Dachshund: photo of the dog and description of the breed, character

Characteristics

Brief information

History of the breed

Images of this breed of dogs were found on the territory of ancient Egypt on the frescoes of the fourth millennium BC.uh. It comes from ancient hunting hounds. Hunters needed helper pets that could not only run fast, but also crawl into narrow underground prey burrows. It was these dogs that German dog breeders managed to breed. They were originally called “beaver dogs” and were used to hunt beavers, otters and badgers. The breed was most widespread by the middle of the 17th century, becoming popular with burghers who were fond of burrow hunting.

The official name of the breed in German sounds like “dachshund”, that is, “badger dog”, and indicates its main purpose.

At the beginning of the 20th century, these dogs became popular in Germany as decorative pets and were considered a symbol of prosperity.

This breed came to Russia during the reign of Anna Ioannovna in the 17th century. “Badgers” or “shooter dogs”, as they were called, were perceived rather as companion dogs.

Today, the breed has several variable varieties in two directions: decorative and working.

Character

Dachshund is the oldest burrowing dog breed, the exact date of its appearance is unknown. These are quick-witted, energetic, gambling animals that are distinguished by independence, self-confidence and self-respect, bordering on stubbornness. Dachshunds are well versed in people and are categorical in their choice. Moreover, they remember their faces well, remember for a long time both resentment and praise. They are wary of strangers who violate their territory and personal space, but if they love, they will be true to the end. The standard dachshund is the oldest representative of the breed, which in the 19th century gave the beginning of miniature and rabbit dachshunds. When breeding rabbit and miniature dachshund, the breeders sought to preserve its hunting qualities, so the main character traits of all representatives of the breed are similar.

Dachshund description

The main external feature of dogs of this breed is an elongated body on short paws. In size, they are divided into three categories: standard, small and rabbit.

The head has an elongated wedgeshaped shape. Roundshaped hanging ears are located high on the back of the head and touch the cheeks. The nose is quite large, black or brown. Wideset brown eyes have an oval shape. Dogs of this breed have strong jaws and powerful teeth.

According to the type of wool, there are three varieties:

The color of the coat can be red, black, brown, gray or marbled.

Care

Wayward and rather cunning by nature, dachshunds need training, otherwise they and the owner will not be able to understand each other. Also, these dogs love to eat and always beg for a tidbit, so the owner must be persistent. In order for the coat of a smooth-haired and long-haired dachshund to be shiny and smooth, and for a wire-haired dachshund to be neat, it needs to be looked after. Wash at least 2 times a month, comb long hair.

Conditions of detention

Due to their small size, dachshunds live well both in the city and outside. To prevent obesity and to maintain mental health, the dachshund needs to play with it, run, engage in outdoor activities. The weak point of all dachshunds is their back, they cannot jump from a height.

Diseases

These dogs rarely get sick. However, there are two genetic diseases that are unique to this breed. At an early age, they may show a “swimmer effect”, when puppies cannot stand on their paws and crawl, helplessly moving their limbs, as if in water. Usually the defect goes away by itself and does not pose a threat to the health of the pet.

A more dangerous disease is intervertebral disc dysplasia. Occurs due to body structure in adults (5-7 years old) and can lead to paralysis. It is important to monitor the moderation of physical activity of the animal.

In the tap of rare cases, epilepsy and papillary-pigrant dystrophy of the skin may occur.