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Dachshund (shortcoated)

Dachshund (shortcoated)
History:

Country/Date of Origin: Germany/18th Century

Made in Germany, the Dachshund was most likely bred from the same ancestors as the Basset. The six different types of Dachshunds reflect the various animals that it was used to hunt. The larger smooth haired dogs went to ground after badger and fox. The smaller smooths went to ground in the smaller den tunnels of weasels and rabbits. The long and wire haired varieties were better able to tear through brambles and thickets than their smooth coated relatives. The breed has been popular in the United States for over a hundred years. It is one of the foundation breeds of the American Kennel Club. A cheerful companion for both young and old.

 Other Names Body Type Personality Coat Health Concerns

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Teckel

AKC Group: Hound

Breed Club: Dachshund Breed Club Information

Rescue Club: The Dachshund Rescue Web Page

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Body Type:

  • A long, low dog with short, bent forelegs. Designed to go to ground after badger and fox
  • Height: 5-6 inches (at shoulder) for miniatures and 6-10 inches for standard size
  • Weight: under 11 pounds for miniatures and 10-20 pounds (although larger animals are not disqualified) for standards
  • Long tail is carried straight out behind and is not altered
  • Hanging ears are long and well covered with hair. They are not altered

Personality:

  • A happy, fun loving personality has made this breed immensely popular all over the world
  • Gets along well with children and other pets
  • Like to play
  • Each of the three coat varieties has a slightly different personality. The smooth is the most stubborn of the trio

Coat:

  • Coat on the longhaired variety is silky and softly waving. Longer on the ears and behind the legs and under the neck. Longest of all on the underside of the tail
  • Allowed colors are: single color - red or black (although not desirable) and red sable; two colored - black, chocolate, gray and white each with tan markings. The most common is the black-and-tan and dappled - a clear brownish or grayish color with dark irregular patches of dark gray , brown or black. Neither color should predominate
  • Moderate grooming requirements

Health Concerns:

  • Disc problems can leave this breed crippled
  • Diabetes
  • Pattern baldness
  • Urinary stones
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Tasty Tidbits:
  • Smooth coated Dachshunds are the most popular variety
  • Dachshunds do not have a strong doggy odor and adapt well to city life
  • Dachs means badger in German and the dog got its name from the animal it was bred to hunt
  • A cheerful companion for both young and old