Dachshunds

History:

The Dachshund was developed in Germany over a period of several hundred years for the primary purpose of hunting badgers. The dogs were specifically bred for the strength and tenacity to handle a badger and the body style to "go to ground" (burrow down a badger hole) after his prey. The Dachshund originally weighed in at 30-40 pounds in order to expeditiously handle a badger, but they were also used to hunt small surface animals, trail wounded deer and hunt wild boar.

Size:

Today, Dachshunds range in size from the mini, which by AKC standards is any dog weighing under 11 lbs. at over 12 months of age, to the standard, at an average of 25 to 35 lbs. The unofficial term "tweenie" is sometimes used for Dachsies weighing between 12 and 18 lbs.

Coat:

The Dachshund can be found in three coat varieties:

Smooth Dachshund: A short, smooth and sleek coat--the most well known of the Dachsie coat types.

Longhaired Dachshund: The soft, silky, often slightly wavy hair is longer under the neck, on the underside of the body, and especially on the ears and behind the legs. Pronounced feathering appears on ear tips and tail.

Wirehaired Dachshund: The whole body is covered with a uniform tight, short, thick, rough, hard, outer coat but with a finer, somewhat softer, shorter haired (undercoat) distributed between the coarser hairs. The face carries distinctive bushy eyebrows and a beard.

Personality:

Dachshunds are known to quickly convert new owners to a lifetime of Dachsie addiction. They have often been accused of being stubborn, but if we keep in mind that he was bred to 'go to ground' and make decisions regarding the pursuit of his prey, we can understand, and forgive, a bit of an independent attitude. A more humorous carryover of the Dachshund's burrowing... he is often found 'burrowed' under a favorite sweater laid carelessly on a chair, an heirloom quilt or his own blanket. If allowed, he can be found under the bedcovers as well, an excellent hot water bottle substitute for the feet. Determined on a course of action, a Dachshund can become obssessive to see his task to it's end. Just try to let and evening go by without handing out the evening treat and you will soon bear witness to this determination as he stares you into submission. Curious, energetic, an impish sense of humor and a strong need to be close to the humans they own, a Dachshund makes an ideal companion and family member... Ask any Dachshund owner!

**Thanks to Gail DaPont for writing the Dachshund info. section, and thanks to the members of the dachsies@esosoft.com mailing list for their contributions!

Still want more information? Check out these links...

• The American Kennel Club's Dachshund breed standard (pictures too!).
• The Dachshund Back Digest Valuable information about back disease in Dachshunds, including prevention, treatment, and case histories. (PDF file)
• The Dachshund Club of America Club information, breeder referrals, rescue, and lots of great information about Earthdog and Field trials with Dachshunds.
• Dachshunds on the Worldwide Web --Tons of Dachsie pictures, links to other Dachsie sites, and info. on mailing lists!