The dachshund is a short-legged, elongated dog breed of the hound family. The breed's name is German and literally means "badger dog," from (der) Dachs, badger, and (der) Hund, dog. The standard size was developed to scent, chase, and flush badgers and other burrow-dwelling animals, while the miniature was to hunt rabbits. Due to the long, narrow build, they are sometimes referred to as a wiener dog. Not withstanding the German origin of the dachshund's name, within German-speaking countries the breed is known—both formally and informally—as the Dackel or Teckel.
Contents [hide]
1 Health
2 History
3 Symbol of Germany
4 Sports
5 Dackel versus Teckel
6 Legend
7 Popularity
8 Miscellaneous
9 In popular culture
10 References
11 See also
12 External links
[edit] Health
Wire-haired dachshundThe breed is known to have spinal problems, especially intervertebral disk disease (IVDD), due in part to an extremely long spinal column and short rib cage[1]. The risk of injury can be worsened by obesity, which places greater strain on the vertebrae. In order to prevent injury, it is recommended that dachshunds be discouraged from jumping (something many seem to like doing anyway) and taking stairs, and encouraged to instead take the elevator (though some veterinarians say that slow stair-climbing is unlikely to lead to injury). However, according to the same article above, dachshunds that climb stairs regularly may actually be less problematic probably because the exercise helps to keep them fitter and healthier, and positive correlations were found between physically fit dogs and a lower incidence of IVDD. Hence the reason why it's important to keep the dog at a good body weight. Holding the dog properly is also important, with both front and rear portions level.
As it has become increasingly apparent that the occurrence and severity of these spinal problems, or intervertebral disk disease, is largely hereditary, responsible breeders are working to eliminate this characteristic in the breed. Treatment consists of various combinations of crate confinement and courses of anti-inflammatory medications (steroids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like carprofen and meloxicam). Serious cases may require surgery to remove the troublesome disk contents[2]. Others may need the aid of cart to get around if paralysis occurs.
In addition to back problems, the breed is also prone to patellar luxation.
Some double dapples have problems with deafness and blindness. Therefore they need an owner who understands a disabled dog's special needs.
Other health problems include hereditary epilepsy, dental issues, Cushings disease, thyroid problems, various allergies and atopies, and various eye conditions (cataracts, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy, corneal ulcers, nonucerative corneal disease, sudden acquired retinal degeneration, cherry eye, etc.). It is important to buy from breeders who can guarantee that their stock are free from these genetic problems and whose dogs have been certified for eyes (esp in miniatures).
[edit] History
Fédération Cynologique Internationale breed history
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"The Dachshund, also called Dackel or Teckel, has been known since the Middle Ages. From the « Bracken », dogs were constantly bred which were specially suitable for hunting below ground. From these short legged dogs, the Dachshund evolved and was recognised as one of the most versatile and useful breeds of hunting dogs. He also has excellent achievements above ground, hunting while giving tongue, searching and tracking wounded game. The oldest Club devoted to the breeding of Dachshunds is the « Deutsche Teckelklub » e.V., founded in 1888. For decades the Dachshund has been bred in three sizes (Teckel, Miniature Teckel and Rabbit Teckel) and in three different kinds of coat (Smooth-haired, Wire-haired and Long-haired)."
United Kennel Club breed history
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"Germany is recognized as the country of origin of the Dachshund. The breed’s rootstock is thought to be a dwarf mutation of the taller hounds of the true German type. As early as the 17th century, the name “Dachshund” was applied to a breed type that encompassed smooth- and long-haired varieties. A third variety, the wirehair, was recognized in 1890. The name Dachshund is from “dachs”, which means “badger”, and “hund”, which means “dog”. Not only was the dog used to hunt badgers (as well as other small game), its appearance was much like the badger's, being sturdy and short-legged. In medieval books on hunting dogs, “Dachshund” was applied to those dogs that were similar in their tracking and trailing ability, and which possessed the proportions and temperaments of Terriers. The United Kennel Club has recognized the Dachshund since 1919."
Old-style dachshund showing the longer legs. Walter Rothschild Zoological Museum, Tring, EnglandSome have theorized that the early roots of the dachshund go back to Ancient Egypt, where engravings were made featuring short-legged hunting dogs[3]. Recent discoveries by the American University in Cairo of mummified dachshund-like dogs from ancient Egyptian burial urns may lend credibility to this theory. But in its modern incarnation, the dachshund is a creation of European breeders, and includes elements of German, French, and English hounds and terriers. Dachshunds have been kept by royal courts all over Europe, including that of Queen Victoria, who was particularly enamored of the breed.
The first verifiable references to the dachshund, originally named the "Dachs Kriecher" (badger crawler) or "Dachs Krieger" (badger warrior), came from books written in the early 1700s. Prior to that, there exist references to "badger dogs" and "hole dogs", but these likely refer to purposes rather than to specific breeds. The original German dachshunds were larger than the modern full-size variety, weighing between 30 and 40 lb. (14 to 18 kg), and originally came in straight-legged and crook-legged varieties (the modern dachshund is descended from the latter). Though the breed is famous for its use in exterminating badgers and badger-baiting, dachshunds were also commonly used for rabbit and fox hunting, for locating wounded deer, and in packs were known to hunt game as large as wild boar and as fierce as the wolverine.
Double-dapple dachshunds are prone to eye disease and therefore are rare. It is generally believed that the breed was introduced to the United States between 1879 and 1885
The flap-down ears and famous curved tail of the dachshund have deliberately been bred into the dog. In the case of the ears, this is so that grass seeds, dirt and other matter do not enter into the ear canal. The curved tail is dual-purposed: to be seen more easily in long grass and, in the case of burrowing dachshunds, to help haul the dog out if it becomes stuck in a burrow.[citation needed]
[edit] Symbol of Germany
Waldi, the mascot of the 1972 Summer Olympic GamesDachshunds have traditionally been viewed as a symbol of Germany, despite their pan-European heritage. Political cartoonists commonly used the image of the dachshund to ridicule Germany. During World War I the dachshunds' popularity in the United States plummeted because of this association. There were numerous reported incidents across America of dachshunds being killed due to their perceived German heritage. The stigma of the association was revived to a lesser extent during World War II, though it was comparatively short-lived. German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel was known for keeping dachshunds.
Due to the association of the breed with Germany, the dachshund was chosen to be the first official mascot for the 1972 Summer Olympics, with the name Waldi.
[edit] Sports
Some people train and enter their dachshund to compete in dachshund racing, such as the Wiener Nationals. Several races across the country routinely draw several thousand attendees, including races in Buda, Texas, Davis, California, Los Alamitos, California, Findlay, Ohio, Oklahoma City, OK, Kansas City, KS, and Shakopee, MN. Despite the popularity of these events, the Dachshund Club of America opposes "wiener racing", as many greyhound tracks use the events to draw large crowds to their facilities. The DCA also is worried about potential injuries to dogs, due to their predisposition to back injuries.
Another favorite sport is earthdog trials, in which dachshunds enter tunnels with dead ends and obstacles attempting to locate an artificial bait or live but caged and protected mice. Dachshunds, being true scent hounds, also compete in scent tracking events, with a national championship sponsored every year by the DCA.
[edit] Dackel versus Teckel
In Germany dachshunds are widely named as 'Dackel' (both singular and plural). To be classified as a full Teckel, these dogs must undergo Blood Tracking tests. Classically, any dog of dackel heritage is given an official tattoo upon one ear. After suitable training, the dog must then follow a blood trail that is at least 48 hours old successfully to its conclusion. Once this is completed, another tattoo is marked on the other ear to denote full Teckel rank. As 'Teckel' are bred for hunting purposes, teckels tattooed or not, tend to be visibly larger in their chests than their dackel counterparts, though marginally shorter in length.
[edit] Legend
[edit] Popularity
Dachshunds are a popular pet in the United States, ranking 6th in the most recent AKC registration statistics.[5] They are popular with urban and apartment dwellers, ranking among the top ten most popular breeds in 39 of 50 maj