TAXA

Brief description of the breed

Maybe the dachshund is the smallest a representative of hounds, but she, without a doubt, is also their most intelligent representative. The first thing you notice - dog physique. People who know this breed well value dachshunds for their character, intelligence, hunting abilities and absolute devotion to their master.

H.L. wrote very accurately about dachshunds. Mencken: "half a dog in height and one and a half in length." Dachshund is one of the most popular breeds in Russia and the world. These short-legged and oblong dogs are very brave, and sometimes even desperate. They are always ready to take on the badger they have been taken out to hunt.

Dachshunds are very active and cheerful dogs, which are sometimes difficult to train at home. They are distinguished by waywardness and sufficient anger inherent in hunting dogs, in connection with which, many families with children do not dare to start such a breed.

These animals are wary of strangers, usually, at the slightest suspicion, the dachshund barks loudly, sometimes even at the rustle of fallen leaves. The peculiarity of barking at the slightest provocation is the reason why the dachshund cannot be left alone in the yard or kept in the fresh air.

This breed is descended from dogs that were bred for the fearless pursuit of prey that hides in burrows. Therefore, the dachshund has such qualities as aggressiveness towards other dogs, perseverance and a special love for digging.

Dachshunds are of two types: miniature and regular. The weight of an ordinary dachshund can be from 7 to 14 kilograms, and a miniature - less than 5 kilograms. Also, these dogs differ in three types of coat: smooth-haired, wire-haired, long-haired. Representatives of all types of wool can have a different color: plain, variegated, with light spots, etc.

In principle, dachshunds have proven themselves in the role family dogs, the main thing is to control that children, when playing with dogs, do not cause them any inconvenience. Such dogs adapt perfectly, are not particularly whimsical, so they are suitable even for single people and pensioners.

The color of the dachshund, as already mentioned, is very diverse. Solid red is probably the most common color, but cream, black, or chocolate are also common. You can also find fawn or dachshunds in apples, when dark spots are combined with contrasting red ones.

Dachshunds are always on the alert and they are distinguished by their shrill barking. These qualities make these dogs great. watchdogs. It would be nice for the owners of these dogs to have ramps or low steps near home furniture so that the dachshund jumping off the sofa or bed does not hurt his back. It is also necessary to hold the dachshund correctly: holding it by the back and front of the body, otherwise you can damage your pet's back.

Dachshund advantages

basic information

When images of short-legged dogs with a long body were found in the tomb of the pharaoh (which are dated by historians as 4000 BC), connoisseurs of dachshunds received confirmation that the origin of the breed goes back to ancient Egypt. In our time, it is difficult to say for sure whether the images were actually the progenitor of the dachshund, or just a dog with short legs and a long body, which very much resembles it.

However, despite the research of such distant times, the assertion sounds more convincing that the expanses of today's Germany are the birthplace of dachshunds, because it is there that the first mention of this breed appears. Already in the XIV century, there are such records: “dogs with short legs are much easier than others to penetrate underground, and they are more suitable for hunting badgers.” These were dogs specially adapted for tracking badgers in holes, hence their name: "Dachshund" - translated from German "Dachs" means a badger, and "Hund" means a dog. Representatives of the same breed, but smaller, were taken to hunt rabbit and ermine.

The appearance of the dachshund in the form in which it is familiar to us today was preceded by a large number dog breeds: Bavarian mountain hound, miniature pinscher and terrier. The breed standard was first adopted in 1879 and since then dachshunds have become increasingly popular. In 1880, it was first included in the breed standard book, and in 1888 the first German dachshund club was founded. Soon, literally three years later, in 1891, the first club exhibition took place, at which about three hundred dachshunds were presented! Four years later, for the first time, a compulsory division of the breed was introduced, taking into account its coat and body weight. This division has survived to this day.

The smooth-haired dachshund is considered the oldest representative. As a result of its crossing with a long-haired curly cocker spaniel, a breed of long-haired dachshund arose. But the wire-haired dachshund arose as a result of crossing the smooth-haired dachshund with terriers, primarily with the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, as well as with the Miniature Schnauzer.

These three varieties of the breed are presented in different weight categories: standard, miniature and rabbit. All of them have certain differences and are evaluated at exhibitions separately. Therefore, according to the standards of the ICF-148, one breed sample was accepted with nine possible varieties, which may differ from each other in the type of coat and body weight.

This dog breed is described as smart and bold. Its representatives never give up, it is here that it would be appropriate to say that size does not matter.

Although all dachshunds are brave and fearless, yet each species has its own personality. For example, wire-haired dachshunds have a slightly clownish quality. They can be seen doing some pretty funny things like grabbing one end of a toilet paper roll and running around the house.

Long-haired dachshunds have a softer temperament, they are quiet and elegant, more submissive. Smooth-haired dachshunds are distinguished by their poise and humility, they are not as active as wire-haired, but not as quiet as long-haired.

Many words can be used for the Dachshund: stubbornness, curiosity, independence, activity, but the only word that is not associated with this breed is shyness. The dog happily goes to meet friends, while fighting well with enemies, it is an excellent watchman, and at the same time joyfully welcomes guests.

Any dog needs to be bathed, the dachshund is no exception, although it does not need baths often. Bathing once a month and a half is considered normal. Naturally, if the dog is very dirty, then it is necessary to bathe it without waiting for a month and a half.

Smooth and long-haired dachshunds need to be brushed. This must be done every week. This will keep the smooth-haired dachshund clean and prevent tangles in the long-haired dachshund. Regular brushing will keep your dog and your home clean. Wire-haired dachshunds require different care for their coat. It is best to visit a special hairdresser about 2 times a year, where the dog will be trimmed with large eyebrows and a long beard. Long-haired dachshunds can also trim excess hair between the paw pads.

Don't forget to keep your ears clean. They must be cleaned with a special solution that the veterinarian must prescribe. Ears should be cleaned carefully, when using cotton swabs, you do not need to push them deep. Try to clean only the visible part of the ear.

Well, the last thing to do - trim nails. This procedure is carried out approximately once every two weeks. Never let your nails grow so long that you can hear them tapping as you walk!

The most common diseases of dogs of this breed are associated with the back. Dachshunds are prone to hind limb paralysis like no other breed and are always at risk of being in dog wheelchairs.

The length of the spine and small height, combined with the activity of the dog, can cause intervertebral hernias and their infringement. Sometimes, with spinal injuries, the dog has problems with defecation. If your pet has difficulty walking, or if you find any signs of back pain - contact your veterinarian immediately! Often timely surgical intervention can prevent the loss of normal functioning of the limbs. It is quite difficult to engage in physical exercises with a dachshund without giving a special load to the spine. As already mentioned, from a very early age it is advisable to arrange ramps in the apartment so that the dog does not jump onto the sofa, but calmly enters it.

Like many other breeds, dachshunds are prone to bloating problems. First of all, the reason for this may be the excessive tendency of this breed to overeat. An absolutely healthy dog can quite unexpectedly feel bad and even die. You should always carefully monitor the behavior of your pet. At the first sign of bloating, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.

Epilepsy, skin and eye diseases, even diabetes - all these diseases can affect the body of your favorite dachshund. There are times when a dog stalls due to a hereditary factor. The researchers noticed that mainly those dachshunds that were born to parents with a spotted color are prone to deafness.

One of the ways to obtain reliable information about possible genetic diseases of a dog is the so-called health registers. dogs. This is a great way to get information not only about the puppy's health, but also about the health of his parents. Dachshund health information may be included in the Canine Health Information Center database. For example, the Dachshund Club of America requires their owners to register their pet's health status with the Eye Disease Registry, and have an appropriate health certificate from the Orthopedic Center.

A fairly good way to identify problems with retinal atrophy and a tendency to deafness is to conduct a DNA study. You should not trust those breeders who claim that such a study is not necessary due to the fact that his dogs are absolutely healthy!

Most people who breed dogs make every effort to ensure that their pets are healthy and beautiful. But mother nature is not always kind to everyone. Sometimes even the healthiest dogs get sick. When purchasing a little friend, ask the seller to provide information about the diseases of the puppy's parents, and if they died, be sure to find out the cause of death.

It should be noted that after the dachshund got into your house, you can definitely save your pet from one disease. - from obesity. Maintaining a normal weight and preventing spinal injuries will be the key to a long and happy life for your dog. Remember that prevention is much easier than cure!