Dachshund is the original and official name of the famous and charismatic sausage dog. In German it means "dachshund" and refers to the original function of this dog, which was to hunt badgers. Sausage dogs are also known as dachshunds or dachshunds. Both words are also German, although the most used term in the cities is "dachshund", while "dachshund" is the name most used for this breed among German hunters.
In this breed file on our site we review the characteristics, character and care of the standard dachshund or dachshund Keep reading to discover everything about this breed of dog if you are considering adopting a specimen or if you already have one and want to expand your knowledge.
Dachshund physical characteristics
His nickname "dachshund" describes him very well with a height of 15-35 cm and a weight of 3-10 kg. Its main features are as follows:
- Low and long.
- Short legs and long head.
- The naso-frontal depression (stop) is not very marked.
- The eyes are oval and medium-sized.
- The chest is broad and deep.
- The belly is slightly pulled up.
- The tail is long and not set very high.
- The ears are set high, hanging, long and have a rounded edge.
Dachshund Colors
Its color varies in different shades of dark brown (from reddish to blackish). The colors accepted in all varieties are:
- Unicolor: Can range from red to yellow, with or without black speckling.
- Bicolor: can be black or brown with tan spots (rusty red or yellow).
- Spotted: the dogs are harlequin or brindle, with the basic color always dark (black, red or grey).
The coat corresponding to each variety must be as follows:
- Dachshund or short-haired dachshund: the hair is short, shiny, smooth, strong, hard, thick and close to the body. There are no hairless areas. This variety is the most popular.
- Dachshund or wire-haired dachshund: except for the snout, eyebrows and ears, the coat is formed by mixing the inner layer with the outer layer. The latter is regularly sticky, thick and "wire-haired". On the muzzle the hair forms a well-marked beard and on the eyes it forms bushy eyebrows. On the ears the hair is short and almost straight.
- Dachshund or long-haired dachshund: the outer coat is smooth, shiny and close to the body. It is longest below the neck, on the lower part of the body, on the ears, the back of the limbs and on the tail.
What is the puppy dachshund like?
It is important to socialize dachshunds from an early age because their nature is wary of strangers. Without proper socialization they tend to be aggressive or fearful, both with strangers and with other dogs.
Dachshunds or dachshunds, when well socialized, can get along very well with people and well with other dogs, although it is difficult to socialize them with other pets.
Types of dachshunds
The standard dachshund or dachshund comes in different varieties according to coat and weight. The International Cinological Federation (FCI) recognizes three varieties of size (standard, miniature and for rabbit hunting) and three varieties of hair (short, hard and long). In this way, the possible combinations give nine dachshund varieties:
Standard Dachshund
- With short hair
- Wire-haired
- Long-haired
Miniature Dachshund
- With short hair
- Wire-haired
- Long-haired
Dachshund for the rabbit hunt
- With short hair
- Wire-haired
- Long-haired
Other organizations, such as the American Kennel Club (AKC), only recognize two varieties based on size (standard and miniature), but recognize all three coat varieties. On the other hand, the smaller varieties (miniature and dachshund for rabbit hunting) are also hunters, but they target smaller and less aggressive prey than badgers.
The breed standard does not indicate a particular size, but dachshunds are small dogs and their maximum height at the withers is usually between 25 and 30 centimeters. The difference between the varieties is made according to the thoracic perimeter, as follows:
- Standard Dachshund. Chest circumference greater than 35 centimeters. The maximum weight is 9 kilograms.
- Miniature Dachshund. Chest circumference between 30 and 35 centimeters at the minimum age of 15 months.
- Dachshund for rabbit hunting. Chest circumference less than 30 centimeters, at a minimum age of 15 months.
Dachshund Character
These dogs are very playful and friendly with their own, but they have a very strong prey drive so they tend to chase and attack small animals. Also standard dachshunds or dachshunds are often barkers.
Dachshunds are said to be very stubborn and unresponsive to dog training. What actually happens is that they do not respond well to traditional training, as they react badly to the use of force. However, they respond very well to positive training, so don't hesitate and opt for this method of education, based on positive reinforcement and the use of clicker.
Dachshund care
Caring for the dachshund's coat is simple, as it does not require grooming or other assistance. Logically, the short-haired dachshund requires less effort than the other varieties. In the varieties of the wire-haired and long-haired dachshund it is necessary to brush the coat daily If you want to cut the hair of the long-haired dachshund, we do recommend going to the hairdresser canine.
These dogs require moderate exercise, so they adapt well to life in apartments, flats or small houses. However, they can cause some problems with neighbors because they tend to be barkers if the behavior is not corrected.
Dachshund Education
The main behavior problems that occur in the dachshund are excessive barking and the tendency to dig in the garden. If they are left alone for a long time or get bored, dachshunds tend to destroy furniture or other objects, or dig if there is a garden. Therefore, it is not a good idea to leave them alone for most of the day.
As we have commented previously, they respond very well to positive training, so it is recommended to opt for this method of education, based on in positive reinforcement and the use of the clicker.
Dachshund He alth
Due to its particular very elongated morphology, the dachshund is prone to spinal injuries Damage to the intervertebral discs is common. Accidents causing paralysis of the hind legs are more frequent in this breed than in others. Therefore, it is important to avoid rough handling of these dogs, jumping, going up and down stairs frequently, and being overweight.
The dachshund is also prone to the following pathologies:
- Patellar luxation
- Epilepsy
- Glaucoma
- Hypothyroidism
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
As is the case with other dog breeds, it is best to follow the regular veterinary check-ups and keep both the calendar up to date vaccination and deworming to prevent and detect any of the most common dachshund diseases in time.
Where to adopt a dachshund?
Before adopting a dachshund you should be clear that they tend to bark excessively and dig in the garden. If they are left alone for a long time or they get bored, they tend to destroy furniture or other objects, so you should not leave them alone for most of the day. If after considering it, you think that you are suitable to have a dog of this breed, you can start looking for a dachshund for adoption. The first thing is to do an exhaustive search in shelters or shelters near your home.
Otherwise, you can look on the internet associations of this breed where you could find a dachshund for adoption.
