Dachshund

Daschund

A short-haired standard Dachshund
Nicknames	Doxie (US), Dackel or Teckel (GER, FR), wiener dog/hotdog (US), sausage dog (UK/AUS/NZ), Teckel (NL), Worshond ,Winnie Dog (US) (S.A.), Jamnik (PL), Tax (SWE), Bassotto (ITA)
Country of origin	Germany
Traits
Classification & standards FCI Group 4 Section 1 #148 standard AKC Hound standard ANKC Group 4 - (Hounds) [/dachmwh.html miniature wire-haired] standard] NZKC Hounds long-haired smooth-haired wire-haired ' miniature smooth-haired miniature wire-haired standard] UKC Scenthound Breeds standard

The dachshund is a short-legged, elongated dog breed of the hound family. Pronounced däks' hoont, the breed's name is German and literally means "badger dog", from [der] Dachs, badger, and [der] Hund, dog. While classified as a hound in English speaking countries, some consider the classification to be in error, speculating that it arose from the fact that the German word hund is similar to the English word hound. In fact many dachshunds, especially the wire haired sub type, exhibit behavior and appearance that is far more similar to the terrier group of dogs ^[1]. The standard size was developed to scent, chase, and flush badgers and other burrow-dwelling animals, while the miniature was developed to hunt rabbits. Due to the long, narrow build, they are sometimes referred to as a wiener dog or a sausage dog. Not withstanding the German origin of the dachshund's name, within German-speaking countries, the breed is known—both formally and informally—as the Dackel or Teckel.

Characteristics

Appearance

long-bodied, muscular. 3 types wired-haired, short-haired, long-haired

Size

The miniature dachshund.

Dachshunds come in three sizes: standard, miniature,^[2] and kaninchen. Although the first two sizes are recognized almost universally, the third size (which means rabbit) is recognized only by non-English speaking clubs like the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (World Canine Federation) (FCI).

A full-grown standard dachshund averages 16 lb (7.3 kg) to 28 lb (13 kg), while the miniature variety normally weighs less than 11 lb (5.0 kg). The kaninchen weighs 8 lb (3.6 kg) to 10 lb (4.5 kg). According to most kennel club standards, the miniature (and kaninchen, where recognized) variety differs from the full-size only by size and weight, thus offspring from miniature parents must never weigh more than the miniature standard to be considered a miniature as well^[3]. While most kennel club size divisions use weight for classification, other kennel club standards determine the difference between the miniature and standard by chest circumference; some kennel clubs even measure chest circumference in addition to height and weight.

H. L. Mencken said that "A dachshund is a half-dog high and a dog-and-a-half long," which is their main claim to fame, although many poems and songs refer to them as "two dogs long." This characteristic has led them to be quite a recognizable breed and featured in many a joke and cartoon, particularly The Far Side by Gary Larson.

Coat and color

Black and Tan Double dapple smooth-haired miniature dachshund with a blue eye and brown eye

Dachshunds exhibit three coat varieties: smooth coat, long hair and wire-hair. Wire hair is the least commonly seen coat, and most recent coat to appear in breeding standards. Many people do not recognize wire-hairs and are commonly mistaken for other breeds.^[2].

Dachshunds have a wide variety of colors and patterns. They can be single colored, single colored with spots (or dappled) and single colored with tan points plus any pattern. The dominant color is red. It is the most common along with black and tan. Two-colored dogs can be black, blue, wild boar, chocolate, or fawn (Isabella) with tan "points", or markings over the eyes, ears, paws, and tail, of tan or cream. A two-colored dachshund would be called by its dominant color first followed by the point color, such as "black and tan" or "chocolate and cream." Other patterns include piebald, in which a white pattern is imposed upon the base color and/or any other pattern, and a lighter "boar" red^[4]. The reds range from coppers to deep rusts, with or without somewhat common black hairs peppered along the back, tail, face, and ear edges, lending much character and an almost burnished appearance; this is referred to among breeders and enthusiasts as a "stag" or an "overlay" or "sable". True sable is a dachshund with each single hair banded with three colors: light at the base of the hair, red in the middle, black at the end. An additional, striking coat marking is the brindle pattern. "Brindle" refers to dark stripes over a solid background usually red; if a dachshund is brindled on a dark coat and has tan points, you will see brindling on the tan points, only. Even one single, lone stripe of brindle, is brindle. If a dachshund has one single spot of dapple, it is a dapple.

Solid black and solid chocolate dachshunds occur and, even though dogs with such coloration are often considered handsome, the colors are nonstandard – that is, the dogs are disqualified from conformance competitions in the U.S. and Canada. Chocolate is commonly confused with dilute red. Additionally, according to the Conformation judges of the DCoA (Dachshund Club of America), and the AKC (American Kennel Club) assert the piebald pattern a nonstandard^[5] and has voted to dismiss this pattern from competition.

Light-colored dachshunds can sport amber, light brown, or green eyes; however kennel club standards state that the darker the eye color, the better. They can also have eyes of two different colors; however, this is only found in dapple and double dapple patterned dachshunds. (called merle in other dog breeds^[6]), dachshunds can have a blue and brown eye. Blue eyes, partially blue eyes, or a blue eye and a brown eye are called "wall" coloring. It is not considered a non-desirable trait in kennel club standards. The standard was changed by the DCoA in 2007 to exclude double dapples and changed single dapples to the only dapples. The reason is because the merle gene is linked to blindness and deafness. Wall-eyed is permissible. Piebald patterned dachshunds will never have blue in their eyes, unless the dapple pattern is present.

Temperament

A long-haired standard Dachshund

Dachshunds are playful, fun dogs, known for their propensity to chase small animals, birds and tennis balls with great determination and ferocity. Many dachshunds are strong-headed or stubborn, making them a challenge to train. Dachshunds may dig holes in the garden. They have a particularly loud bark, making dachshunds good watchdogs. Dachshunds are known for their devotion and loyalty to their owners, though they can be standoffish towards strangers. If left alone many dachshunds will whine until they have companionship. Some dachshunds are prone to separation anxiety and may chew objects in the house to relieve stress.

According to the American Kennel Club’s breed standards, "the dachshund is clever, lively and courageous to the point of rashness, persevering in above and below ground work, with all the senses well-developed. The dachshund's current AKC ranking is 6. Any display of shyness is a serious fault."^[7] Their temperament and body language give the impression that they do not know or care about their relatively small size. Like many small hunting dogs, they will challenge a larger dog. Indulged dachshunds may become snappy^[8].

The dachshund's temperament may vary greatly from dog to dog. Long Hair dachshund's have a calmer but also intelligent character inherited from the Spaniel dogs' genes. Wired hair doxies have much of the terrier's spunky personality.

Seemingly most dachshunds do not like unfamiliar people, and many will growl or bark in response. Although the dachshund is generally an energetic dog, some are laid back. Due to this dog's behaviour, it is not the dog for everyone. A bored dachshund will become destructive. If raised improperly, dachshunds can become aggressive or fearful. They require a caring owner that understands their need to have entertainment and exercise. Some may not be good with children, and they may bite an unfamiliar child. Others are tolerant and loyal to children within their family, but these children should be mindful of the breed's back and not carry them around roughly.

A 2008 University of Pennsylvania study of 6,000 dog owners who were interviewed indicated that smaller breed dogs were more likely to be “genetically predisposed towards aggressive behaviour.” Dachshunds were rated the most aggressive, with 20% having bitten strangers, as well as high rates of attacks on other dogs and their owners. The study noted that attacks by small dogs were unlikely to cause serious injuries and because of this were probably under-reported.^[9]

Health

Wire-haired dachshund

The breed is known to have spinal problems, especially intervertebral disk disease (IVDD), due in part to an extremely long spinal column and short rib cage^[10]. The risk of injury can be worsened by obesity, which places greater strain on the vertebrae. In order to prevent injury, it is recommended that dachshunds be discouraged from jumping (something many seem to enjoy doing anyway) and taking stairs, and encouraged to instead take the elevator (though some veterinarians say that slow stair-climbing is unlikely to lead to injury). However, according to the same article above, dachshunds that climb stairs regularly may actually be less problematic probably because the exercise helps to keep them fitter and healthier, and positive correlations were found between physically fit dogs and a lower incidence of IVDD. Hence the importance of keeping the dog at a good body weight. Holding the dog properly is also important, with both front and rear portions level. Under no circumstances should a dachshund be exposed to rough play or handling, as their spines may not tolerate such treatment.

As it has become increasingly apparent that the occurrence and severity of these spinal problems, or intervertebral disk disease, is largely hereditary, responsible breeders are working to eliminate this characteristic in the breed. Treatment consists of various combinations of crate confinement and courses of anti-inflammatory medications (steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like carprofen and meloxicam). Serious cases may require surgery to remove the troublesome disk contents^[11]. Others may need the aid of a cart to get around if paralysis occurs.

A new minimally-invasive procedure called "percutaneous laser disk ablation" has been developed at the Oklahoma State University Veterinary Hospital^[12]. Originally, the procedure ^[13] was used in clinical trials ^[14] only on dachshunds that had suffered previous back incidents. Since dachshunds are the poster children of dogs with back issues, the goal is to expand this treatment to dogs in a normal population.

In addition to back problems, the breed is also prone to patellar luxation.

Some double dapples have problems with deafness and blindness. Therefore they need an owner who understands a disabled dog's special needs.

Other health problems include hereditary epilepsy, granulomatous meningoencephalitis, dental issues, Cushings disease, thyroid problems, various allergies and atopies, and various eye conditions (cataracts, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy, corneal ulcers, nonucerative corneal disease, sudden acquired retinal degeneration, cherry eye, etc.). It is important to buy from breeders who can guarantee that their stock are free from these genetic problems and whose dogs have been certified for eyes (especially in miniatures).

It is important to follow a good dental health regime, including an annual cleaning if possible.

History

Old-style dachshund showing the longer legs. Walter Rothschild Zoological Museum, Tring, England

Some have theorized that the early roots of the dachshund go back to Ancient Egypt, where engravings were made featuring short-legged hunting dogs^[15]. Recent discoveries by the American University in Cairo of mummified dachshund-like dogs from ancient Egyptian burial urns may lend credibility to this theory. But in its modern incarnation, the dachshund is a creation of European breeders, and includes elements of German, French, and English hounds and terriers. Dachshunds have been kept by royal courts all over Europe, including that of Queen Victoria, who was particularly enamored of the breed. They were originally bred for hunting badgers by trailing them.

The first verifiable references to the dachshund, originally named the "Dachs Kriecher" (badger crawler) or "Dachs Krieger" (badger warrior), came from books written in the early 1700s. Prior to that, there exist references to "badger dogs" and "hole dogs", but these likely refer to purposes rather than to specific breeds. The original German dachshunds were larger than the modern full-size variety, weighing between 30 and 40 lb. (14 to 18 kg), and originally came in straight-legged and crook-legged varieties (the modern dachshund is descended from the latter). Though the breed is famous for its use in exterminating badgers and badger-baiting, dachshunds were also commonly used for rabbit and fox hunting, for locating wounded deer, and in packs were known to hunt game as large as wild boar and as fierce as the wolverine.

Double-dapple dachshunds are prone to eye disease and therefore are rare. It is generally believed that the breed was introduced to the United States between 1879 and 1885.

The flap-down ears and famous curved tail of the dachshund have deliberately been bred into the dog. In the case of the ears, this is so that grass seeds, dirt and other matter do not enter into the ear canal. The curved tail is dual-purposed: to be seen more easily in long grass and, in the case of burrowing dachshunds, to help haul the dog out if it becomes stuck in a burrow. The Smooth-haired Dachshund is a cross between the German Shorthaired Pinscher, and the Bracke. The Long-haired Dachshund is a cross between all the small dog breeds in the spaniel group, the German Stoberhund, and the Smooth-haired Dachshund. The Wirehaired Dachshund is a cross between the Smooth-haired Dachshund the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, and the German Wirehaired Pinscher.

Symbol of Germany

Dachshunds have traditionally been viewed as a symbol of Germany, despite their pan-European heritage. Political cartoonists commonly used the image of the dachshund to ridicule Germany. During World War I the dachshunds' popularity in the United States plummeted because of this association. The stigma of the association was revived to a lesser extent during World War II, though it was comparatively short-lived. German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel was known for keeping dachshunds.

Due to the association of the breed with Germany, the dachshund was chosen to be the first official mascot for the 1972 Summer Olympics, with the name Waldi.

Sports

Some people train and enter their dachshund to compete in dachshund racing, such as the Wiener Nationals. Several races across the United States routinely draw several thousand attendees, including races in Buda, Texas; Davis, California; Los Alamitos, California; Findlay, Ohio; Oklahoma City, OK; Kansas City, KS; Palo Alto, California; and Shakopee, MN. Despite the popularity of these events, the Dachshund Club of America opposes "wiener racing", as many greyhound tracks use the events to draw large crowds to their facilities. The DCA also is worried about potential injuries to dogs, due to their predisposition to back injuries. Another favorite sport is earthdog trials, in which dachshunds enter tunnels with dead ends and obstacles attempting to locate an artificial bait or live but caged and protected mice.

Dackel versus Teckel

In Germany dachshunds are widely named as 'Dackel' (both singular and plural). To be classified as a full Teckel, these dogs must undergo Blood Tracking tests. Classically, any dog of dackel heritage is given an official tattoo upon one ear. After suitable training, the dog must then follow a blood trail that is at least 48 hours old successfully to its conclusion. Once this is completed, another tattoo is marked on the other ear to denote full Teckel rank. As 'Teckel' are bred for hunting purposes, teckels tattooed or not, tend to be visibly larger in their chests than their dackel counterparts, though marginally shorter in length.

Popularity

Dachshunds are popular pets in the United States, ranking 1st in the most recent Sarah club registration statistics.^[16] They are popular with urban and apartment dwellers, ranking among the top ten most popular breeds in 76 of 190 major US cities surveyed by the AKC.^[17] One will find varying degrees of organized local dachshund clubs in most major American cities, including New York, New Orleans, Los Angeles, and Chicago. The breed's popularity is legion in places such as Germany, France, Switzerland, Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, and Japan. Dachshunds are famous for their peculiar size, body, and face.

In popular culture

• William Randolf Hearst was an avid lover of dachshunds. When his own dachshund Helena died, he eulogized her in his "In The News" column. ^[18]
• Fred, E.B. White's dachshund, appeared in many of his famous essays.
• A collection of Gary Larson's Far Side cartoons was published in the 1990 book Wiener Dog Art. A special section was inserted that chronicled the presence and influence of dachshunds throughout the history of art.
• Lump, the pet of Pablo Picasso, who was thought to have inspired some of his artwork. (Pronounced: loomp; German for "Rascal") Picasso & Lump: A Dachshund's Odyssey tells the story of Picasso and Lump.
• Kevin Smith has a dachshund named Shecky.
• Jack Ruby the killer of U.S. President John F. Kennedy assassin Lee Harvey Oswald had a dachshund named Sheba who he often referred to as his wife.^[19] At the time he committed his infamous murder, he had four of them - although he'd had as many as ten.^[19]
• Andy Warhol had a pair of dachshunds, Archie and Amos, whom he painted and mentioned frequently in his diaries.

• Stanley and Boodgie, immortalized on canvas by owner David Hockney, and published in the book David Hockney's Dog Days .
• Wadl and Hexl, Kaiser Wilhelm II's famous ferocious pair. Upon arriving at Archduke Franz Ferdinand's country seat, château Konopiste, on a semi-official visit, they promptly proceeded to do away with one of the Austro-Hungarian Crown Prince's priceless golden pheasants, thereby almost causing an international incident
• Senta, Kaiser Wilhelm II's companion during World War I and his exile to Huis Doorn. Senta died in 1927 at age 20 and is buried in the park of Huis Doorn, near the Kaiser's grave.
• Hot Dog in renegade Krypto the Superdog
• Schatzi (German for "little treasure") in That '70s Show
• Itchy Itchiford in All Dogs Go to Heaven
• Boots in Emergency!
• Little Dog in 2 Stupid Dogs
• Slinky in Toy Story and "Toy Story 2"
• Buster in Toy Story 2
• Wiener Dog, the name of Norm Henderson's dachshund on The Norm Show
• Mr. Weenie in Open Season
• Jorge in Clifford's Puppy Days
• Both Augie Doggie and Doggie Daddy, from Hanna-Barbera are weiner dogs.
• Waldi, the mascot of the 1972 Summer Olympics
• Dinah the Dachshund
• Pretzel in Pretzel by H.A. and Margaret Rey
• Hundley in Curious George by H.A. and Margaret Rey
• Weenie, the pet of Oswald the Octopus, Oswald (TV series)
• Oscar, in the comic strip Liberty Meadows.
• Schnitzel von Krumm, in the Hairy Maclary series of children's picture books by Lynley Dodd.
• Odie in Garfield The Movie, Garfield: A Tale of Two Kitties and the upcoming Garfield Movie,"Garfield 3: A Twist of Time".
• The dogs of The Ugly Dachshund
• Willie from the books by Ezra Jack Keats
• Oliver in the anime series Ginga Nagareboshi Gin
• Bodo in Hausmeister Krause (a German sitcom)
• Origami in Raising Helen
• Rufus "The Red" (of Morehead, Kentucky). Credited for saving 4 children from a burning daycare in Kentucky. Has appeared on many talk shows.
• Belle Constantine Chappy, [Katakana: ベルコンスタンティンチャピ－] the name of the miniature dachshund owned by Japanese artist Gackt.
• In the early Mickey Mouse comics, Mickey had a dachshund named Weenie.
• When Cap Toys resurrected Stretch Armstrong in the 1990s, they also created Stretch's dog, a dachshund named Fetch Armstrong.
• Joe, owned by General Claire Lee Chennault and the mascot of Chennault's Flying Tigers of World War II.
• Shadow and Duke from the Shadow Adventures by Mavis Duke Hinton.
• Petey from Searching For A Starry Night by Christine Verstraete.
• Schultzie from Lady and the Tramp trying to tunnel out the Dog Pound while the dog quartet sings.
• Cheerio from Hank Zipzer
• Jepha Howard from The Used has a Long Haired Miniature named Zelda
• Wally - the dachshund in the Drabble comic
• Dusty- the dog of the Fariss family
• Dogs looking like dachshunds appear in the clip "Number one" by Goldfrapp where they appear as plastic surgeons; though more probably they are Saluki.
• Harry Mulisch, one of the three famous Dutch postwar writers, owns a dachshund. He once said his dog is more intelligent than a lot of people.
• On the TV show iCarly there are many Dachshund-related items on their set.

See also

• Badger-baiting
• Nintendogs: Dachshund and Friends
• Chihuachshund
• Doxie-Pin

References

Further reading

• Dachshund Breed Standard Russian Kennel Club 13.03.2001
• Dachshund Breed Standard Poland Kennel Club 09.05.2001

External links

• Dachshund at the Open Directory Project
• Dachshund Club of America, Inc.