About Dachshunds
The dachshund was originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers. "Dach" means badger and "hund" means dog.
The first verifiable references to the dachshund, originally named the "Dachs Kriecher" ("badger crawler") or "Dachs Krieger" ("badger warrior"), came from books written in the early 18th century.
The original German dachshunds were larger than the modern full-size variety, weighing between 14 and 18 kg.
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, the oldest style, may be a cross between the German Shorthaired Pointer, a Pinscher, and a Bracke (a type of bloodhound), or to have been produced by crossing a short Bruno Jura Hound with a pinscher. Others believe it was a cross from a miniature French pointer and a pinscher; others claim that it was developed from the St. Hubert Hound, also a bloodhound, in the 18th century, and still others believe that they were descended from Basset Hounds, based upon their scent abilities and general appearance. Dachshunds can track a scent that is more than a week old.[65]
The exact origins of the dachshund are therefore unknown. According to William Loeffler, from The American Book of the Dog (1891), in the chapter on dachshunds: "The origin of the Dachshund is in doubt, our best authorities disagreeing as to the beginning of the breed." What can be agreed on, however, is that the smooth dachshund gave rise to both the long-haired and the wire-haired varieties.
There are two theories about how the standard long-haired dachshund came about. One theory is that smooth dachshunds would occasionally produce puppies which had slightly longer hair than their parents. By selectively breeding these animals, breeders eventually produced a dog which consistently produced long-haired offspring, and the long-haired dachshund was born. Another theory is that the standard long-haired dachshund was developed by breeding smooth dachshunds with various land and water spaniels. The long-haired dachshund may be a cross among any of the small dog breeds in the spaniel group, including the German Stoeberhund, and the smooth dachshund.
The wire-haired dachshund, the last to develop, was bred in the late 19th century. There is a possibility the wire-haired dachshund was a cross between the smooth dachshund and various hard-coated terriers and wire-haired pinschers, such as the Schnauzer, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, the German Wirehaired Pointer, or perhaps the Scottish Terrier.
Dachshunds come in three sizes: standard, miniature and kaninchen (German for "rabbit"). A full-grown standard dachshund averages 7.5 kg to 14.5 kg, while the miniature variety normally weighs less than 5.5 kg. The kaninchen weighs 3.5 kg (8 lb) to 5 kg (11 lb).
The dominant color in the breed is red, followed by black and tan. Other colours include chocolate, cream, brindle, wild boar, blue, pie bald and dapple.
The breed is prone to spinal problems, especially intervertebral disk disease (IVDD), due in part to an extremely long spinal column and short rib cage. The risk of injury may be worsened by obesity, jumping, rough handling, or intense exercise, which place greater strain on the vertebrae.
About 20-25% of dachshunds will develop IVDD. Dachshunds with a number of calcified intervertebral discs at a young age have a higher risk of developing disc disease in later life. In addition, studies have shown that development of calcified discs is highly heritable in the breed.
Other common health issues with dachshunds include:
- Dachshunds are 2.5 times more likely than other breeds of dogs to develop patent ductus arteriosus, a congenital heart defect.
- Skin allergies
- Obesity
- Double dapples are often prone varying degrees of vision and hearing loss
Dilute color dogs (Blue, Isabella, and Cream) are very susceptible to color dilution alopecia, a skin disorder that can result in hair loss and extreme sensitivity to sun.
Dachshunds are wonderful dogs and make great companions but a big question is if they are good with young children and babies. A lot of people think that just because dachshunds are small dogs that it automatically makes them get along well. Generally this is the case but of course each dachshund is different. They love to join in with everything and don’t let their size get in the way.
It is important that children are taught how to handle and interact with their dachshund and respect it’s space. Due to the long back of a dachshund they need to be handled with care. A good rule is that children can only hold the dog while sitting on the floor.
Overall the temperament of a dachshund is affected by their training, socialisation and heredity, meaning that if you train your dog well it should become a loving and adored member of the family.
Dachshunds are intelligent dogs and can be trained relatively easily but they do have a mind of their own.
They are also known for being independent so you’ll need to be patient and consistent with your training which can be a fun and rewarding experience. Having a well-trained dog has many benefits. A trained dachshund will be less likely to bark excessively, dig up your garden, or chew on your furniture. They will also be more obedient and easier to manage when out on walks.
In addition, training can be a great bonding experience for you and your dog. It’s a chance for you to spend quality time together and build a strong relationship.
A dog that knows its place is happier so training is really beneficial for both you and your dachshund.
The answer depends on the individual dog but, generally speaking, Dachshunds get along well with other dogs. It is important to socialise them early so they can learn to behave around other dogs. As with us there can be personality clashes between dogs! It is important too that you recognise the signs that all is not well between any dog and your dachshund and step in to diffuse a situation.
Dachshunds can be left alone but preferably for not too long at a time so might not be best for full-time workers. They are pack animals and love to be with their family as much as possible. This breed commonly suffers from separation anxiety, loneliness, and even bouts of depression without sufficient attention from their owners. Barking, howling, chewing, and other destructive behaviours are clear signs they are being left for too long. A lot of breeds can be left for extended periods but this is not the case for dachshunds.
Generally speaking the younger the dog the more they will require your attention and care. For this reason if you have recently adopted a young dachshund puppy you, a family member, neighbour or a friend is going to need to be there throughout the day for company.
Dachshunds can indeed be very vocal. They were originally bred for hunting and would bark to alert their humans to the presence of prey. This natural instinct is still present in dachshunds today.
Dachshunds are known for being protective of their families. This trait can cause them to bark when they perceive a potential threat or an unfamiliar presence nearby. Their small size does not deter them from being vocal watchdogs, ensuring that their family is aware of any potential danger.
Like any other dog breed dachshunds use barking as a means of communication. They may bark to express their needs, such as wanting food, water, or attention from their owner. Barking can also be a way for them to express their desire to play or go for a walk.
Dachshunds may bark to communicate their emotions such as excitement, happiness, or frustration. For example, your dachshund might bark excitedly when you return home or when they see a favourite toy. Alternatively, they may bark out of frustration if they cannot reach a toy or treat.
Dachshunds are intelligent and active dogs that require both mental and physical stimulation. If they become bored or do not get enough exercise they may resort to barking as a way to entertain themselves or release pent-up energy.
With proper introduction and socialisation, dachshunds can coexist peacefully with cats. Slow, controlled introductions and positive reinforcement can help foster a positive relationship. Dachshunds, known for their hunting instincts and playful nature, may initially display curiosity or excitement when encountering a cat. To ease the introduction it is advisable to allow the pets to familiarise themselves with each other's scent before any direct interaction.
Introducing dachshunds to other small pets requires a cautious and gradual approach, given the breed's hunting background and lively disposition. Small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, or hamsters and birds including chickens etc, can be perceived as prey by dachshunds, triggering their natural instincts to hunt and kill. Consistency in positive reinforcement, alongside careful management, can lead to a peaceful coexistence, fostering a relationship where the dachshund recognises the smaller pets as members of the household rather than as potential prey. However there is always the potential for the dachshund’s natural instincts to come to the fore.
Owning a dog comes with huge responsibilities and must be well thought through first. We strongly suggest meeting up at a dachshund day or going to a show to talk to those who understand and know the breed well, particularly if you have never owned a dachshund previously. Some questions to ask yourself are:
- Is the whole family on board with owning a dog and do we understand that dachshunds can live to 16+yrs?
- Is the house suitable for a dog, does it have adequate fencing?
- Have we researched the breed to see if a dachshund would be a good match for our family?
- Are we financial enough to ensure that if needed we can either insure or pay a large vet bill if needed?
If you have decided that a dachshund is suitable for you, we cannot emphasise the importance of socialising your dog from a young age. This will build a strong bond with yourself and your dachshund and build a sense of confidence and calm when away from the home. Don't be afraid to reach out to a reputable trainer if you need support. Remember you are your dogs world, and we owe it to them to provide the best possible start to their life.