Dachshund

Charming, short-legged and a mind of its own

Wire-haired Dachshund
Wire-haired Dachshund
Dachshunds are the smallest and bravest German hunting dogs. Originally bred for den hunting, these confident and full-of-character dogs also enjoy being loyal companions. The Dachshund's nature is that of a courageous little predator: they are very independent and confident. Curious and attentive, they like to explore the terrain on their own. They can be very smart, loyal and hugely cuddly, but like to remain independent. Their elongated body shape is famous, therefore they are not made for big jumps. The two Dachshund sizes and the three coat styles also differ greatly in temperament.

Breed Overview

Height
35,0 - 47,0 cm
Weight
5,0 - 9,0 kg
Life Expectancy
12 - 16 years
Use as
Hunting and companion dog
Origin
Germany
Coat
Short, Wire and Long-hair
Personality
confident, stubborn, bright

Top Facts

  • Charming with a mind of its own
  • Courageous and confident = cheeky, boisterous, stubborn
  • Robust and persevering: loves longer walks
  • Likes to dig and hunt
  • A daredevil full of character: needs affectionate consistency
  • Long back: avoid jumps and stairs

Personality

The smallest and bravest of German hunting dogs

In the FCI description of the Dachshund's character we find...almost nothing! And the little we do find is hardly meaningful: "friendly and neither fearful nor aggressive…with a balanced temperament". The VDH is a bit clearer: "Dachshunds know exactly what they want. And they know how to achieve their goals."

While browsing through various websites devoted to Dachshund clubs, Dachshund breeders, Dachshund friends and Dachshund forums, hunting clubs - yes, there are many of them - I kept stumbling across poignant Dachshund quotes. This one comes from the journalist Horst Stern:

"With a Dachshund, you never know what kind of tears you have in your eyes: those of laughter, love or anger. There is more humanity in a Dachshund's soul than in any other dog's soul."
Quote from: Horst Stern: "Remarks on the Dog", p. 118.

The writer E.B. White goes even further:

"Some day, if I ever get a chance, I shall write a book, or warning, on the character and temperament of the Dachshund and why he can't be trained and shouldn't be. I would rather train a striped zebra to balance an Indian club than induce a Dachshund to heed my slightest command. When I address Fred I never have to raise either my voice or my hopes. He even disobeys me when I instruct him in something he wants to do."
Quote from Goodman, Jack (1947). The Fireside Book of Dog Stories. p. 591

Both sum it up: even if their stubbornness and obstinacy bring us to the brink of despair, these curious, funny and clever canine beings with their crooked legs are so lovable for that very reason.

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Attentive look, unusual colour on the chest
Long-haired in black-and-tan

Independent earth dog with his own agenda

Dachshunds were originally bred for den hunting and in Germany they are still the smallest active hunting dogs. In the UK they are rarely bred for hunting; over here people want their "sausage" as a companion dog. To appreciate their character, it helps to imagine these nimble and robust little dogs bravely running into the den of a fox or badger to drive it from its home. This is no walk in the park, as both badger and fox are predators that can defend themselves very well. The dachshund has to be very confident, courageous and tough.

Left to their own devices in the underground den, they have to make their own decisions. Dachshunds have a very good nose and some have a real passion for hunting. Walks with them can therefore take much longer than you would like. Some dachshund lovers advise having a book with you so that you don't get bored waiting for your short-legged dog to come back from the hunt with its ears fluttering and That Look in its eyes. This is the famous "Dackelblick" in German, which has no real equivalent in English, but all dachshund owners and lovers know this look of innocence and longing that their tiny four-legged friend has perfected.

Their courageous stubbornness explains why many dachshunds seem to be a bit wanting in their everyday behaviour. They like to question the painstakingly established rules of coexistence on a daily basis. As smart and stubborn creatures, they don't like to be forced into obedience, even when they are happily working for their humans. As courageous dogs who chase wild animals from their warm home, they can become pugnacious when they feel challenged. When pressured, Dachshunds can therefore be downright touchy, stubborn or, in extreme cases, even react with aggression.

Enduring athletes with slight limitations

Dachshunds are spirited and enduring athletes, but with limitations. They can enjoy longer walks and hikes in nature. They show amazing tenacity and endurance for such a small breed. What they are not made for, however, are jogging or cycling tours. Jumping and climbing stairs are also not good for their long backs. Their short legs do not make them the Michael Phelps of dogs, but some of them like to go swimming.

Because of their hunting instinct, some Dachshunds can only be let off-leash in nature after long training. Some of the little hunters proudly present their prey, which can sometimes be a rat.

Small, but not quiet dogs

And there's one thing a Dachshund is as well: loud! It is unexpected, but these small dogs can bark like the big ones. When hunting, they yelp happily and excitedly. At least this has the advantage that the game is quickly warned. As attentive dogs who like to overestimate themselves, they are also good guards.

This sausage dog as he is affectionately known does not have to be the ferocious hunting dog he is employed as in Germany and other European countries. In the UK dachshunds are bred more often as companion dogs than hunters, so over here you tend to find more dogs like Artus, my mother's first dachshund. Very friendly towards everybody and a cuddly couch potato in the evening, he loved long walks in nature and never once went astray to chase game.

Little diggers

A garden is heaven for this little digger. Next to the Beagle, he is the king of escapees. As an earth dog, he digs his way under fences to go on exciting exploratory tours.

One dachshund managed to dig his way under the fence of Hamburg airport to go rabbit hunting on the airfield! Creatively and persistently, as a worker underground, this “gardener” also likes to dig up the flower bed without being asked. This must be either tolerated or trained against. Of course, this is not necessarily the case with every Dachshund, as they can be bred in many different ways.

Differences in Dachshund breeds do not only determine size and coat

As previously mentioned, in Great Britain most Dachshunds are bred as companion and family dogs. Unfortunately, similarly to the "show lines" of other dog breeds, these dogs are bred more for appearance and often with too little consideration for character and health.

Dachshunds in the UK come in two sizes and three coat varieties. These two types of Dachshunds differ both in their original intended tasks and in the breeds they are crossed with. This also has an effect on the character and nature of the respective Dachshund types.

While the standard Short-haired or Smooth-haired Dachshund is the original variety of this breed, which evolved from Brackes, Wire-haired Dachshunds and Long-haired Dachshunds came about later through further cross-breeding. Miniature Dachshunds came into being later but they have the same hair varieties.

In Germany the standard size Wire-haired Dachshund plays the most important role when it comes to hunting, followed by the Long-haired Dachshund and (very rarely) the Short-haired Dachshund.

Wire-haired Dachshunds have had terriers (especially the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, according to the Hunting Association) crossed with them, which can make them hardier and even more tenacious.

Long-haired Dachshunds have in turn been crossed with Spaniels and presumably also Setters, which has given them that peculiarly lovely look in their eyes and their longer and softer coat. Despite this many of them are not quite as dogged and stubborn as terriers.

Miniature Dachshunds are the smallest Dachshunds, weighing up to 5 kg. Their original purpose was to chase fleeing rabbits out of their den. For this task they did not have to be as confident and combative as the larger Dachshunds, since rabbits can hardly defend themselves and flee from their hunters.

So, if you are looking for a gentle Dachshund, you should opt for Miniature Dachshunds with either smooth or long hair.

The Dachshund - a family and companion dog? Or rather a guardian and ankle-biter?

Dachshunds like to overestimate themselves and feel strong like "Fluffy", the fearsome three-headed dog from Harry Potter. This makes them alert and courageous watchdogs who bark loudly when strangers come to visit. Unfortunately, their inhibition threshold to snap once in a while can be very low if they have not been trained properly or they’re not exercised enough.

As a child, I once saved the life of a Dachshund. The animal was sitting calmly on the rails of a level crossing when a train approached, and he failed to heed his owner’s warnings. I ran up and grabbed him, whereupon he snapped at me. That reaction’s understandable when a stranger runs up to a dog and grabs it, but I would have liked a little bit of warning.

Gegenüber anderen Hunden fühlen sich Dackel häufig auch wie die In relation to other dogs, dachshunds often believe themselves to be much bigger and sometimes simply need to be protected by their humans. On walks they are usually very social and approach their fellow dogs with interest and joy, regardless of their size. They should therefore be protected from large dogs that are too impetuous, as this can backfire on the Dachshund if they play too roughly. It is also not advisable for them to be overconfident with dominant larger males.

Even though Dachshunds are small and can be heartbreakingly adorable with that typical "Dackelblick", they need to be taken very seriously. They need exercise and activity and, above all, very consistent and affectionate training. Then they can bring joy to their owners for a very long time.

Intelligence

Dachshunds are smart and alert dogs that like to make their own decisions. However, if by ‘intelligence’ we mean motivation, the desire to please humans and the willingness to cooperate, the Dachshund ought not to be given too much credit.

Attention

Dachshunds are attentive, but very independent. They enjoy working with humans, especially in hunting, and develop stamina and eagerness to work. In other tasks and in daily life however, they can be very stubborn in trying to get their own way.

Exercise needs

Although Dachshunds are relatively small, as originally persistent hunting dogs they still need a lot of exercise and have a considerable urge to move despite their size. It is not enough for them to run free in the garden. They also need regular exercise for health reasons: strong muscles in the legs and back support the vulnerable spine and intervertebral discs. To avoid injuries, Dachshunds should not jump - so no climbing stairs or jumping onto the sofa or into the car and back again.

Time required

Dachshunds need a similar amount of exercise to some larger dogs and can sometimes be very demanding in training. The coat usually does not require a lot of grooming. Only Wire-Haired Dachshunds require trimming. From this point of view, the Dachshund is easy to care for, apart from his need for more intensive training.

Training

Originally bred as hunting dogs, Dachshunds are very courageous and independent. Expect them to question the rules on a daily basis, even with consistent training. Exercise appropriate to this small dog is a must for a pleasant companion. However, it is not true that Dachshunds are not trainable. You just have to look at dogs who are used for hunting – they are excellently trained and behave very well. As with all dogs they just need exercise and workouts appropriate for their breed..

Dachshunds can enjoy the following activities and sporting pursuits

  • Longer walks and hikes
  • Obedience
  • Mantrailing
  • Search games
  • Training for den hunting
  • Retrieving

Activities not suitable for a Dachshund are:

  • Agility (too many jumps)
  • Jogging
  • Running next to a bike
  • Running next to a horse
  • All activities involving jumping and running for long distances
  • Climbing stairs

Suitable for flats

Dachshunds love nature and need plenty of outdoor exercise, preferably in woods and meadows where they can run freely. But they don’t necessarily need a house with a garden. Due to their size they are suitable for a flat, but one should not underestimate their alertness and loud barking. They usually have no problems with being alone if they are well trained and socialised.

A Dachshund should not climb stairs. Due to their light weight, however, most Dachshunds can be carried easily. What may be necessary for puppies, young dogs and sick dogs is obligatory for Dachshunds due to their susceptible backs: stairs are taboo!

Loyalty & friendliness

Dachshunds like to work for their humans and can also be very loyal. However, they are not as people-oriented as other dog breeds can be. With patience and consistency they can be trained well, but they never ever become submissive!

Hunting drive

Dachshunds are hunting dogs and in their native Germany are still bred as such. In the UK though most breeders have chosen to focus on their appearance and characteristics as companion and family dogs. However, the hunting instinct can still be very pronounced in Dachshunds. Running in nature without a leash is important for them and requires long training for many. Otherwise, the motto on walks is: wait patiently and take a book with you so that it doesn't get boring waiting for him to return from his hunting tour.

Staying alone

Dachshunds are more independent from their humans than other dog breeds, but they are also very social and enjoy being with their humans. Being alone should not be a problem for them, specific to their breed, as long as they have not had any bad experiences and have been trained to be alone at an early age. Dogs should generally not be left alone for more than four hours at a time.

Barking

Dachshunds have a tendency to bark, and this is even desirable when hunting. They should make a sound when they smell game or when they are underground so that the hunter knows where they are. As watchful dogs, they make a sound when approached by strangers - this is something you will also experience with a Dachshund bred as a companion dog.

Alertness

Dachshunds are very alert and their bark matches larger dogs in tone and volume, which is a good thing when you want to deter unwanted visitors from your doorstep.

Protecting

Despite their small size, Dachshunds are courageous and defiant dogs that can bark surprisingly deeply. But Dachshunds, especially smaller ones, are not naturally suitable as serious protectors.

Dog-friendly

Dachshunds are often friendly towards other dogs, though they overestimate themselves immeasurably and have a very high level of confidence coupled with a low inhibition threshold. This can lead to them being rather reluctant to get out of the way of fights. Sometimes they need to be protected from themselves. They like to play with other dogs, but these dogs should not be too boisterous, so that the sensitive back of the Dachshund does not suffer any damage.

Pet-friendly

Dachshunds have a strong hunting instinct and this also applies to predators such as badgers and foxes. They have little respect for cats and, if not habituated to them at an early age, they are likely to chase them. However, an intelligent Dachshund with good socialisation is clever enough to understand when another animal belongs to the household.

Kid-friendly

Dachshunds are playful and spirited. They are not big enough to knock over small children, but they are very confident and their inhibitions are often low, especially when they see kids running - some want to chase them. They are best therefore with children who aren’t too small and have learned a little of how to interact with dogs, as most Dachshunds are very confident and not very patient with children.

Openness to strangers

Dachshunds are uninterested in strangers, in a friendly way. However, as they are very alert, they like to announce strangers by barking, and they want to protect their own people from others.

How well a Dachshund gets along with strangers and children is of course a question of upbringing and socialization; however it is not generally in this breed’s nature to greet strangers in a friendly way.

 

Character & Compatibility

Personality
Intelligence
Attention
Exercise needs
Training
Loyalty
Barking
Alertness
Suitable for...
Living in a flat
Hunting
Staying alone
Protecting
Beginners
Compatible with...
Dogs
Other pets
Children
Strangers

Health and Care

Healthy dogs with physical challenges

Dachshunds are very robust and tough little dogs, though due to their characteristic body shape with a very long back and short legs, they have breed-specific weaknesses that should be taken into account when keeping and also breeding them. Their body shape is originally based on the genetic defect of dwarfism.
Therefore, it is important that the Dachshund's musculature is strengthened through appropriate exercise. Jumping should be avoided, as should climbing stairs. A harness helps to protect the neck and spine.

Dachshunds also have diseases that occur more frequently in them than in other dog breeds. Some of these are genetic and can be tested for beforehand, others are not. They are generally more prone to skin and eye diseases.

Hunting dog breeders pay much more attention to the Dachshund's robustness and hunting qualities. Pure show breeds pay more attention to appearance, but sometimes unfortunately health takes a back seat. However, there are also some very respectable breeders who pay attention to the appropriate diseases.

Short-haired in Red
Little bundle of energy in action
Weimaraner and Dachshund: who\'s faster?

Breeding of defects: Very small Miniature Dachshunds are almost always susceptible to disease.

Miniature Dachshunds are dogs that have already been bred very small. The trend towards record-breaking mini dogs leads to increased susceptibility to diseases and should absolutely not be supported.

Suffering for Likes: Social media and trends from the USA and Japan praise tiny dogs as "super cute". Few people are aware that these dogs are the result of a breeding of defects from mostly irresponsible "breeders" who are only out for the money. Dogs bred for smallness and appearance generally suffer more often from diseases but especially from:

  • Dislocation of the kneecap (patella luxation)
  • Severe risk of injury due to thin bones
  • An open fontanel
  • Tooth and set of teeth defects
  • Problems with a natural birth

Robustness

Apart from the physical vulnerabilities due to their long backs, Dachshunds are very robust and low-maintenance little dogs.

Health Problems

 The following diseases are more common in Dachshunds than in other dog breeds:

  • Intervertebral disc disease
  • Heart diseases
  • Acanthosis nigricans (skin diseases)

Other more common diseases:

  • Chondrodystrophy (CDDY) and/or chondrodysplasia (CDPA) - Skeletal malformations
  • Brittle bone disease
  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
  • Degenerative Myelopathy
  • Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis (NCL)
  • Epilepsy
  • Hyperuricosuria (HUU) and urate stones
  • Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye)

Heat tolerance

The heat tolerance of a Dachshund depends on his hair structure. With a thicker undercoat, the dog is more sensitive to heat. They tolerate a bit of warmth but they are not made for very high temperatures.

Cold tolerance

Whether Dachshunds tolerate the cold well depends on their size and coat structure. The larger the Dachshund is and the more undercoat it has, the better he tolerates cold. However, as the belly or, in the case of males, the genitals can be very close to the ground, both should be protected from wetness and cold if necessary. Miniature Dachshunds can get cold very quickly without exercise. However, as long as the dogs are moving in the cold, the danger is limited.

Grooming

Dachshunds are very low maintenance dogs. They are time-consuming to train, but not to groom. Long-haired and rough-haired dogs require a little more grooming than short-haired Dachshunds.

As with all dogs, it is always a good idea to check the Dachshund's eyes, ears and paws/claws regularly and treat them if necessary.

Bathing

From a health point of view, no dog needs to be bathed regularly, exceptions being made for skin diseases or parasite infestations. With Dachshunds, too, it is sufficient if they are bathed only when it is necessary for health reasons or if they simply do not smell good, e.g. because they have rolled in fox poo.

Combing & Brushing

Coat care varies with the three different hair types:

  • Short-haired Dachshunds are very low-maintenance: occasional drying or wiping with a towel is enough.
  • Long-haired Dachshunds, on the other hand, require more frequent brushing, depending on the density of the coat.
  • The Wire-haired Dachshund should be trimmed 3-5 times a year to look its best. The beard and eyebrows should also be brushed occasionally.

Shedding

All Dachshunds shed very moderately, regardless of their coat variety.

Clip & Trim

Smooth-haired Dachshunds do not need to be trimmed or clipped. Wire-haired Dachshunds should be trimmed every few months.

Shearing is not necessary on any Dachshund. If necessary, excessively long hair under the paws can be shortened with scissors.

Hypoallergenic

Dachshunds are subject to seasonal shedding and lose their coat. Wire-haired Dachshunds and Long-haired Dachshunds in particular have a strong undercoat, which leads to heavier hair during the coat change. However, unlike some other dog breeds, Dachshunds shed moderately.

Dachshunds are not one of the hypoallergenic dog breeds, which are less likely to cause allergies in humans.

It should be emphasised that there is no dog breed that is 100% hypoallergenic.  It is always advisable to test for allergy to the specific dog (not the breed) if an allergy exists or is suspected.

Drooling

Dachshunds do not tend to drool. Some might do so when begging.

Health & Care

Health
Robustness
Heat tolerance
Cold tolerance
Health Problems
Hypoallergenic
Grooming
Bathing
Brushing
Shedding
Clipping & Trimming
Drooling

Nutrition

Avoid overweightness

The dachshund's diet, as with all living creatures, has a very great influence on his health. You should make sure that your dog is fed a balanced and natural diet.

Dachshunds can be very greedy and you should pay attention to the weight of your dog. Especially with their long backs and short legs, to be overweight is fatal for a Dachshund.

Also be careful with treats: they may seem small to us, but to Dachshunds they are often already a whole snack

Dachshunds affected by hyperuricosuria should be fed a low-purine diet and drink plenty of fluids throughout their lives.

Greediness

Dachshunds love to eat and they do not need very much food due to their small size. The amount of food should always be in proportion to the dog's exercise and dimensions.

Appearance

An icon: The long, small dog with the short legs

Dachshunds have a very characteristic appearance with their short, often crooked legs and long body. They are compact and muscular, carry their heads alertly and are very agile and quick for their size.

Dachshunds have drooping ears and a slightly drooping, hairy tail.

In the UK you find six varieties of Dachshunds. You differ between a Standard Dachshund and a Miniature Dachshund. The Kennel Club rules 9-12 kg ( 20-26 lbs) for a Standard Dachshund and up to 5kg for a Miniature Dachshund. These two size standards can in turn each have three coat styles, namely Smooth-haired, Wire-haired or Long-haired

 

 

Delightful: Dachshund puppy

Eye colour

The eye colour in Dachshunds is always brown in all kinds of shades.

Coat

In addition to the two sizes, Dachshunds also have three coat types

The coat of the Short-haired Dachshund

The coat of the Short-haired Dachshund is very dense, short, shiny and smooth. There are no hairless areas and no undercoat. The tail is not too abundantly coated and the top coat may be longer on the underside.

The coat of the Wire-haired Dachshund

The Wire-haired Dachshund has a very dense and wiry top coat, which is harsh to the touch. The beard growing around the muzzle and the bushy eyebrows make this Dachshund variety appear even more cheeky and boisterous. The tail is evenly coated. Wire-haired Dachshunds have a lush undercoat over almost the entire body, which protects them well from the cold.

The coat of the Long-haired Dachshund

Shiny hair lying close to the body, which may be longer and also wavy on the neck, underbelly and back of the legs. The tail is also hairy and the hair is long on the underside. The coat has an undercoat

Coat Colour

There are many variations in the colours of Dachshunds, which sometimes depend on the coat type.

The official colours of the Standard Smooth-haired Dachshund (as advised by the UK Kennel Club)

  • Black & Tan
  • Brindle
  • Chocolate & Tan
  • Chocolate Dapple & Tan
  • Fawn
  • Red
  • Shaded Red
  • Silver Dapple & Tan

 

The official colours of the Miniature Smooth-haired Dachshund (as advised by the UK Kennel Club)

  • Black & Tan
  • Brindle
  • Chocolate & Tan
  • Chocolate Dapple & Tan
  • Fawn
  • Red
  • Shaded Red
  • Silver Dapple & Tan

 

The official colours of the Standard Wire-haired Dachshund (as advised by the UK Kennel Club)

  • Black & Tan
  • Chocolate & Tan
  • Chocolate Dapple & Tan
  • Red
  • Shaded Red
  • Silver Dapple & Tan
  • Wild Boar

The official colours of the Miniature Wire-haired Dachshund (as advised by the UK Kennel Club)

  • Black & Tan
  • Chocolate & Tan
  • Chocolate Dapple & Tan
  • Red
  • Shaded Red
  • Silver Dapple & Tan
  • Wild Boar

The official colours of the Standard Long-haired Dachshund (as advised by the UK Kennel Club)

  • Black & Tan
  • Brindle
  • Chocolate & Tan
  • Chocolate Dapple & Tan
  • Red
  • Shaded Red
  • Silver Dapple & Tan

The official colours of the Miniature Long-haired Dachshund (as advised by the UK Kennel Club)

  • Black & Tan
  • Black & Cream
  • Brindle
  • Chocolate & Tan
  • Chocolate Dapple & Tan
  • Cream
  • Cream Brindle
  • Red
  • Shaded Cream
  • Shaded Red
  • Silver Dapple & Tan

In addition to these official colour specifications, there are plenty of other colour combinations seen on British Dachshunds.

History and origin

From the Celtic Bracke to the Dachshund: How this brave little dog came to be

FCI-Classification

No. 148

Origin

Germany

Quite water-friendly

History

Bracken were already known to the Celts as hunting dogs and are considered the ancestors of the Dachshund. The Celts were an ethnic group that was widespread in Europe between about 800 BC and 500 AD at the latest. Their culture and druidism are probably best known to most people from Asterix comics.

There are depictions from the Middle Ages of Bracken with droopy ears and shorter legs. These dogs tracked game in a persistent way and are the ancestors of the modern Dachshund. For hunting badgers and foxes, smaller dogs with shorter legs were bred. These could chase the badger or even the fox out of its den. They had to be able to chase the predators from their home despite their smaller size.

How did the Dachshund come to have his name?

Because of his role in badger hunting, badger meaning "Dachs" in German, the dog was named Dachshund at an early stage. This is also the official name in the FCI. For a lot of people though he is known as the sausage dog.


The six varieties of Dachshund and how they originated

Short-haired Dachshunds are considered the original form of the Dachshund

The Short-haired Dachshund, the size of the Standard Dachshund, is thought to be the original form of the Dachshund and evolved directly from the Bracken and endurance running dogs that were interbred. Around 1860 the first known breeding attempts with red Dachshunds took place: The forester Wilhelm von Daacke from Osterode in the Harz Mountains began breeding Short-haired Dachshunds.

Short-haired Dachshunds come in many colours, both solid, two-coloured and spotted. In the Anglo-American world there are two recognised sizes: standard and minature. Their corresponding  weight ranges are 9-12 kg and under 5kg.


Wire-haired Dachshunds were crossed with Terriers and Schnauzers

The Wire-haired Dachshund, very popular in Germany, was later created by additional crossbreeding with Terriers and Schnauzers. This created the wild-boar colour especially loved by German hunters. Wire-haired dachshunds are also bred as Standard and Miniature.

Long-haired Dachshunds were crossed with Setters and Spaniels

Long-haired Dachshunds owe their shiny and noble coat to crossbreeding with Setters and Spaniels. However, other dog breeds such as quail dogs are also said to have been involved. They are also bred as standard and miniature.

Milestones in the history of the Dachshund in overview

  • 1845 The Royal Family brought Deckel the Dachshund from Germany to Great Britain. Queen Victoria was very fond of the breed and coined the phrase: "nothing will turn a man’s home into a castle more quickly and effectively than a Dachshund’.
  • 1925 The International breed standard for Dachshunds was established
  • 1955 The Dachshund was officially recognized by the FCI
  • 1972 "Waldi" the Dachshund became the mascot of the Olympic Games in Munich and thus became world famous.
  • 2002 For the Football World Cup (and also for the 2006 Cup), a Dachshund with the rather difficult name "Erwin Rommel" became the mascot of the Japanese national football team. The Japanese went "dachshund crazy".

Dachshund summary

Short-legged character dog for patient or experienced dog people

Look very carefully at what kind of Dachshund you wish to buy. There are big differences depending on the breed, size and coat, which are also reflected in the Dachshund's character. Everything is possible, from a stubborn runaway to a lovable companion. Good training and exercise are a must for a relaxed life together.

Restrictions

Even though they are mostly small dogs, dachshunds are not permitted to fly in the cabin on any flight into the UK, but there are a small handful of airlines that allow dogs which are smaller than 8 kg to fly in the cabin or as checked baggage when leaving the UK.

Equally Eurostar doesn't allow dogs on their trains therefore the only way to transport your sausage dog into the UK is by car.

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