Dachshund
AKA: Standard Dachshund, Miniature Dachshund, Toy Dachshund, Doxie, Dackel or Teckel (German, French), Weiner Dog or Hotdog, Sausage Dog, Worshond
Description: There are three varieties of Dachshund with three sizes within each variety. The three varieties consist of the short-haired, the wired-haired, and the long-haired.
The Dachshund is generally an elongated muscular dog with short legs. Its head is long with a slightly convex skull. The eyes are oval, of colors dark red or brown, and the eyebrows are arched and protruding. The ears are long and hanging on its cheeks. It has a long muzzle, non pendent lips, and robust jaws that end in a scissors bite.
The body of the Dachshund includes a strong protruding sternum and a moderately retracted abdomen.
Its body should have a strong protruding sternum and a moderately retracted stomach. It ends with the tail which is carried in line with the back.
Dynamics: The Dachshund is a lively and affectionate breed. It is also bold, curious, and mischievous. It is slightly difficult to train. The long-haired variety is considered to be the calmer one among the two varieties, while the wire-haired variety is said to be more outgoing and clown-like.
The Dachshund is generally a great companion dog. It is easy to travel with and it gets along well with children, especially older ones. It gets along well with other animals too, but they will sometimes be jealous and irritable and quick to bite. This breed is a compulsive digger and it has a bark that is surprisingly loud for its size. The Dachshund tends to gain weight quickly so it is recommended not to overfeed it.
Breed Group: Hound
Weight: normal 20 lbs (9 kg), miniature 9 lbs (4 kg), toy 8 lbs (3.5 kg)
Height: normal 14-18 inches (35-45 cm), miniature 14 inches (35 cm), toy 12 inches (30 cm)
Color: The Dachshund may be solid colored or bi-colored. Solid colors include tan and yellow. Bi-colored Dachshunds include the colors deep black, brown, or gray with areas of bright chestnut. Some may also be piebald, speckle-streaked, or harlequin.
Country of Origin: The Dachshund originated in Germany, from many hundreds of years ago.
Activities: The Dachshund is an active dog with great energy. It needs daily exercises and play sessions. This breed should be discouraged from jumping a lot because this could cause spinal damage.
The Dachshund was bred to hunt and track animals. It was especially bred to hunt down hare and stoat. It would dig its prey out and go inside the burrows.
Grooming: The long-haired variety will need to be combed and brushed daily. The wire-haired variety will need a professional trimming twice a year. Meanwhile, for the smooth-haired variety, a rubdown with a damp cloth will do.
Other Info: The Dachshund has a life expectancy of about 12-15 years. It is prone to spinal disc problems, the specific one being Dachshund paralysis. It is also prone to heart disease, urinary tract problems, and diabetes. There is strong caution placed in overfeeding the Dachshund;it may become overweight and this is considered a health risk because it would add an added strain on its long back. This breed goes well with apartment living. It is fairly active indoors and is already satisfied even without a large space to romp in.