Introduction

Dachshunds are curious, energetic, mischievous, stubborn and loveable. The Dachshund has something no other breed has: it comes in more sizes,coats and colors than man ever created in his endeavors.  

Naturally curious, dachshunds seem to be bursting with energy at times, especially when they're just kids. At other times they would rather be doing nothing more than just curling up with you. As dachshunds mature those crazy antics slow down a bit but they always have that edge that makes them different from most other dog breeds.

Their short legs and long bodies make them truly unique in the dog world. Stubborn dachshund characteristics can be traced to days spent learning and evolving into being great underground and field hunters. If they were easily swayed, they couldn't have survived. They still have that hunting instinct, but it is usually reserved for unfortunate rodents wandering into their domain.

History and origin of the Dachshund

 The authentic origin of the Dachshund as a breed can be traced to Germany during the years 1550-1850 when German foresters, gamekeepers, and sportsmen first selected their dogs because of their affinity to go underground and fearlessly fight the badger, a vicious, saber-clawed antagonists weighing anywhere from 25 to 40 pounds.

Dachshunds were bred as hunting dogs. They would go into the dens of a badger or fox and chase it out. This required some iron determination to prevail. In fact, the name dachshund means "badger dog." .The primary purpose for which the Dachshund was developed was to hunt the badger. The Dachshund (translation: Badger Dog)  required specific traits such as courage, stamina & perseverance beyond what is usually expected of any other hunting dog.  The breed's deep sonorous bark is a special advantage, for it enabled the hunter to determine what was going on down in the badger hole.

Miniature or standard?

Standard Dachshund

The larger of the breed is known as a Standard Dachshund

Weigh 16 to 32 pounds (7-14 kgs)
Height 8 – 9ins (20cm - 23cm)
Chest measurement over 14ins (used to assess size in Germany and some other countries)

These measurements are as at maturity (12months old)

This size dachshund was mainly breed for hunting badgers and foxes as a strong heavier build of dog was required.
The Standard has three coat varieties, smooth haired, long haired and wire haired, each has a personality of there own.

Miniature Dachshund

Weight under 11 pounds (5 kgs)
Height 5 – 6ins (13cm – 15cm)
 

Chest measurement in the range of 12 to 14ins (used to assess size in Germany and some other countries). These measurements are as at maturity (12months old)

Dogs between 11-16 pounds are not recognized as an official size in America and are often called tweenies.

Dachshund diet

Feeding tips

Puppies 8 to 12 weeks old need four meals a day for optimum health and growth.
Feed puppies 3 to 6 months old three meals a day.
Feed puppies 6 months to 1 year 2 meals a day.
When your dog reaches his first birthday, 1 meal a day is usually enough, although you can split the quantity you would feed, and make it into 2 meals

Premium-quality dry food provides a well-balanced diet for adult dogs and may be mixed with water, broth or canned food.
Clean, fresh water should be available at all times, and be sure to wash food and water dishes often.

Commercial dog food is convenient, but is not all of equal quality. Cheaper brands may be loaded with calories, few usable vitamins, minerals, proteins, or carbohydrates. One brand, Eukanuba, has a variety of formulations for small dogs. Our dachshunds have been on Eukanuba for years and have maintained a consistent health, energy levels, and over-all well being.
AVOID e.g cooked bones (as they may splinter when chewed), potatoes, sugar, spinach, corn, wheat, onions and chocolate.

GOOD e.g. carrots, celery, alfalfa sprouts, watercress, cauliflower, broccoli, apples, brown rice, sardines, quality meat and poultry.

Dachshund temperament/ personality

Unless a dachshund has been mistreated at some time in its life, or has been mis-trained, they are generally affectionate and love being around people. They truly enjoy our company. Some dachshunds just want to be next to us all the time. Others are happy just being in the same room, but not necessarily by our side, but within eyesight.

Dachshunds are usually good with children in their own family, but care should be taken as some may snap at children other than family members. Dachshunds normally get along well with other pets, but they must be socialized at an early age in order to live with cats. They can become jealous and irritable, and quick to bite when threatened. Many dachshunds are reserved around strangers, and some tend to bark excessively at passersby.

Dachshund communication

Dogs obviously don't have a language, but they do have ways of communicating with other dogs and humans. This communication is an essential ingredient in the human / dog relationship. We speak with a language and using gestures that include hand gestures, facial features and body language. Dogs use a combination of body language and articulate language to convey their moods and needs. With a little observation you can easily learn what your dog wants.
At some times a dog just wants to play with you. They will perk up their ears, sometimes place their front legs on the ground and raise their rear up slightly. Accept your dog's invitation to play as often as possible.

Dachshund care

When your Dachshund is due for his annual shots and heart worm test it is a good idea to have a complete check-up including nail trim and teeth scrape.

Ways to care for your dog: Deworming, vaccinations, spaying/neutering, home hazards, registration/licensing of dogs and/or microchipping your dog.

Dachshund grooming

The Dachshund is a low-maintenance dog breed. Smooth dachshunds need little grooming but may need a sweater for cold winters. Longhair dachshunds need brushing to prevent mats, especially at the elbows and around the ears. Care for the wirehaired dachshunds are in between.

Health problems

Teeth and gum disease, heart conditions,
skin conditions, ear and eye disorders, obesity,
intervertebral disk disease,
seizures, mammary tumors & heart worms.

My Dachshund- Pixie

This is my pixie. She will be 3 in Feb 2012. She is the best dog ever. She is little overweight at the moment but we are working on fixing that. She loves her coffee during the day with her mommy and daddy.