Dachshund Dog Breed Overview
One of the most searched dog breeds on the internet, Dachshund belongs to the small size dog. Also known as Bassotto, this breed was discovered first in Germany. The average lifespan of this dog breed is 12-15 years and is associated with the Hound Dogs Group.
| Dog Breed Name: | Dachshund |
|---|---|
| Other Names: | Bassotto |
| Size: | small size dog |
| Average Height: | Toy: 12 inches (30 cm)Standard: 8-11 inches (20-27 cm), Miniature: 5-7 inches (13-18 cm) |
| Average Weight: | Toy: 8-11 pounds (3.5-5.0 kg)Standard: 16-32 pounds (7-15 kg), Miniature: 12 pounds (5.5 kg) |
| Energy: | average energy level |
| Origin: | Germany |
| Group: | Hound Dogs |
| Life Span: | 12 to 15 years |
| Dog Breed Overview: | The Dachshund was created in Germany where he was known as the badger dog, dachs meaning badger and hund meaning dog. Illustrations of dogs resembling Dachshunds date to the 15th century, and documents from the 16th century mention the "earth dog," "badger creeper," and "dachsel." Badger wasn't the Dachshund's only prey. He was also used on den animals such as foxes, and packs of Dachshunds trailed wild boar. Those early Dachshunds varied greatly in size. The dogs used on badgers and boar weighed 30 to 35 pounds. Dachshunds used to hunt foxes and deer weighed 16 to 22 pounds, and smaller 12-pound Dachshunds hunted hares and weasels. For a brief time in the early 20th century, 5-pound Dachshunds were used to bolt cottontail rabbits.Known as the Teckel in Germany, the breed was refined over the course of many years by German foresters in the 18th and 19th centuries. They wanted to develop a fearless, elongated dog that could dig into badger burrows, and then go into the burrows to fight the badger to the death if necessary. The Smooths were the original type, created through crosses with the Braque, a small French pointing breed, and the Pinscher, a small terrier-type ratter. French Basset Hounds may also have played a role in the Dachshund's development. The long-coated Dachshunds were probably created through crosses with various spaniels and the wirehairs through crosses with terriers. Carefully sculpted through years of breeding, today the Dachshund is the only AKC-recognized breed that hunts both above and below ground. Their short, powerful legs enabled Dachshunds to go deep into narrow tunnels to pursue their prey. Their long, sturdy tails, extending straight from the spine, provided hunters with a "handle" to pull the Dachshund out of the burrow. The Dachshund's unusually large and paddle-shaped paws were perfect for efficient digging. The Smooth Dachshund's loose skin wouldn't tear as the dog traversed into tight burrows. Their deep chest with ample lung capacity gave them the stamina to hunt, and their long noses enabled them to be good scent hounds. Even their deep, loud bark had a reason - so the hunter to locate his dog after it had gone into a burrow. |
| Colours: | Blue,Red,White,Tan,Brown,Silver,Black |
| Temperament: | Clever,Devoted,Playful,Courageous,Lively,Stubborn |
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Dachshund Dog Breed Price
Dachshunds from regular breeders cost you from $500 to $700 per puppy.
Dachshund Dog Breed Size
The Dachshund varies in size: males are normally about Toy: 12 inches (30 cm) Standard: 8-11 inches (20-27 cm), Miniature: 5-7 inches (13-18 cm) and around Toy: 8-11 pounds (3.5-5.0 kg) Standard: 16-32 pounds (7-15 kg), Miniature: 12 pounds (5.5 kg)
Dachshund Dog Breed Temperament
dachshunds are known for their courageous nature and will take on animals much larger than themselves. Some may be aggressive toward strangers and other dogs. As family dogs, dachshunds are loyal companions and good watchdogs. They are good with children if treated well.
Dachshund Dog Breed Lifespan
The average lifespan for a Dachshund is 12 to 15 years. That’s because these are medium-sized dogs with a good mix of genes in their blood.
Interesting Facts about Dachshund Dog
- Dachshunds are intelligent dogs with an independent nature and playful spirit. Because of this, they can be mischievous. Be patient, firm, and consistent when training them.
- Because they were bred for hunting, they can exhibit some behaviors that are related to that. They were designed to dig into badger burrows, and that instinct may lead them to dig up your dahlias instead. They were bred to be tenacious in the hunt, and this instinct may lead them to be relentless in pestering you for a treat. They were bred to not only hunt but kill their prey; in your household, the “prey” most likely will be your Dachshund ‘s toys and he will effectively “kill” them one after the other.
- Dachshunds can be stubborn and difficult to housebreak. Crate-training is recommended.
- Dachshunds have loud, deep barks for a dog their size – and they do like to bark!
- If you don’t watch out, your Dachshund can become fat and lazy, which will put more strain on his fragile back. Be sure to monitor your Dachshund ‘s food intake and keep him at a healthy weight.
- Dachshunds are prone to having slipped disks in their backs, which can lead to partial or full paralysis. Don’t let them jump from high places, and when you hold them, support their backs.
- Your Dachshund will probably be a one-person dog. By nature, he can be suspicious of strangers, so it’s important to socialize him when he is a puppy.
- To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store.
FAQ’s on Dachshund Dog
Are Dachshund Dangerous Dogs? Are Dachshunds naturally aggressive?
Dachshunds are known for their courageous nature and will take on animals much larger than themselves. Some may be aggressive toward strangers and other dogs. As family dogs, dachshunds are loyal companions and good watchdogs. They are good with children if treated well.
Are Dachshunds smart?
Yes, Dachshunds are a highly intelligent dog breed.
Are Dachshunds trainable?
They are highly trainable, have the ability to learn complicated tasks, and perform excellently as search and rescue dogs.
Can a Dachshund attack its owner?
No, Dachshunds are a highly loyal breed. If this ever occurs it is due to poorly raising and socializing the dog and would be a very rare instance.
Another reason can be if the owner is interacting with a sexually charged up dog or a dog who does not consider the handler as a superior. Many Dachshund breeders invite Dachshund males into their kennel for mating. These males are in a new place and handled by new dog handlers. Instances of attacks on humans are possible in such a scenario. If you have brought a male Dachshund for breeding, be aware that you are not the master in the dog’s eyes.
Do Dachshunds kill people?
No, Even when raised improperly, Dachshund will not kill a person. When they attack, it is due to them being raised and socialized improperly by the owner. The reason that they can hurt people more than most other dog breeds is the fact that they have strong jaws and have a bad reputation due to which victims are in shock.
Do Dachshunds have locking jaws?
No, they do not have locking jaws.
Are Dachshunds safe to keep with kids?
The good news is, Dachshunds can be a great breed for families with kids. As with any breed, every dog is different and you’ll always want to supervise interactions between your pets and young children.
At what age is a Dachshund fully grown?
Dachshunds will be fully grown before their first birthday. Most Dachshunds pups will reach their adult weight and height around eight months old. They may continue to fill out slightly, but their growth rate will slow down significantly around this time.
When does a Dachshund mature?
Dachshunds will be fully grown before their first birthday. Most Dachshunds pups will reach their adult weight and height around eight months old. They may continue to fill out slightly, but their growth rate will slow down significantly around this time.
How long does a Dachshund live?
A Dachshund can live anywhere from 12 to 15 years.
