Dachshunds are small short-legged dogs endowed with a cheerful good-natured disposition and a memorable appearance. Once they were bred specifically for hunting, but today they are successfully used as companions and ordinary pets. In this material, the main characteristics of dachshunds will be considered: colors, exterior, behavior and features of the content.
Origin
In the history of the appearance of these animals there are many unexplained moments. According to one version, dogs, vaguely reminiscent of modern dachshunds, lived in ancient Egypt. In favor of this version are the drawings that have survived to this day.
According to another, official theory, dachshunds were bred by German breeders in the XVII century. According to this version, pinchers and stunted hounds took part in the formation of the breed. In those days, dachshunds were quite large and were used for hunting badgers, foxes, beavers and otters. Subsequently, they began to pour blood of spaniels and small cops, as a result of which long-haired individuals began to appear. The first breed standard governing the appearance and colors of dachshunds was adopted in 1870. Later, some changes were made to it. In Russia, these animals were introduced in the middle of the XVIII century and at first did not make a proper impression on local dog breeders.
Dimensions
Dachshunds are stretched, short-legged animals that are relatively small in size. Depending on this parameter, they are divided into three groups:
- Standard specimens with a chest girth of more than 35 cm. The weight of such animals ranges from 6.5 to 9 kg.
- Small dachshunds with a chest girth of 30-35 cm. The weight of these individuals does not exceed 6.5-7 kg.
- Rabbit individuals whose chest circumference is less than 30 cm. Their mass should not exceed 3.5-4 kg.
According to the generally accepted standard, the height of the representatives of this breed varies between 12-27 cm at the withers.
Description
Regardless of weight and color, dachshunds, photos of which are placed in this review, are very similar to each other. They have an original, memorable appearance. On the graceful, dry, wedge-shaped head with a flat forehead, strong jaws and an elongated hunch-nosed muzzle, there are rounded hanging ears, the front edge of which touches the cheeks, and oval, wide-set eyes of a brown hue.
The muscular neck of the animal smoothly passes into a moderately protruding withers, a straight back, a strong lower back and a slightly sloping croup, ending with the base of a saber tail. Under the elongated body with a wide chest, rounded ribs and a tucked up belly, there are short parallel to each other limbs with arched paws and strong claws.
Wool and dachshund color
Depending on the length and structure of the outer hair, representatives of this breed are conventionally divided into three main groups.
- In the first, individuals with a thick, shiny, smooth coat fell. The mouth of such dogs fits snugly to the body and does not form bald patches. The length of their wool does not exceed two centimeters.
- The second group includes dogs with hard integumentary hair, under which a thick undercoat is hidden. A distinctive feature of such animals is the presence of a pronounced beard and bushy eyebrows.
- The third group included long-haired individuals with a dense underfur. They have fringe on their ears. And the tail and back of the legs are decorated with tow.
As for the color of dachshunds, the standard allows the existence of several options at once. Representatives of this breed can be monophonic, two-tone, marble and tiger. Fire red, sand and deer individuals are especially popular. There are not many of them among the existing stock, therefore they are very appreciated by breeders.
Most often, on the streets you can find black or brown and tan dachshunds. On the body of such individuals there are clearly defined straw or reddish-brown markings localized on the paws, chest and muzzle. The wire-haired representatives of the breed are characterized by the so-called “boar” color. Dachshunds, the color of which does not meet the generally accepted standard, are disqualified at exhibitions and do not participate in breeding.
Behavioral Features
Dachshunds are active, energetic dogs, endowed with high intelligence and a perfectly developed hunting instinct. They are able to make independent decisions and can be stubborn. Despite their funny appearance and short legs, they are very hardy and easily overcome a distance of several kilometers.
The marble, tan or chocolate color of the dachshund does not affect its character. Regardless of the color of their fur, these cunning dogs can get their way. They value warmth and comfort, quickly become attached to the owners and do not get along well with other pets. Therefore, when deciding to purchase a fee, you need to tune in to the fact that she will be the only animal in the family.
Training and training
Whatever the color of the dachshund puppy, you need to take care of it from the first days of your stay in your house. After the baby is a little comfortable in a new place and begins to joyfully respond to his own nickname, he can be accustomed to a collar and leash. This is a very important point, since representatives of this breed can be carried away by the pursuit of prey and get lost.
In general, dachshunds are quite smart, but very cunning dogs with an independent and masterful disposition. But thanks to systematic classes, they can be taught basic commands. It is important that the lessons take place in a playful way and be consistent.
Maintenance and care
Representatives of this breed do not have a well-developed subfill that reliably protects from cold weather. Therefore, a dachshund of a tiger color or any other color must be kept exclusively in the house. These dogs really value warmth and comfort. They are incredibly clean and easily adaptable to living in urban apartments.
These pretty creatures do not require much care. You need to comb them only a couple of times a week. For smooth individuals, you should buy a stiff brush or rubber gauntlet. A long-haired dogs, it is advisable to purchase a special comb that prevents the formation of tangles. Particular attention is required to the long hanging ears of the animal. They must be regularly cleaned of accumulated dust and dirt, otherwise an infection may develop there.
Feeding recommendations
Age is the only thing that affects a dog’s diet. A dachshund, the color of which does not change throughout life, it is advisable to feed from two to six times a day. The younger the puppy, the shorter the intervals between meals.
Like any other dog, the dachshund will gladly eat both industrial and natural food. In the first case, your choice should fall on products from trusted global manufacturers, which do not contain dyes, preservatives, beans or cereals. Serving size in this situation is calculated taking into account the weight of the pet and the frequency of feedings. In addition, the dog should have free access to clean drinking water.
Those who opted for natural food need to remember a few simple rules. The lion's share of the dog's diet should be raw lean meat, such as beef, lamb or poultry. Twice a week it is advisable to replace it with marine fish and offal. Also, eggs, vegetables, cereals and sour milk should periodically appear in the dog’s bowl. It is strictly forbidden to feed a dachshund with exotic fruits, tubular bones, chocolate, pastry, sweets, pickles, smoked meats, sausages, river fish and beans.
Disease and Life Expectancy
The health of these dogs depends on the conditions of detention, nutrition and heredity, and not on color. Dachshunds of black and tan, brown, deer or any other shade are considered quite strong dogs that can live from 12 to 15 years. In order not to shorten the already short-lived age of his pet, he needs to provide the proper conditions, a decent diet and adequate physical activity.
Due to the special structure and extended body, representatives of this breed are often diagnosed with spinal problems, which can sometimes be prevented. In order not to damage the back of the dog, it must not be allowed to stand on its hind legs and jump onto sofas and other elevations. When leaving the dog’s house, it’s better to lower the stairs on your hands, and during the walk you should forbid pulling the leash.
In addition to problems with the spine, representatives of this breed can suffer from retinal atrophy, ideopathic epilepsy, lumpy-pigmentary dystrophy of the skin, obesity, diabetes mellitus, diseases of the heart and urinary system.
Instead of a conclusion
Dachshunds are small, cute dogs that have relatively good health and a cheerful, cheerful disposition; if properly trained, they produce stubborn, gambling hunters and loyal companions. These compact, outgoing and quick-witted animals are well trained and suitable for housing.
However, they are very sensitive to low temperatures. So, in the autumn-winter period they will have to be dressed in special overalls so that they do not freeze. When walking in city parks and streets, it is undesirable to lower them from the leash, as they can get lost, starting the pursuit of imaginary prey.