Dachshund - Sly Dog Behind Floppy Ears Coming from the Underground

The Dachshund is a typical German dog breed and was bred for hunting as early as the Middle Ages. With its short legs and elongated body, it could penetrate any den just like a badger, from whence it gets its name (Dachs means badger in German). The auditory canal remained protected by the hanging ears. Outside of Germany, the Dachshund became popular when Queen Victoria became interested in the breed in the 19th century. A distinction is made between long-haired Dachshunds, short-haired Dachshunds and wire-haired Dachshunds. The Dachshund size is usually not given by the withers height, but rather by the chest circumference. According to the FCI standard, this should measure at least 35 cm for the Dachshund. A range of 30 to 35 cm can be achieved for the miniature Dachshund and the chest circumference for the Rabbit Dachshund must not exceed 30 cm. The Dachshund weight varies accordingly. Depending on the format, a Dachshund weighs between 3 and 9 kilos.

Despite their handy size, Dachshunds are not lapdogs. This bundle of energy is too lively and busy for that. As a Dachshund owner, you should plan time for long walks. You need to be careful with Dachshunds and other pets in the same household – strange small animals and those outside the home are prey for them. The Dachshund character is marked by a large helping of courage and fearlessness. This is understandable, because the dog could meet animals that were on the defensive at any time when used on the hunt. This trait continues – Dachshunds have no problem taking on larger dogs and defend their position with copious barking. Dachshunds are generally friendly towards people but they are reserved with strangers. Attachment to people is less pronounced in Dachshunds than in other breeds. Because Dachshunds are suspicious and alert, they make excellent guard dogs.

Dachshunds are self-confident, have a mind of their own and tend to overestimate themselves. Be consistent in raising your new companion before the little squirt takes over the household! With reward-oriented, consistent training, Dachshunds can be persuaded to cooperate. Tasks are also important. Tracking is a good activity that suits the Dachshund’s natural behaviour. Digging is also one of the favourite pastimes of a Dachshund. It generally prefers long, exciting dog sport activities. A long lead and harness are essential accessories for the Dachshund owner. The passionate scavengers quickly disappear into the nearest bushes in a hunting fever and are difficult to distract from their trail. The Dachshund doesn’t really care if their owner is out of sight. If you are out and about in areas rich in game, never forget – when given the choice, a rabbit is more important to the Dachshund than obedience. Therefore, the Dachshund is not a suitable breed for dog beginners, but a hardworking animal with a hunting instinct.

Whoever is rummaging around in the undergrowth close to the ground, especially in summer, needs to be checked regularly for ticks. To do so, use a tick comb, fur comb and a brush suited to your dog’s fur. A dachshund’s skeleton and joints are not suitable for high-impact exercise or heavy loads. Try to avoid obesity and where possible don’t let your dog walk up or down stairs.