Dachshund’s general information you want to know!

Dachshunds are scent hounds bred to hunt badgers, rabbits, and foxes. Wild boar were even trailed by Dachshund groups. They are now wonderful family pets, show dogs, & small game hunters.

But don't be fooled. This little, drop-eared pup is tough enough to handle on a badger, according to famed literary critic and comic writer H. L. Mencken. That is how they earned their title (Dachs meaning badger).

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That is how they earned their title (Dachs meaning badger)

The Dachshund originated in Germany, where dachs means badger and hund means dog. Documents from 16th and 17th centuries mention the "soil dog," "badger creeper," or "dachsel." The Dachshund didn't just eat Badger. He was deployed against foxes' dens, and Dachshund groups trailed wild boar. Those early Dachshunds were huge. Badger and boar dogs weigh 25 to 30 pounds. Smaller 12-pound Dachshunds pursued hares and weasels. Cottontail rabbits were once bolted by 5-pound Dachshunds.

The Teckel breed was developed by foresters in the 1800s. They wanted a bold, elongated dog that might dig into badger dens and fight a badger to the death. It was developed by crossing the Braque, a nice French pointing breed, with the Pinscher, a tiny terrier-type ratter. Basset Hounds may have influenced the Dachshund's evolution. Long-coated Dachshunds were presumably formed by crossing spaniels with terriers, and wirehairs with terriers.

The Dachshund is really the only AKC-recognized type which can hunts both above and even below ground. Dachshunds' short, strong legs allowed them to go deeply into small tunnels to hunt. A hunter might use their long, robust tails to "handle" a Dachshund out of its burrow. The Dachshund's powerful paddle-shaped paws were ideal for digging. His loose skin will not tear as he walked into tight burrows. Their long noses and deep chests made them good scent dogs, and their deep chests made them good hunters. Their deep, booming bark helped the hunter find his pet after it had burrowed.

They must be brave and tenacious. However, even in the smallest variety, the bravery for which the type was bred can be seen. You can bet your Dachshund will "kill" it by ripping off the squeaker. Remember, these canines were bred to kill prey as much as hunt it.

A pet breed, Dachshunds became popular in the 1800s, especially in Britain. They were favored in royal courts around Europe, including Queen Victoria's. This tendency reduced their size by around ten pounds. The little dachshund was eventually bred.

After nine years of development, the Dachshund Club was created in 1888. In 1885, the AKC registered 11 Dachshunds. Dash was the first. In 1895, a Dachshund Club was created.

In 1913 and 1914, dogs were among the top ten most popular entrants at the Westminster Kennel Show. During WWI, the breed suffered in the US and UK due to its close association with Germany. It was not uncommon for owners to have their dogs stoned. After WWI, some American breeders imported some German Dachshunds, and the breed re-emerged. During WWII, the breed suffered a similar fate, albeit not as severely.

In the late 1940s, Dachshunds re-established themselves as a popular family dog in the US. While not commonly used as the hunting pups in the United States or Great Britain, they are in other places in Europe, particularly France. The Dachshund is now the AKC's sixth most popular breed.

Size

Standard and Miniature Dachshunds are trained and shown. Standard Dachshunds (Smooth, Wirehair, or Longhair) weigh 16-32 pounds. Miniature Dachshunds are 11 pounds or less at maturity. Tweenies are Dachshunds that weigh 11-16 pounds. Tweenies aren't penalized as in show ring because they aren't classified. Some breeders of little Dachshunds call them Toy Dachshunds, however this is a marketing phrase, not a recognized title.

Personality

The Dachshund is characterized as intelligent, active, and brave. He's bred for endurance, which means he can be tough. Dachshunds are known for their humor and bravery, yet their true want is to be cuddled. For many Dachshund owners, this trait overcomes the animal's insistence on his own way. The Dachshund temperament varies with coat type. Because of their terrier heritage, wirehaired Dachshunds can be troublemakers. Smooths are peaceful and quiet, whereas Longhairs are halfway in between. Nervousness or shyness in Mini Dachshunds is not normal for the breed. Avoid puppies with these traits.

Temperament is influenced by genes, training, and socialization. Nice-tempered puppies are curious and energetic, eager to approach and be held. Choose the center puppy, not who smacks his littermates or hides in the corner. Always meet one of the parents, generally the mother, to make sure you like their personalities. Meeting the parents' siblings or even other relatives can help predict how a dog will mature.

Young Dachshunds, like all dogs, need early socialization with a variety of people, sights, noises, and experiences. Socialization ensures a well-rounded Dachshund puppy. Enroll him in a dog kindergarten class. Taking him to crowded parks, dog-friendly stores, and on calm strolls will help him develop social skills.

Care

Dachshunds are strong and energetic. You can take them for a stroll or play outside with other dogs. They are active indoors and can live in compact spaces if they get modest daily exercise. Two half-mile walks (10 minutes each) every day is ideal. When time is limited, a sport of fetch will suffice.

They don't belong outside or in a kennel, but within. Get a ramp as well as steps and train them to use them if they choose up on the couch or bed. Always support a Dachshund's rear and chest when holding him.

Motivated Dachshunds may learn quickly. Keep training sessions brief and rewarding with food or a favorite toy. If you force your Dachshund to do the same activity over and over, he will get bored.

Housebreaking this breed can be difficult. A Dachshund might not have to go outside. Be patient and consistent. Crate training also aids.

Alongside housetraining, crate train keeps your Dachshund out of trouble. Like every puppy, Dachshunds may be destructive. Early crate training can also help the Dachshund cope with confinement if he really needs to be boarded. But never leave your Dog in a box all day. It isn't a jail, so he shouldn't be there for and over a several hours at a time. Dachshunds are humans dogs, not crate or kennel dogs.

The Dachshund is a good watchdog, yet noisy. Minis are quite yappy. Keep in mind this if your Dachshund lives in a flat or condo.

Highlights

• Dachshunds can be hard to housebreak. Crate training is advised.
• Dachshunds are bright, independent, and lively canines. So they can be cheeky. When educating them, be firm but patient.
• They were bred to hunt, hence they can display hunting-related behaviors. Their instinct may drive them to dig the dahlias instead of badger tunnels. With their hunting instincts, they may be persistent in bugging you for a reward. They were bred not only to hunt but also to kill the prey; in your case, the "prey" will be the Dachshund's toys, which he will "kill" one by one.
• Large dogs like Dachshunds make loud, deep barks.
• If you do not really watch him, he'll get obese and lazy, putting greater strain on his frail back. Keep an eye on your Dachshund's food consumption and weight.
• Back slipped disks in Dachshunds can cause partial or complete paralysis. Keep them from jumping from high locations and support their backs.
• This breed is a one-person dog. He's naturally wary of strangers, so socializing him as a puppy is critical.
• Never buy a dog from a shady breeder, puppy shop, or pet store.

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