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Dachshund
Dachshunds are scent
hound dog breeds who were bred to hunt badgers and other tunneling animals, rabbits, and
foxes. Packs of Dachshunds were even used to trail wild boar. Today their
versatility makes them excellent family companions, show dogs, and small-game
hunters.
Don't let the Dachshund fool you. He
might be, as legendary literary critic and humorous journalist H. L. Mencken
said, "half a dog high and a dog and a half long," but this small,
drop-eared dog is tough enough to take on a badger. In fact, that's what he was
bred to do and how he got his name (Dachs meaning badger; hund meaning dog).
No matter what their
size, Dachshunds are a delightful addition to any family, which is why they
have ranked near the top of most popular dogs lists since the 1950s. Their cute
appearance and lively disposition have inspired many affectionate nicknames for
the breed, including wiener dog, hot dog, sausage dog, Doxie, Dashie, and
(especially in Germany) Teckels, Dachels, or Dachsels
You can't help but
smile when you look at a confident Dachshund, proudly carrying his long,
muscular
body on short legs, his elongated head held high with a bold,
intelligent look in his eyes. Because of their almost comical appearance,
Dachshunds have long been a favorite subject of cartoonists and toy makers. But
their cute appearance was developed for far more serious and practical reasons.
Their short legs enable them to dig and maneuver through tunnels to corner and
even fight badgers and other animals, while their large chests give them plenty
of "heart" for the fight. Dachshunds are brave, but they can be
somewhat stubborn, and have an independent spirit, especially when hunting.
o Dachshunds are intelligent dogs with an independent nature and playful spirit. Because of this, they can be mischievous. Be patient, firm, and consistent when training them.
o Because they were bred for hunting, they can exhibit some behaviors that are related to that. They were designed to dig into badger burrows, and that instinct may lead them to dig up your dahlias instead. They were bred to be tenacious in the hunt, and this instinct may lead them to be relentless in pestering you for a treat. They were bred to not only hunt but kill their prey; in your household, the "prey" most likely will be your Dachshund's toys and he will effectively "kill" them one after the other.
o Dachshunds have loud, deep barks for a dog their size - and they do like to bark!
o If you don't watch out, your Dachshund can become fat and lazy, which will put more strain on his fragile back. Be sure to monitor your Dachshund's food intake and keep him at a healthy weight.
o Dachshunds are prone to having slipped disks in their backs, which can lead to partial or full paralysis. Don't let them jump from high places, and when you hold them, support their backs.
o Your Dachshund will probably be a one-person dog. By nature, he can be suspicious of strangers, so it's important to socialize him when he is a puppy.
o To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store.
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At home, the
Dachshund's playful nature comes out. He loves to be close to you and
"help" you do things like tie your shoes. Because of his
intelligence, he often has his own ideas about what the rules are when it comes
to playtime-and those rules may not be the same as yours or even other breeds
of dogs. Dachshunds are known for being lively and enjoy chasing other small
animals, birds, and toys. The breed standard — a written description of how the
Dachshund should look and act — probably describes their personality best,
saying "the Dachshund is clever, lively, and courageous to the point of
rashness, persevering in above and below ground work, with all the senses
well-developed. Any display of shyness is a serious fault."
Dachshunds often bond
closely with a single person. They may even become jealous of their owner's
attention and can, if not properly trained and socialized, become snappy.
Dachshunds are a good
choice for apartment dwellers and people who don't have a backyard. They are
popular with urban dwellers because of their small size and ease of care. They
generally are active indoors and also enjoy going on walks. Just be careful not
to let them get too fat or allow them to injure their backs by jumping off
furniture. Also, be sure to support their backs when you are holding them.
Because of their long backs, they are susceptible to slipped or ruptured
(herniated) disks in their backs, which can result in partial or full paralysis.
The Dachshund is a
versatile companion. With his variety of sizes, colors, coat types, and
personalities, there's a Dachshund to suit almost anyone.
Highlights
o Dachshunds can be stubborn and
difficult to housebreak. Crate-training is recommended.o Dachshunds are intelligent dogs with an independent nature and playful spirit. Because of this, they can be mischievous. Be patient, firm, and consistent when training them.
o Because they were bred for hunting, they can exhibit some behaviors that are related to that. They were designed to dig into badger burrows, and that instinct may lead them to dig up your dahlias instead. They were bred to be tenacious in the hunt, and this instinct may lead them to be relentless in pestering you for a treat. They were bred to not only hunt but kill their prey; in your household, the "prey" most likely will be your Dachshund's toys and he will effectively "kill" them one after the other.
o Dachshunds have loud, deep barks for a dog their size - and they do like to bark!
o If you don't watch out, your Dachshund can become fat and lazy, which will put more strain on his fragile back. Be sure to monitor your Dachshund's food intake and keep him at a healthy weight.
o Dachshunds are prone to having slipped disks in their backs, which can lead to partial or full paralysis. Don't let them jump from high places, and when you hold them, support their backs.
o Your Dachshund will probably be a one-person dog. By nature, he can be suspicious of strangers, so it's important to socialize him when he is a puppy.
o To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store.
Element
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Rating
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Adapts Well to Apartment Living
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Good For Novice Owners
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Tolerates Being Alone
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Tolerates Cold Weather
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Tolerates Hot Weather
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Affectionate with Family
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Friendly Toward Strangers
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Amount Of Shedding
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Size
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Intelligence
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Prey Drive
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Tendency To Bark Or Howl
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Wanderlust Potential
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Exercise Needs
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