The German Dachshund’s body type is very interesting compared to that of your average hound dog. The short legs are for a specific reason. When first bred in Germany, they were designed for hunting badgers. The following are some other equally interesting Dachshund facts regarding this unique breed:
The Dachshund’s defining feature is its long body and short legs. This breed comes in three varieties, including wirehaired, shorthaired and long haired, and dogs of each variety come in three different sizes. Dachshunds belong to the AKC hound group.
The German Dachshund has a long body, short legs, and a powerful jaw. The head is long and slightly convex, with eyebrows that stand out from its head, and dark eyes of black, brown, or sometimes red. He has long ears that dangle, and a tail that is held out straight behind. Most people consider his expression friendly and animated.
The AKC dictates the Dachshund facts regarding the height and weight of the breed. The normal height of the standard size dog ranges from 14 to 18 inches with the average weight being 20 pounds. The dwarf or miniature one grows up to 14 inches and weighs 9 pounds. The toy sized dog grows to 12 inches and weighs 8 pounds. Usually a dachshund’s life time ranges from 12 to 15 years.
Dachshunds are found in single color or bi-color. Single color appears in yellow or tan. Bi-color includes bright chestnut color with black, brown or gray markings. Other varieties include harlequin and piebald.
Although loving and extremely loyal, the independent Dachshund can sometimes be difficult to train. They tend to be a bit high-spirited, and they love to dig, so be sure to watch your yard for holes. In general, the long-haired dachshund may have a bit more serene temperament than the agitated and sometimes silly wire hair.
Dachshunds put on weight very easily and their propensity towards laziness can cause health problems. Heart disease, diabetes, urinary tract infections and disc problem in the spine are the common problems found in this breed.
The short-haired German Dachshunds require only less brushing and need to be rubbed occasionally with a grooming cloth only. The long-haired ones should be brushed daily and the wire-haired should be taken to a professional twice a year to get it tidy.