Dachshund History
Many Dachshund experts believe that the origins of the Dachshund breed of dog actually date all the way back to ancient Egypt. This is based on engravings of short-legged hunting dogs that were discovered in Egypt, along with mummified Dachshunds that were encased in burial urns. However, the modern Dachshund breed was first officially developed in Germany. Dachshunds were extremely popular in royal courts all over Europe, with Queen Victoria being said to have a distinctive preference for the breed. Dachshunds were bred to be hunting dogs, and are said to be able to track their quarry by scent. In their original form, Dachshunds were slightly larger than the breed we recognize today, weighing between 30 and 40 lbs when full-grown.
Dachshund Appearance
Dachshunds are typically very long-bodied, with an athletic muscular build. The most distinguishing feature of the Dachshund is their proportionally short, stubby legs which are spaced far apart on their elongated body. Most Dachshunds have large, paddle-like paws, which seem proportionally large for their short stature. A Dachshund’s skin is loose around its body, which is a sought-after trait in breeding. The nose of the Dachshund is usually quite long, which in early breeding was seen as positive trait for their tracking abilities. Dachshunds are available in three different sizes: kaninchen (which means ‘rabbit’), miniature and standard. The ‘rabbit’ Dachshund is not recognized as being a size variation by most of the United States and United Kingdom.
Dachshund Temperament
Dachshunds are very playful, being eager to participate in any type of playful interaction with their owners. They also tend to be very devoted to their owners, displaying marked loyalty even in extreme situations. However, with this loyalty also comes the danger of separation anxiety, which occurs when a Dachshund is left alone for a period of time. Dachshunds that are left alone will often bark, whine and engage in destructive behavior. Dachshunds can also be quite stubborn, a trait that comes along with their determination to be a successful hunting dog.
Dachshund Grooming
A Dachshund’s coat can either be ‘smooth coat’ (short hair), long-haired or ‘wire’ hair. Depending on the typical coat quality of a Dachshund, there are many different pet care options available. Long-haired Dachshunds typically require the most frequent grooming, and may require a conditioning treatment in order to keep their coat of show-quality. Short-haired Dachshunds can usually be groomed with a short-haired dog care grooming brush, which typically has gentle bristles to avoid irritating the skin. Grooming supplies for Dachshunds can be found in the pet care section of most pet supply stores.
Dachshund Training
Since Dachshunds are quite stubborn, they can be a challenge to properly train. However, the key to training a Dachshund lies in patience, consistency and positive reinforcement. Due to a Dachshund’s attachment to its owner, proper training is usually accomplished through constant repetitive actions on a consistent basis. Training a Dachshund can be a very time-consuming process, but is made much easier with the use of food-based treats as rewards for good behavior.
For more information on Dachshund Training please visit: https://petcareeducation.com/dachshund-training/
