Home > Facts > Dogs Facts > Dachshund Facts

Dachshund Facts

Dachshund Facts
Dachshund is small dog that belongs to the group of scent hounds. It was created in Germany 6 centuries ago by mixing French pointer with dogs of terrier type. Short-legged dog with excellent sense of smell was used for hunting of badgers, rabbits and foxes (both above and under the ground). As a result of bad propaganda, number of dachshunds drastically decreased during the WWI and WWII. However, thanks to its cute appearance and lively personality, dachshund managed to re-establish its old popularity as soon as war was finished. Dachshund is the 11th most popular breed in America. It is kept mostly as a companion and show dog.
Interesting Dachshund Facts:
Dachshund can reach 8 to 9 inches in height and 16 to 32 pounds of weight. Miniature version of dachshund weighs less than 11 pounds.
Coat of dachshund can be smooth, long or wiry. Originally black and tan colored, dachshund is available in 12 different colors with several patterns (mottled, sable and brindle) today.
Dachshund has elongated head, flap-down ears, large chest, long muscular body, short legs (designed for digging) and long tail.
Name "dachshund" means "badger dog" ("dachs" = "badger", "hund" = "dog" in German). Thanks to its elongated body, dachshund is also known as "wiener dog" and "sausage dog".
Dachshund is brave, clever, lively, independent and stubborn dog. It is suitable for the life in the apartments, but it requires at least 2 short walks per day to remain healthy and fit.
Dachshund is good choice for the families with children and other pets. It often builds strong bond with one person in the family. Dachshund likes to be part of everyday activities. It also likes to chase other animals (including birds) and play with toys.
Dachshund can accomplish good results on the competitions in agility, conformation, field trials and obedience. It is also often used as a therapy dog.
Dachshund is naturally suspicious toward strangers. It is an excellent watchdog which loudly barks (it has deep voice) when it detects unknown people at the door.
Dachshund named Waldi was the first official mascot of Olympic games held in Munich in 1972.
Andy Warhol and Pablo Picasso were proud owners of dachshunds.
Dachshund was the first dog that was cloned in Britain.
Dachshund with smooth coat doesn't require too much grooming, while longhaired and wirehaired dachshund need to be brushed daily to prevent tangling of fur.
Dachshund gives birth to 4 to 8 puppies.
Dachshund is prone to back problems (accidental slipping of spinal discs can result in partial or complete paralysis), progressive retinal atrophy, bloat and epilepsy. It likes to eat and easily gains weight (which negatively affects health of the back).
Dachshund has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years.


Related Links:
Facts
Dogs Facts
Animals Facts
National Hotdog Day Facts