El hot dog It is an ideal dog for any family, to whom it will give affection daily whenever it can. It can live without problems in a flat and, although physical activity is very important for all dogs, it is true that these furry dogs do not need to do as much sport as they do, for example, an Australian shepherd.
But, what is the origin of these dogs? What are the breeds of dachshund? And what is more important, What care do they require? We will talk about all this and much more in this special.
Dachshund breed
Although it is usually believed that there is more than one breed of dachshund, since there are several that resemble it, the reality is that there is only one: the dachshund, teckel or tejero dog in Spanish. These dogs are characterized by having a extremely long back and very short legs in relation to your body. This is a breed originally from Germany, where it was used above all for hunting, since its function was to enter the dens of rabbits, foxes and of course badgers.
The dachshund is one of the most sought after dogs, a popularity that is mainly due to the fact that it has always been a favorite of noble people, including Queen Victoria. From the year 1888, which is when the breed club was founded in Germany, every year there are many specimens that gather with their owners to celebrate various events dedicated to dachshunds.
Characteristics of the dachshund
Classification
Dachshunds are long and low in shape, with a long tail and a stretched snout. Their ears are long and drooping. The legs are short, and they have black nails. They can be classified according to size and according to hair length:
Sorting according to size
- Standard: It reaches 35cm in the rib cage, and weighs between 6 and 9kg.
- Dwarf or miniature: the thoracic circumference is 30-35cm, and it weighs at most 4kf.
- Rabbits: It measures up to 30cm in chest circumference, and its weight is 3,5kg or less.
Classification according to hair length
- Short hair: the coat should be thick, shiny, smooth, and well attached to the body.
- Long hair: the coat is composed of an outer layer of smooth and shiny hair. In the neck and in the lower part of the body it lengthens, and protrudes in the ears. The tail is very hairy.
- Hard hair: These dogs have the undercoat of hair all over their bodies - except that of the muzzle, eyebrows and ears - mixed with the outer coat of coarse and thick hair.
Dachshund colors
Regardless of the variety, only these colors are accepted:
Unicolor dogs
The one-colored dachshunds, they can only have red, red-yellow, yellow hair, with or without black mottling.
Bicolor dogs
Dogs that have two-colored hair will be black or brown with spots the color of rusty red or yellow at the level of the eyes. These spots should not be very large.
Spotted dogs
Spotted dogs, that is, harlequins or brindle dogs, must have a dark base color, be it black, red or gray, but it should not predominate, but rather should be mixed with uneven stains gray or beige.
Dachshund character
Dachshund breeds have a reputation for having a very strong personality. They are animals a bit stubborn that they need someone who is very patient with them, who does not give in so easily to the wishes of the dog. But beware, this does not mean that you have to educate him by yelling or hitting him, ways, on the other hand, that have never served to teach a dog, regardless of the breed; Rather, it means that you have to be firm and constant, and if, for example, we decide that the dog cannot sleep on the sofa, then we will never let him sleep there. He may insist, but we must be strong and stand firm in this sense.
Another thing you should know is that, although as we said at the beginning you do not need to do as much exercise as a working dog, we do have to spend time with it and play with it every day. Despite its size, you can even practice agility, where it will surely have a great time with other dogs.
Dachshund health
This dog will be in very good health as long as it is taken to the vet from time to time to be checked. The most common diseases of this breed are:
- Intervertebral disc disease (IDD): Affected dogs feel very intense pain in the back, especially in the lower half and in the neck.
- Acanthosis nigricans: It is characterized by having a thick and dark skin.
- Hypothyroidism: disease characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones.
- Epilepsy: it is a problem that causes seizures and convulsions.
- Eye problems: like cataracts, glaucoma or progressive retinal atrophy, they are also very common in dachshunds.
Dachshund Curiosities
When talking about such a curious dog, a Curiosities section could not be missing. There are a series of "rules" that must be met so that the dog can live 15-17 years of happy life by your side, and they are:
Avoid being overweight
Obesity is a very serious problem for all dogs, but especially for this breed, since having short limbs, they can have difficulties walking, running and even breathing. A) Yes, you have to give him only the amount of food he needs (200 grams per day), and spend some time playing with it every day.
Catch it properly
So that your back does not suffer, your arm should be placed under your body, holding it. In this way, unnecessary risks will not be taken.
It does not have to be allowed to go down or up stairs
In doing so, your spine can be injured, and as the dog gets older, the injuries can get worse. So, if you live in a house with stairs, it is highly recommended put up a barrier so that you cannot access them.
Dachshund Price
The price of dachshunds is around 400-500 euros, always bought from a serious and professional breeder. To distinguish these from those who are only interested in money, rather than the maintenance and care of the breed, here are a series of recommendations:
- The facilities must be clean.
- The one in charge must answer to all your questions.
- Dogs must be well taken care of, with clean and fresh food and water.
- You should to be able to be with the parents of your future new partner.
- The puppy will not be given to you when it is less than two months old.
- On the day of delivery, he will give it to you with the passport and pedigree papers.
So, if you are looking for an intelligent, slightly rebellious but very affectionate companion, the dachshund is for you .