COUNTRY: Germany
WEIGHT: Less than 9 pounds
COAT: Smooth, wire (like a German Wirehair), or long hair (like a setter)
COLOR: One color (includes reds or yellows, can have black tips or overlay); two-color (includes black/tan, chocolate/tan, gray/tan, or white/yellow); or dappled or striped, (includes merle, harlequin and brindle)
OTHER NAMES: Zwergteckel
GROUP: HoundWhile the French were developing their basset varieties for slower, closer hunting, the Germans created the Dachshunds. Short-statured hunting dogs have assisted Germans since the Middle Ages.
Their origin, like those of the bassets, is thought to be from dwarf mutations of the tall hounds. The Dachshund is basically a short-legged version of the schweisshund, although crosses may have been made to various terriers and/or spaniels to obtain the wire and long coats. The Dachsie is a true hound of German type, without exaggerated skin. He carries the ram's muzzle with very slight stop and the large high-set flat ear. Dachs means badger, another animal with a sturdy body on short, crooked legs. Therefore, the Dachsbracke is a bracke with short legs "like the badger," and the Dachshund is a tracking hound with similar appendages. Germans usually call the Dachshund a Teckel.
Dachshunds have been employed for many hunting chores: chasing rabbits, searching for various game and tracking. They are also small (and brave) enough to go into the lair to bolt hidden prey. To enable them to fill every hunting need, the breed was molded into a number of sizes and coat varieties as well as in a panorama of colors. The Standard, or largest size, was primarily a tracker, although he had ability for searching as well. Smaller varieties were useful in searching, rabbit hunting and going to ground to chase out the quarry. The smallest ones were developed specifically to go into the rabbit warrens and put the inhabitants to flight. During WWI, the breed was disparaged as was everything German, but he survived the prejudice. He is admired in Australia, the USA and many other countries around the world. The Smooth is a favorite hound in Great Britain, and in the States, Dachshunds cling firmly to their popularity.
In Germany, Dachshund sizes are separated not by weight, as in America, but by chest circumference—the division of classes based on what size hole they could enter! AKC recognizes two sizes, with the Miniature required to be nine pounds or under. FCI and Germany have the same Standard dog (called Normalgrosse but describe two smaller versions. Their Zwerg-teckel (dwarf Dachshund) must not be more than 13.8 inches around the chest, and the little Kaninchenteckel (rabbit Dachshund) should not exceed 11.8 inches. All sizes appear in either a short, smooth; short, wiry; or a long, fringed coat. Colors commonly are according to the usual hound tones of black/tan, red or brindle, but more infrequent patterns of merle, blue/tan or gray with yellow markings are also allowed. White markings are undesirable.
While most of the German hounds are not known outside their native land, the Dachshund has become widely popular throughout the world, fundamentally as a pet dog. In fact, in Gergweis, Germany, the "Dachshund Capital of the World," these little dogs outnumber people two to one. Here Dachsies are rented "by the hour" to tourists for walks. Affectionate and chipper, he is a fine companion and soul mate. Wary enough to be a watchdog, his devotion to his own family, especially to the children, is undying.
His novel shape lends itself to various nicknames: Weiner Dog, Sausage Dog or the Americanized "Hot Dog"! The length of body tends toward back problems, and owners should be careful about their dog's weight, which may intensify or contribute to this ailment.
His desire to hunt is still strong, and he well may excavate your petunia bed to reach a garter snake or gopher. He may even proudly present you with the rat he has killed in the backyard. But his energy and ability to have fun make up for any minor annoyances. All of this talent is bundled into a package with a selection of colors, coats and sizes, giving a prospective owner nearly unlimited choices!