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Dachshund

Description:

Low and long, the Dachshund is powerfully muscled and has a characteristic shape that rarely passes unnoticed. In the US, the Dachshund comes in two sizes: standard and miniature. For each size, there are three coat varieties: Smooth — the most popular in the US, the coat is short, smooth, and shining. Longhair — sleek, glistening, often slightly wavy this coat gives the dog an elegant appearance. Wirehair — with the exception of jaw, eyebrows, and ears, the entire body is covered with a uniform tight, short, thick, rough, hard outer coat but with finer, somewhat softer, shorter hairs (undercoat) everywhere distributed between the coarser hairs. Except for their beards and bushy eyebrows, the wirehaired Dachshund, when viewed from a distance, resembles the smooth. All six Dachshund varieties are similar in body-shape and coloration. The pattern and color range is great and includes solids, two-colored, dappled, and brindle; colors vary and include red, black, cream, chocolate, wild boar, gray, and fawn. The head tapers evenly to the nose, which is always black. The eyes are rimmed in black, medium sized and almond shaped, with a dignified and knowing expression. Adding to this thoughtful look is a pronounced bridge over the dog's eyes. The dog's medium length, rounded ears are set near the top of the head. The dog has a strong breastbone and a tucked-in abdomen. Dachshunds move with a fluid and smooth gait. 

Temperament:

Clever, lively, and courageous to the point of recklessness, the Dachshund is tenacious in above and below ground work. All of their senses are well developed. Ever ready for fun and mischief, the Dachshund is known to turn training sessions into a game, and often makes his owner feel as if the balance of power may have shifted without his knowning. They can be willful and clownish, but also uncommonly devoted to their family and moderately protective. Dachshunds are good travelers. Generally, they tolerate other pets; however, if a Dachshund becomes jealous of another pet or is just plain cranky, it can become intractable and aggressive, occasionally to the point of biting. Sometimes they will refuse to be handled. Dachshunds enjoy barking and have a bark that is surprisingly loud for their size. They are compulsive diggers.  

Caring for a Dachshund:

The Dachshund enjoys a regular walk or a play session in the park, which is usually sufficient to meet its exercise requirments. Do not allow your Dachshund to jump, run down lofty stairs, or be handled by small children without supervision (as much for the dog's sake as the child's); the dog's back and spine are sensitive and easily damaged. The Dachshund's weight must also be monitored to avoid additional strain on its long back. Dachshunds are not fragile dogs (after all, they were bred for hunting) but a little precaution helps. When holding a Dachshund keep its back horizontal, somewhat like holding a football with the rear quarters tucked under your arm and your hands supporting the chest. Grooming differs with coat type: Longhaired need very regular brushing; Wirehaired need professional trimming every six months or so; and the Smooth requires little more than an occasional rubdown. Dachshunds are average shedders. Housebreaking can be difficult with Dachshunds. Dachshunds are very intelligent dogs, and learn fast, but mostly when it suits their purposes. This is where their stubbornness shows itself most clearly, making some dogs a bit of a challenge to train. Consistency and patience go a long way. Health concerns for this breed include intervertebral disk disease, KCS (Keratocunjunctivitis sicca), diabetes, gastric torsion, patellar luxation and seizures.