“Definitive proof of the Dachshund as a breed isn’t found till the 16th century, while reference was made to a “low crooked legged” canine known as a Little Burrow Dog, Dacksel, or Badger Dog. The current name “Dachshund” means simply badger (Dachs) canine (hund) in German. The Dachshund is available in 3 coat types and sizes. The authentic Dachshunds have been smooth-coated and arose from crosses of the Bracke, a small French pointer, with the Pinscher. Some evidence exists of longer-haired Dachshund-like puppies in 16th-century woodcuts.

It is likewise possible that smooth Dachshunds have been later crossed with spaniels and the German Stoberhund (a gundog) to produce the long-haired variety. Mention is made from wire-coated Dachshunds as early as 1797; however, those puppies have now been no longer carefully bred and created. Most present-day wires around the end of the 19th century crossed smooth Dachshunds with German Wire-haired Pinschers and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier. Those types were best suited for hunting under slightly different terrain and climatic conditions; however, all have been tough, robust puppies capable of dispatching badger, fox, and small mammals. Before 1900, tiny Dachshunds went to the ground after small quarries, such as rabbits. Although a few have been simply runts, others have been deliberately produced by crosses with toy terriers or pinschers. Most of the resulting miniatures lacked the Dachshund kind, however.

By 1910, they crossed stricter standards for type, and each coat kind with distinctive breeds to obtain the good results: smooths were bred with the Miniature Pinscher, longs with the Papillon, and wires with the Miniature Schnauzer. The Dachshund has since determined its actual area of interest as a family pet, gradually growing in recognition to hold a place as one of the maximum famous hounds in America.”

Temperement

The Dachshund is bold, curious, and continually up for an adventure. He loves to discover and dig, tracking by scent. However, he is independent and will be part of his family’s sports every time given a chance. He is good with kids in his own family; however, a few may snap at strange kids. Most are reserved with strangers—some bark. The longhaired range can be quieter and less terrier-like; the wires can be more outgoing. Some miniatures are greater prone to be timid. Training is adventurous.

Upkeep

Although active, it may meet the Dachshund’s workout necessities with gentle walks on a leash and games in the yard. He is amenable to urban life or apartment living. However, he is still a hunter by history and enjoys supervised forays into the field. The soft coat needs minimum grooming. The long coat needs brushing or combing a few times weekly little trimming of stray hairs. The wire coat needs brushing or combing approximately once a week, with occasional trimming of stray hairs and expert grooming to dispose of dead hair twice a year.

Health

“Major diagnosis: intervertebral disk disease
Minor diagnosis: KCS
Occasionally seen: diabetes, seizures, patellar luxation, gastric torsion, Cushing’s, deafness (in double dapples)
Suggested tests: eye, knee
Life span: 12–14 years
Note: Obesity is a common problem. “Double dapples” (homozygous merles) are more likely to have hearing and visual problems.”

Disclaimer

Note: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet.