Here are a few fun, interesting, and useful facts you may not have known about dachshunds!
Dachshunds were bred to be hunting dogs.
Dachshunds were originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers! Their name is actually a combination of two German words- "dachs" meaning badger and "hund" meaning dog.
Their short legs and low stature allowed them to follow scents more easily, while their narrow bodies allowed them to squirm down inside the badger's burrow.
Although your Doxie probably isn't doing a lot of hunting now, his built-in prey drive should explain his instant desire to chase any fast-moving, furry critter or object he sees!
During World War I and the postwar years, the American Kennel Club called them "Liberty Hounds" or "Badger Dogs," instead of Dachshunds, in an effort to dissociate the breed from its German origins.
Over their 600-year history, they've been bred and trained to hunt and track a variety of different prey. Who knew these little sweeties could be so fierce and brave?
Dachshunds were bred in two sizes for practical reasons.
Dachshunds were bred in two sizes because each size served a purpose.
Standard size dachshunds (11 to 35 pounds) were used for scenting and flushing out badgers and boars.
Mini dachshunds (up to 11 pounds) are the most common size seen in the US today. They were used for hunting smaller animals like rabbits and prairie dogs.
In Europe, they also breed dachshunds in a third size that falls somewhere between a mini and standard. These mid-sized dogs are affectionately called "Tweenies."
Dachshunds come in three coat types.
Many people don't realise that Dachshunds come in three coat types, too. Most of us readily recognize the most common smooth-coated Doxies, but there's also a longhaired and wirehaired version, too.
All three types meet the breed standard in the UK and the US and are completely acceptable in the show ring.
Dachshunds are big eaters, despite their small stature.
These little hounds love to eat!
Unfortunately, their tendency to eat everything you put in front of them, along with their short stature and long bodies, makes obesity a huge problem for this breed.
We reached out to experts at Bond Vet, specialists in online veterinarian help, and they told us that even an extra pound or two can significantly shorten your dachshund's life and contribute to a host of joint and back problems.
So, don't overfeed your dachshund and take it easy on the treats, no matter how hard he begs you with those adorable puppy eyes!
Dachshunds are more than just lapdogs, they're natural athletes.
Sure, they're happy to sit in your lap and soak up a good cuddle, but don't make the mistake of thinking your dachshund wouldn't enjoy a good run, too!
People often assume that little dogs aren't capable of, or don't need much exercise, but that would be incorrect when it comes to these little guys.
Dachshunds are quite athletic by nature and they have boundless amounts of stamina and energy.
Of course, if they spend their life on the couch, they won't be in any kind of shape to take on any strenuous exercise.
But, if you provide them with an active life, you'll probably be surprised at how much they can and want to do. Your dachshund could even be your ideal hiking buddy or agility partner!
Dachshunds have a long lifespan.
If you're a proud Doxie mum or dad, you'll be happy to know that Dachshunds have a long lifespan.
On average, their life expectancy is 15-16 years, but it's not at all unusual for them to live much longer.
In fact, the oldest dachshund on record is Rocky, who lived to be more than 25 years old. That's 175 dog years!
Dachshunds can be prone to a hereditary disc disease and other back problems.
Sadly, obesity isn't the only health problem that's common in dachshunds. They're also prone to a genetic disc disease called Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD).
The disease causes the discs in the dog's back and neck to rupture, leading to pain, debilitation, and even paralysis.
Dachshunds are also more prone to back injuries and disc degeneration in old age, due to their longer spines, deep chests, and tendency to be overweight.
Owning a Doxie means facing the likelihood of back issues since there's no way to test for the genes that cause them. The best thing you can do is prevent obesity and walk with a harness to help avoid these issues.
Reducing high impact activities is also key because something as simple as jumping out of your arms or jumping off the bed could be catastrophic for these little guys.
Most importantly, watch your dog closely for signs of back issues and act quickly if it happens. Treatments often include crate rest, supplements, hydrotherapy, physical therapy, pain medication, and anti-inflammatories.
Dachshunds are fantastic watch dogs.
Of course, dachshunds are loving and loyal to their family but don't underestimate their desire to hunt and raise a ruckus when something's amiss.
They can be quite aggressive toward other animals and humans they don't know. And, they have a much bigger bark than you might expect from such a small dog.
Unfortunately, sometimes it seems that they simply enjoy hearing themselves bark, which could lead to issues with your neighbours.
The first Olympic mascot was a Dachshund.
The official mascot of the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich was a brightly colored dachshund called "Waldi." This was the first time there was a mascot for the Olympic games, and officials even plotted the marathon route to match the shape of the little hound dog.
By this point, you probably won't be surprised to hear that Dachshunds are now one of the most popular dog breeds in the world. In fact, according to AKC stats, they went from being ranked number 28 after WWI to being ranked number six by 1940. They're stayed incredibly popular ever since and in 2019, they were holding steady at the 11th most popular dog breed in the US out of 193 recognised breeds.
Written by Nicole McCray
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