The Charming Dachshund: A dog with heart and history
The history of the Dachshund
The Dachshund, originally from Germany, has a long and interesting history dating back to the Middle Ages. They were originally bred for hunting, particularly for tracking and digging out badgers - hence the name "badger dog". Their short legs and long bodies made them perfect for this task, as they could easily slip into tight burrows. In the 19th century, the Dachshund also gained great popularity among aristocrats and became a symbol of courage and tenacity.
Who is the Dachshund suitable for?
Dachshunds are extremely versatile and adapt well to different lifestyles. They are ideal companions for individuals, couples and families with older children. Due to their size, they are well suited to city living as long as they get enough exercise and mental stimulation. People who like to be outdoors and enjoy long walks will appreciate the Dachshund as a loyal companion.
Character and temperament
Dachshunds are known for their courageous and independent character. They are intelligent, curious and have a strong hunting instinct. These dogs are very affectionate and love to spend time with their humans. Despite their small size, they are very self-confident and tend to get their own way. Their loyalty and playful nature make them great family dogs.
Appearance and size
The Dachshund has a distinctive look with its long body, short legs and large, expressive eyes. They come in three coat types: smooth, long-haired and rough-haired. The colors vary from solid (e.g. red or cream) to multi-colored (e.g. black with tan). Dachshunds come in two sizes: standard and dwarf. A standard dachshund weighs between 7 and 15 kg, while the dwarf dachshund only weighs around 3 to 5 kg.
Care of the Dachshund
The care of the Dachshund depends largely on the coat type. Smooth-haired Dachshunds are relatively easy to care for and only require occasional brushing. Long-haired and rough-haired Dachshunds, on the other hand, require regular brushing to prevent matting and keep the coat in good condition. Regardless of coat type, claws should be trimmed regularly and ears should be checked for cleanliness to prevent infection.
Health and life expectancy
Dachshunds are generally robust dogs but are prone to certain health problems, particularly back problems due to their long spine. Regular veterinary examinations and a healthy weight are crucial to minimize the risk of herniated discs. Their average life expectancy is 12 to 16 years.
Exercise and exercise
Although Dachshunds are small, they need plenty of exercise. Daily walks and playtime are a must to keep them physically and mentally active. They love to dig and sniff, so activities that appeal to these instincts are ideal. With enough exercise, they can also be kept well in an urban apartment as long as they are kept busy enough.
Training and education
Dachshunds are intelligent but also headstrong dogs, which can make training challenging. Consistent, positive reinforcement methods are the key to success. Early socialization and obedience training are important to ensure they are good with other dogs and people. Patience and consistency are crucial to turning a Dachshund into a well-mannered companion.
Behavior and interactions
Dachshunds are affectionate and playful dogs that like to be the center of attention. They get on well with children, especially if they grow up together. Due to their hunting instinct, however, they can have difficulties with smaller pets, so early socialization is important. They usually get along well with other dogs, especially if they are well socialized.
Recognition by the FCI
The Dachshund is recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and is listed in Group 4, Section 1 - Dachshunds. This underlines the importance and worldwide respect that this breed enjoys.
