Getting a Dachshund of Your Own

A dog breed which is long-bodied and short-legged, the Dachshund belongs to the family of hounds. Standard sizes of Dachshunds first underwent breeding to flush out, chase and scent animals which lived in burrows, such as badgers.

Mini-dachshunds went through development for hunting prey which is smaller such as rabbit breeds. In the western parts of the USA, Dachshunds were also utilized for hunting prairie dogs.

Originally, the term 'Dachshund" was from Germany and in literal terms means 'badger dogs.' In the German language, the term 'hund' means 'dog' and the term 'dachs' means 'badger.' Pronunciations vary broadly in the language of English, but not in German.

Due to the fact that these dogs have a narrow, long build, these dogs are nicknamed often as 'sausage dog,' 'wiener dog' or 'hot dog.' In modern Germany, Dachshunds are popularly known by the name 'Dakel.' The term 'Teckel' is also utilized if the dog falls under the certification for tracking and hunting ranks.

Typically, Dachshunds are muscular, long bodied with stubby, short legs. Their paws are unusually paddle shaped and large, for digging efficiency. The skin of this breed is loose and thus will not go through tearing as they tunnel through burrows which are tight for chasing their prey.

Dachshunds have deep chests allowing lung capacity enough to keep hunting without stopping. Their long snouts and increased areas in the nose are able to absorb odors. The three types of Dachshunds go through classification according to their coat. These include wire-haired, long-haired and short-haired, which is also known as 'smooth.'

The 3 Dachshund sizes include miniature, standards and 'kaninchen,' which means 'little rabbit' in the language of German.

Even if the miniature and standard sizes are universally recognized, the 'rabbit size' does not fall under recognition in either the United Kingdom or the United States kennel clubs. However, rabbit sizes are under recognition by clubs within the WorldCanineFederation, which includes eighty three countries around the globe.

Increasingly, 'tweenies' are becoming more popular as a family pet. 'Tweenies' fall in-between the standard and the miniature sizes.

Standard full-grown Dachshunds average between fifteen pounds to twenty eight pounds. Miniatures usually weigh less than eleven pounds. Kaninchens weigh between eight to ten pounds.

According to standards of the kennel club, mini-Dachshunds, or Kaninchens vary from full-sized Dachshunds exclusively by weight and size, and the parents of miniatures should never more than the standard miniature weight in order to be classified as a mini-Dachshund.

Even if many size divisions of kennel clubs such as AmericanKennelClub utilize weight as a variable for classifying this breed, other standards determine variation according to the circumference of the dog's chest.

Aside from measuring weight and height, German kennel clubs also measure the circumference of the chest, for instance.

Even if Dachshunds have been called '2 dogs long,' HL Mencken once mentioned that Dachshunds measurement are 'half-dog' in height and are a 'dog and a-half' in length.

Characteristics such as these have resulted in this breed being quite recognizable and is thus depicted in many cartoons and jokes, especially in Gary Larson's "The Far Side."

There is quite a broad array of patterns and colors when it comes to Dachshunds. These can be 1-colored or 1-colored with spots, called 'merle' or 'dapple.' Another pattern includes 1-color with points of tan plus a pattern.

Piebald is another variety of Dachshund, with the dominant color always red, along with tan and black. Dachshunds classified as 'Isabella' are gray or silver all over with translucent light brown points or no points distinct at all.

Stubborn yet playful, Dachshund temperaments also include being known for their tendencies to chase tennis balls, birds or small animals with great ferocity and determination.

Members of this breed can be stubborn, making it hard to train them. Compared to Rottweilers, Dachshunds are known to portray more aggression to other dogs and strangers.

By nature, these dogs like to 'burrow,' and you can find them burrowing in items around the home when tired of bored, like blankets or dirty clothes, for example.

This breed is also loyal and devoted to their owners. Solitary Dachshunds tend to continue whining until a companion arrives. They are prone to anxiety when going through separation and to relieve stress, Dachshunds tend to chew household items.

According to the breed standards of the AmericanKennelClub, dachshunds are courageous, lively and clever to the extent of being rash. They persevere in below and above ground work with well-developed senses.

A serious fault is found in any Dachshund that shows shyness. Their bodily language and personality give impressions that they do not realize that their size is small.

Like many dogs bred to hunt, this breed challenges bigger dogs. Dachshunds which are indulged have a tendency to become obstinate or extremely snappy.