Column

03-11-2022

THE DACHSHUND DOG BREED

At right is the rare merle or dapple dachshund and the length of her legs is how the original breed was designed; the body is not as long as today’s show bred lines, seen below.

These changes have created back and knee problems for this breed. Commonly called wieners or sausage dogs they come in two sizes: standard and miniature, and they are very popular pets in Australia and worldwide. Dachshunds are still among the top hunting and tracking dogs, being low to the ground and able to enter small places has an advantage. Despite their small size, dachshunds are brave and fierce; attacking anything that squeaks is a part of their nature.

Originating in Germany, the breed can be traced back to the 15th century, but breed development began in the 17th century. Dach means badger; the original purpose of the breed was to hunt badgers and rabbits by entering tunnels and burrows. Badgers belong to the mustelid family, which consists of about 55 species, including ferrets, otters, minks, wolverines and the weasel family. Badgers were considered vermin 500 years ago, but are mostly protected today. They can cause a lot damage to not only farmland, but buildings, roads, dams and irrigation. They have long powerful claws, strong jaws and teeth for tearing apart flesh. A badger hole can be up to 2.8 metres deep and 60 cm wide.

The dachshund dog is still used in Europe and other parts of the world for this purpose. Hunters often use a transmitter collar to keep track of the dog while they are underground. These dogs have a large lung capacity relative to their size, they not only have strong track scenting, but are able to hear and feel ground vibration (reverberating sense). They are also good diggers and have loud barks. Hunters usually use these dogs in small-packs because badgers, like these dogs, can be fierce and savage fighters. Dachshunds can be very protective of family members. Socialisation is very important so that they do not become super protective and lash out at strange people or other dogs. This breed comes in three different types of coats; the smooth, the wirehaired and the long coat. Their lifespan is from 12-16 years. 

Pam Brandis,
Dip. Canine Prac.