The Early Dachshund or "Teckel", which is German for "Dachshund" very much resembled the physical characteristics so recognizable in today's Dachshund. Etchings from as early as the 15th Century B.C. portrays small dogs that resemble the Dachshund. During the Spanish conquest of Mexico, in the early 1500's, clay models of a short-legged, long-bodied small dog were discovered. A famous painting, "The Hunt" by Jaques du Fouilloux displays a scene of various dogs going to ground; these hounds very much resemble the Dachshund. A woodcut by Jost Ammons, circa 1580 portrays a scene of a dog hunting rabbits. Many historians believe that this dog was a miniature Dachshund.
In dog breed publications, as early as the 1700's, hunting dogs that were described as "low in stature, having long slender bodies, and coming in all sorts of colors...the front (feet)..., which is somewhat bent..." most certainly describes a Dachshund-like dog.
By the early 1800's in Germany, dog fanciers were producing a definitive breed that became recognized as the Dachshund. In 1812, descriptions of the Wirehair Dachshund and in 1820 the Longhair Dachshund began to appear in various hunting chronicles in Germany. And by 1879, the Dachshund in Germany had become the most popular breed in the country. A list of desired characteristics was established by German dog fanciers.
In the 1880's, Dachshunds began to compete in conformation shows in Germany, the first standard for the breed was written in the early 1880's, and following the wave of popularity, Americans and Europeans alike became enamored with the little hunting dog.
Eventually, the Dachshund Club of America was created by state-side fanciers, the Dachshund was accepted as a breed by the AKC, and now the Dachshund is one of the most popular and most recognizable breeds in America!
The Dachshund is outgoing, sometimes daring and courageous almost to the point of rashness. Persistent, but loving, affectionate and loyal to their humans. This dog is highly intelligent, good natured and at times a clown. Dachshunds respond well to training, yet can be stubborn! To please his human becomes a prominent mission in his life. He prefers to live his life in the house with his humans, and with a secured yard to run and romp in for short periods of time. Dachshunds also can be great apartment companions as long as they are walked for exercise several times a day.
As a hunter, the Dachshund possesses a keen sense of smell and his inherent nature is to pursue small vermin. He is alert and protective of his turf, yet is willing to receive new family members and friends with proper introduction.
There is such a big heart in these little critters!
Size: Today, the AKC recognizes two sizes of Dachshunds. The Miniature 11lbs or under, and the Standard 16lbs. to 32lbs.
However, not all Dachshunds fall into one of these categories. Many refer to a Dachshund whose weight falls somewhere in between these weight designations as a "Tweenie". "Tweenies" may compete in AKC conformation shows in any class except "Open Miniature". They may also participate in Obedience, Den Trials, Field Trials, Agility and many other AKC recognized sanctioned events.
Coat Type: Dachshunds come in three distinctive coats: (Click the link to go to that page)
