Dachshund - The "Wiener Dog" Breed Description
by Josh Emsley
Dachshund Lying on Animal Print Blanket Photographic Print
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Dachshunds originated in Germany and are known to have existed as
far back as the 16th century. Dachshunds were bred to hunt badgers,
wild boar and other types of small animals. In German, Dachs
means badger and Hund means dog, showing the emphasis the
breeding pattern had on the hunting of the badger.
Dachshunds have a fearless kind of attitude about them handed
down from their ancestry of hunting. The original breed was quite
large compared to the CKC/AKC standards of today, averaging 30 to 40
pounds. Eventually this size was branched off into smaller
categories for individual hunting of smaller prey such as a fox or
rabbit.
Dachshunds are unique in that they were used to actually hunt
their prey under ground, following it into its hole - killing and
retrieving it for their reward.
Today you will find two sizes of Dachshunds, the miniature and
the standard. According to the
Canadian Kennel Club and
American Kennel
Club "miniatures are not a separate classification but
compete in a class division for "11 pounds and under at 12 months of
age and older." Weight of the standard size is usually between 16
and 32 pounds."
There are three varieties to the coat that a Dachshund is bred
with:
- Smooth
- Wire-haired
- Long-haired
The Dachshund is known for its huge variance in patterns and
colours of coat - an explanation of which could be a lengthy
discussion on its own. The two most common colours - popularized by
modern day TV and books are the red(most popular) and the black and
tan.
Dachshunds have enjoyed immense popularity over the years
resulting in both the good and bad that comes with this. The only
time that Dachshunds have fell into a lack of popularity was during
World War I, when the Dachshund was used as a symbol of the Germans
in Allied propaganda material.
Overall the Dachshund is a clever courageous dog that has added
to humanities existence in uncountable ways. They have a unique
personality that leans towards fierce loyalty and fearless
friendliness, often leaving dogs of larger stature taken aback.
About the Author
For more information on this breed, check out the
Dachshund
Info, Pictures and Puppies at
BullandHund |
