Dachshund Dog Breed | Pros & Cons of a Dachshund | Dog Breeds
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Dachshund - Dog Breed
The Breed History
In medieval times, dogs used to hunt badger were termed dachshund; the name means "badger hound". The wirehaired versions were bred in order to protect the dogs from heavy brush. The first definitive records of specific breed type can be traced to the 17th century. By 1900, three varieties; a short, long, and wirehaired were recognized. The first German studbook records date to the mid 1800s. First AKC registry occurred in 1885. Standard and Miniature types are shown in separate class divisions and bred separately.
Breeding for Function
Though bred specifically to take on the tough badger, these standard-sized dogs were also used in packs to hunt wild boar. Stamina and courage were hallmarks of these hunting partners. Smaller versions of the Dachshund were used to hunt fox, and it is this variety that has become most popular. Miniature dachshunds were also in the hunt for hare and rabbit quarry. The typical companion dachshund is a medium-sized smooth coated variety. The breed is noted for below ground work and their scent and vocal skills are well developed.
Physical Characteristics
Height at Withers: no standard, but they are usually under 9" (23 cm).
Weight: Miniature: less than 11 lb (5 kg) at 1 year, Standard: 16-32 lb (7-14.5 kg).
Coat:
1. Solid (self colored): includes red, cream. Nose and nails are black with these dogs.
2. Bi-colored: chocolate, black, Isabella (fawn) and gray (blue), with tan markings. A small white marking is acceptable on the chest. Dark bi-colored dogs have black noses and nails but other colors may have self or brown nose and nail color.
3. Dapple: intermixed light and dark with neither color predominating. In double dapples a larger white chest marking is allowed. Single and double dapple varieties exist. In the latter, white overlays the single dapple coloration.
4. Brindle dogs have a pattern of stripes that are black or dark over the body or within the tan points.
Three haircoat types: 1. Longhaired: Slightly wavy, the haircoat is longer under the body and behind the limbs. The ears particularly, should be endowed with longer silky hair. The tail has the longest hairs of the coat, and is structured to form a flag.
2. Smooth: The shorthaired variety possesses a very flat, glossy short haircoat.
3. Wirehaired: Over the body a thick, rough outer coat and a soft undercoat are interspersed. The ear, brow and jaw are free of the wirehair.
Longevity: 12-15 years
Points of Conformation: A low slung conformation with long back and very short limbs give this dog the appearance of being able to fit down a narrow quarry den. High head carriage and energetic gait provide surprisingly good agility and speed. The head tapers and the eyes are medium sized, almond shaped and have a very darkly pigmented iris. The palpebral margins are pigmented. It is only in dapple coloring that wall eyes are accepted. Ears are pendulous, rounded and of moderate length and set, and they turn inwards towards the tips. Little stop is noted, and the nose is preferred to be pigmented black. The neck is long, slightly arched and muscular without evidence of dewlap. The topline is long and the loin is only slightly arched. The breastbone is prominent, the ribs well sprung, and a characteristic bowing of the legs typical for chondrodystrophic breeds is present. Forelimbs are generally abducted due to carpal deviation. Feet are small, well arched, and possess thick pads. Dewclaws may be removed; rear dewclaws typically are. The tail is slightly curved and carried close to level with topline.
Recognized Behavior Issues and Traits
Reported breed characteristics include: Good in town or country, active outdoors, a gentle companion, a good alert barker, affectionate, and playful. Dachshunds are intelligent, easy to maintain because of low grooming needs, and if properly socialized, good with gentle children. They may have a strong independent, even stubborn streak, may be aggressive with strange dogs and aloof with strangers, and often have high barking and digging tendencies. They will become destructive if bored. Considered an average shedder, the coat care depends on coat type: smooth coats need minimal brushing, wire coats need to be stripped twice per annum, and a long hair coat needs daily grooming. They can tend to be biters, and this should be discouraged when young.
Normal Physiologic Variations
The merle gene produces the dapple coat color in the dachshund. Dapple dachshunds should not be bred together, as homozygous merle (MM) tend to produce microphthalmia, blindness, deafness, and other abnormalities.
The dilute gene produces the blue coat color in the homozygous state (dd). This can predispose to color dilution alopecia. In a UK study, 31.2% of Dachund litters were delivered via C-section.
Drug Sensitivities
None reported
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