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Dachshund
Breed:
Belongs to the hound family of dogs.
The name of this breed signifies its purpose ("dachs" meaning badger and "hund" meaning dog.)
The Dachshunds are considered hounds because they were developed to chase and hunt badgers and other hole-dwelling animals.
Although, Dachshund is a German word, it is rarely used in Germany. Due to their long, narrow built, they are sometimes referred to in the US as sausage dog.
The Dachshund breed's members are playful dogs known for their loyalty and the deep bark.
An excellent watch dog, this breed is often aggressive to strangers and other large dogs. It is also sensitive to children if not introduced to at a young age.
Origin:
It is usually agreed that the Dachshund evolved in Europe, and that the Germans were responsible for the breed's early development. It took more than a hundred years of breeding to develop the Dachshund as a hunting dog in Germany.
Some theories say that the sculptured reliefs of the Tekel Dog on Egyptian tombs are ancestors of this breed.
In its modern form, the Dachshund is a creation of European breeders, and includes elements of German, French and English hounds and terriers.
The Dachshund first appeared in the United States between 1879 and 1885.
Personality:
- This dog is low to the ground and long in body and well muscled. The Dachshund makes up for its small size by its committed loyalty.
- An excellent watch dog, this breed is at times aggressive to strangers and other larger dogs. It can also be sensitive to children if not house trained at a young age.
- Dachshunds are loyal, playful fun dogs, known for their agile capability to chase small animals and birds with great accuracy and ferocity.
- They are a bit strong headed, making them not quite easy to train.
- Their hunting spirit, strong nose, loud bark and distinctive built make them well-suited for below-ground work. Their keen nose gives them an advantage over most other breeds for trailing.
Home adjustment:
- It requires an owner of a Dachshund ample time, patience, persistence, and praise to train a Dachshund.
- Dachshunds respond more readily to positive training techniques than harsh methods.
- The temperament of a Dachshund is something that a new owner needs to be prepared for.
- These dogs are very intelligent and especially like to assist in helping do things around the house; and even more so if they think it will help to speed up going out for a play or a walk. They will follow their master everywhere, and get very upset if they can’t.
- Dachshunds do very well with kids if they have been socialized and introduced to children as puppies.
- The Dachshund is a low-maintenance breed.
- Bathe your Dachshund only when necessary. The longhair needs regular brushing to prevent mats from forming, especially at the elbows and around the ears.
- Regular exercise is necessary to control weight.
- Attention must be paid to the Dachshund’s droopy ears, as they can hold moisture and create a breeding ground for fungus, bacteria, and mites.
- The Dachshund is prone to some genetic diseases like slipped disc syndrome. Eye abnormalities, urinary tract stones, and mammary gland cancers are also problems in the breed.