Country of Origin: Germany
Group: Dachshunds
Section: Dachshunds
Original Function: flushing badgers
Todays Function: earthdog trials, dachshund field trials
Dimension Male: 35-45 cm
Dimension Female: 35-45 cm
Weight Male: 5-15 kg
Weight Female: 5-15 kg
Litter Size: 1-3 puppies
Life span: 12-14 years
Other Names: Teckel (Miniature: Zwergteckel), Wiener Dog/Hotdog
Colors: Two colored varieties include chocolate, black, wild boar, blue (gray) and fawn. these dogs will hav
Living: Dachshunds are very good indoor dogs. they are typically quite active, but because of their size, th
Recognized: FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, NKC, NZKC, CCR, ANKC, CKC, APRI, ACR
Description
There are three varieties of Dachshund: the short-haired, the wired-haired, and the long-haired. With each of these varieties there are three sizes. (See Height and Weight.) The Dachshund is an elongated, vigorous, muscular dog with short legs. It carries itself proudly and has an intelligent expression. It has an elongated head and a slight convex skull, arched and protruding eyebrows, a long muzzle, robust jaws with non-pendent lips, and a pincers or scissors bite with extremely strong canine teeth (Dachshunds usually have 42 teeth). Its eyes are oval, dark red or brown-black with an energetic and friendly expression. Its ears are mobile and hanging long on its cheeks. Its body should have a strong protruding sternum and a moderately retracted abdomen. Its tail is carried in line with its back. The short-haired Dachshund"s coat should be shiny, sleek and uniform.
Temperament
The dachshund is bold, curious and always up for adventure. It likes to hunt and dig, tracking by scent and going to ground after game. It is independent but will join in its family"s activities whenever given a chance. It is good with children in its own family, but some may snap at strange children. Most are reserved with strangers. Some bark. The longhaired variety may be quieter and less terrier-like; the wires may be more outgoing. Some miniatures are more prone to be timid.
Excercise
Although dachsunds are active, their exercise requirements can be met with moderate walks on leash and games in the yard. The dachsund is amenable to city life or apartment living, but it is still a hunter at heart and enjoys forays into the wilds. Although it can live outdoors in warm weather, it does best when sleeping inside. The smooth coat requires minimal grooming. The long coat requires brushing or combing once or twice weekly and occasional trimming of stray hairs. The wire coat requires brushing or combing about once a week, with occasional trimming of stray hairs and stripping to remove dead hair twice a year.
Grooming
Long-haired require daily combing and brushings; wire-haired need professional trimming twice a year, and smooth-haired require regular rubdown with a damp cloth. This breed is an average shedder.
Health
Major concerns: intervertebral disc disease
Minor concerns: KCS
Occasionally seen: diabetes, epilepsy, patellar luxation, deafness, gastric torsion
Suggested tests: (eye)
Note: Obesity is a major problem for the dachshund. Many