Dachshund - ดัชชุน

Dachshund - ดัชชุน

The Dachshund: More Than Just a "Wiener Dog"

Often humorously called "wiener" or "sausage dogs," dachshunds possess a surprisingly bold and spirited temperament packed into their low-slung frames. Much like French bulldogs, many owners will attest that these charming canines are blissfully unaware of their diminutive stature.

A Breed Born for the Hunt: Dachshund History

Originating in Germany, dachshunds were bred to fearlessly pursue and flush out badgers and other burrowing creatures. In fact, their name literally translates to "badger dog" in German. As members of the hound group, their lineage stretches back over 600 years. German breeders meticulously combined traits from various German, French, and English hounds and terriers to create the ideal badger hunter. Despite their compact size, dachshunds are remarkably brave and determined, remaining versatile hunting dogs capable of going to ground, tracking, flushing, and retrieving game.

From "Badger Dogs" to Beloved Companions

Once sarcastically considered a symbol of Germany, dachshunds were frequently depicted in political cartoons during World War I and II. During this period, the American Kennel Club (AKC) temporarily renamed them "badger dogs," and many owners affectionately referred to their pets as "liberty hounds." However, their image softened significantly during the 1972 Munich Summer Olympic Games, when a stuffed dachshund named Waldi became the official mascot.

The Dachshund: More Than Just a "Wiener Dog"

A Trio of Coats: Smooth, Wire, and Long-Haired

Dachshunds boast three distinct coat varieties: smooth-haired, wire-haired, and long-haired. The smooth coat is believed to be the original, while the wire-haired variety emerged in the late 1800s. The long-haired coat resulted from selective breeding of smooth-coated dachshunds.

Each coat type requires slightly different grooming routines, with long-haired dachshunds needing more frequent brushing than their smooth-haired counterparts. Anecdotally, some owners find long-haired dachshunds to have a calmer demeanor, while wire-haired dachshunds, with their terrier lineage, tend to be more outgoing and spirited.

A Spectrum of Colors and Patterns

Dachshund coats come in a wide array of colors, including red, cream, black and tan, black and cream, chocolate and tan, blue and tan, and Isabella (fawn) and tan. They can also exhibit various patterns, such as merle, sable, dapple, piebald, and brindle. Light-colored dachshunds may even have amber or green eyes, in contrast to the more common brown. While double dapple (often with blue eyes) and piebald patterns exist, they are not recognized within the official breed standard.

Two Sizes, Endless Charm: Standard and Miniature

Dachshunds come in two sizes: standard and miniature. Standard dachshunds typically weigh between 16 and 32 pounds, while miniatures range from 8 to 11 pounds. Both sizes share the breed's signature long body and short legs, making them undeniably adorable.

Long Lives, Big Personalities

Like many small breeds, dachshunds enjoy a longer lifespan, typically ranging from 12 to 16 years. Notably, in 2021, a dachshund named Funny held the Guinness World Record for "oldest dog living," reaching the remarkable age of 21.

Socialization is Key for Dachshund Puppies

With early socialization, dachshund puppies make excellent family pets and generally get along well with children. However, it's always recommended to supervise interactions between young children and dachshunds. They often prefer to be the "top dog" in multi-pet households.

A Breed with Character: Playful Yet Prone to Stubbornness

Dachshunds are playful and affectionate but can also be quite stubborn and wary of strangers. Bred as hunting dogs, they have a tendency to bark, making them effective watchdogs despite their size. Their digging instincts, a legacy of their badger-hunting days, can wreak havoc on gardens. However, with sufficient exercise and playtime, they make wonderful companions.

Health Considerations

While generally healthy, dachshunds can be prone to certain health issues, including diabetes, dental problems, and spinal issues due to their long backs. Ramps and other assistive devices can be beneficial for senior dachshunds. Maintaining a healthy weight through regular exercise (two moderate walks daily) and careful food monitoring is essential to minimize spinal strain. Regular veterinary checkups are crucial for ensuring your dachshund's well-being.

The Endearing Dachshund: A Unique Companion

With their short legs, floppy ears, bold personalities, protective instincts, and affectionate nature, dachshunds are truly endearing dogs. Their energy and stubbornness are simply part of their unique charm.

Fun Dachshund Facts

• Famous dachshund owners include John F. Kennedy, Pablo Picasso, Grover Cleveland, Clark Gable, William Randolph Hearst, and Andy Warhol.

• Dachshunds have been known by various names, including badger dogs, liberty hounds, doxies, and wiener dogs.

• The Dachshund Club of America was founded in 1895.

• The original name for the hot dog may have been "dachshund sausage."