Dachshunds as Pets

The Dachshund or weiner dog as they as lovinglythe wire-haired is the least common. There are many
referred in one of the more distinctive appearing dogcolor variations in the breed with the most dominate
breeds available. This clever and lively short-leggedbeing red and black-and-red. Other kennel club
dog knows how to win over hearts of peoplerecognized colors are cream, blue, chocolate brown,
eveywhere.fawn, brindle, piebald, and light red. The dog also
The name Dachshund literally translates from Germancomes in a solid black or solid chocolate brown, but
to mean badger dog. This is because the breed isthese are not recognized variations and are
known for its use exterminating badgers by beingdisqualified from competitions.
the right size to flush them from there burrows. TheThe Dachshund breed has a very complicated
dog was also used for rabbit and fox hunting, locatingpersonality which can make the animal a challenge to
wounded deer, and even to participate in boar hunts.own for some people. Overall the dog is has a fun,
The first documentation of the Dachshund comesplayful personality with a great fondness for chasing
from the mention of them in a book in the earlytennis balls. The breed is also known for devotion and
1700's. Over time the dog has become a symbol ofloyalty which also makes it prone for seperation
Germany, and this led to a decline in their popularityanxiety. This causes the dog to whine excessively
during World War I. The Roaring Twenties sawand chew on items in the home to relief stress. The
popularity start to make a comeback, with the heightDachshund also has a tendency to dig holes in yards
for them being a mascot named Waldi for the 1972amd they can be wonderful watchdogs. For some
summer Olympics.individuals the stubborn tendency of the breed make
The general appearance of the Dachshund includesthem a challenge to train and if raised improperly
the long-bodied, short-legged, and prominent pointythey can become agressive and fearful.
nose. They also come in three recognized sizes withThe biggest health risk to the dog is intervertebral
weight being the difference beween the types. Thedisk disease, this is caused by the longer than usual
standard Dachshund averages sixteen tospine combined with a short rib cage. This condition is
twenty-eight pounds, while the miniature usuallyhereditary in nature and many breeders are working
weighs less than eleven pounds, and the karichento rid the breed of this genetic problem. To avoid this
weighs in at seven to nine pounds.disease the dog should always be held properly, they
The coat of a Dachshund can come in a variety ofshould also be encouraged not to make big jumps
colors and in three different textures. The coatfrom furniture or stairs, and at all times they should
textures are smooth, wirehaired, and longhaired; withbe the optimal weight as obesity can worsen the
the smooth-coated being the most common whileeffects.