Germany is considered the homeland of dachshunds, where their main purpose has always been hunting for badgers and rabbits. This is the oldest of the normal breeds of dogs, the time of its origin is still controversial. Now they are assigned the role of mainly room-decorative pets, which are especially “appropriate” in small city apartments.
In the article you will find information about what types of dachshunds currently exist (with photographs and names), what kind of dachshund they are, learn about the generally recognized breed standard and the peculiarities of caring for these funny and interesting dogs.
From the history of the breed
It is difficult to name the exact decade or even the century in which the breed originated. According to some reports, the ancestors of dachshunds were used for hunting in ancient Egypt, as evidenced by the images of short-legged dogs carved on stone.
The formation of the modern breed standard began in the 16th century in southern Germany. The origin of dachshunds originates from such oldest German hunting dogs as Bieberhund. The first written references to them are found in sources dating back to 1700. In them you can find information about the so-called "badger or burrow" dogs. In the middle of the 17th century such species of dachshunds are mentioned as canine-footed dogs for underground (burrow) hunting and walking low coarse-haired hounds.
At the end of the 18th century. the breed acquires features close to the modern standard. The number of dogs is increasing significantly, and they are beginning to be exported to other countries. A whole network of nurseries is opening in their homeland. However, dog owners continue to breed them, adhering exclusively to personal preferences. So-called working and decorative types of dachshunds are only gradually being determined. Accordingly, there is a need to establish a national and international breed standard. It was adopted in 1870. In 1888, the Dachshund Club was founded in Germany.
The breed standard of the International Cynological Federation (FCI) is currently recognized.
The emergence of dachshunds in Russia
Despite the fact that in Russia, taxes became known from the thirties of the 18th century, they did not receive much distribution. A circle of lovers of these dogs was organized by the Russian Society of Fox Terriers and Dachshunds in 1900, which kept pedigree books and organized specialized exhibitions.
In Russia, a dachshund (species of breed, photo can be seen in the article) was considered more like a decorative dog, not a hunting one. They quickly spread as pets in the midst of creative intelligentsia. The actress Ermolova M.N. had an unusual white dachshund. The Russian classic A.P. Chekhov had two dogs of this breed at once, and in one of his letters to his publisher he spoke of them as "creatures with an ugly appearance (crooked paws, long body), but with an unusually sharp mind."
The breed’s popularity has been hit hard for political reasons. After the world wars, the number of dachshunds in all of Europe, and, in particular, in Russia, decreased markedly. So, in our country at the 1958 exhibition, only eleven dogs were presented. At the moment, all types of dachshunds, whose photos you can find in the text of the article, are one of the most numerous and popular breeds in Russia, mainly as pets. They are full of mischief and cheerful craftiness, they are wonderful watchmen with an unexpectedly powerful and loud voice, which makes them favorites of the whole family, without exception.
Dog description
Dachshunds, whose appearance is very unusual, are far from the standards of beauty in their classical sense. However, there is something attractive and unusual about them.
These are dogs with a massive skeleton, thoroughly standing on the ground. Dachshunds have an elongated muzzle, long ears, gently rounded at the end. The back is strong and muscular, the chest is voluminous with a characteristic "keel", deep. The tail is set low, strong and thick at the base, as a rule, the dog holds it slightly below the back line and only in an excited state raises it up like an antenna. The limbs are thick and short, have embossed muscles. Dogs of this breed move freely and swiftly around the area.
Depending on the size, the following types of fees are distinguished:
- Standard (most common) - weighing up to 9 kg.
- Miniature or dwarf - weighing from 4 to 5.5 kg, chest circumference is 30-35 cm.
- Rabbit - adult weight up to 3.5 kg, chest circumference up to 30 cm.
You can find various information about what types of fees. However, according to the standard of the International Cynological Federation, adopted including in Russia, there are only three of them. Dachshunds (which is what they are called) are divided depending on the characteristics of the coat into smooth-haired, long-haired and wire-haired, you can see them together in the photo above. This classification will be considered in more detail below.
General view and ratio of body parts according to the standard
According to the standard, the dachshund is characterized as a squat, short-legged dog of an elongated, but compact body structure. They are very muscular, and their heads are impudent and defiant. There is a pronounced sexual dimorphism. Despite this body structure, all types of dachshunds (see photos in our material) are very mobile and flexible.
The breed standard implies several important characteristics regarding the ratio of body parts. So, the lower point of the chest should be located at a distance of 1/3 of the height of the withers above ground level. In addition, the oblique length of the body should harmoniously correlate with the height of the withers of approximately 1.7-1.8 to 1.
Smooth-haired dachshund: general view and color
Smooth-haired dachshund is a short dog with an elongated but strong physique, on short legs, with strong and dense muscles. By the standard, any coat color is allowed, with the exception of white, only a small bright spot on the chest is possible. Claws and nose are black. Some concessions are allowed, but still they are undesirable. Red dachshunds may have a red lobe, while chocolate dachshunds may have a brown or flesh color. For representatives with a marbled color, the spots should be evenly distributed throughout the body and not be too large.
The weight of representatives of this species should be no more than 11.3 kg in males and not more than 10.4 kg in females.
Smooth-haired dachshund first and foremost is a hunting dog that perfectly adapts to any weather conditions. Its coat is dense and smooth; it is impervious to moisture and dirt.
Excerpts from the standard: head, tail, paws
The head of smooth-haired dachshunds has an elongated wedge-shaped shape and tapers evenly to the tip of the nose. Forehead with a barely noticeable transition, flat.
The dog has a rather high set tail, tapering towards the end, strong, but not too long, straight enough and not too raised.
The forelimbs are short, wide and straight, only slightly extended, the hind limbs are narrower and smaller. Toes are gathered in a lump.
Longhair dachshund: general view and color
The physique, size and character of this species are the same as that of the smooth-haired dachshund. Types of colors and requirements for them are similar. The coat is long and silky.
The dog is dense, on short legs, has strong muscles. The height at the withers should correspond to half the length of the body, and the girth of the chest should be twice the height. The tail in a calm state does not touch the ground, and the ears, when stretched forward, do not extend beyond the tip of the nose. The weight of an adult male is not more than 8.2 kg, females - 7.7 kg.
The color of the long-haired dachshund can be black with tan, brown, light and dark red, variegated (forelock) or brindle.
Standard Features for Head, Tail, and Paws
Long haired dachshunds have a dry, long wedge-shaped head, which is especially noticeable when viewed from above and from the side. The forehead is harmonious, not too wide and not too narrow, rather flat, does not have a sharp transition to the muzzle. The muzzle has strict lines, narrow, elongated.
The tail line is smoothly extended by a tail of moderate length and tapering to the tip, it is covered with thick wool, not curved and not too raised.
Paws are large and wide, set parallel or slightly deployed to the sides. The hind limbs are slightly smaller than the front. The fingers are distinctly arched and tightly closed, strong. A calmly standing dog rests on the entire surface area of the paws. The coat is thick and silky, allows you to tolerate heat, rain and cold.
Wire-haired dachshund: general view and color
All designated types of dachshunds have a similar appearance. But confusing them with dogs of other breeds is simply impossible. The wire -haired dachshund differs from smooth-haired and longhair in its body, as if creeping on the ground, long and dense, with good muscles. The color can be absolutely any, a white spot on the chest is allowed (but undesirable). The nose is black, the exception is the "chocolate" dogs, in which it is painted in brown or flesh.
The coat of the wire-haired dachshund fits snugly throughout the body, with the exception of eyebrows, ears, and muzzle. It is thick, wire-like, with undercoat. A characteristic feature of this species is a clearly visible “beard” on the face. Clear eyebrows, bushy. The weight of an adult male should be in the range of 9-10 kg, and females - 8.2-9 kg.
Standard requirements: head, tail and paws
The head of wire-haired dachshunds has a wedge-shaped profile and above, dry, with strict lines. The forehead is not too narrow, but not wide, it gradually turns into an elongated and slightly hunchbacked muzzle. The superciliary arches are well developed. The jaws of the dog are exceptionally powerful, very well developed, long and wide open. According to the standard, the muzzle should not have a square shape.
A slightly curved tail continues the line of the back. When calm, it should not touch the ground or rise too high.
The forelimbs are wide, dense and straight, or slightly deployed to the sides. Four fingers form the paw, they are compact, arched and rest on dense pads. The hind limbs are slightly narrower than the front, set in parallel.
What character do dachshunds have?
Previously exclusively hunting, and nowadays the overwhelming majority of decorative dogs - this is how the dachshund can be characterized. Species of the breed are very common both in Russia and abroad. Dachshunds are loved thanks to a generous set of advantages. They are courageous, attached to the owner, loyal, have a sense of humor, excellent watchmen, they are easy to care for and keep clean. Dachshund will be a great companion and companion for adults and children. They are ready to engage in battle even with an unequal enemy, protecting their master. Dogs have a sonorous and loud voice, as well as high intelligence, but at the same time are quite difficult to train. With caution, taxes apply to strangers and are aggressive towards them.
Dog care
Dachshunds have fairly good health. The main risk is associated with the structural features of their body. The animal has a long back and at the same time short legs - this threatens with displacement of the intervertebral discs. Therefore, it is important to monitor the weight of the dog (it should not exceed the standard) and its activity. In particular, do not encourage her high jumps or up and down the couch. Strictly observe the diet and feed dosage. Almost a ¾ portion of the diet should consist of meat, which all hunting dogs love so much.
The types of dachshunds listed above are owners of wool, different in characteristics. However, they all need periodic care for her. Fortunately, no special efforts are required for this. Smooth-haired dachshunds are enough to wipe daily for several minutes with a rough mitten and then with a soft cloth. Longhair and shorthair dogs are combed out with a special stiff brush and comb.
Physical exercise
All types of rates, with photos and names of which you have already met above, need physical activity. Daily walks are an excellent prevention of overweight, which happens with dogs of this breed, kept as pets (not for hunting), quite often. Experts recommend walking with dachshunds for a short time, but often, giving them plenty to run. It is worth cautioning those who have their own countryside plot or house. Dachshunds, by virtue of their hunting nature, are big lovers of digging the ground.