When it comes to small dog breeds, one can’t help but mention the adorable and distinctive Dachshund. With their long
bodies, short legs, and alert expressions, these lively little canines have captured the hearts of dog lovers around the
world. In this blog post, we will delve into the fascinating world of Dachshunds, exploring their history, personality
traits, and why they make such wonderful companions.
A Brief History
Originating in Germany, Dachshunds were originally bred in the 16th century to hunt badgers. The word “Dachshund”
translates to “badger dog” in German. They were selectively bred for their unique body structure and hunting abilities.
With their long, low-slung bodies and short legs, Dachshunds were ideally suited for burrowing into badger dens. Over
time, the breed’s hunting skills expanded beyond badgers to include other small game such as rabbits and foxes.
Dachshunds became highly prized hunting dogs, known for their ability to track scents, their determination, and their
keen senses.
The breed’s popularity spread throughout Europe, and it eventually gained recognition beyond its hunting capabilities.
In the 19th century, Dachshunds began to be bred for show purposes, with emphasis placed on conforming to breed
standards and exhibiting distinctive coat varieties such as smooth, longhaired, and wirehaired.
Personality and Temperament
Dachshunds may be small in size, but their personalities are larger than life. They are known for their courage,
intelligence, and unwavering loyalty to their owners. These little dogs have a big bark and make excellent watchdogs,
alerting their families to any potential intruders.
Although they possess a strong independent streak, Dachshunds are also highly affectionate and thrive on human
companionship. They form strong bonds with their owners and often become a cherished member of the family. However,
their protective nature can sometimes make them wary of strangers, so early socialisation and training are crucial.
Variety in Sizes and Coats
Dachshunds come in different sizes and coat varieties. The breed is categorized into two sizes: standard and miniature.
Standard Dachshunds typically weigh between 9-12 kg, while miniature Dachshunds usually weigh less than 5 kg. Both sizes
share the same charming characteristics and playful spirit.
Dachshunds can have smooth, longhaired, or wirehaired coats. Smooth-coated Dachshunds have a sleek and shiny coat that
requires minimal grooming. Longhaired Dachshunds have beautiful, flowing locks that demand regular brushing to maintain
their lustrous appearance. Wirehaired Dachshunds possess a coarse, dense outer coat with a soft undercoat, requiring
occasional stripping and plucking.
The Kennel Club breed standards allow for specific colours in all of the six varieties of Dachshunds. These colours
include red, black, chocolate, and dapple patterns. However, there are certain colour restrictions based on the coat
type and size of the Dachshund. Cream (fawn), black and chocolate/cream colours are only permitted in the miniature
smooth-haired and long-haired Dachshunds. The colour brindle is exclusively allowed in the smooth-haired, miniature
smooth-haired, and miniature long-haired Dachshunds. The wild boar colour (in any shade) and chocolate wild boar with
tan marking is only permitted in the wire-haired and miniature wire-haired Dachshunds.
Balancing Jumping Enthusiasm and Spinal Well-being
Dachshunds may have short legs, but that doesn’t stop them from being agile and nimble. They are surprisingly adept at
jumping and love to show off their skills by leaping onto furniture or bounding around the house with enthusiasm.
Jumping can potentially be harmful to Dachshunds due to their long bodies and short legs. The elongated spine of
Dachshunds makes them more susceptible to back problems, including intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). Jumping from
heights or landing abruptly can put stress on their spine and increase the risk of spinal injuries.
Activities that involve repetitive or excessive jumping, such as jumping off furniture or leaping down from elevated
surfaces, should be avoided or minimized to protect their back health. It’s important to note that not all Dachshunds
will develop back issues, but the breed is generally more prone to these conditions. To promote a healthy spine, it’s
recommended to provide ramps or steps to help Dachshunds access elevated surfaces like beds or sofas without jumping.
Dachshunds are a delightful and distinctive breed that brings immense joy and companionship to their owners. Their long
bodies, short legs, and vibrant personalities make them stand out in the dog world. Whether you choose a smooth,
longhaired, or wirehaired Dachshund, you’ll be blessed with a loyal, intelligent, and loving companion.
Facts
Dachshunds have an average lifespan of 12 to 16 years.
Dachshunds are notorious escape artists. Their compact size, coupled with their determination and cleverness, allows
them to find creative ways to explore beyond boundaries.Dachshunds are known for their vocal nature. They have a wide range of vocalizations, from barks and howls to unique "
yodelling" sounds.Dachshunds have a strong prey drive and are natural diggers. Don’t be surprised if you find them excavating your
garden or creating cosy burrows in your blankets.In Germany, the Dachshund is still used for tracking wounded game such as deer and hunting badgers and rabbits
underground.A dachshund was the first Olympic mascot. The official mascot of the 1972 Munich Olympic games was a Dachshund named
Waldi.