Dachshund

Short History of the Dachshund

About four centuries ago, the Germans developed a hunting dog that would become the modern Dachshund. The breed was specifically designed for hunting badgers by flushing these creatures out of their dens and cornering them. These dogs were also quite capable of tackling other forms of small game such as hare and foxes. In packs, regular sized Dachshunds could even manage to bring down wild boars. Selective breeding was used in the following centuries to produce the shortened legs that are a common feature on modern Dachshunds.

By the 1840s, this breed had attracted the attention of royalty. Windsor Castle was home to several dachshunds who regularly participated in hunting excursions with the palace’s inhabitants. In 1881, the Dachshund Club of England was created. The Germans themselves founded their own club seven years later, paving the way for a breed standard to be developed. American Dachshund enthusiasts started their own club in 1895. To this day, Dachshunds remain popular in the States but are more often found serving as companions rather than hunters.

Temperament

These fearless dogs are also incredibly clever and independent minded. They tend to bond strongly with one person in their families and follow them about the house. While these dogs enjoy playing with their owners, they easily get sidetracked. These dogs are very affectionate. They like to snuggle and have their stomachs rubbed. Tunneling through blankets is one hallmark trait of this breed. These dogs also like to dig and can put ankle-twisting holes in a landscape with great ease.

Dachshunds may not like strangers but they nonetheless make great watchdog dogs. However, other dogs of the same gender can sometimes cause problems because they tend to have domination issues. Dachshunds also gravitate towards other members of their breed. However, they typically get along with other small breeds and will accept cats if they are brought up around them. Most standard-size Dachshunds are fine with children but some may snap at those who play too roughly.

Grooming & Bathing

Generally speaking, Dachshunds are a low maintenance breed. It is a good idea to brush the long and wire-haired varieties regularly to keep their fur from becoming tangled or matted. The smooth haired types can be wiped down with a damp towel as needed to keep fur from getting everywhere.

Exercise & Training

Dachshunds are a stubborn breed that was bred to think independent so that they could hunt on their own. They are also notoriously hard to housebreak. Even when this is accomplished, the dogs sometimes will fail to live up to their owner’s expectations. Accidents are not uncommon. Therefore, owners will need to have patience when training these dogs.

It is best to begin training any dog as a puppy but adult dogs can also learn basic commands. Dachshunds benefit most from short, interesting training sessions that take place multiple times per day. They are motivated by treats but owners should take care not to let them have too many goodies because obesity is another major concern for this breed.

Owners should be further aware that Dachshunds are prone to biting in general, because they were bred to hunt and don’t understand why they shouldn’t sink their teeth into something. Jealously and excessive barking can also become problematic with this breed. In addition, these dogs should not be allowed to roam around off their leashes in unfenced areas because they will wander off at the first hint of an interesting smell.