Types of dachshunds - what they are, breed varieties with photos and names

The Dachshund is an amazing dog with an unusual, recognizable appearance and high intelligence. Her short-legged, elongated body often evokes affection. This is an intelligent, active and cheerful animal that has become a favorite of many dog ​​breeders. Dachshunds are hunting breeds, but they easily get along in a city apartment, becoming a companion and devoted friend. Many who are charmed by the intelligent, attentive look of this dog want to have such a pet. But before you do this, you need to study the characteristics of the breed, the advantages and disadvantages of the dachshund, and the nuances of caring for it.

Breed traits

Breed traits (on a 5-point scale)

This breed is often compared to the following dog breeds: Jack Russell Terrier, Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Miniature Pinscher, Beagle, English Cocker Spaniel.

Key points in training

Training Dachshunds is a simple task, despite the fact that dogs are stubborn and willful. Education must begin from childhood, when the puppy can easily be taught the rules. The dog must clearly understand the hierarchy in the family: do not jump on the owner’s furniture, sleep in its place, do not eat from the hands of strangers, do not beg, enter the house after the owner.

After the pet remembers the name and daily schedule, it can be taught commands. Representatives of the breed need to know the basic vocal and sound signals:

• "It is forbidden"
• "Near";
• "Place";
• "To me";
• "Voice";
• "Quiet";
• "Fas."

In order for the owner to be able to control the animal, the execution of commands must be honed to perfection.

You cannot use harsh methods: beat the animal, insult, humiliate. Dachshunds are not only touchy, but can also become aggressive and bitter. Simple motivation with goodies and toys will do, and as punishment - a stern look, ignoring, deprivation of treats.

If a dog is taken for hunting purposes, then it should be raised by special dog handlers. They will instill tolerance and obedience in the pet, awaken instincts, and teach them not to tear prey, but to bring it.

Read about how to properly train a dog in the article: “Training a puppy: effective methods from dog handlers, learning commands at home.”

The puppy needs to be properly socialized. To do this, he is introduced to other pets and people, taken to crowded places, and trained in dog clubs. A poorly socialized pet will be aggressive or timid.

General characteristics of the dachshund

The dachshund is a long, short-legged dog. Its charm and attractive face make it one of the most popular breeds. She has been on the top lists for many years. This is a smart, agile dog with an intelligent, attentive look and small size. She is not picky about her contents and is devoted to her owner.

Characteristics of representatives of the breed.

Why this breed is so popular can be seen in the photographs.

Dachshund

Dachshund in a jump

Dachshund face

There are several features and interesting facts that distinguish Dachshund dogs from others.

• She was bred for burrow hunting. Among all hunting dogs, this is the smallest. But she is strong, resilient, smart and can make her own decisions. Can hunt badgers and hares.
• Hunting instincts are very strong, so you only need to walk your pet on a leash. Otherwise, he will rush after all small animals and birds. Although these dogs are usually friends with other pets.
• This dog has very strong paws and loves to dig. Therefore, when keeping a private house in the yard, it is better not to leave your pet unattended.
• Representatives of the breed are characterized by a high life expectancy. They live on average 15 years. There are many long-lived dachshunds who have lived longer than 20 years.
• The dachshund dog became the first mascot of the Olympic Games. Even the marathon route resembled the outline of her body.
• This dog is very gluttonous. He eats as much as they give and asks for more. Because of this, representatives of the breed are prone to weight gain.
• Dachshunds are restless and big fans of jumping. But due to the nature of their structure, they are prone to injury. Therefore, you should not allow them to jump from a height or stand on their hind legs.
• The Dachshund is a very sociable dog. She needs constant attention. She is very loyal and loves her owner, but she needs to reciprocate.

pros

The main advantage of this breed is that dachshunds are very smart. They quickly understand what is required of them and easily adapt to any situation. The dachshund is suitable for keeping in a private house or in a city apartment. This is an ideal pet for older people who can give it attention. Several positive qualities explain why dog ​​breeders love the dachshund so much:

• Several varieties and different colors allow you to choose a dog you like;
• very smart, independent, have a strong personality;
• strongly attached to the owner, faithful and devoted;
• this is a cheerful, playful and affectionate pet;
• due to its small size, the dachshund does not require much space or serious physical activity;
• bravely rush to protect the owner;
• this is a good hunting dog;
• protects the house, responding to strange sounds;
• It does not require special care.

Minuses

Homebodies, inactive people, or those who are constantly away from home should not get a dachshund. These pets do not like to be left alone, they can become aggressive and noisy, and chew things. Dachshund dogs also have other disadvantages:

• often stubborn, like to dominate;
• difficult to train, obey only an authoritative owner;
• touchy;
• may be aggressive towards strangers;
• they bite painfully and can even bite the owner or family member;
• unclean;
• very noisy, can bark at any sound;
• if let off the leash, they will hunt small animals; in the village they can strangle poultry;
• Dachshunds are big eaters, so they are prone to obesity;
• often suffer from spinal diseases.

You can clearly see the breed, its advantages and interesting facts in the video.

Mating

A special characteristic of the breed is its long, non-standard body. Because of this specificity, animals need conditions. Therefore, for mating, it is recommended to invite a specialist who knows the positions in which the dogs will be comfortable.

If the pet is a breeder, then mating is carried out through a nursery or club, where a mate is selected for it. The owner fills out the form and receives a certificate. Later, the owners agree on the time and place of mating. The price is set by the owner of the dog. Usually, it is equal to one puppy or a percentage of its cost (2-3 puppies in a litter - 50%, 4 - 75%, etc.) . If the female is empty, mating is not paid for.

Dachshunds mature early. By 8-10 months, girls begin their first heat. But they are allowed to untie only by the age of 2. Days 13-15 of the third cycle are considered favorable; they can be determined by several criteria:

1. The loop turns from solid to loose;
2. The discharge becomes lighter in color and may contain blood;
3. The female becomes playful and invites the male with her tail.

Animals are dewormed within 2 weeks and checked for possible pathologies in a veterinary clinic. Pets must complement each other, that is, the shortcomings of one are compensated by the advantages of the other.

On the appointed day, the female is brought to the boy’s territory, where he will feel relaxed. The pets are walked together and given time to get to know each other. If the female is satisfied with everything, then she will allow the male to cage. Otherwise, you can try the next day or choose another male.

Sexual intercourse lasts from 10 to 20 minutes. At this time, Dachshunds are helped. The girl is held by the head and under the stomach, the boy is sent into a noose. For better balance, you can cover the dogs with pillows. Even if there was no castle, the female may be plump. Mating is repeated after 2 days. Pregnancy can be checked at veterinary ultrasound centers.

History of the breed

This oldest burrow breed originated in Germany. Although such short-legged dogs can be found in ancient Egyptian images. But they started breeding only in the 16th century in South Saxony. Ancient German hunting dogs – Brackets – took part in the breeding. These were hounds, and a new breed was bred to hunt badgers.

The dog turned out to be very smart, loyal, and hardy. Therefore, by the 17th century it became popular in Germany. It was convenient to keep it in your house or city apartment. Gradually the breed began to spread throughout Europe. At that time there was no single breeding line; different breeders paid attention to different qualities. Therefore, several types of dachshunds appeared. The breed standard was first adopted in 1870. The dachshund was recognized as a hunting burrowing dog and was placed in a separate group.

The first representatives of this breed appeared in Russia in the 18th century. But they became popular only a hundred years later. At that time, most people kept a dachshund as a pet. Although they also used it for burrow hunting. By the end of World War II, the breed was almost exterminated. But now they are the most popular and widespread pets all over the world.

Proper feeding

You can feed your dog natural or dry ready-made food. Her diet should include the following foods:

• meat and fish,
• cereals and cottage cheese,
• milk porridges, etc.

But whole milk should not be given to your pet, as it is not absorbed by his body.

It's important not to overdo it. The Dachshund's appetite is good, but the structure of its body requires dietary restrictions. These dogs are prone to obesity, which leads to severe stress on the spine and even paralysis.

Therefore, it is necessary to control her weight. At the slightest suspicion, a diet and consultation with a specialist is necessary.

Dachshund: types and types

According to modern classification, 9 varieties of the breed are officially recognized: 3 based on coat characteristics and 3 based on size.

Smooth-haired dachshund

This is the most common and ancient variety of the breed. There is a version that the smooth-haired dachshund was bred by crossing a pinscher and a basset hound. Its main features are a long, elongated body, short, hard hair that fits tightly to the skin. It is shiny, thick, up to 2 cm long. Skin lesions are noticeable on the paws.

The smooth-haired dog seems clumsy, but it is very active, playful, and has not lost its hunting skills. It is popular due to its high intelligence, independence and attractive appearance. Caring for this variety is simple - the wool can be easily wiped with a damp cloth.

Photo of the smooth-haired variety.

Smooth-haired dachshunds

Longhaired dachshund

After crossing smooth-haired dogs with cocker spaniels, a long-haired variety of dachshunds appeared. Its characteristic feature is its unusual coat. The coat and undercoat are also smooth and adhere well to the skin. It is especially long at the bottom of the tail. There are featherings on the paws, fringe on the ears and neck.

The long-haired dachshund is now popular as a decorative pet. It is rarely used for hunting. Their long, soft fur gets tangled quickly. But the beautiful appearance of these dogs is appreciated. Coat with a silky shine, smart eyes, big ears - many people like this.

Photo of the longhaired variety.

Longhaired dachshund

Wire-haired dachshund

This is the rarest variety of the breed. Just as smart and quick-witted, it differs from the standard dachshund only in its specific appearance. She has a hard, shaggy coat that looks like wire, and the undercoat is thick and dense. The hairs on the head become especially brittle. The eyebrows are bushy, and the muzzle appears square due to the characteristic beard and mustache.

The wire-haired dachshund appeared after crossing smooth-haired dachshunds with terriers. Therefore, they have improved hunting qualities. It is more often used for hunting than other varieties. The hard, dense fur does not get wet and protects the animal from sharp branches.

Photo of the wire-haired variety.

Wirehaired dachshund

Varieties of dachshunds by size

Dachshunds are small dogs, their weight does not exceed 9 kg, and their height at the withers is 27 cm. But there are several varieties in size.

• Standard rates are the most common. These are the dogs that can often be found in the city or countryside. They come in smooth-haired, wire-haired and long-haired varieties.
• The dwarf dachshund was bred for more efficient hunting, since the standard dachshunds could not fit into all holes. The parameter by which an animal is assigned to this group is not the size, but the volume of the sternum. For such small dachshunds it is 30-35 cm. Unlike standard representatives of the breed, they are more cunning, aggressive and intelligent.
• The rabbit dachshund was bred in the 19th century specifically to hunt rabbits. To do this, they crossed Toy Terriers and Small Pinschers. In order for the dog to crawl into the narrowest holes, we reduced its size. This mini dachshund weighs no more than 4 kg and has a chest circumference of up to 30 cm.

Dogs of the mini variety appear small even in comparison with other representatives of the breed.

Dachshund mini

Optimal diet

A balanced diet plays an important role in maintaining a healthy dachshund. When creating a menu, it is necessary to take into account that dogs have a high need for microelements from early childhood, since they are genetically affected by “dwarfism.”

The optimal menu should consist of natural, fresh products. Be sure to consume dairy products, meat and grains.

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If you are an active and active person, then a dachshund will perfectly complement your company.

Fast and energetic, she cannot sit in one place for a long time, but is always ready to guard and protect her owner.

Description of the dachshund dog

The Dachshund is the most recognizable breed in the world. Even those who are far from dog breeding know what it looks like. There are many jokes about her funny appearance: she is called “a sausage with legs” or “half a dog in height and one and a half dogs in length.” And the official description of the breed most often includes the following characteristics:

• long body;
• short legs;
• large floppy ears;
• elongated muzzle.

Breed standard

After the adoption of the first standard, the description of the breed did not change much. The modern standard was adopted in 2001.

The size of the dog depends on its variety. Typically, height at the withers ranges from 12 to 27 cm, chest girth up to 47 cm. Weight also depends on gender: males reach 9-12 kg, females up to 6-7 kg. Dwarf varieties weigh 7 and 6 kg, respectively, and rabbit varieties - 4 and 3.5 kg. But most often the size of this dog is determined not by height or weight, but by chest girth. For the rabbit variety it should be up to 30 cm, for the dwarf variety 30-35, for the standard variety - 35-47 cm.

Head

The head is graceful, proportional to the body, in the shape of a wedge. The muzzle is long, the stop is smooth. The nose is large, black or brown. The jaws are strong, the teeth are strong, the bite is scissor. The eyes are oval, wide-set, dark. All dachshunds have high ears. They are hanging, rounded at the ends.

Torso

The body is muscular, elongated. The neck is long and straight. The chest is wide and protruding. The line of the back slopes only slightly towards the croup. The lower back is flat, also long, the stomach is tucked. The dachshund's tail is of medium length, set low, the tip slightly curved upward.

Limbs

The limbs are very short, muscular, with wide, strong bones, located parallel. The front ones are a little crooked, which does not prevent this dog from running fast. They are slightly shorter than the rear ones and more powerful. The dachshund's paws are gathered into a ball, with well-defined pads and large, strong claws. With their help, the dog quickly digs deep holes.

The photographs show how unusual the dachshund looks.

Appearance of a dachshund

Dachshund colors

There are several most common colors. Black, red, brown, and two-color dachshunds are popular. Colors can be like this:

• red dachshunds have shades of fawn, dark, brownish or yellow;
• There are two-color colors - black with red, brown with gray, gray with yellow markings;
• brindle, spotted or marbled patterns combine the same standard shades.

White dachshunds are not recognized as a standard. Such albinos with light eyes and a pink nose are considered a deviation. And the wire-haired variety has its own color - boar.

The white dog looks unusual.

White dachshund

Interesting marble pattern in the color of the dog.

Marbled dachshund

Purchasing Tips

You can buy a Dachshund puppy at the market or through an advertisement without documents. Such a purchase is not expensive, but does not guarantee the purchase of a purebred dog.

Babies with a pedigree and documented documents confirming their belonging to the breed are much more expensive.

You can find out how much Dachshund puppies cost on Avito.ru and other ad sites. Purebred individuals have a price of no less than 20 thousand rubles.

If you do not plan to breed the breed or participate in exhibitions and competitions, then inexpensive options are quite suitable.

If you have big plans, then be sure to ask the seller for documents for the mother dog and the puppy.

In addition, carefully examine the animal for diseases. The Dachshund dog is little susceptible to disease, but poor care and heredity can affect its health.

Our pets can either make or spoil our lives. Therefore, when purchasing an animal, especially a dog, you need to find more information and carefully weigh your options.

Character

This is a very kind, smart dog. That's why single people and families with children start it. But her specialty is that she is a hunting dog. Even the mini varieties were bred not for the sofa, but for hunting rabbits. Due to this origin, adult dachshunds have several specific character traits.

• Independence is explained by the fact that a burrowing dog must hunt the animal itself and make decisions when the person is not around. Therefore, adult pets are quite capricious. They understand everything, know the commands, but do not always follow them.
• Curiosity is one of the main qualities of dachshunds. They examine everything, sniff every new object that appears in the house.
• Very active and playful, these pets are always ready to run, play with other animals or with their owner. Despite their short legs, dachshunds move quickly and do not like to sit still.
• They become very attached to their owner, love him, constantly showing him off. They require affection and lick. These are gentle, affectionate pets who love to relax on the couch.
• These little dogs are very adventurous and fearless. They can attack dogs larger than themselves and bark at a cat for hours. When the hunting instinct awakens in them, they do not pay attention to anything around them.
• An adult dog is amazingly smart. These pets are smart, inventive and artistic. In communication, only authority is recognized. If the owner even once allows weakness, especially with a puppy, the dog will not obey.
• Dachshunds behave differently with children. They usually do not listen to younger family members, not considering them as authority. Sometimes they can even show aggression. But often the pet becomes attached to the baby and then protects him.

Education and training

You need to raise a puppy from the first days of his appearance in the house. It will be impossible to retrain an adult dog later. The pet will obey if the owner managed to establish contact with it. Representatives of this breed are easy to train, but do not always follow commands. Therefore, it is not recommended for indecisive and inexperienced people to have such a dog.

A small puppy must first be taught the rules of behavior: accustomed to a place, a toilet, behavior in the house and on a walk. During training, reward your pet for correctly following commands. You cannot physically punish a dachshund; it will stop trusting its owner.

What do boys and girls look like and how do they differ?

Boys and girls dachshunds differ in physiological characteristics . These differences will become clearly visible only by one and a half months, so you should not try to immediately determine the sex of newborn babies, making the mother and cubs nervous.

NOTE!

Starting from six months, male dogs already mark their territory; a female dachshund goes through her first heat at eight months.

Males are larger and more muscular than females. Whether gender influences behavior is difficult to say.

There are both aggressive females and docile males.

Character traits are more likely to be shaped by upbringing and genetics..

Features of caring for a dachshund dog

Those who buy a dachshund should be aware of its features. Such dogs live well in a city apartment, even a small one. But you immediately need to create suitable conditions for her. There must be a soft place, preferably a house, in which the pet can hide. Immediately after the puppy arrives in the house, you need to remove all small things. After all, dachshunds chew everything they come across. It is necessary to hide food and food - these dogs are prone to theft.

You need to walk your pet twice a day for at least an hour. The collar does not fit the dachshund; she takes it off easily. That's why they walk with a special harness. In cold or rainy weather, it is advisable to wear overalls for your pet when walking.

For the same reason, it is not recommended to leave your pet unattended for a long time. This dog can seriously misbehave: dig up the sofa, peel off the wallpaper, chew the shoes he finds. Due to their strong jaws, ordinary toys are not suitable for them; they quickly chew them to shreds.

But if you raise a puppy correctly, an adult dog will not create any special problems. Caring for her is easy. You just need to wash your pet regularly, monitor the condition of the eyes, ears, and teeth. Wire-haired varieties need to be trimmed and their beard washed regularly, while long-haired varieties need to be combed. This dog grows claws on its front paws very quickly. Therefore, it is recommended to trim them once a month.

What to feed your dachshund

Representatives of this breed can be fed both dry food and natural food. It is not advisable to choose economy or premium food. They contain a lot of grains and by-products. They will not bring any benefit to the animal. It is better to buy super premium or holistic food for your pet. They contain all the necessary nutrients and do not lead to weight gain.

If it is possible to feed your pet natural food, you must give him lean meat, sea fish, rice or buckwheat, cottage cheese, yogurt, vegetables, and herbs. Rye crackers or dry cookies are suitable as a treat.

Health

Due to their body structure, dachshunds are susceptible to spinal diseases. They often have congenital discopathy. Against this background, by the age of 3-4 years, the pet develops an intervertebral hernia. This can cause the hind legs to become weak or the urination process to be disrupted. To avoid this, you need to prevent obesity and protect your pet from jumping from heights.

Another problem often occurs in bitches. They have high hormonal levels, which can cause a false pregnancy to develop. Therefore, it is recommended to sterilize dogs that are not involved in breeding. And in males, due to a surge of hormones, high sexual activity develops.

Adult dogs can also develop the following pathologies:

• tartar, periodontal disease;
• heart failure;
• osteoporosis;
• baldness;
• ear mite;
• diabetes.

It is not recommended to treat your pet at home. You should definitely contact a veterinarian.

The video will tell you how to care for your pet.

Taking care of your health

Dachshunds are genetically prone to diseases of the musculoskeletal system, so you need to carefully monitor your pet’s health.

An animal of this breed must have its own house or high bed to protect the dog from drafts. The activity of the dachshund requires a long daily walk, so it is necessary to stock up on special clothing for your pet to protect against dirt, rain and cold.

Otherwise, caring for a dachshund is no different from other dogs: bathe when dirty, periodically clean the ears, comb out the hair during shedding, regularly check the eyes and ears.

How to choose a dachshund puppy

If you decide to buy a puppy of this breed, it is better to contact a nursery. In Moscow, a purebred dog with documents costs from 20 to 40 thousand rubles. Without documents you can buy a puppy for 10-20 thousand. But there is a danger of acquiring a mestizo. It is a crossbreed with other breeds. The most common mixed breeds are chihuahuas, spaniels, and toy terriers. Such a mixture can affect the character and health of the pet.

In the photo you can see what mestizos will look like.

Mixed dachshunds

Mixed dachshunds

Mixed dachshunds

You should choose your puppy carefully. You should first study photographs of dogs, visit exhibitions, and read reviews about kennels. Having chosen a breeder, you need to visit him and check in what conditions the dogs live and what they eat. Before purchasing, check the condition of the baby’s teeth, eyes, ears, reaction to strangers, and activity.

Before you decide to buy a puppy, you need to watch a video about this breed.

A dachshund is a wonderful companion, a kind nanny for a child, a hunter and protector. There are people who are in love with this breed. But those who want to start it for the first time need to really assess their strength. This is a difficult pet to raise, wayward and intelligent. It is not suitable for indecisive people or homebodies. Therefore, before you buy a puppy, you need to think carefully.

Who are the mestizos?

Mestizos are dogs that appear as a result of crossing different breeds. The reason may be:

• conscious selection work of the breeder;
• random mating.

It is extremely difficult to predict what appearance and qualities a crossbreed will have.

Mixing blood often leads to a positive result - babies are born with strong immunity, good health and without hereditary diseases. Their psyche is stable, their intelligence is high, and their disposition is friendly. But there are also exceptions.

Factors influencing growth

The development of dogs is influenced by a complex of factors:

1. Genetic predisposition, quality of pedigree.
2. Keeping a mother dog during pregnancy.
3. Quality of mother's milk, duration of feeding.
4. Phys. activity. A developing body needs to spend at least 3 hours a day outside. The first walk is a week after the 2nd vaccination. First, the puppy is carried out in warm weather, and over time is taught to walk on a leash or harness.
5. Environment. Constant stress, noise, screams, and an alarming environment are extremely negative factors for a puppy. Their consequences range from aggressive behavior to developmental inhibition.

What to do if your dachshund's weight is below normal

If a person's height, weight, or size lags behind schedule by more than 20%, this is a cause for concern. In this case, you need to contact a veterinarian and have your pet examined. In the absence of pathologies, the taxi driver’s diet is revised to increase the proportion of protein products, vitamin and mineral supplements, raw and boiled vegetables and fruits are introduced. You should take them for walks in the fresh air more often and regularly give them anthelmintics.

Hunting

When hunting, the dachshund transforms. She becomes a collected, passionate and merciless animal. There are cases when dachshunds rushed at large animals. Burrow hunting is very dangerous. A dog can not only die from the claws of a predator, but also be buried alive as a result of a collapse. For this reason, you should have a shovel in your hunting arsenal.

Having discovered a hole, the dachshund begins to bark at the victim and inflict stinging bites on it, forcing it to crawl to the surface. This breed is known for its death grip: the dachshund can keep its jaws closed for a long time.

At the same time, some dogs leave the victim in the hole because they lose interest in the defeated enemy.

Dachshunds hunt:

• hare;
• wild boar;
• badger;
• duck;
• fox;
• marten;
• ferret;
• ermine.

With proper training, a pack of dachshunds is capable of driving down deer and wolves.