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Dachshund

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Dachshund
A short-haired standard Dachshund
Common nicknamesDoxie (US), Dackel or Teckel (GER, FR), wiener dog/hotdog (US), sausage dog (UK/AUS), Teckel (NL), Worshond (S.A.), Jamnik (PL)
OriginGermany
Kennel club standards
Fédération Cynologique Internationale standard
Dog (domestic dog)

The dachshund is a short-legged, elongated dog breed of the hound family. The breed's name is German and literally means "badger dog," from (der) Dachs, badger, and (der) Hund, dog. The standard size was developed to scent, chase, and flush badgers and other burrow-dwelling animals, while the miniature was to hunt rabbits. Due to the long, narrow build, they are sometimes referred to as a wiener dog, hot dog, or 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

Dachshund appearance
Build: Elongated, compact, and low to the ground, well muscled body and short legs, very distinctive
Toy* weight: Up to 8 lbs. (3.5 kg.) (*Toy, or kaninchen, is not an acknowledged division in the US, UK, and many other countries)
Toy* chest width: Up to 12 in. (30 cm.)
Miniature weight: 8-11 lbs. (3.5-5 kg.) or under 11 lbs. (5 kg.) in countries that do not recognize a toy division.
Miniature chest width: 12-14 in. (31-35 cm.)
Standard weight: 11-32 lbs. (5-14 kg.) AKC classifies weight as 16-32 lbs (7-14 kg.), KC states its ideal as 20-26 lbs (9-12 kg), but if a dachshund doesn't qualify by weight as miniature, then it is considered a standard.
Standard chest width: 14-18 in. (35-45 cm.)
Coat: Three varieties: Smooth, Wired-haired and Long-haired
Color: Single colors may be red or cream; bi-colors are black, chocolate, wild boar, gray (blue), and fawn (Isabella) with points, or markings, of tan or cream (eg. "Black and Tan"). Other colors include piebald (base color is white), dapple, and double-dapple.
Head: Elongated, with a slight convex skull, arched and protruding eyebrows, a long muzzle, robust jaws with rounded non-pendent lips
Teeth: Scissors bite with extremely strong teeth (usually 42)
Eyes: Oval, dark red or brown-black with an energetic and friendly expression, or in the case of double-dapple: blue, one blue one brown, or brown with blue, all of which are called "wall" eyes.
Ears: Mobile and hanging long on its cheeks
Tail: Long, carried in line with its back
Limbs: Short,powerful legs
Feet: Full, tight, compact
Life span: Median 14-17 years


American Kennel Club appearance standard
"Low to ground, long in body and short of leg, with robust muscular development; the skin is elastic and pliable without excessive wrinkling. Appearing neither crippled, awkward, nor cramped in his capacity for movement, the Dachshund is well-balanced with bold and confident head carriage and intelligent, alert facial expression. His hunting spirit, good nose, loud tongue and distinctive build make him well-suited for below-ground work and for beating the bush. His keen nose gives him an advantage over most other breeds for trailing."
Fédération Cynologique Internationale appearance standard
"Low, short legged, elongated but compact build, very muscular with cheeky, challenging head carriage and alert facial expression. His general appearance is typical of his sex. In spite of his legs being short in relation to the long body, he is very mobile and lithe."
United Kennel Club appearance standard
"Low to the ground, short legged and long bodied, but with compact figure and robust muscular development, with a bold and confident carriage of head and an intelligent facial expression. Their conformation is preeminently fitted for following game into burrows. In spite of his shortness of leg, in comparison with his length of trunk, he should not appear crippled, awkward, cramped in his capacity for movement, nor slim and weasel-like. In addition, his hunting spirit, good nose, loud tongue and small size render him especially suited for beating the bush. His figure and fine nose give him the advantage over most other breeds of sporting dogs for trailing."

Size

The miniature dachshund.

Dachshunds come in two sizes recognized by most kennel clubs in English speaking countries and all of them in North America, the standard and the miniature.[1] However, many non-English speaking countries recognize a third size which is smaller than the miniature: the kaninchen (which means "rabbit"). The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), or World Canine Federation, is an international kennel club based in Belgium which has 84 member countries all over the world, which include nations from every one of the currently inhabited continents of the earth except one: North America. The FCI recognizes the kaninchen, or rabbit, dachshund classification. (Interestingly, the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC), does not recognize this division; however the ANKC does belong to the FCI, which does recognize kaninchen as a third size.)

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[2]. 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. The most common and associated with the dachshund is the smooth-haired coat. The next most recognized is the long coat. The wire-haired dachshund is least common, and most recent coat to appear in breeding standards. Many people don't recognize wire-hairs as dachshunds and can be mistaken as other kinds of dogs[3].

Dachshunds have a wide variety of coloration and patterns. They can be single colored, two-colored, or dappled. Dominant colors and patterns are red and cream. Two-colored dogs can be cream, blue, wild boar, chocolate brown, or fawn with "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 colors include piebald, in which the base color is white, and a lighter "boar" red[4]. The reds range from coppers to deep rusts, with somewhat common black hairs peppered along the back, tail, face, and ear edges, lending much character and an almost burnished appearance; this is often desirable and is referred to among breeders and enthusiasts as a "stag" or an "overlay."

Solid black and solid chocolate-brown 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. Additionally, according to the Conformation judges of the DCA (Dachshund Club of America), and the AKC (American Kennel Club) assert the Piebald pattern a nonstandard [1] and has voted to dismiss this pattern from competition.

Light-colored dachshunds can sport amber or green eyes, rather than brown; however kennel club standards state that the darker the eye color, the better. They can also have eyes of two different colors; in rare cases, such as the double-dappled coloration (called merle in other dog breeds[5]), 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. Only the double dapple variety dachshunds can have blue or even partially blue eyes. It is not considered a non-desirable trait in kennel club standards. It is impossible for a dachshund to have wall coloring without it being a double dapple. This is because when a dog receives a "dapple gene" from each parent, the genes can cross, washing out coloring within the eye. Without the two dapple genes the crossing of such, blue or partially blue eyes cannot occur.

Temperament

American Kennel Club temperament standard
"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. Any display of shyness is a serious fault."
Fédération Cynologique Internationale temperament standard
"Friendly by nature, neither nervous nor aggressive, with even temperament. Passionate, persevering and fast hunting dog with an excellent nose."
United Kennel Club temperament standard
"Hardy, vigorous, tireless, alert and responsive. Often described as 'half-a-dog high and a dog-and-a-half long'. Excellent hunting dog for small ground game. He should be clever, lively, and courageous to the point of rashness, persevering in his work, both above and below the ground. All senses are well developed."
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. In fact, it's been said that you don't train dachshunds, they train you. Dachshunds have been known to have a liking to dig holes in the garden, or chase small animals such as birds, squirrels, or lizards. 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. Any display of shyness is a serious fault."[6] Their temperament and body language give the impression that they do not know or care about their relatively small and comical stature. Like many terriers, they think nothing of challenging a larger dog. Indulged dachshunds may become snappy[7]. Fanciers of the breed often say that "Dachshunds are big dogs in small packages".

The dachshund's temperament may vary greatly from dog to dog. Seemingly most dachshunds do not like unfamiliar people, and will growl or bark in response. Although the dachshund is generally an energetic dog, some are laid back. Due to this dog's behavior, 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.

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[8]. 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 like 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 prone to IVDD, 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 reason why it's important to keep the dog at a good body weight. Holding the dog properly is also important, with both front and rear portions of the body fully supported.

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). Serious cases may require surgery to remove the troublesome disk contents[9]. Others may need the aid of cart to get around if paralysis occurs.

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, 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 (esp in miniatures).

History

Fédération Cynologique Internationale breed history
"The Dachshund, also called Dackel or Teckel, has been known since the Middle Ages. From the « Bracken », dogs were constantly bred which were specially suitable for hunting below ground. From these short legged dogs, the Dachshund evolved and was recognised as one of the most versatile and useful breeds of hunting dogs. He also has excellent achievements above ground, hunting while giving tongue, searching and tracking wounded game. The oldest Club devoted to the breeding of Dachshunds is the « Deutsche Teckelklub » e.V., founded in 1888. For decades the Dachshund has been bred in three sizes (Teckel, Miniature Teckel and Rabbit Teckel) and in three different kinds of coat (Smooth-haired, Wire-haired and Long-haired)."
United Kennel Club breed history
"Germany is recognized as the country of origin of the Dachshund. The breed’s rootstock is thought to be a dwarf mutation of the taller hounds of the true German type. As early as the 17th century, the name “Dachshund” was applied to a breed type that encompassed smooth- and long-haired varieties. A third variety, the wirehair, was recognized in 1890. The name Dachshund is from “dachs”, which means “badger”, and “hund”, which means “dog”. Not only was the dog used to hunt badgers (as well as other small game), its appearance was much like the badger's, being sturdy and short-legged. In medieval books on hunting dogs, “Dachshund” was applied to those dogs that were similar in their tracking and trailing ability, and which possessed the proportions and temperaments of Terriers. The United Kennel Club has recognized the Dachshund since 1919."
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[10]. 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.

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.[citation needed]

Symbol of Germany

File:Ms1972sm.gif
Waldi, the mascot of the 1972 Summer Olympic Games

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. There were numerous reported incidents across America of dachshunds being killed due to their perceived German heritage. 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 country routinely draw several thousand attendees, including races in Buda, Texas, Davis, California, Los Alamitos, California, Findlay, Ohio, Oklahoma City, OK, Kansas City, KS, 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. Dachshunds, being true scent hounds, also compete in scent tracking events, with a national championship sponsored every year by the DCA.

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.

Legend

A long-haired dachshund with puppies.
See also: Hot dog § History

The modern American hot dog may be the descendant of the "dachshund" or "little-dog" sausage.[11]

Popularity

Dachshunds are a popular pet in the United States, ranking 6th in the most recent AKC registration statistics.[12] They are popular with urban and apartment dwellers, ranking among the top ten most popular breeds in 39 of 50 major US cities surveyed by the AKC.[13] One will find varying degrees of organized local dachshund clubs in most major American cities, including New York, New Orleans, Los Angeles, and Chicago. American dachshund enthusiasts will enjoy their visits to overseas, as the breed's popularity is legion in places such as Germany, France, Switzerland, Hungary, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovak Republic, and Japan.

Miscellaneous

Having been bred at one point as Wild Boar hounds, the Teckel breed of these dogs have a tendency to roll on their backs. This 'cute behaviour' has rather morbid beginnings. The dog would be sent into the undergrowth, to flush out the boar. The boar would, upon seeing the smaller dog, give chase. The dog would lead the boar towards the huntsman, whereupon it would throw itself upon its back. The boar would then pass over the dog, who would then attempt to either attack the throat or the genitalia of the passing boar, thus wounding the boar sufficiently for the huntsman to kill their prey.[citation needed]

References

  1. ^ "Dachshund Breed Standard". American Kennel Club. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessmonthday= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  2. ^ "Dachshund Breed Standard". American Kennel Club. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessmonthday= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  3. ^ "Dachshund Breed Standard". American Kennel Club. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessmonthday= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  4. ^ "Dachshund Colors and Patterns". The Dachshund Magazine Online. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessmonthday= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  5. ^ "The Double Dapple". The Dachshund Magazine Online. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessmonthday= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  6. ^ "Dachshund Breed Standard". American Kennel Club. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessmonthday= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  7. ^ "Dachshunds". Burke's Backyard with Don Burke. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |accessmonthday= ignored (help); Unknown parameter |accessyear= ignored (|access-date= suggested) (help)
  8. ^ V. F. Jensen, A. K. Ersbøll (2000) "Mechanical Factors affecting the Occurrence of Intervertebral Disc Calcification in the Dachshund - a Population Study", Journal of Veterinary Medicine Series A 47 (5), 283–296.
  9. ^ Sarit Dhupa BVSc, Nita Glickman MS, MPH, David J. Waters DVM, PhD, Diplomate ACVS (1999) "Reoperative Neurosurgery in Dogs With Thoracolumbar Disc Disease", Veterinary Surgery 28 (6), 421–428.
  10. ^ M. Zedda, P. Manca, V. Chisu, S. Gadau, G. Lepore, A. Genovese, V. Farina (2006) "Ancient Pompeian Dogs - Morphological and Morphometric Evidence for Different Canine Populations, Anatomia, Histologia, Embryologia", Journal of Veterinary Medicine Series C 35 (5), 319–324.
  11. ^ Schmidt, Gretchen (2003). German Pride: 101 Reasons to Be Proud You're German. New York: Citadel Press. p. 241. ISBN 0806524812.
  12. ^ 2006 AKC Dog Registration Statistics
  13. ^ 2006 AKC Top Breeds By City
  14. ^ Belozerskaya, Marina The Medici Giraffe (2006) 371.

Wally - the dachshund in the Drabble comic

See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Dachshund.
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