The dachshund is a long dog with very short legs. A small dog with a big bark, it was originally bred as a hunter of badgers. Its name means "badger dog" in German. Badgers are a formidable opponent for their size, and the dachshund, perhaps accordingly, has earned a reputation for "extraordinary courage and endurance as a hunter". (reference The Reader's Digest Illustrated Book of Dogs page 120)
Hound or terrier?[edit]
The 'hund" in the word Dachshund is derived from the original German, and does not signify that this breed is a hound. Instead, dachshunds are sometimes considered terriers, specifically, an earthdog that is willing to "go to ground" and hunt its quarry in tunnels. Hound or terrier, the dachshund makes a good hunting dog, in or out of a tunnel, and will bay while it follows the tracks of the hunter's prey.
Breed standards[edit]
UK[edit]
Kennel Club
USA[edit]
AKC[edit]
UKC[edit]
Germany[edit]
Appearance[edit]
Dachshunds are very muscular dogs. No matter which variety of dachshund, their shapes are relatively the same: short legs on a long body - crowned with a head sporting a long nose. Their chests protrude slightly, and in specimens of a healthy weight, their stomachs are somewhat defined and tucked up. Most have black-rimmed eyes and black noses, but their noses can sometimes be brown or a shade closer to their coat color.
Sizes[edit]
There are two sizes that all dachshunds can be categorized into: miniature (or toy) and standard. A standard dachshund is considered to be 16 lbs and above in weight and 8"-9" in height. A miniature would weigh 11 lbs and under and be 5"-6" tall. Both males and females are sized similarly.
Coat[edit]
There are three coat types, all of which can be found on standard and miniature dachshunds.
- Smooth: This is the most common in the US- short, shiny and smooth
- Long hair: The long hair variety is also shiny and soft. It is often wavy.
- Wire hair: The hair is typically rough, short and tight on top with a softer undercoat.
Colors and color patterns[edit]
All six varieties of dachshunds come in a wide variety of colors and color patterns. The colors vary from black, dark brown, light brown, tan, red, grey, cream. The color patterns can either be a solid of one of these colors or a mixture of many of them with two-colored and dappled patterns.
Known health problems with this breed[edit]
Obesity is a failing of the breed, said to occur because this relatively small dog has a relatively voracious appetite. It is a well known fear of dachshund owners that allowing their dogs to gain too much weight can mean paralysis due to the dogs natural form.