Dachshund - description of the breed and character of the dog

Everyone knows the dachshund, a hunting dog with a long body. It is appreciated for its ability to raise and drive game, so dog breeders and hunters gladly start a dachshund. The dog is characterized by a cheerful and energetic disposition, assertiveness, and intelligence. But the most important thing is that the dachshunds are very devoted, they are attached to the owner and are ready to turn the mountains for his sake. Aside lyrical digressions, consider everything that affects the characteristics of the breed and the main features of the pet.

Historical summary

To this day, there is no specific answer regarding how the breed originated and which dogs entered its origins. However, one thing is certain, the manuscripts of the seventh century AD say that the ancestors of the dachshunds are crooked-legged dogs that supposedly lived in Germany. Partly for this reason, the breed is considered German and its country of origin, respectively, Germany.

If you dig a little deeper and go into historical information, on the monuments of Egyptian origin, which date back to the 25th century BC, there are dogs that look like dachshunds in appearance. But those ears were erect, although time did the trick.

Since the 16th century, hunting has been recognized as almost the most fashionable hobby, so dachshunds were made in hunting families and bourgeois society for their ability to penetrate minks. Also, dogs did not require special delights in content, therefore, many connoisseurs of the breed were recruited. At first they had long hair, already in the 19th century the first short-haired pets appeared. Almost at the same time a certain breed standard was established and a dachshund lovers club was opened in Berlin.

Dachshund Description

1. The main positive features of dogs are their stamina and courage. Dachshund can attack an outsider if he threatens the owner. In addition, they quickly navigate, are famous for their unsurpassed scent and vision. Due to their dexterity, dogs are often hunted as assistants. The dog will crawl into the hole and pull out the game.
2. If we talk about external characteristics, as well as body weight, the weight varies in the range of 7-9 kg. At the same time, there is no gender superiority; males with females are almost identical. The height at the withers of the dog is 22-25 cm.
3. In the modern world, there are several basic varieties, including standard, miniature, and rabbit dachshunds. Their main difference is the weight category. As for color, there are no uniform requirements. The dog can be black-brown, red-haired, harlequin, fawn, tiger, etc.
4. Additional features include short legs and a compact body. This is what allows dachshunds to easily climb into holes. The eyes are slanted, set at a certain distance, as a rule, have a brown color.
5. The neck is developed, not thin, muscular. The head is proportional, the frontal part passes into the bridge of the nose without jerking. The muzzle is elongated, narrowed, the nose is black of medium size. The ears are wide, hanging, moving.
6. If the dog is physically developed, its chest will be wide enough, but it will not hurt to crawl into a narrow mink. The chest goes into a tightened stomach. The tail is straight, without any bends. The croup is slightly down to earth.
7. The type of coat is also different. Dogs can be smooth, long, wire-haired. The last variety of dogs has a rough coat, there is a beard and thick eyebrows. Long-haired individuals are famous for fringe on the ears, as well as comb on the hind legs.

Breed character

1. Without a doubt, it can be argued that the dachshund is an ideal assistant in hunting.The dog can make decisions on its own, does not panic in difficult situations, learns quickly and is famous for stress resistance. Moreover, even miniature dachshunds are endowed with qualities of this kind, we are not only talking about the standard.
2. Due to his prudence, you can rely on a companion. The dachshund will easily raise the bird under a shot or drive the game and pull it out of the hole. She possesses fearlessness, natural hunting instincts, intelligence, self-discipline. But all this is possible only with the right approach to education.
3. If we talk about temperament, the dachshund is rather a sanguine person. She is naive, quickly attached to a person, cheerful, knows how to understand by gestures and feels intonation with facial expressions. Due to their curiosity, dogs are hunted so that they do not come home empty-handed.
4. However, the owners should be prepared for the fact that the house will always be noisy. The breed is sensitive to noises and sounds, may utter with or without. At the same time it is difficult to give in to the command “Quiet!” in view of his obstinate and omnipresent disposition.
5. It is also worth mentioning that the breed is famous for its excellent watchdog characteristics. The dachshund is always in the know about the latest events: which of the neighbors went into the apartment when the owners came home, what they brought, etc. If there is noise near the front door, it will not go a step away, will listen and bark.
6. Barking loud, confident, can compete with representatives of large-breed dogs. The dachshund is awesome, albeit small. She immediately begins to guard the household as soon as she appears in the apartment. At the same time, dogs are called a lion heart for fearlessness and willingness to protect a person.
7. Dachshunds are aggressive towards outsiders, whether on the street or at home. Therefore, the owners should know that friends who come to visit should not play with the dog or poison it in every way until the dachshund gets used to the smell. Otherwise, she will grab onto the leg or arm and will not let go, the dog’s grip is strong.
8. The breed lacks the understanding that it is possible to educate oneself with dignity independently. Therefore, dachshunds require a tough hand and constant upbringing. It doesn’t matter at all whether you chose the dog as a favorite of the family or went hunting. It is necessary to teach not only teams, but also the correct behavior in people.
9. It is also worth considering that dogs are fearless. Desiring to protect a person, they can harm themselves. Therefore, behind a dachshund you need an eye and an eye, especially if the enemy is superior in strength and size to your short-legged pet.
10. Dachshund is famous for its delicacy, but it requires constant attention of a person and communication with him. Otherwise, the pet will begin to nibble on shoes and upholstery, and cheat in other ways. If you decide to get such a breed, pre-allocate your place to your pet, buy more toys and all kinds of goodies.
11. The breed is by no means a timid dozen, it has pride, treats with respect and love for the owner. Some dogs, despite their pride, can sit for hours near the table and beg. If the pet is not grown in abundance, he will not ask for handouts.
12. Dachshund can be attributed to those dog breeds that get along well with the younger generation. The dog will become a companion for games with the child, but everything has a measure. You can not leave children with animals alone, as well as allow permissiveness on their part in relation to the dog.
13. Many owners are interested in how a representative of this breed gets along with other pets. The dachshund will not tolerate the presence of a parrot, it can make friends with a cat, but only if they grew up together. In a different situation, the dog will perceive a furry friend as a game.

Dachshund Care

1. It has already been indicated that caring for this breed is moderate. Dachshunds are unpretentious, but require attention from a person. It is very important to regularly go for walks, and it is better to arrange joint runs.Dogs have a lot of energy that needs to be put somewhere. Since they are inquisitive, they all sniff and study. Do not rush the dog, let him enjoy the walk.
2. Dogs can live quietly in an apartment, but you should understand that they have a pungent smell. Ideal maintenance is possible in a private house, where the animal will have everything necessary. The dog will be able to dig holes and enjoy fresh air at any time of the year. The breed is difficult to tolerate loneliness, therefore it is desirable that one family member is always nearby.
3. Dogs need to brush their teeth using toothpaste and brush or special treats. Eyes are also subject to daily inspection, in the presence of secretions they are wiped with a cosmetic sponge moistened with a tea infusion solution.
4. Wool does not require special care at all. They bathe the pet as it gets dirty, then wrap it in a towel and wipe it thoroughly. It is worth not to allow water to enter the auricles during the procedures. If the dog is long-haired, it is necessary to choose a shampoo and balm for easy combing.
5. Dogs during molting leave behind a lot of wool, which can be found on clothes and upholstery. Therefore comb out the dog with a soft brush every day. If the pet is long-haired, it will be necessary to additionally cut or untangle the tangles.

Feeding Features

1. Dachshunds are famous for their excellent appetite from nature. Therefore, the diet should be balanced and controlled. Otherwise, the pet will soon face obesity. The downside of the dog is that it will constantly pick up something from the floor. The hunting breed needs replenishment of energy reserves.
2. If you are not going to use the dachshund for hunting purposes, it must be regularly given physical activity. Otherwise, the animal will rapidly gain excess weight. From here, secondary health problems in the animal begin to develop. The daily norm is 45 gr. feed per 1 kg. dogs.
3. If you have a little puppy, you need to feed him every 4 hours until he turns 3 months old. Choose the food that was given by the breeders in the nursery. From 3 months to 1 year, the pet should be transferred to 4 meals a day. After this, the young dachshund needs to be fed 2 times a day. Observe the same time.

Natural food

1. If for any reason you decide to feed the animal with normal food, discuss in advance all the details with the veterinarian. The basis of the dishes should include boiled fish and meat products. Thermally processed foods reduce the risk of helminths entering the animal.
2. When preparing food for the dog, add finely chopped garlic to the food once a week. Such a simple procedure will prevent the development of worms in dachshunds. Be sure to include greens and vegetables in the diet. The animal should fully receive all the necessary vitamins and minerals.
3. Raw grated carrot is considered a favorite treat of dachshunds. In addition to this, the breed must be given the necessary amount of calcium. Therefore, the inclusion of dairy products should be a mandatory fact. You should also give nuts, dried fruits and cheeses. Together, the products maintain the calcium level in the body.
4. Among other things, the dog's body needs mineral salts, so it needs to be given bones, tendons and veins. Be sure to include such components in your diet. Dachshunds must be given boiled cereals, especially rice and buckwheat. It is strictly forbidden to give raw fish or meat.
5. Smoked products, sweets, spices, flour products and pastries fall under the ban. It is allowed to give milk only to puppies who have not yet reached 4 months of age. Once you have fed your pet, immediately remove all food. Dachshunds are able to eat uncontrollably.The water in the bowl should always be fresh and clean.

Ready-made feed

1. If you do not want to bother with cooking and do not have extra time, it is recommended to pay attention to the finished feed.
2. In this case, it is worth giving preference to exclusively premium-class feeds. Pick up such food only after the recommendation of the veterinarian. Also do not forget to consider the preferences of the pet.

Parenting and training

1. If you decide to get a funny puppy, do not forget that this is a hunting breed. It is in their genes to get game out of the water and penetrate burrows. It should also be noted that dachshunds do not work dogs, no matter how hard you try.
2. Do not be touched by the sight of short-legged puppies ahead of time, it is worth noting that dachshunds have iron nerves. Therefore, do not forget about it and do not relax ahead of time. Such dogs are remarkably stubborn. In addition, pets are very cunning and quite able to manipulate the owner.
3. Therefore, when acquiring a dog from the first days, you must show your leadership and superiority. The dachshund must clearly understand that you are the owner. If you decide to train the animal, without fail, achieve the full completion of the exercises. When you lower your hands in the first lessons, in the future, do not cope with laziness.
4. Dachshunds are not the kind of dogs that will mindlessly execute all commands. They will first assess the situation and situation, only after that they will decide on something. Therefore, always consider such features of the breed when training them.
5. Pedigree dogs are characterized by increased activity and mobility. Such dachshunds love to be aported. It should also be noted that the item the animal does not hasten to give to the owner. Dachshunds are very fond of swimming. Especially such procedures will be useful on hot days after class.
6. When owning a dachshund, the owner must necessarily achieve full pet obedience. In this case, it is important to carry out emotional discharge. Without this, it will be very difficult for the animal and you to come to an understanding. Spend training every day, only give the procedure no more than 20 minutes.
7. After acquiring a puppy, the first thing you need to do is teach him to follow you. The animal must feel the need to communicate with the owner. To facilitate the procedure, go for a walk with the animal in a quiet, uninhabited place. Try to get the attention of the dachshund. When the puppy responds, encourage him every time.
8. If you conduct such classes correctly, in the future the dachshund will not run away from you and will always monitor the owner so as not to lose sight of him. When instituting a breed for hunting, a dog must undergo special training at a professional station.

Do not forget that the dachshunds are very mobile, so you need to walk with them 2 times a day. Walking should be active. The dog needs physical activity. Try to swim with your pet. Be sure to provide the animal with a balanced diet. Do not give food from the table and do not overfeed the dachshund.

Video: Dachshund dog breed