Hound breeds: Dachshund

Origin
    The name Dachshund comes from a generic word for the use of the breed. As we call dogs today "bird" dogs or "rabbit" dogs, so this breed was called a badger dog: dachs- (badger) hund (dog). They had the tracking ability of the hound and the temperament of the terrier and were used to follow the badger to earth. It is the name of the breed that led to its being considered a hound in English speaking countries. The Dachshund would be more properly classified as a terrier.
    The first images resembling Dachshunds were found on the tombs of pharaohs dating back almost 5,000 years. This dog was known as the Teckel. The Germans have retained and use the ancient Egyptian. The Germans perfected the Dachshund breed between the 15th and 17th centuries. The French Bracke and German Pinscher were most likely used to build a dog strong enough to handle a badger and to go to ground. Selective breeding of longer-haired, smooth coats was responsible for the long-haired variety we know today, not cross-breeding. The wirehaired variety, a more recent development, was most likely the result of out-crossing to the rough coated Pinscher and later to the Dandie Dinmont Terrier. The smooth and long-haired Dachshund was recognized as a breed in the early 17th century. The Wirehaired Dachshund has been registered as the third variety since 1890. It is not acceptable to cross-breed the coat varieties. In each of the three coat varieties there are two sizes accepted, standard and miniature.
    Prince Albert, the consort of Queen Victoria, most likely brought over the first Dachshunds to England in 1845. The first show quality Dachshunds were not imported until the 1870s. There were four entered at the Crystal Palace show in 1875 by King Edward the VII, and one who was bred by Queen Victoria. In 1881, the Dachshund club of England was formed, and seven years later in 1888, the German Dachshund club (Deutscher Teckelklub) was formed. The Dachshund first appeared in the AKC studbook in 1879 and has been exhibited in the United States since 1880. The breed has gone from a total registry of 11 dogs between 1879 and 1885, to one consistently in the top 10 of breed popularity.

General description

The three varieties of coat:
    Smooth: short, smooth and shining, should be neither too long nor too thick. Single colors include red and cream. Two-colored include black, chocolate, gray, (blue) fawn, and wild boar, with tan markings. Dapple and brindle patterns are allowed.
    Longhaired: The slightly wavy hair is sleek and glistening and covers all but the face. It is slightly longer under the neck, the underside of the body, the ears and behind the legs. The hair on the tail is very long and forms a flag. The color is the same as for the smooth.
    Wirehaired: With the exception of jaw, eyebrows and ears, the entire body is covered with a short, thick, rough, hard outer coat and a somewhat softer undercoat. Absence of undercoat is a fault. The face is distinctly furnished with beard and eyebrows. The coat is so tight that from a distance it gives the impression of a smooth Dachshund. No soft hair is permitted in the outer coat. The most common colors are wild boar, black and tan, and shades of red, but all colors are permissible. A small amount of white on the chest is permissible but not desired.

Grooming requirements
    Grooming the smooth variety requires little more than a sisal brush, spray conditioner and some time. The longhaired variety requires weekly brushing with a slicker brush and a metal comb. The wirehaired variety should be stripped with a stripping knife if he is a show dog. Pet owners of a wirehaired may have them clipped. Regular ear cleaning and nail clipping are necessary. You must start your Dachshund on an early schedule for nail trims and keep to it closely. If the toes separate, this will put pressure on the spine and joints. They should have their nails trimmed about every four weeks.

Health considerations
    Serious spinal disorders (due to short legs and long spines) are so common that there are special wheelchairs for dachshunds in catalogs. Do not overfeed. They are subject to eye disorders and osteoporosis.

Breed characteristics and personality
    The Dachshund is a clever, lively and courageous dog to the point of rashness. He is cheerful, affectionate, proud and tenacious. Shyness is not tolerated in the breed. The longhaired variety is considered the most tranquil and docile of the three, and less of a barker. The smooth and wirehaired varieties are good watchdogs. His short legs insure maximum exercise per mile.
    An excellent family pet. Good with children, the Dachshund is affectionate, charming and responsive. The smooth variety is known to be a nipper. He is companionable when in a restful mood, hilarious in play and very intelligent.

Uses
    The Dachshund was originally a den-hunting dog and is still used as such in Great Britain, Switzerland and Germany. In the United States, he is primarily a spirited and intelligent companion dog, but go-to-ground earth trials are becoming a very popular way to prove the breed's instincts.

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