We are very unique and active little dogs. Over the years, I have found my way into the hearts and homes of countless people across the world. Even though I am small and instinctive, I thrive by keeping busy and I will happily take as much exercise as my owner can provide. My breed originated in Germany. There, I was bred to hunt badgers, rabbits and other game. There’s nothing I like more than being out and chasing after prey. But I’m also equally happy to cuddle up with my owner on the sofa during a lazy evening. We are loyal and intelligent companions. I also love being part of the family. However, I’m also known to be a little bit stubborn. This means that I’m not the easiest dog to train. This also includes housetraining.
History
I have been around for a very long time. The records of my little brethren go back to the 15th century in our native Germany. However, there is evidence of similar dogs in the art of the ancient Egyptians and in Mexico. Evidence of similar has even been discovered dating back to the first century AD.
The meaning of my name is ‘badger’ dog in German. My breed was produced by crossing the Bibarhund with the Schweisshund and through selective breeding, the short-legged breed originated in the 18th century. I have been specifically bred to hunt and flush out prey, including badgers from their underground. Again, with the help of selective breeding, smaller versions of me were created, the miniature dachshunds. This variety of dachshund can more easily get down rabbit holes after prey.
Eventually, my breed was divided into three groups based on size. The first is the standard dachshund or Normalgrosssteckel in German. The second and third is the miniature dachshund, which was divided into two types in Germany, named as dwarf dachshund or Zwergteckel, and the rabbit Zwergteckel or Kaninchenteckel.
My breed is very popular all across Europe and America, and was popular right up until to the First World War. This was the time when my breed featured among the top 10 breeds. I was first introduced in the UK in 1840. Prince Consort had been given a gift of several smooth-haired dachshunds by Prince Edward. These dachshunds were kept by the Prince in Windsor Castle. On many occasions, he used them on pheasant shoots that took place on the estate in those days.
In 1859, the first dachshund dog show was organized in England. At the same time, the popularity of my breed also increased on account of the fact that Queen Victoria was also a big fan. Throughout her reign, she continued to promote and improve my breed.
But with the outbreak of the First World War and the Second World War, my breed fell out of favor. The reason was the connection of my breed with Germany. However, fortunately, the enthusiasts of my breed made sure that we regained our popularity, not only in the United Kingdom but also in the United States and in other parts of the world also. Today, I am still one of the most popular small dogs. The reason behind this popularity is not only my adorable looks, but also that I can boast of such a loyal and kind and nature. There are, in fact, six varieties of my breed. In France, the name for a Dachshund is ‘Basset’. Similarly, I am known as ‘Neider’ in Switzerland.
Appearance
I’m also known as a sausage dog, due to my long body and short legs. We are compact, well-muscled dogs. I have powerful front legs that have been perfectly placed for digging. I can boast of along, almost conical head that has a very slightly arched skull and a muzzle that lacks a prominent stop. I can also boast of tight lips and a strong jaw. My eyes are almond-shaped and medium in size. They have been set obliquely. I can also boast of dark eyes, even if the chocolate-colored dachshunds have light-colored eyes. Dachshunds with dapple coats can have one or both “wall eyes” that is acceptable by the standards of the breed. My ears are set high and broad. They are moderately long, and the forward edge of my ears touches my cheeks. When I am alert, I carry my ears outward and forward.
My mouth is well developed. It is powerful and my teeth fit together tightly. I also have a perfect scissor bite as my upper teeth neatly overlap the lower ones. My neck is long and muscular. Generally, I hold my neck slightly arched and it runs nicely into my shoulders. I carry my head proudly forward. This gives me a very defiant trademark look even though I am small in size.
My shoulders are broad and I can boast of long shoulder blades and my front legs are strong and muscular. My body is extremely well-muscled. It is moderately long and I have nice sloping shoulders. I have a level back with slightly arched, strong and short loin. My breastbone is prominent with a slightly curved abdomen. This provides me the required clearance from the ground so that I can move about freely.
I have a strong and powerful hindquarter. Therefore, I can boast of a broad, full rump as well as a long croup, which slightly slopes toward my tail. I also have strong upper and lower thighs. I have broad, full and close-knit front feet and my back feet are slightly smaller and narrower. My toes are close with a distinct arch. Also, I have strong, well-placed nails as a result of which I can boast of a firm and thick paw pads. My tale continues the line of the spine and I carry it slightly curved.
As for my coat, smooth-haired dachshunds have a short and dense coat and the hair underneath the tail is coarser in texture. I have supple and loose skin, but I only reveal very little or no wrinkles at all. I can be of any color except white. It is possible for a dachshund to have a little white on their chest, even though it is not encouraged at all. Potential owners are strongly advised to not let themselves be lured into purchasing a dachshund that has been described as being of “rare colors.” This includes the double dapple as the registry is refused by the kennel club. Piebald may be registered by the kennel club, but the color is not recognized. Bleu and Isabella may be registered by the kennel club, but not recognized as a described color.
The kennel club does not accept some of the above-mentioned colors is due to the health risks that are associated with them. No breeder is in a position to establish a puppy’s pedigree if the puppy is any of the colors mentioned above.
More About Dapple
White color should not be present on my coat except in the case of the dapple pattern dogs. According to the kennel club standards, dapple coats are those that have light-colored patches against a contrasting base and neither the light nor the dark dapple is the predominant color. Even a small spot of white-collar present on the chest of a dachshund is undesirable according to the kennel club breed standards.
Speaking of dapples, the dappling can be a very obvious on some dogs while less prominent on others. Typically, the most obvious dachshund coat colors include red and tan, black and tan and chocolate and tan.
Temperament
Once I’m fully mature, I am an active little dog. I love being out and about doing things, which may be tiring for my owners. However, after saying so, I like nothing more than curling up with my owners whenever I get the chance to do so. I am famous for being a loyal companion. Over the years, I have become a popular family pet and the best companion dog due to this reason.
Even though I’m intelligent, I tend to have a mind of my own. In short, this means that I am not the best when it comes to obedience. My instinct to ‘hunt’ is always the strongest. Therefore, my training should start early and particular attention should be paid to the “recall” command. I may even decide to ignore the recall command because something more interesting has caught my attention.
In general standard wire-haired dachshunds are more active compared to standard longs, who are much more laid back and easy going. Standard smooths are also one-person dogs, by nature, even if they can also become good family dogs.
When it comes to first-time owners, I may not be the best choice. I am more suitable for those who are familiar with the breed and my specific needs. These include health concerns that are commonly found in my breed. If I’m not properly trained from the beginning, I may become very willful and unruly. If that happens, it will become very difficult for my owner to manage me. However, with some patience and proper training, it is possible to overcome my stubborn streak.
IIntelligence And Trainability
I’m generally known to be an intelligent dog, but I’m not easy to train, particularly due to the fact that I have a mind of my own and I am independent by nature, which can be attributed to the “hound” present in me. However, with positive reinforcement training that is delivered from a young age and also with some patience and persistence, I can be trained well even if it is not possible to make me 100% obedient. The reason is that if I see something in distance, as a highly-skilled hunter, my owner should always keep in mind that I may turn a deaf ear to the recall if I am off the lead.
Similarly, I may be a little difficult to house train, compared to the other breeds. However with a firm hand, patience and gentleness, it is possible to train me to do my “business” outside. Puppies need to be taught house and boundaries immediately after they arrive in their new home. Even if they are very cute, it will be a mistake to allow a dachshund puppy to get away with too much mischief. This will also result in the development of a condition which is called small dog syndrome. In such a case, the dog becomes much more difficult to handle and manage as they start revealing the more dominant side of their nature.
Children And Other Pets
The smooth-haired dachshund is famous for being good around children, particularly if they have grown up together. However, as is the case with any other breed, the interaction between your dog and your kids needs to be supervised by an adult. Generally, I get on well with other dogs. I rarely show any type of aggressive behavior toward other dogs. But in the case of small animals and pets, it is advisable to take care when I come in contact with them. These animals include cats. However, if I have grown up with them, I am generally tolerant of cats.
Conclusion
I do not require a large amount of space or exercise. Most of us will be happy even when living in an apartment and only have a couple of short walks every day. And if I’m successful at staying away from back problems, I may enjoy a life span of nearly 13 to 14 years.
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