Information, Facts & Origins of the Dachshund
The
Dachshund
comes from Germany and is a dog which can be classed in three coat
varieties and two sizes. It was bred originally to hunt badgers
and other small game animals. It's origins can be dated back to
the 1500's and it is classified as one of the Hound Dog Group
which we go on to describe in detail in the section at the bottom
of this page. Name Facts and Dog Names: This dog's name is often mis-spelt in a
variety of ways including Dachhund, Dashshund, Dashhund, Dachund,
Dashund, Dashound and Dachshound.
The
Dachshund - A Scent Hound
The
Dachshund belongs to
the collection of dogs referred to as Scent Hounds, which
specialise in following the scent or the smell of its quarry. It
wasn’t until the mid 1500's that hounds began to be classified
according to their purpose, i.e. sight hounds, scent hounds, etc.
Scent Hounds have distinctive characteristics, features and traits
which are perfect for their purpose. They have large noses which
have deep, open nostrils and their lips are loose and moist,
designed to pick up scent particles and follow the trail of an
animal. Their ears are long which concentrates the scent on the
nose. Their bodies are designed for endurance, an essential asset
when following any scent trail. Hunting takes different forms and
as man opts for hunting their quarry either on foot or on
horseback the scent hounds have been selectively bred to produce
small legs, to enable a man to easily follow on foot, or longer
legs suited to keep up with a man on horseback. Most scent hounds
were used in packs - making a loud, deep baying noise alerting
hunters to their location. As a pet the Dachshund is brave, kind,
curious and loves to be part of the family.
Information, Facts &
History of the Dachshund Dog
The
unforgettable
outline of the Dachshund is world famous. It is colloquially, and
affectionately, known as the Sausage or the Hot Dog. Dachshund
translates from German to "badger dog" - Dachs being the German
word for badger and Hund the word for hound. The standard dog is
also known as the Teckel and the miniature is known the
Zwergteckel. Although the breed is famous for its use in
exterminating badgers, Dachshunds were also commonly used for
rabbit and fox hunting. The Dachshund can be traced back to the
16th century in Germany. They have been kept by royal courts all
over Europe, including that of Queen Victoria, who was believed to
have been introduced to the breed by the German Prince Albert. The
three types of coats and standard and miniature sizes were bred
for different purposes:
Smooth Haired - Crossed with pointer and pinscher specialising
in catching vermin
Long Haired - Crossed with spaniels to obtain the longer coat
for colder climates
Wire Haired -
Crossed with German wirehaired pinschers and the Dandie Dinmont
terrier
Miniature - Bred to
'go to ground' into burrows of small animals
As a member of the
Hound Group of dogs the Dachshund was at one time used to hunt in
packs - their quarry was the Wild Boar. The Dachshund whether
classed as Standard or Miniature sized has evolved into the
popular house dog that it is today - the Dachshund is free from
"doggy" odour. The Dachshund was first registered by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in
1885.
Description
of the Dachshund Dog and Puppies - Coat and Colours info
The
Dachshund's coat comes in a range of any solid colours, two
colours & brindle. Its coat can be smooth haired - short & smooth,
long haired - soft & wavy, wire haired - harsh & short.
Dog
Health information - potential health problems of the Dachshunds
All owners of dogs and puppies
are concerned about the health care of their pets and just as with
humans dog health issues arise from time to time. Resolving dog
health problems, including those of the Dachshund, can prove to be
costly and it would be wise to consider the benefits of obtaining
dog health insurance. Diseases in dogs may occur because of
trauma, infection, immune system abnormalities, genetic factors,
or degenerative conditions. Common health problems and questions
occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves, Ears,
Eyes, Teeth and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can relate
to the Digestive System, Heart & Respiratory Systems, Immune &
Blood Systems, Reproduction and Urinary Systems. Potential health
problems of the Dachshund can include:
Intervertebral disc
disease
Epilepsy
Entropion (the
inversion, or turning inward, of the border of the eyelid
against the eyeball)
Gastric Torsion
Patellar Luxation (
The patella, or kneecap, is part of the stifle joint (knee). In
patellar luxation, the kneecap luxates, or pops out of place )
Online
Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems Please click the following link for additional
information which we have provided via our:
This describes the most common canine health problems
concisely but simply without using medical jargon. A section on Dog and Puppy
Vaccinations is also included offering information on each of the diseases,
symptoms and effects for which immunization vaccines are available. Not sure of
the name of the dog or puppy illness? A Dog Symptom Sorter is also featured. The
Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems should only be used as an
informational guide and when and if any dog or puppies health problems occur it
is essential to raise any questions you may have with a Dog Health care
professional.
Description
of the Dachshund Dog and Puppies - Comparative Sizing
Pictures & info
The pictures above allow for a
useful sizing perspective between an average man (Five feet ten
inches) or an average sized woman (Five feet six inches) in
comparison to the average sized Dachshund dog which we have
detailed above. These pictures are extremely important as they
provide an immediate and accurate visual representation of the
height
of an average Dachshund compared to the height of a male or
female - essential information but unique to this
site. Use the pictures to help to estimate the size of this
breed of
dog to each the various growing stages of
children. Use the pictures to provide a guideline to the adult
size of Dachshund Puppies. The pictures will also prove to
be invaluable when comparing the sizes and heights of other dog
breeds. The
dimensions will vary according to the sex of the dog or puppy.
Girl dogs, or bitches, are on average, 2 inches smaller than boy
dogs. Another useful piece of information when considering
puppies.
Information
on Grooming and Care of the Dachshund Dog Breed
The Dachshund requires a
minimum amount of grooming. Regardless of the
breeds, a certain amount of grooming
and care is necessary to keep dogs and puppies looking at their best.
Grooming consists of not only brushing out the coat and bathing
but also giving attention to the eyes, teeth, ears, feet and
nails. A regular routine also ensures that any potential health
problems are identified as quickly as possible, especially
important in puppies and older dogs.
Information
on the Temperament
and Character of the Dachshund Dog Breed
The
Dachshund is a very
sociable breed, enjoying the company of other dogs and humans,
they are playful, loyal, intelligent and affectionate. Although
the Dachshund was developed as an active hunting dog it is also
obedient although it is a natural scent trailer and digger. This
dog makes a good house pet providing it is given lots of exercise
and attention. The Dachshund is free from "doggy" odour.
Living
conditions and Exercise Requirements of the Dachshund Dog
Breed
The Dachshund dogs and puppies are well suited to living in the
town or the country.
They require moderate exercise such as walks or exercise in the
yard. They can be kept outside, in a kennel but are better suited
to live indoors.
Dachshund
Puppies info
The Puppies section, accessed via the Site Index, provides detailed information about Choosing the right puppy, Puppy Training, Puppy Care and Puppy Behavior, Growth & Development. We recommend that the following considerations should always be taken into account when choosing
Budget
- Purchasing, training, equipment, medication and feeding
costs of the breed
Convenience
and Grooming time e.g. long or short hair
Personal
situation - time available and medical conditions such as allergies,
asthma or back pain
Exercising requirements for the Dachshundbreed
Living
Conditions for the breed - suitability for puppies
Family
- child suitability
Children and Puppies!
The pictures above allow for a useful comparison of sizes
providing an accurate portrait of the size of an average
Dachshund- essential
information and unique to this site. It should also be noted that
the pictures feature adults. The size of puppies are naturally
considerably smaller and the full grown size of the animal can
easily be forgotten when confronted with cute puppies! The slogan
" A dog isn't just for Christmas - it's for life!" was necessitated
by well meaning people buying puppies at the Christmas, unaware of
the puppies growth rate. The pictures provided make it extremely
clear exactly how small puppies will develop and whether it will
suit the life and living conditions of the family.
Age
comparison between the Dachshund Dog Breed and a Human
Age
comparisons between dogs and humans are always a matter of
debate - we hope that the following information clarifies the
situation. After the first year of life, a dog is equivalent to
sixteen human years. After two years, they are equivalent to a 24 year old, at
three years a 30 year old, and each year after, add 5 human years to determine
a dog's age.
Life
Expectancy of the Dachshund Dog Breed
The life
expectancy for this particular breed is between
12 – 14 years.
Hound
Dog Breed Information
As implied by its name the Hound has been bred to chase a
quarry by sight or smell, or a combination of both senses.
Sighthounds have exceptional eyesight, combined with the speed and
stamina necessary to catch the intended prey once seen, typical
examples being the Greyhound and the Whippet. Hounds which rely
strongly on the sense of smell to follow the trail of a prey, such
as the Bloodhound, quite literally follow their noses, speed and
eyesight is of less importance.
Characteristics and features have been introduced and strengthened
by
breeding from animals who already demonstrated the desired traits.
Breeding for appearance was only introduced in the 19th Century.
Before this time dogs and puppies were bred to increase useful abilities and traits
helpful for the duties they were intended for. Thus, the
various hound breeds were initially introduced to help man
according to specific requirements such as:
Hunting
and running down small quarry
Flushing
out and Driving game
Vermin
Hunting
Guard
duties
Tracking
In
this day and age only a few hounds still undertake these tasks, but
nevertheless, they still harbour the skills and characteristics that made
the original Dachshund dog breeding program successful.
The
Hound Breed Group of dogs differ in that some hunt by scent and
others by sight. Many hounds are kept in packs, in outdoor
kennels. Any dogs and puppies belonging to the Hound breeds require a
significant amount of exercise as they have high stamina levels
suitable for hunting quarry. There are some breeds in this group
who make a distinctive ' baying ' sound - invaluable information
should be considering puppies. The pictures above allow for a
useful size comparison providing an accurate portrait of the size
of an average Dachshund dog - essential information but unique to this
site.
Examples
of other Breeds within the Hound Dog Group
The Hound group of dogs includes the Dachshund
and all of
the following breeds:
Afghans, Foxhounds, Basenjis, Bassets, Beagles, Black and Tan Coonhounds, Bloodhounds, Borzoi, Dachshunds, English Foxhounds, Greyhounds, Harriers, Irish Wolfhounds, Norwegian Elkhounds, Otterhounds, Petit Basset Griffon
Vendeens, American Fox hounds, Rhodesian Ridgebacks, Salukis, Scottish Deerhounds
and Whippets.
Name Facts and Dog Names: This dog's name is often mis-spelt in a variety of
ways including Dachhund, Dashshund, Dashhund, Dachund, Dashund,
Dashound and Dachshound. Pictures and information about all of the above Hound Dog breeds,
together with all other dog groups,
may be found
on this website via the following links:
