Dachshund

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Size: Small
Other Names: Doxie, Hot Dog (Hotdog), Wiener Dog, Sausage Dog, Weenie Dog, Worshond
Country of Origin: Pan-Europe (Germany)
Accreditation:
American Kennel Club (AKC): Hound
Canadian Kennel Club (CKC): Herding, Hounds, Non-Sporting
United Kennel Club (UKC): Scenthound
Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC): Hounds
The Kennel Club (KC): Hound
Kennel Union of Southern Africa (KUSA): Hound
National Kennel Club (NKC): Recognized
New Zealand Kennel Club (NZKC): Hound

The Dachshund is best-known for his elongated body, and his short legs. His body is muscular, and comes in three sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Kaninchen (which means rabbit, and is recognized only by non-English speaking clubs). There are three types of Dachshunds: Wire-haired, Short-haired, and Long-haired.

A short-legged house dog who can live in an apartment if walked; coat care depends on variety, and he has a surprisingly big bark for his size.

Often classified in the hound family, the Dachshund exhibits behavior and appearance that is more similar to the terrier group of dogs. The standard-sized Dachshund was developed to scent, chase, and flush badgers and other burrow-dwelling animals. The miniature Dachshund was developed to hunt rabbits. The Dachshund is a creation of European breeders, and includes elements of German, French, and English hounds and terriers. Though the breed is famous for its use in exterminating badgers and badger-baiting, Dachshunds were also commonly used for rabbit and fox hunting, for locating wounded deer, and in packs were known to hunt game as large as wild boar and as fierce as the wolverine. The Smooth-haired Dachshund is a cross between the German Shorthaired Pinscher, and the Bracke. The Long-haired Dachshund is a cross between all the small dog breeds in the spaniel group, the German Stoberhund, and the Smooth-haired Dachshund. The Wirehaired Dachshund is a cross between the Smooth-haired Dachshund, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, and the German Wirehaired Pinscher. All the Dachshund’s senses are well-developed, and they persevere in above- and below-ground work. Their temperament and body language give the impression that they do not know or care about their relatively small size, and will challenge a large dog.

Height: Minimum: 12 inches; Maximum 18 inches
Weight: Standard: 11-25 pounds; Miniature: Up to and including 11 pounds
Color: One-colored: Red (ran), red-yellow, and yellow, with or without a shading of interspersed black hairs. Two-colored: Base color of deep black, chocolate, gray or white, with rust-brown or yellow marks over the eyes, on the sides of the jaw and the lips, on the inner edge of the ear, front, breast, inside and behind the leg, on the paws and around the anus, and from there to about one-third to one-half of the length of the tail on the underside; the most common called the "Black & Tan". Dappled (Tiger) and Striped (Brindle): Clear brownish or grayish color, or even a white ground with dark irregular patches of dark gray, brown, red-yellow or black, with neither the light or dark color being predominant.
Coat: Long-Haired: long, silky, soft, sleek, glistening, often slightly wavy; Smooth-Haired (Short-Haired): short, dense, and shining; Wire-Haired: tight, short, thick, rough, hard, with finer, shorter undercoat
Lifespan: 12–16 years
Litter size: 4–6 puppies

Temperament

Dachshunds are playful, fun dogs, who are clever, lively, and courageous to the point of rashness. Doxies are known for their propensity to chase small animals, birds and tennis balls with great determination and ferocity. The individual’s temperament may vary greatly; Long-haired Dachshunds have an intelligent, calmer temperament, inherited from their spaniel ancestry; Wire-haired Dachshunds have a spunkier personality, inherited from the their terrier ancestry. Doxies are devoted and loyal to their owners, and standoffish towards strangers. Many Doxies do not like unfamiliar people, and may growl or bark in response. They have a particularly loud bark, making Dachshunds good watchdogs. Some Dachshunds are prone to separation anxiety, and may chew objects in the house to relieve stress. If left alone, many Dachshunds will whine until they have companionship. Some Dachshunds may not be good with children, while others are tolerant and loyal to children within their family. Until you know your Dachshund, care should be used when the Dachshund is around children, especial an unfamiliar child.

Training

Many Dachshunds are strong-willed or stubborn, making them a challenge to train. If not raised properly, Dachshunds may become snappy, aggressive, or fearful, so early training and socialization is important.

Care and grooming

A bored Dachshund may become destructive. They need to have exercise and entertainment. Children should be mindful to not carry the Doxie around roughly, as it could injure his back.

Shedding

Low to moderate; long-haired and wire-haired coats hold more loose hair.

Health

Dachshunds have a high risk of intervertebral disc disease. Keep them lean, discourage jumping off furniture, and support the back when they are picked up.

Crosses that include the Dachshund

These hybrid pages list this breed as a parent. Open a name to see the other contributing breed.

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