Dachshund
The Dachshund's body is longer than it is tall, which makes it quite recognisable. The muzzle is long and the jaw is quite robust. The head itself is rather elongated and the ears are hanging long and rounded at the tip. The breed can be traced back to the 15th Century in Germany. Evidence also suggests that the breed, or a similar breed, goes as far back as the 1st Century AD. Bred as a hunting dog, the Dachshund has maintained a high level of popularity as both a hunting companion and a family pet.
Temperament
Dachshunds are very playful dogs with a surprising amount of energy for their small size. They are also known to be quite stubborn, making them a challenge to train. They are quite intelligent dogs and have a loud bark and, without proper training, can become nuisance barkers. This breed is known for its loyalty and devotion to its owner. They can be wary of strangers. Coupled with their loud bark, this makes the Dachshund a good watch dog. Once trained and socialized, the Dachshund will bond well with children and other dogs, but are still not recommended as the best pets for small children. Owners should not that a bored Dachshund will display destructive tendencies.
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Height, Weight
Height: Dogs and Bitches (Standard) 8-11 inches (20-27cm) Dogs and Bitches (Miniature) 5-7 inches (13-18cm) Dogs and Bitches (Toy) up to 12 inches (30cm)
Weight: Dogs and Bitches (Standard) 11+ pounds (4.9kg) Dogs and Bitches (Miniature) 11 pounds (4.9kg) Dogs and Bitches (Toy) 8 pounds (3.5kg)
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Health Problems
Dachshunds are prone to spinal disc problems, also called Dachshund paralysis. They can also suffer from diabetes and heart diseases. They gain weight very easily and so should not be overfed as any excess weight can cause spinal damage.
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Living Conditions
These dogs can live in an apartment quite easily due to their small size. They are quite active indoors and do not need a yard or garden.
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Exercise
Despite their size, Dachshunds are quite active and energetic dogs with plenty of stamina. They should be walked on a daily basis and enjoy playing with their owners. Care should be taken not to overwork the Dachshund during exercise.
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Life Expectancy
Dachshunds will tend to live around 12-15 years.
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Litter Size
6 on average. Although there have been cases of litter sizes over 10.
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Grooming
The long haired breeds will require daily combing and brushing to keep the coat in top condition. Those breeds that are wire-haired will need trimming approximately twice a year and those breeds with short hair will need light brushing around once a week.
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Group
Hound, AKC Hound
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Recognition
FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, NKC, NZKC, CCR, DRA Also for the standard variety the ANKC, CKC, APRI, ACR
