Dachshunds are born hunters of animals that hide in holes. So, for hunting rabbits, a separate breed was bred, which was called rabbit dachshund. It is also called rabbit. Now the representatives of the breed serve more as decorative pets than hunting companions. Due to the modest size of animals, they are sometimes called dwarf animals. But this is not entirely true, since dwarf dachshunds are a separate species.
Breed history
Rabbit dachshund was bred in Germany for hunting. Representatives of the breed are characterized by short legs and a very elongated body. This physique allows the animal to be considered one of the most versatile useful breeds of hunting dogs. Dogs are equally good at working underground, on land and on water.
Rabbit dachshund (photo is given in the article) is considered a very ancient breed. The exact time of its appearance is still unknown. Some experts suggest that dogs, very similar to modern dachshunds, appeared in ancient Egypt. But other dog handlers believe that the breed appeared in the south of Germany. The first mention of it in this region dates from the beginning of the sixteenth century. The ancestors of animals are considered to be stunted German hounds, which were initially considered a breed marriage due to a disproportionate physique. But later, a similar flaw was rightly recognized as a virtue. Due to its physique, the rabbit dachshund is recognized as the best in burrow hunting. Such a title is worth a lot.
Animal species
One of the oldest German clubs for many decades has been breeding several varieties of the breed, which are distinguished by the quality of their wool and size. A total of nine species are present, each of which has its own standard.
Dachshunds are divided into standard, rabbit and dwarf. Rabbit, depending on the length of the coat, is represented by three species:
- Wirecoat.
- Shorthair, or Smooth.
- Longhair.
The official establishment of the breed occurred in Germany in the nineteenth century after a significant increase in the number of dachshunds. The first standard was adopted in 1870. Currently, the standard adopted in 1979 in Germany is used. Dachshunds deservedly take their place of honor in the popularity rating. They are incredibly widespread on all continents.
Breed breeding
To breed, breeders crossed simple dachshunds with pinchers. But the animals often had the muzzle of the latter, narrow breasts, high legs, were completely outrageous in hunting and had a nervous character. Therefore, in the future, it was decided to breed rabbit dachshunds, selecting the smallest representatives of the breed with good hunting qualities.
Only small individuals were involved in animal breeding. Breeders are faced with the problem of maintaining the correct proportions in dwarf dogs. And still managed to breed two breeds: rabbit and dwarf.
The small size of the animals was necessary for the dogs to work in rabbit holes. By the way, the breed is good for hunting not only rabbits, but also other animals that live in holes. But due to its modest size, the dachshund cannot defeat an adversary that exceeds it in size. Rabbit dachshund (photo is given in the article) is also used for hunting on the surface of the earth.
She takes the track well and pushes the animals with her voice, indicating to the owner the location of the prey. But such a hunt with dachshunds is not worth it, because the animal has a predisposition to diseases of the back, leading to paralysis.
In addition to hunting rabbits, the dachshund can take on the function of retrievers, looking for game on the water and in the thicket. Representatives of the breed are able to swim and calmly relate to water. Therefore, they can be used for water hunting. Dachshunds hunt for proteins no worse than ordinary rabbits. But for this you will have to train rabbit dachshund puppies, starting from 7-9 months. According to statistics, only 30% of dogs are used for hunting purposes. Most dogs are bred for decorative purposes. Well, representatives of the breed also cope with watchdog functions, since their barking is heard from afar.
Rabbit Dachshund: Breed Description
Representatives of the breed are considered the tiniest. The breast volume of its representatives is only 30 centimeters, and the weight does not exceed 3.5 kg. Animals are characterized by short legs and a muscular long body. Dog paws are very strong and strong, which allows dogs to jump out of the hole of rabbits. Dachshunds have highly developed fingers with thick claws. The hind limbs are smaller than the front.
Proud posture gives the animal a funny look. The head of animals is elongated and elongated to the nose. The muscular neck smoothly passes into the shoulders. Animals have 42 teeth. Jaws strong with a bite of the type "blunt scissors." The eyes are set wide; they can be blue or dark. Ears of medium length hang down. Their unusual length is associated with fitness for hunting. They prevent dirt from entering the auricle while hunting in burrows.
The skin of dogs is elastic and wrinkled. Squat body with powerful chest. In animals, the stomach is perfectly matched. Males reach 12-15 centimeters in height, and females 10-13 centimeters. The hairline depends on the subspecies of the breed, as animals can be short-haired and long-haired. Rabbit dachshunds (photo is given in the article) are very mobile dogs.
Subspecies
As we have already mentioned, there are several subspecies of the rabbit dachshund: smooth-haired, long-haired and wire-haired. All of them differ in the structure of the coat. Long-haired rabbit dachshunds (photo is given in the article) have wavy hair. It reaches the greatest length on the hind legs, on the ears, under the neck, on the chest. But at the same time, the whole body cannot be covered with long hair. At the same time, it should not be too curly.
Smooth-haired rabbit dachshund has a short and shiny coat. But the coat is not stiff. The coarsest hair is the coarsest pile, since it has downfills. Such dogs have a beard and eyebrows, unlike other subspecies. The tail in animals is also densely covered with hair.
Animal character
Representatives of the rabbit breed of dachshunds from childhood have a soft and friendly character. They perfectly adapt to each member of the family. Dogs are very curious and intelligent, at the same time they do not tolerate rudeness. Dwarf and rabbit dachshunds are milder. They are incredibly hardy and viable, their nervous system is stable. Pets are very fond of active walks and games with elements of hunting tasks. Even the smallest little dogs are very brave and courageous. They have a very developed self-esteem. Dogs are real mischievous people. They are able to cheer up everyone around. Dachshunds are incredibly affectionate, but at the same time jealous. Animals easily adapt to urban conditions. Dogs can walk into the tray without forcing the owners to go out each time. But do not forget that animals really need long walks and love them. Dachshunds get along well not only with all family members, but also with other pets.
With improper upbringing, animals become extremely stubborn and naughty. If the pet is guilty, it cannot be punished physically, because the dog will hate you. It will be more correct to ignore the animal for some time. The playful nature of the dog does not stand the indifference of the owners, so this will be the best lesson. It is necessary to train a pet at the age of a puppy.
Pet care
Dachshunds are undemanding in care. Nevertheless, some points need to be monitored. Puppies must be vaccinated before the age of two months. And after a couple of weeks do a booster shot. The next vaccination is done after the teeth have changed in the animal (approximately at the age of 6-7 months). Only ten days after the procedure, you can go for walks. Despite the fact that dogs are extremely active, it is necessary to avoid jumping so that the vertebrae do not move.
The main question asked by the owners is how to feed the dog? Rabbit dachshund prefers natural food. Animals love dairy products, cereals, meat and vegetables. It is better to give meat products at night, then they are much better absorbed. Dogs should not be overfed.
Caring for your pet's fur is very simple. Longhair and wire-haired dog must be combed with a brush and wiped with a terry towel. After walking, the legs are wiped with a damp cloth, and the body is washed in warm water under a shower. Full bathing of animals with shampoo is rarely necessary. Detergent is selected depending on the type of coat. Very small puppies at the age of 4-5 months are not recommended to bathe.
The eyes of dogs require special attention. If you notice that mucus appears in the corners in the morning, it must be removed with cotton wool soaked in tea. Dachshund ears must be inspected daily. If sulfur has appeared, it must be removed with a cotton swab treated with hydrogen peroxide or boric alcohol.
You can not poke too deep into the auricle so that you do not inadvertently injure the animal. If your dog does not like ear cleaning, you can use cleansing ear drops.
Dachshund care includes trimming the tips of the claws. The procedure requires accuracy of execution. To carry out it will have to purchase a clipper. Adult animals grind their claws on asphalt on their own.
Animal diseases
Like other hunting breeds, dachshunds have excellent health. And yet the breed is subject to certain ailments. Most often, dogs have problems with the spine. Therefore, the concern of the pet must be perceived as a signal for action. If the animal takes unusual postures, you should immediately contact your veterinarian. Excessive procrastination can turn a dog into a cripple.
Puppies with a lack of minerals and vitamins are prone to the development of osteoporosis. Dachshunds may also have diseases associated with skin dystrophy. Dogs are prone to obesity, eye ailments, epilepsy and ear diseases. Regular visits to the vet will allow you to avoid trouble.
Puppy acquisition
You can buy a pet in nurseries and by ads. The first option is the most preferable. Now on the Internet you can find many forums in which people share information and expose photos of puppies and his parents. Before buying, you need to choose what type of fee you want to purchase. It is definitely worth analyzing the reviews of people who contain such a dog.
Sometimes potential customers get to know the breeders and order a puppy from the next mating. In Moscow, a rabbit fee can be purchased for 300-800 dollars. The cost of a puppy largely depends on the pedigree of the parents. The titled dogs that appear on the inserts give excellent offspring. But the cost of such a puppy will be considerable. But a pet-class pet can be purchased much cheaper.
Who should use a dachshund?
Small dachshunds were originally bred for hunting, but now most of the people have these pets as fun companions. Dogs easily adapt to any conditions. It is easy to characterize people who suit such a pet. The owner must be active and easy to lift in order to provide the animal with the necessary loads. Dogs get along well with everyone. They find a common language with children. For the youngest children, the dachshund will become a protector and a nanny. The dog will not let anyone get bored, for which representatives of the breed are appreciated.
Fakes
Puppies should be purchased only in kennels with good reviews. Very often, buyers are deceived by selling at all the kind that people pay for. Sometimes, under the guise of a rabbit breed, buyers are handed a dwarf look. Or they can even sell the most ordinary rate, recommending less to feed it. This is what dishonest breeders do. You can’t make a miniature dog out of a normal dog by reducing its diet, you can only harm your health, because the puppy must receive good nutrition and develop well. With insufficient feeding, the dog will never grow up healthy. Even if you fall for the tricks and buy not a miniature breed, but a standard one, you should not worry. The main thing is that your pet is healthy and full of strength. With its merry disposition, any dachshund will bring fun and laughter to the house. You certainly won't have to miss such a fun friend.
Reviews of breeders
Owners of rabbit dachshunds leave positive reviews about the breed. People say that the animal has a very friendly and peaceful character. Pets are incredibly smart and smart. They get along well with all members of the family and even with other animals. Dog owners very quickly find a common language, becoming a best friend. Breeders believe that the cute appearance of dachshunds is the best characteristic of her character.
Sometimes animals can show their character and stubbornness. But this rarely happens. In addition, negative traits are quickly corrected by education and training. It doesn’t matter which subspecies to choose - with long, short or stiff hair - in any case, you get a faithful friend who will thank you for your love and attention. Even if you are far from hunting, rabbit dachshund will be a good companion for you. Well, for hunters of small game the best assistant is not to be found. Due to their versatility, dogs can walk on different small animals.