Dachshunds

The Dachshund is a short legged dog breed of the hound family. You may be familiar with this dog as a "wiener dog" or "hot dog" because their bodies look like a hot dog shape with its short legs. Its origin comes from Germany and means "badger dog; developed for scent chases to find badgers and other small animals like rabbits that burrow in holes in the ground. It has also been given the names Dackel and Teckel.

Dackel and Teckel

Living up to its name as Dackel and Teckel can be a vigorous task for this dog breed. To be classified as a full Teckel they must undergo blood tracking tests. Once they have been classified as a dackel they are tagged or tattooed on one ear. After its training the last test they must pass is tracking a forty eight hour old scent. Teckels are bred purely for hunting purposes and usually are larger in the chest area than the dackels.

Dachshund History

The first theories behind the history of Dachshunds are thought to go as far back as Ancient Egypt. Many engravings depict short legged dogs that were to be used in hunting. Some recent discoveries may help prove this theory to be true as individuals have found mummified dachshund-like dogs from some Ancient Egyptian burial urns. Its true origin comes from European breeders; German, French and English hounds and terriers. They are thought of as somewhat "royal" pets as many royal courts have taken to them and found them very fascinating. The original Dachshunds were larger than those of modern times weighing between thirty and forty pounds. They are commonly used for hunting rabbits and foxes and for finding other large wounded animals.

Dachshund Size

Dachshunds usually come in two different sizes that are recognized by most kennel clubs; standard and miniature. Although many foreign countries will recognized a third size which is actually smaller than the miniature Dachshund; kaninchen.
Full grown Dachshunds are around sixteen to twenty eight pounds while miniatures can weigh less than eleven pounds. The kaninchen can weigh eight to ten pounds.
Some Kennel clubs determine weight standards by actual pounds, and others determine weight standards by their chest circumference.

Dachshund Personality

•For the most part Dachshunds are very playful and are known for their tenacity to chase small objects and animals.
•Dachshunds can be somewhat difficult to train as they are very strong willed. They like digging in the grass and gardens which for some owners can prove to be somewhat annoying. They are however extremely loyal animals and make great guard dogs because of their loud bark and unfortunately loud whine if left alone for too long. They also may have some form of separation anxiety if their owner leaves them and could chew things up quite easily.
•Though Dachshunds are small in size they have no problem approaching and challenging a larger dog.

Caring for a Dachshund

Of course with every animal you have you should always try to keep it as healthy as possible. It is important with Dachshunds to keep them trim and fit as they are susceptible to slipped or ruptured disks on their spinal cord which can result in partial or full paralysis. Due to this condition it's important to make sure that they keep they back stress free; do not encourage begging or sitting up; jumping off furniture or running up and down stairs. Don't be mistaken in hearing this though, they are not fragile dogs and they love to exercise. You just need to be careful what kind of exercise they do and how it is done. Before you take one home with you, do some research on how to best care for them. It can save them a lot of pain in the end, and you a lot of money.

P.S. Here is a Dachshund coloring page.

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