With its short little legs, long body, and bold attitude, the Dachshund is sure to grab your attention and leave you falling head over heels. This incredible winner of the canine world is one of the favorite purebred dogs around the globe. It has captured the heart of many with its watchful face, friendly attitude, and happy-go-lucky nature. It is a true adventurer and a loyal companion. It is an excellent companion pet in every aspect and can be owned by any canine lover who wants a brave and sweet fur baby.
BREED TYPE / MIX
Purebred
TEMPERAMENT
Spunky, Enthusiastic, Affectionate, Friendly
ENERGY
Moderate
ADULT WEIGHT
Mini 8-11 lbs, Standard 16-32 lbs
SHEDDING
Average
ADULT HEIGHT
Mini 5-6 in, Standard 8-9 in
TRAINING
Responsive
LIFE SPAN
Characteristics
- Dachshunds are an old hunting breed of dog that was originally bred in Germany over 600 years ago.
- The Dachshund dog is also called a wiener dog, a sausage dog, and a badger dog.
- The Dachshund temperament is well-balanced since most of these dogs are calm and extremely outgoing.
- There are two varieties of Dachshunds: mini and standard.
- The Dachshund dog is cuddly and extremely affectionate; therefore, it makes a great companion pet.
- Despite being stubborn at times, the Dachshund puppy is easy to train when well motivated.
- Thanks to the Dachshund’s sweet nature, it makes a great therapy dog.
As a purebred dog that is easy to maintain and groom, the Dachshund dog makes an amazing first pet for first-time pet owners. - The Dachshund dog is famous for its loyalty to human beings.
Appearance
Close to the ground with a long body and short legs, it’s impossible to confuse the Dachshund with any other breed due to its unique features. Even though their reputation puts them in the category of lapdogs, Dachshunds are courageous and watchful canine companions. This is reflected by their demeanor. They carry their heads high with bold and watchful faces.
According to the American Kennel Club breed standard, Dachshund dogs come in two sizes: miniature and standard. The mini Dachshund dog will reach a height of no more than 5 to 6 inches and will weigh less than 11 pounds. The Standard Dachshund will reach a height of 8 to 9 inches and will weigh 16 to 32 inches.
The overall look of the Dachshund breed consists of dark, almond-shaped eyes, long, pointed snouts, droopy ears, and long, muscular bodies. The coat of the Dachshund breed can be wirehaired, short, or longhaired. The legs of the breed are short, and the movement of the breed is smooth.
The color varieties of the Dachshund breed are numerous, each one more beautiful than the other. The most common color varieties of the breed include black, black and tan, black and cream, fawn, red, chocolate, chocolate and tan, cream, blue and tan, red, blue and cream, fawn and tan, wheaten, chocolate and cream, fawn and cream, etc. The breed also comes in brindle, piebald, dapple, brindle piebald, and sable.
Temperament
Despite its small and cute look, the Dachshund is a fearless and brave hound dog. Its temperament is bold but friendly at heart. This dog befriends other people easily; however, its hunting nature might make it watchful of smaller animals.
The temperament of Dachshunds is well-balanced. Dachshunds are naturally well-mannered and kind dogs. This dog loves to be surrounded by its family and friends. It is a nice playmate for children and is a cuddly sweetheart at home. Its attachment to its family is well-known; however, most Dachshund owners will attest to this. Dachshunds form strong and quick bonds; these bonds are for life.
While not an “active” breed of dogs themselves, Dachshunds are a breed of dog that craves to be a part of what their family is doing. They crave to be a pack and are generally very “attached to the hip.” While not built for long hikes or anything physically demanding of themselves, Dachshunds do enjoy running alongside their owners and playing fetch and chase games.
History
Dachshunds are an old breed of dog, dating back over 600 years ago. The name “Dachshund” was derived from the German language, where the word means “badger dog.” The name was coined because of the incredible skills the dogs showed in the hunt for badgers, their main target during these times. As historians have confirmed, the long back and short legs of the breed were designed to help them in their main task, the hunt for badgers.
As the breed becomes known for their incredible badger hunt skills, the Dachshunds also started to catch the attention of other hunt enthusiasts, who soon realized their potential. In just a few decades, the breed known as the Dachshund dog became the favorite hunt dog for many. The breed moved on to hunt boars, deer, foxes, and, of course, badgers.
From Europe, the long-bodied, short-legged beauties went to America, where they were received with open arms. Their bravery, feistiness, and sweetness of personality won them many hearts, and soon, they were one of America’s favorites, and they remain so even today.
The Dachshund was registered with the American Kennel Club in 1885, and since then, it has been one of America’s favorites as a pet. The breed is also called the “wiener dog,” “sausage dog,” and “badger dog.”