| Dachshund | ||||
A short-haired standard Dachshund |
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| Country of origin | Germany | |||
| Nicknames | Doxie (US), Dackel or Teckel (GER, FR), wiener dog/hotdog (US), sausage dog (UK/AUS), Teckel (NL), Worshond (S. Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany ( ˈbʊndəsʁepuˌbliːk ˈdɔʏtʃlant is a Country in Central Europe. A. ), Jamnik (PL) | |||
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The dachshund is a short-legged, elongated dog breed of the hound family. Dog breeds are groups of closely related and visibly similar domestic Dogs with characteristic traits that are selected and maintained by humans bred from a known foundation A hound is a type of Dog that assists Hunters by tracking or chasing the animal being hunted. The breed's name is German and literally means "badger dog," from (der) Dachs, badger, and (der) Hund, dog. The German language (de ''Deutsch'') is a West Germanic language and one of the world's major languages. The standard size was developed to scent, chase, and flush badgers and other burrow-dwelling animals, while the miniature was to hunt rabbits. Olfaction (also known as olfactics or smell) refers to the Sense of smell. Badger is the Common name for any animal of three subfamilies which belong to the family Mustelidae: the same Mammal family as the Due to the long, narrow build, they are sometimes referred to as a wiener dog. Not withstanding the German origin of the dachshund's name, within German-speaking countries the breed is known—both formally and informally—as the Dackel or Teckel.
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| Dachshund appearance | ||
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| Build: | Elongated, compact, and low to the ground, well muscled body and short legs, very distinctive | |
| Toy* weight: | Up to 8 lbs. (3. 5 kg. ) (*Toy, or kaninchen, is not an acknowledged division in the US, UK, and many other countries) | |
| Toy* chest width: | Up to 12 in. (30 cm. ) | |
| Miniature weight: | 8-11 lbs. (3. 5-5 kg. ) or under 11 lbs. (5 kg. ) in countries that do not recognize a toy division. | |
| Miniature chest width: | 12-14 in. (31-35 cm. ) | |
| Standard weight: | 11-32 lbs. (5-14 kg. ) AKC classifies weight as 16-32 lbs (7-14 kg. ), KC states its ideal as 20-26 lbs (9-12 kg), but if a dachshund doesn't qualify by weight as miniature, then it is considered a standard. | |
| Standard chest width: | 14-18 in. (35-45 cm. ) | |
| Coat: | Three varieties: Smooth, Wired-haired and Long-haired | |
| Color: | Single colors may be red or cream; bi-colors are black, chocolate, wild boar, gray (blue), and fawn (Isabella) with points, or markings, of tan or cream (eg. "Black and Tan"). Other colors include piebald (base color is white), dapple (base coat with lighter over-coat), and double-dapple(same as dapple, but with white mixed in). | |
| Head: | Elongated, with a slight convex skull, arched and protruding eyebrows, a long muzzle, robust jaws with rounded non-pendent lips | |
| Teeth: | Scissors bite with extremely strong teeth (usually 42) | |
| Eyes: | Oval, dark red or brown-black with an energetic and friendly expression, or in the case of dapple or double-dapple: blue, one blue one brown, or brown with blue, all of which are called "wall" eyes. | |
| Ears: | Mobile and hanging long on its cheeks | |
| Tail: | Long, carried in line with its back | |
| Limbs: | Short,powerful legs | |
| Feet: | Full, tight, compact | |
| Life span: | Median 14-17 years | |
Dachshunds come in three sizes: standard and miniature,[1] and kaninchen. Although the first two sizes are recognized almost universally, the third size (which means rabbit) is recognized only by non-English speaking clubs like the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (World Canine Federation) (FCI). Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI ( English, World Canine Organisation) is an international Kennel Club based in Thuin, Belgium
A full-grown standard dachshund averages 16 lb (7. 3 kg) to 28 lb (13 kg), while the miniature variety normally weighs less than 11 lb (5. 0 kg). The kaninchen weighs 8 lb (3. 6 kg) to 10 lb (4. 5 kg). According to most kennel club standards, the miniature (and kaninchen, where recognized) variety differs from the full-size only by size and weight, thus offspring from miniature parents must never weigh more than the miniature standard to be considered a miniature as well[2]. While most kennel club size divisions use weight for classification, other kennel club standards determine the difference between the miniature and standard by chest circumference; some kennel clubs even measure chest circumference in addition to height and weight.
H. L. Mencken said that "A dachshund is a half-dog high and a dog-and-a-half long," which is their main claim to fame, although many poems and songs refer to them as "two dogs long. " This characteristic has led them to be quite a recognizable breed and featured in many a joke and cartoon, particularly The Far Side by Gary Larson. The Far Side is a popular one-panel syndicated comic created by Gary Larson. This article refers to the Cartoonist. For the Rugby league player please see Gary Larson (rugby league.
Dachshunds exhibit three coat varieties, smooth coat, long hair and wire-hair. Wire hair is least commonly seen coat, and most recent coat to appear in breeding standards. Many people don't recognize wire-hairs as dachshunds and can be mistaken as other kinds of dogs[1].
Dachshunds have a wide variety of colors and patterns. They can be single colored, single colored with spots (or dappled) and single colored with tan points plus any pattern. The dominant color is red. It is the most common along with black and tan. Two-colored dogs can be cream, blue, wild boar, chocolate brown, or fawn with "points", or markings over the eyes, ears, paws, and tail, of tan or cream. A two-colored dachshund would be called by its dominant color first followed by the point color, such as "black and tan" or "chocolate and cream. " Other patterns include piebald, in which a white pattern is imposed upon the base color and/or any other pattern, and a lighter "boar" red[3]. The reds range from coppers to deep rusts, with somewhat common black hairs peppered along the back, tail, face, and ear edges, lending much character and an almost burnished appearance; this is often desirable and is referred to among breeders and enthusiasts as a "stag" or an "overlay. "
Solid black and solid chocolate-brown dachshunds occur and, even though dogs with such coloration are often considered handsome, the colors are nonstandard – that is, the dogs are disqualified from conformance competitions in the U. In a conformation show, judges familiar with specific Dog breeds evaluate individual Dogs for how well they conform to published Breed standards S. and Canada. Additionally, according to the Conformation judges of the DCA (Dachshund Club of America), and the AKC (American Kennel Club) assert the Piebald pattern a nonstandard [2] and has voted to dismiss this pattern from competition.
Light-colored dachshunds can sport amber or green eyes, rather than brown; however kennel club standards state that the darker the eye color, the better. They can also have eyes of two different colors; in rare cases, such as the double-dappled coloration (called merle in other dog breeds[4]), dachshunds can have a blue and brown eye. Blue eyes, partially blue eyes, or a blue eye and a brown eye are called "Wall" coloring. Only the double dapple variety dachshunds can have blue or even partially blue eyes. It is not considered a non-desirable trait in kennel club standards. The standard was changed by the DCA in 2007 to exclude double dapples and changed single dapples to the only dapples. The reason is because the merle gene is linked to blindness and deafness. Wall-eyed is permissible in single dapples. It is impossible for a dachshund to have wall coloring without it being a double dapple. This is because when a dog receives a "dapple gene" from each parent, the genes can cross, washing out coloring within the eye. Without the two dapple genes the crossing of such, blue or partially blue eyes cannot occur.
Dachshunds are playful, fun dogs, known for their propensity to chase small animals, birds and tennis balls with great determination and ferocity. Many dachshunds are strong-headed or stubborn, making them a challenge to train. In fact, it's been said that you don't train dachshunds, they train you. Dachshunds have been known to have a liking to dig holes in the garden, or chase small animals such as birds, squirrels, or lizards. They have a particularly loud bark, making dachshunds good watchdogs. Dachshunds are known for their devotion and loyalty to their owners, though they can be standoffish towards strangers. If left alone many dachshunds will whine until they have companionship. Some dachshunds are prone to separation anxiety and may chew objects in the house to relieve stress.
According to the American Kennel Club’s breed standards, "the dachshund is clever, lively and courageous to the point of rashness, persevering in above and below ground work, with all the senses well-developed. Any display of shyness is a serious fault. "[5] Their temperament and body language give the impression that they do not know or care about their relatively small and comical stature. Like many terriers, they think nothing of challenging a larger dog. Indulged dachshunds may become snappy[6]. Fanciers of the breed often say that "Dachshunds are big dogs in small packages".
The dachshund's temperament may vary greatly from dog to dog. Seemingly most dachshunds do not like unfamiliar people, and will growl or bark in response. Although the dachshund is generally an energetic dog, some are laid back. Due to this dog's behavior, it is not the dog for everyone. A bored dachshund will become destructive. If raised improperly, dachshunds can become aggressive or fearful. They require a caring owner that understands their need to have entertainment and exercise. Some may not be good with children, and they may bite an unfamiliar child. Others are tolerant and loyal to children within their family, but these children should be mindful of the breed's back and not carry them around roughly.
The breed is known to have spinal problems, especially intervertebral disk disease (IVDD), due in part to an extremely long spinal column and short rib cage[7]. A vertebra (plural vertebrae) is an individual Irregular bone in the spinal or Vertebral column ( aka ischis a flexuous and flexible column The risk of injury can be worsened by obesity, which places greater strain on the vertebrae. Obesity is a condition in which excess Body fat has accumulated to such an extent that health may be negatively affected A vertebra (plural vertebrae) is an individual Irregular bone in the spinal or Vertebral column ( aka ischis a flexuous and flexible column In order to prevent injury, it is recommended that dachshunds be discouraged from jumping (something many seem to like doing anyway) and taking stairs, and encouraged to instead take the elevator (though some veterinarians say that slow stair-climbing is unlikely to lead to injury). However, according to the same article above, dachshunds that climb stairs regularly may actually be less problematic probably because the exercise helps to keep them fitter and healthier, and positive correlations were found between physically fit dogs and a lower incidence of IVDD. Hence the importance of keeping the dog at a good body weight. Holding the dog properly is also important, with both front and rear portions level. Under no circumstances should a dachshund be exposed to rough play or handling, as their spines may not tolerate such treatment.
As it has become increasingly apparent that the occurrence and severity of these spinal problems, or intervertebral disk disease, is largely hereditary, responsible breeders are working to eliminate this characteristic in the breed. Treatment consists of various combinations of crate confinement and courses of anti-inflammatory medications (steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like carprofen and meloxicam). Serious cases may require surgery to remove the troublesome disk contents[8]. Others may need the aid of cart to get around if paralysis occurs.
In addition to back problems, the breed is also prone to patellar luxation. Luxating patella (or trick knee, subluxation of patella, or floating patella) is a condition in which the Patella, or kneecap dislocates or
Some double dapples have problems with deafness and blindness. Therefore they need an owner who understands a disabled dog's special needs.
Other health problems include hereditary epilepsy, dental issues, Cushings disease, thyroid problems, various allergies and atopies, and various eye conditions (cataracts, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy, corneal ulcers, nonucerative corneal disease, sudden acquired retinal degeneration, cherry eye, etc. Epilepsy is a common chronic Neurological disorder that is characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures. The thyroid is one of the largest Endocrine glands in the body Allergy is a disorder of the Immune system often also referred to as Atopy. A cataract is a clouding that develops in the crystalline lens of the Eye or in its envelope varying in degree from slight to complete opacity Glaucoma is a group of diseases of the Optic nerve involving loss of retinal ganglion cells in a characteristic pattern of optic neuropathy. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA is a group of genetic diseases seen in certain breeds of Dogs and more rarely cats Sudden acquired retinal degeneration (SARD is a disease in Dogs causing sudden blindness Cherry eye is the term used to refer to canine nictitans gland Prolapse, a common Eye condition in various Dog breeds where the gland of the Third ). It is important to buy from breeders who can guarantee that their stock are free from these genetic problems and whose dogs have been certified for eyes (esp in miniatures).
It is important to follow a good dental health regime, including an annual cleaning if possible.
Some have theorized that the early roots of the dachshund go back to Ancient Egypt, where engravings were made featuring short-legged hunting dogs[9]. The Natural History Museum at Tring was the private museum of Lionel Walter 2nd Baron Rothschild, today it is under the control of the Natural History Museum Ancient Egypt was an Ancient Civilization in eastern North Africa, concentrated along the lower reaches of the Nile River in what is now Recent discoveries by the American University in Cairo of mummified dachshund-like dogs from ancient Egyptian burial urns may lend credibility to this theory. The American University in Cairo (AUC is a private university located in Cairo, Egypt. But in its modern incarnation, the dachshund is a creation of European breeders, and includes elements of German, French, and English hounds and terriers. Dog breeding is the practice of mating selected specimens with the intent to maintain or produce specific qualities and characteristics Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany ( ˈbʊndəsʁepuˌbliːk ˈdɔʏtʃlant is a Country in Central Europe. This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics. England is a Country which is part of the United Kingdom. Its inhabitants account for more than 83% of the total UK population whilst its mainland A terrier is a Dog of any one of many breeds or Landraces of terrier type which are typically small wiry very active and fearless dogs Dachshunds have been kept by royal courts all over Europe, including that of Queen Victoria, who was particularly enamored of the breed. Victoria (Alexandrina Victoria 24 May 1819 – 22 January 1901 was from 20 June 1837 the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland They were originally bred for hunting badgers by trailing them.
The first verifiable references to the dachshund, originally named the "Dachs Kriecher" (badger crawler) or "Dachs Krieger" (badger warrior), came from books written in the early 1700s. Prior to that, there exist references to "badger dogs" and "hole dogs", but these likely refer to purposes rather than to specific breeds. The original German dachshunds were larger than the modern full-size variety, weighing between 30 and 40 lb. (14 to 18 kg), and originally came in straight-legged and crook-legged varieties (the modern dachshund is descended from the latter). Though the breed is famous for its use in exterminating badgers and badger-baiting, dachshunds were also commonly used for rabbit and fox hunting, for locating wounded deer, and in packs were known to hunt game as large as wild boar and as fierce as the wolverine. Badger-baiting is a Blood sport involving the baiting of Badgers Background The badger is a usually quiet and docile creature in its own Rabbits are small Mammals in the family Leporidae of the order Lagomorpha, found in several parts of the world A fox is an Animal belonging to any one of about 27 Species (of which only 12 actually belong to the Vulpes genus or 'true foxes' of small A deer is a Ruminant Mammal belonging to the family Cervidae. The boar or wild boar ( Sus scrofa) is an Omnivorous, gregarious Mammal of the biological family Suidae.
Double-dapple dachshunds are prone to eye disease and therefore are rare. It is generally believed that the breed was introduced to the United States between 1879 and 1885
The flap-down ears and famous curved tail of the dachshund have deliberately been bred into the dog. In the case of the ears, this is so that grass seeds, dirt and other matter do not enter into the ear canal. The curved tail is dual-purposed: to be seen more easily in long grass and, in the case of burrowing dachshunds, to help haul the dog out if it becomes stuck in a burrow.
Dachshunds have traditionally been viewed as a symbol of Germany, despite their pan-European heritage. Waldi was the first official Olympic mascot. Created for the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, he was a Dachshund, a popular breed of dog The 1972 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XX Olympiad, were an International Multi-sport event held in Munich, in what was Political cartoonists commonly used the image of the dachshund to ridicule Germany. An editorial cartoon, also known as a political cartoon, is an illustration or Comic strip containing a political or Social message that usually Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany ( ˈbʊndəsʁepuˌbliːk ˈdɔʏtʃlant is a Country in Central Europe. During World War I the dachshunds' popularity in the United States plummeted because of this association. World War I (abbreviated WWI; also known as the First World War, the Great War, and the War to End All There were numerous reported incidents across America of dachshunds being killed due to their perceived German heritage. The stigma of the association was revived to a lesser extent during World War II, though it was comparatively short-lived. World War II, or the Second World War, (often abbreviated WWII) was a global military conflict which involved a majority of the world's nations, including German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel was known for keeping dachshunds. Erwin Johannes Eugen Rommel ( ( 15 November 1891 – 14 October 1944) (also known as the " Desert Fox " Wüstenfuchs
Due to the association of the breed with Germany, the dachshund was chosen to be the first official mascot for the 1972 Summer Olympics, with the name Waldi. The term mascot – defined as a term for any person animal or object thought to bring Luck – colloquially includes anything used to represent a group with a common The 1972 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XX Olympiad, were an International Multi-sport event held in Munich, in what was Waldi was the first official Olympic mascot. Created for the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich, he was a Dachshund, a popular breed of dog
Some people train and enter their dachshund to compete in dachshund racing, such as the Wiener Nationals. Dachshund racing, or wiener dog racing, is a popular yet controversial sporting event primarily found in North America Several races across the country routinely draw several thousand attendees, including races in Buda, Texas, Davis, California, Los Alamitos, California, Findlay, Ohio, Oklahoma City, OK, Kansas City, KS, and Shakopee, MN. Buda (ˈbjuːdə is a city in Hays County, Texas, United States. Davis is a city in Yolo County, California, United States. It is part of the Sacramento &ndash Los Alamitos ( "The Little Cottonwoods" in Spanish) is a small city in Orange County, California, United States. Findlay is a city in the US state of Ohio and the County seat of Hancock County. Oklahoma City is the capital and largest city of the US state of Oklahoma. Kansas City Kansas. Items for the metro area should also go to the Kansas City Metropolitan Area page Items for Kansas City Missouri Shakopee (ˈʃɑːkəpi "SHOCK-a-pi" is a Suburb 17 miles (26 km southwest of downtown Minneapolis in the U Despite the popularity of these events, the Dachshund Club of America opposes "wiener racing", as many greyhound tracks use the events to draw large crowds to their facilities. The DCA also is worried about potential injuries to dogs, due to their predisposition to back injuries.
Another favorite sport is earthdog trials, in which dachshunds enter tunnels with dead ends and obstacles attempting to locate an artificial bait or live but caged and protected mice. An earthdog trial tests the working ability and instinct of the small short legged terriers Dachshunds, being true scent hounds, also compete in scent tracking events, with a national championship sponsored every year by the DCA. Scent hounds (Scenthounds are a type of Hound that primarily hunts by Scent rather than Sight. A Tracking trial is an event to encourage Dogs to make use of their strongest facility the ability to follow a scent trail
In Germany dachshunds are widely named as 'Dackel' (both singular and plural). To be classified as a full Teckel, these dogs must undergo Blood Tracking tests. Classically, any dog of dackel heritage is given an official tattoo upon one ear. After suitable training, the dog must then follow a blood trail that is at least 48 hours old successfully to its conclusion. Once this is completed, another tattoo is marked on the other ear to denote full Teckel rank. As 'Teckel' are bred for hunting purposes, teckels tattooed or not, tend to be visibly larger in their chests than their dackel counterparts, though marginally shorter in length.
Dachshunds are a popular pet in the United States, ranking 6th in the most recent AKC registration statistics. [10] They are popular with urban and apartment dwellers, ranking among the top ten most popular breeds in 39 of 50 major US cities surveyed by the AKC. [11] One will find varying degrees of organized local dachshund clubs in most major American cities, including New York, New Orleans, Los Angeles, and Chicago. American dachshund enthusiasts will enjoy their visits to overseas, as the breed's popularity is legion in places such as Germany, France, Switzerland, Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, and Japan. Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany ( ˈbʊndəsʁepuˌbliːk ˈdɔʏtʃlant is a Country in Central Europe. This article is about the country For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic France topics. Switzerland (English pronunciation; Schweiz Swiss German: Schwyz or Schwiiz Suisse Svizzera Svizra officially the Swiss Confederation Hungary (Magyarország 'mɔɟɔrorsaːg) officially in English the Republic of Hungary ( Magyar Köztársaság, literally Magyar (Hungarian Republic Poland (Polska officially the Republic of Poland The Czech Republic ( ˈt͡ʃɛskaː ˈrɛpuˌblɪka short form in Česko ˈt͡ʃɛskɔ also called Czechia, Slovakia (long form Slovak Republic; Slovak:, long form, is a Landlocked country in Central Europe with a population of over five million For a topic outline on this subject see List of basic Japan topics. Dachshunds are famous for their peculiar size, body, and face.
Having been bred at one point as Wild Boar hounds, the Teckel breed of these dogs have a tendency to roll on their backs. The boar or wild boar ( Sus scrofa) is an Omnivorous, gregarious Mammal of the biological family Suidae. A hound is a type of Dog that assists Hunters by tracking or chasing the animal being hunted. This 'cute behaviour' has rather morbid beginnings. The dog would be sent into the undergrowth, to flush out the boar. The boar would, upon seeing the smaller dog, give chase. The dog would lead the boar towards the huntsman, whereupon it would throw itself upon its back. The boar would then pass over the dog, who would then attempt to either attack the throat or the genitalia of the passing boar, thus wounding the boar sufficiently for the huntsman to kill their prey.
EDIT: Actually that is not what it was for, they do that to try to lose their scent. That is why they roll on their backs in smelly things. - http://oamweb.com/educational/dachsiefaq/dachshunds.html
Wally - the dachshund in the Drabble comic