds also have a tendency for separation anxiety, and they can cause damage inside the house in order to relieve their stress. If not raised properly, without correct training and socialization, they can grow to be fearful or aggressive. They need an owner that is caring and understands their need for exercise, entertainment, and training. The Dachshund is well known for its loyalty and devotion to their owners and the family it belongs to. This, plus their loud bark makes them excellent watchdogs.

The Size and Coat of the Dachshund

Dachshunds are available in three sizes: the standard sized Dachshund weighs around 16-28 pounds; the miniature Dachshund usually is less than 11 pounds in weight; and there is a third variety of Dachshund, known as the Kaninchen, which weighs about 7-9 pounds.

The Dachshund also has three types of coats: smooth and short coat; long-haired coat; and the wire-haired coat. The patterns and colors of the coat also are of a wide variety ranging from black and tan to piebald, to brindle, to fawn, to chocolate brown, to blue, to cream, to red to merle, and various mixes of these.

The Health Problems of the Dachshund

The Dachshund is known to be prone to spinal problems, particularly IVDD, or intervertebral disk disease, mainly due to its extremely elongated spinal column along with a very short rib cage. This can be exacerbated by obesity, which puts an increased strain on the spine.

If you have a Dachshund, it is recommended not to allow it to jump or climb stairs, in order to prevent the spine from getting injured. It is also important to hold the dog correctly, by supporting both the front as well as the rear parts of the body.

According to recent findings, there seems to be evidence that spinal problems are mostly due to hereditary reasons, a characteristic that responsible breeders are trying to eliminate. Hence, before purchasing a Dachshund, do ensure questioning the breeder about this factor.

Of course, if you are thinking of getting yourself a Dachshie companion, you could also check out the many Dachshund rescue centers that take care of this breed of dog rescued from dog pounds, animal control facilities, shelters, and from owners that no longer want their dog. Contrary to the common misconception, not all dogs that are rescued are aggressive or have other behavioral problems. All they need is to find that special owner with whom they can live comfortable with their special personalities. Some may be nervous or clingy initially, but understanding and patience will help them to settle down and thrive.