We’ve all heard the names for the dachshund breed: Weiner dog, hotdog, sausage dog, and my personal favorite, the Tootsie Roll dog. These dogs are known for their incredibly short legs, long body, and huge ego. They are however, an intriguing breed; here’s a brief look into the history and basic facts about these wannabe dominant dachshunds.
Scholars are not quite sure where the dachshund breed originated. There are carvings in ancient Egyptian pyramids of short-legged hunting dogs that resemble today’s dachshund breed. The first references in literature to dachshunds were composed in the early 18th century; this was most likely when the breed gained stability and popularity in the European culture. Dachshunds were often used for exterminating badgers and were used in fox and rabbit hunting. Because of their build, dachshunds are able to dig into burrows and holes and intimidate the animals living in them to come out, allowing the hunters to catch their prey. Also, among nobility, hunting with packs of dachshunds was enjoyed as a daily sporting event.
These dogs are small in size, yet their ego and personality tells us that they seem to think they are bigger and more commanding than they actually are. Depending on the breed of dachshund, their height ranges from 12-18 inches tall, and they can weigh anywhere from 8-20 lbs. These dogs can have a short coat, wired coat, or longhaired coat. Their coloring varies as well; some are black with tan touches, while others have a deep reddish brown tone. They have long backs, which sometimes cause spinal issues as they age, because they do not have much support for their back. They have a robust chest and powerful little legs, and they have a triangle shaped face and ears that add to their intriguing physique.
The dachshund temperament is extremely amiable. They are affectionate, loving, bold, and they love to play. These dogs are excellent for children because they are small (not intimidating) and they have an affinity for children and they run after a flying tennis ball with great zeal. Dachshunds sometimes tend to bark, but with good training, their barking is possible to overcome. Dachshunds are also very curious and mischievous, so be sure not to leave any wrappers lying around, candy in a purse that is accessible, or anything that just might seem interesting to eat. Dachshunds will go for almost any type of food that falls on the floor, so make sure you snatch it up quickly before they have a chance to. They also love to cuddle up next to you on the couch, and sometimes they are known to keep inching closer and closer…before you know it, you are on the other side of the couch!
This breed is cute, cuddly, and lots of fun. They are strong, energetic, playful, and generally love children. Though they act like they are full-sized dogs and believe they are the big boss, it doesn’t take much to show them who is really in charge. If you decide to own a dachshund, you will be pleased, and they are great starter pets for young families. You’ll enjoy having a fun little friend running around!
This article was written by the authors at pet-super-store.com which is an online pet shop featuring pet supplies including: shock collars, wall mount pet doors, and elevated dog feeders.