Should you get a Dachshund?
Dachshunds are a breed of dog that are known for their long body and short legs. They are considered a toy breed, and they come in a variety of colors and coat patterns. Dachshunds were originally bred to hunt badgers, and they are still used as hunting dogs today.
The Dachshund was originally developed
in Germany, the word “dachshund” actually means “badger dog” in German. This name is fitting, as the breed was specifically bred to hunt badgers. With their long, low bodies and strong front legs, Dachshunds were perfectly suited for digging into badger burrows and fearlessly confronting these formidable creatures. Their tenacity and determination made them highly effective hunters.
Dachshunds were popular
with European royalty, especially in Germany. Queen Victoria herself was a proud owner of several dachshunds, and Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany was known to be a big fan of the breed. Their popularity among the elite can be attributed to their unique appearance and charming personalities.
During World War I
these courageous small dogs were used by German soldiers as war dogs. They were specifically trained to serve as messenger dogs, delivering important messages to and from the front lines. In addition, Dachshunds were also utilized to track wounded soldiers on the battlefield, using their keen sense of smell to locate those in need of medical attention. These brave dachshunds even had special packs strapped to their backs, allowing them to carry messages and supplies. Their small size and determined nature made them perfect for navigating the challenging terrain of war zones.
Originally, it is believed that the Dachshund
breed was a cross of a Brachter hound and a ‘smooth-haired’ French hound, although there are experts that say the pinscher and different types of bloodhounds were in the mix. A recent genomic study on modern dog breed development has shown 2 breeds without any DNA links to other breeds-the Dachshund and the Dalmatian.
The Dachshund comes in three different sizes
but the American Kennel Club (AKC) only recognizes two of them. The standard Dachshund typically weighs between 16-32 pounds and stands 14.5-18.5 inches (FCI) , while the miniature Dachshund weighs 11 pounds and under and stands 11.5-14.5 (FCI) inches. However, there is a third, smaller size called the “kaninchen” or rabbit size Dachshund, which is recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI). They are 9.5 -12.5 inches tall.
Dachshunds have three different coat types
While the smooth haired variety is still the most popular, they also come with wirehaired and longhaired coats.
According to FCI breed standard-coat colors are:
“Solid red with or without a solid white mark on the chest, two-colored-dark black or brown with tan marks, merle or red with a dark brindle.“
Dachshunds are known as
notorious barkers. They are a hunting breed and can be VERY sensitive to changes in their environment. They are also an excitable breed and will often bark for attention. For their rather small size, their bark can be quite loud!
Growing Up Dachshund
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How Fast Can a Dachshund Run?
The AKC Conducts Dog Racing Trials each December in Orlando, FL. called the Fast CAT Invitational. This is a 100 yard race where dogs run individually chasing a lure. The average running speed by Dachshund’s is about 15 mph. The fastest recorded speed by a Dachshund was by a dog named Nugget Rosenberg at 22.17 mph!
You will often hear Dachshunds
referred to as Doxies, Dackels or Sausage Dogs. Dachshunds are prone to back problems, due to their long spines and short legs. These problems can be reduced by not allowing a Dachshund to jump from couches, beds or other elevated places. Some things that can be done to help:
investing in doggie ramp
keeping your dog at a healthy weight
walking them with a body harness to distribute pressure evenly
investing in a good supportive bed
The CBARQ Dog Temperament Research
study, conducted at the University of Pennsylvania, is a giant study of over 300 dog breeds and 60,000 individual dogs. In this study, the Dachshund ranks 2 out of 124 breeds in aggression towards strangers. If a strange person enters their space they are likely to react by growling, barking or bearing of teeth. In more serious cases, they may lunge or bite. The only dog breed scoring higher in this behavior was the American Eskimo dog.
In this Same Research
the Dachshund ranks VERY high (5 out of 124 breeds) in displaying aggression towards other unfamiliar dogs. Aggression is defined as a dog’s reaction when another canine enters their personal space/territory. It can be trough barking, growling, bearing teeth or, in extreme cases, lunging or biting.
Dachshund Humor!
In the Landmark Book
entitled, “The Intelligence of Dogs”, professor Stanley Coren researched and documented the intelligence of over 130 different dog breeds. In his book, the Dachshund ranks 49th out of 138 breeds in working/obedience intelligence. Essentially this means they will learn new commands in 25 to 40 repetitions and obey first commands more than 50% of the time. This puts them in the “average working and obedience intelligence” category. In contrast, the most intelligent breeds will learn the same command in 5 repetitions or less!
Dachshund’s Have an Average
lifespan of 12-16 years. The oldest Dachshund on record was named Rocky, he lived to the age of 25!
17% of wirehaired Dachshunds are carriers of a gene that causes brittle bone disease. The disease is called Osteogenesis imperfecta and there is a genetic test that breeders can use to identify effected dogs before breeding them. Intervertebral disc disease also affects about one quarter of all Dachshunds.
Check Your Dachshund Facts and Take a Fun Dachshund Quiz!
Facts About Dachshunds-Final Thoughts
From their adorable wiener dog appearance to their independent spirit, Dachshunds have captured the hearts of dog lovers around the world. Whether they are participating in hot dog costume contests or dachshund races, these little dogs always bring joy and laughter to those around them. With their floppy ears and various coat varieties, each Dachshund is a unique pup. While it is easy to get caught up in their charm, it’s important for pet parents to remember that these small animals still require regular exercise to maintain a healthy weight and prevent common health issues. Despite their size, Dachshunds have an innate prey drive and should be supervised around small animals. So if you’re considering adding a Dachshund to your family, prepare yourself for a loyal companion with an independent spirit and a whole lot of love to give.
