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FOOD
GROOMING HEALTH
NEWS HOME
BREED
We are going to discuss about a
lovely breed known as Dachshund:
Origin-The Dachshund
(pronounced dak sund) originated in Germany many hundreds of years ago.
"Dachs" is the word for badger. The Dachshund was bred to hunt
and follow these animals to earth, gradually becoming highly evolved, with
shortened legs to dig the prey out and go down inside the burrows. Smaller
Dachshunds where bred to hunt hare and stoat. Dachshunds have many
"terrier" characteristics. They are versatile and courageous
dogs and have been known to take on foxes and otters, besides badgers.
Description-There are three
varieties of Dachshund: the short-haired, the wired-haired, and the
long-haired. With each of these varieties there are three sizes. (See
Height and Weight.) The Dachshund is an elongated, vigorous, muscular dog
with short legs. It carries itself proudly and has an intelligent
expression. It has an elongated head and a slight convex skull, arched and
protruding eyebrows, a long muzzle, robust jaws with non-pendent lips, and
a pincers or scissors bite with extremely strong canine teeth (Dachshunds
usually have 42 teeth). Its eyes are oval, dark red or brown-black with an
energetic and friendly expression. Its ears are mobile and hanging long on
its cheeks. Its body should have a strong protruding sternum and a
moderately retracted abdomen. Its tail is carried in line with its back.
The short-haired Dachshund's coat should be shiny, sleek and uniform.
Solid-colored Dachshunds may be tan or yellow. Bi-color Dachshunds may be
deep black, brown, or gray with areas of bright chestnut. There are also
speckle-streaked, or harlequin varieties.
Temperament-Lively and
affectionate; proud and bold, almost rash. Tenacious. Can be willful and
clownish. Curious and mischievous, they are very clever and may attempt to
train the owner rather than allow the opposite. Devoted to his family,
some fanciers feel the long-haired variety is calmer than the other two
types. The wire-haired variety is more outgoing and clown-like. All are
slightly difficult to train. Dachshunds are good dogs to travel with. They
are best with older, considerate children and are moderately protective.
These little dogs like to bark (their barks are surprisingly loud for
their size) and are compulsive diggers. They are generally okay with other
pets, however, they can be jealous, irritable, obstinate and very quick to
bite. Sometimes they will refuse to be handled. They should not be over
fed, for this breed tends to gain weight quickly.
Height, Weight-There are three
varieties of Dachshund, the short-haired, the wired-haired, and the
long-haired. With each of these varieties there are three sizes.
Normal (standard): Height 14-18 inches (35-45cm.); Weight- 20 pounds
(9kg.)
Miniature (dwarf): Height up to 14 inches (35cm.); Weight 9 pounds (4kg.)
Toy (rabbit): Height Up to 12 inches (30cm.); Weight 8 pounds (3.5kg.)
Health Problems-Prone to spinal
disc problems (Dachshund paralysis) and can develop heart disease, urinary
tract problems, and diabetes. Dachshunds have a tendency to become
overweight and lazy. This is a serious health risk, putting added strain
on the back.
Living Conditions-Good for
apartment living. They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without
a yard.
Exercise-These are active dogs
with surprising stamina and they love a regular walk or session of play in
the park. Be careful, however, when pedestrians are about because
Dachshunds are more likely to be stepped on than more visible dogs. They
should be discouraged from jumping, as they are prone to spinal damage.
Life Expectancy-About 12-15
years.
Grooming-Long-haired require
daily combing and brushings; wire-haired need professional trimming twice
a year, and smooth-haired require regular rubdown with a damp cloth. This
breed is an average shedder.
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