Nickname        : The Hot Dog

Breed Origins : Germany ( 1500’s)

Breed usage     : Hunting Small Game

Dog Weight      : 12 - 32 Pounds (Standard) Less than 12 pounds (miniature)

Dog Height       : 8 inches (miniature) to 11 inches (standard) to the shoulder

History
Dachshund comes from Germany and is a dog which can be classed in three coat varieties and two sizes. It was bred originally to hunt badgers and other small game animals. It’s origins can be dated back to the 1500’s and it is classified as one of the Hound Dog Group .Name Facts and Dog Names: This dog’s name is often mis-spelt in a variety of ways including Dachhund, Dashshund, Dashhund, Dachund, Dashund, Dashound and Dachshound.Dachshund belongs to the collection of dogs referred to as Scent Hounds, which specialise in following the scent or the smell of its quarry.
Scent Hounds have distinctive characteristics, features and traits which are perfect for their purpose. They have large noses which have deep, open nostrils and their lips are loose and moist, designed to pick up scent particles and follow the trail of an animal. Their ears are long which concentrates the scent on the nose. Their bodies are designed for endurance, an essential asset when following any scent trail. Hunting takes different forms and as man opts for hunting their quarry either on foot or on horseback the scent hounds have been selectively bred to produce small legs, to enable a man to easily follow on foot, or longer legs suited to keep up with a man on horseback.
It is colloquially, and affectionately, known as the Sausage or the Hot Dog. Dachshund translates from German to “badger dog” - Dachs being the German word for badger and Hund the word for hound.The standard dog is also known as the Teckel and the miniature is known the Zwergteckel. Although the breed is famous for its use in exterminating badgers, Dachshunds were also commonly used for rabbit and fox hunting. The Dachshund can be traced back to the 16th century in Germany. They have been kept by royal courts all over Europe, including that of Queen Victoria, who was believed to have been introduced to the breed by the German Prince Albert. The three types of coats and standard and miniature sizes were bred for different purposes:

• Smooth Haired - Crossed with pointer and pinscher specialising in catching vermin
• Long Haired - Crossed with spaniels to obtain the longer coat for colder climates
• Wire Haired - Crossed with German wirehaired pinschers and the Dandie Dinmont terrier
• Miniature - Bred to ‘go to ground’ into burrows of small animals

The Dachshund was first registered by the AKC (American Kennel Club) in 1885. The Dachshund is a very sociable breed,they are playful, loyal, intelligent and affectionate.Although the Dachshund was developed as an active hunting dog it is also obedient although it is a natural scent trailer and digger. This dog makes a good house pet providing it is given lots of exercise and attention. The Dachshund is free from “doggy” odour.

All Information and Tips About This Dog :

• Health Info and Potential Problems
  Resolving dog health problems, including those of the Dachshund, can prove to be costly and it would be wise to consider the benefits of obtaining dog health insurance. Common health problems and questions occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves, Ears, Eyes, Teeth and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can relate to the Digestive System, Heart & Respiratory Systems, Immune & Blood Systems, Reproduction and Urinary Systems. Potential health problems of the Dachshund can include:
  • Intervertebral disc disease
  • Epilepsy
  • Entropion (the inversion, or turning inward, of the border of the eyelid against the eyeball)
  • Gastric Torsion
  • Patellar Luxation ( The patella, or kneecap, is part of the stifle joint (knee). In patellar luxation, the kneecap luxates, or pops out of place )
  • The life expectancy for this particular breed is between 12 – 14 years.

• Grooming and Care
  Regardless of the breeds, a certain amount of grooming and care is necessary to keep dogs and puppies looking at their best. Grooming consists of not only brushing out the coat and bathing but also giving attention to the eyes, teeth, ears, feet and nails. A regular routine also ensures that any potential health problems are identified as quickly as possible.