Dachshund

CHAPTER 1

THE DACHSIE DEFINED

Saying you want a Dachshund is similar to going into a candy store and saying you want some chocolate. There are many kinds of chocolates, and many kinds of Dachshunds. They come in two different sizes and three coat types, each with its own characteristics and group of devoted owners and admirers.

Standard Dachshunds tip the scales at 16 to 32 pounds, while miniature Dachshunds weigh in at just 11 pounds or less. The three coat types are smooth (the coat is smooth and shining), wirehaired (body is covered with a short, thick, uniform outer coat with a finer, softer undercoat), and longhaired (long, wavy hair).

Dachshunds come in a variety of colors, too. Common colors are red, black and tan, gray and fawn. They also come in some coat patterns like dappled and brindle.

This versatile breed is often described as being extroverted with the ability to act the fool on occasion. He is clever, lively, and courageous. Because he is small in size, he is easy to maintain in good physical condition and doesn’t require long runs. Possessing a friendly, companionable personality, the Dachshund charms his way into the hearts of all who get to know him.

There are six varieties of Dachshunds:

• standard smooth

• standard longhaired

• standard wirehaired

• miniature smooth

• miniature longhaired

• miniature wirehaired

This breed comes in three coat types: smooth, longhaired and wirehaired

However, the Dachshund is a hound and hunter at heart and is naturally curious. He will investigate everything he finds, which means he likes to chew on things—a lot. Make sure to keep your dog occupied with a variety of interesting and interactive chew toys. He has badger hunting instincts, so don’t be surprised by his proclivity for digging—in the yard and in your home. Make sure your Dachshund cannot escape your yard by digging under fences; he’s small and low and can get under almost anything! Did You

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Dachshunds are incredibly loyal. Know? They love people, especially children and the elderly, and should be included in everyday activities. When left alone or ignored, Dachshunds are likely to suffer from separation anxiety.

It’s not surprising that Dachshunds are among the most popular dog breeds in the United States, Germany, and Britain. Although the original purpose of hunting is no longer the main reason to own Dachshunds, they possess so many other desirable qualities that they undoubtedly will retain their popular status for many years to come.

The miniature is mature by twelve months of age, while the standard may not be fully mature until he is eighteen months old. Dachshunds are exceptionally long-lived dogs, with many living to be twelve to fourteen years old. Regardless of size or variety, the Dachsie is easily maintained and managed.

THE HEALTH OF THIS HOUND

The peculiar and unique body structure of your Dachshund makes him prone to back problems. Do not let him jump on or leap off high places like couches and beds, which is easier said than done because Dachshunds can be rather stubborn at times. Behavior easily can be modified by a smart owner who quickly gets his dog to focus on some new activity. In other words, you must refuse to recognize the Dachshund’s obstinacy and thereby prevent a repetition of the undesirable behavior. Physical rough handling only makes an even-tempered Dachshund become aggressive.

Generally speaking, most dogs are square creatures, about as high from the ground to the top of their shoulders as they are from the front of their chests to their rumps. Each of their four legs is placed directly under the trunk of the body at the four corners. Their necks are gently arched and their heads balance out their body size: little heads for little dogs, big heads for big dogs. Dachshunds, however, are different. Their long, low-to-the-ground body type resembles a train with an engine in the front, a caboose at the end and the cars in the middle. Their long, swaying tails even add to their length, to accentuate how very different they are!

There is some variation in the personality among Dachshund coat types. Generally speaking:

• Longhaireds are more laidback.

• Wirehaireds are social clowns.

• Smooths are more intense and stubborn.

Don’t forget that Dachshunds are scenthounds. That means they will go where their noses tell them to go! When on walks, keep them on leash, and if you have a backyard, build a good fence.

Because of their unique skeletal structure, Dachshunds have the potential to experience environmental and genetic problems common to long-bodied dogs. Living in an environment that is oblivious to their special conformation, Dachshunds often are subjected to many hazards. Jumping, excessive stair-climbing and other high-impact activities usually result in serious diseases and conditions of the vertebrae. When genetically inferior dogs are bred, they often produce genetically inferior puppies. These puppies, in turn, grow up to develop serious skeletal conditions that are difficult or impossible to correct. In addition, overweight dogs are always at risk.

Just like not all days are rainy days, not all Dachsies are alike.

It’s important to note that not all Dachshunds will suffer serious physical diseases or problems. However, it is important for a smart buyer to be aware of the health conditions that can affect the dog he is about to purchase. Healthy parents and a wellinformed, caring breeder are the best factors in producing healthy puppies.

Many health problems in dogs today can be tested for in very young puppies. Reputable breeders usually have these tests performed so that they can send their Dachshund puppies off to new homes with certificates of good health. Then, new owners can begin raising their puppy in the knowledge that they have chosen a healthy puppy from a quality source. In short, it all boils down to the old saying that knowledge is power—with humans, and with Dachshunds.

Investing in your Dachsie’s health now will go a long way to ensure a brighter future.

The Dachshund is the most loyal friend your child could ever have. However, heed these two warnings.

1. Dachshunds require gentle treatment. Their long backs are subject to stress, and roughhousing could result in permanent injury or even paralysis. Very young children must be monitored.

2. Dachshunds are protective. Although they are loyal until death to their own children, Dachsies can be reserved or even snappy with strange children, especially if they misinterpret playful behavior as a threat to the family child.

The best way to make sure your dog is healthy is to buy a healthy dog from a reputable breeder.

WIENER PERSONALITY

If you have a friendly personality, you and your Dachshund will immediately have something in common. Dachshunds are social dogs who are always interested in doing fun things with their person. Indoor and outdoor games of fetch are of particular interest to them. Visits to the park and daily walks are much enjoyed by your little companion. Organized activities like obedience, agility and field trials also can be rewarding for both you and your Dachshund.

Your Dachsie is an intelligent companion with a strong character. You must make it clear to him that you are the boss. You must never be unkind or harsh, but a commanding tone of voice will be an asset. You will need to train your dog to be obedient, and his training should start while he is still young. Additionally, hours of enjoyment will be spent watching your Dachshund clown around and, if you are willing to join in with his games, he will be that much happier.

NOTABLE & QUOTABLE

In a Dachshund, I look for self-confidence and a distinct personality. I want them to be outgoing and playful. I look for them to be proud and loyal. With positive reinforcement, Dachshunds can do no wrong. They are intelligent dogs and love to please their masters. They have a large-dog personality in a small-dog body.

—Debra Coverdell, Dachshund breeder in Fairfield, Mont.

The Dachshund is a small breed, and you will find yourself fiercely devoted to the breed—just as the Dachshund is dedicated to you. It will be an advantage if you are fairly active, because as an adult, your Dachshund will enjoy a good walk each day. Although small, he is energetic! Of course, snuggling beneath the covers on a cold, rainy day is another favorite activity for your Dachshund.

Dachshunds do not like being left alone for long periods of time. They do best when they’re mentally stimulated and made to feel appreciated and treated like members of the family.

The self-styled world capital of Dachshundom is Gergweis, Bavaria. It once laid claim to having twice as many Dachshunds as people! While this is no longer true, Gergweissians make the most out of the tourist trade by renting Dachsies to tourists by the hour.

How do you know if a Dachshund is the right breed for you? It’s the law of averages. A Dachshund is not one dog, but many: longhaired, wirehaired, and smooth; standard, miniature, and the tweenies that fall between standard and miniature. As for the color: It’s been estimated that Dachshunds come in 176 colors, shades and tints. What’s not to like?

True to their nature, Dachsies love to dig! If you like a nice, neat garden, then this breed may not be for you.

If you want to get technical: Dachshunds are diggers. They made their living (historically, at least) by digging, and dig they will. If you prefer a boring, smooth, solid green lawn, perhaps the Dachshund is not for you. Even when the lawn is not in danger, your furniture might be.

If you like the strong, silent type, it won’t be a Dachshund. Dachshunds are barkers. They alert quickly and are interested in saving your neck from every passerby. But these are minor problems, surely.

Show your artistic side. Share photos, videos, and artwork of your favorite breed on Club Dachsie. You can also submit jokes, riddles, and even poetry about Dachshunds. Browse through our various galleries and see the talent of fellow Dachsie owners. Go to DogChannel.com/Club-Dachsie and click on galleries to get started.

Dachshunds come in all sorts of colors, from solids with or without markings to dappled patterns.

SINGLE COLOR: Smooth and longhaired Dachsies may be any color: red, with or without dark or sable (black-tipped) hairs, and cream are just two examples of single-colored Dachshunds. Wirehaireds also may be any color. However, the predominant colors are wild boar (dull gray hairs intermingled with black hairs), black and tan, and shades of red.

TAN MARKINGS: Tan markings are acceptable on all coat types and may be found on black, chocolate, wild boar, gray (silver blue), and fawn Dachshunds, but they must not be too pale or too prominent. These markings are allowed over the eyes, on the sides of the jaw and underlip, on the inner edge of the ear, on the front and breast, inside and beside the front legs, and on the paws. The tan markings are also found around the anus, and from there, running up the underside of the tail to one-third to one-half the length of the tail.

DAPPLED PATTERNS: A single-dapple pattern consists of lighter-colored areas contrasting with a darker base color, which may be any