Short- Haired Dachshund

 

Summary of the Dachshund Shorthair

• A big dog in a small format: the dachshund is a robust and energetic breed that comes in different sizes and coats.
• Versatile hunting and tracking dog: The Dachshund, also known as “the little all-rounder,” is known for its ingenuity and is a capable hunting and tracking dog.
• Historical significance: The dachshund’s origins go back to the Middle Ages, where it was bred as a duster breed for hunting. It is now recognized worldwide as a versatile and useful hunting dog.
• Active and fun family dog: The dachshund is not only an excellent hunting dog, but also an excellent family dog and walking companion. It is known for its energy, charm and radiance.
• Different sizes and coats: The Dachshund comes in nine different breed varieties. Sizes include standard, dwarf and rabbit, and they also have brindle, longhair and shorthair varieties.

History

Originally from Germany, the dachshund got its name from the German word “dachs,” meaning badger. In the early years it was also called “badger dog” here in Norway. The breed is bred from a mutant gene that gives short legs on an otherwise normal skeleton.The dachshund’s history can be traced back to the Middle Ages, where it was bred from duster breeds that were particularly suitable for hunting. This short-legged dog has now gained recognition as one of the most versatile and useful hunting dogs of modern times.

Characteristics and mentality

Today, the dachshund has many uses, including hijacking, driving, tracking and search dogs. It is particularly suitable for deer hunting and has a comfortable drive rate that suits both the game and the hunters. The dachshund is also a wonderful family dog and a good walking companion. At dog shows, it likes to show its energy, charm and radiance.It can often be found among the best in the competition at major exhibitions. The breed also has various hunting tests which give the right to a championship, as well as a blood trace test and a fresh trace test which can give the dog and the owner the status of search team. The dachshund also makes a hearty presence at dog shows and often qualifies to compete against the best among many different breeds.The Dachshund is an active and entertaining family dog. It tends to sort out its acquaintances and treats some as “personal friends” that it exploits for the last treat. It adjusts to its surroundings and likes to lie high up to have a full view of its territory. When it wants peace, it often prefers to lie under or inside something, preferably hidden under the duvet.To achieve obedience and kindness, the dachshund requires a determined and consistent owner. With its inherent hunting qualities, it is not always safe to let it run wild during trips. The dachshund must be healthy, active and happy to work. As a travel companion, it is outstanding. With the right pace, it can trot away for hours. At its leisurely pace, it is a very efficient off-road devourer, like a real four-wheel drive!

Size and appearance

The dachshund comes in nine different breeds. The size varies from standard, dwarf to rabbit. According to the breed standard, the largest variant should weigh around 9 kilos. The smaller varieties have no specific weight limits, but they are classified based on the chest measurement, which is taken around the chest just behind the front legs. The rabbit dachshund can measure up to 30 cm in chest girth, while the dwarf dachshund can measure from 30 to 35 cm.In addition to the size classification, the breed is also divided into three hair layers: straight-haired, long-haired and short-haired.- Straight-haired: The whole body, apart from the muzzle, eyebrows and ears, is covered by a smooth, dense and streaky coat with underwool. The muzzle has a moustache, and the eyebrows are bushy. The fur on the ears is shorter and almost smooth. The tail has a good and even coat. – Long-haired: The coat is smooth, shiny and close-fitting, with undercoat. It is longer under the neck, on the underside of the body and especially on the ears. On the back of the legs, a clear hanging is formed, and the tail has a complete plume.- Short-haired: The coat is short, dense, shiny and close-fitting, firm and hard. There should be no visible spots. The tail has a nice, covering fur, but it should not be too abundant. Some long guard hair on the underside is acceptable.

Health

The Dachshund is generally a healthy breed that has a long lifespan. The Norwegian Dachshund Clubs Association (NDF) works to ensure that the breeding work focuses on mentally and physically healthy dogs. Spinal prolapse is a common health challenge in dachshunds, and NDF attaches great importance to managing this disease through its breeding work.Previously, the breed had an eye screening program for PRA (eye disease), but the occurrence is now very rare. Nevertheless, many still choose to have the dogs eyeballed before they are used in breeding. Other health aspects are described in the RAS document.

Fur grooming

The dachshund rarely has problems with its fur and normally sheds during spring and autumn. Breeders will be able to provide guidance on how the dog should be groomed, but generally speaking, short-haired dachshunds need a stiff brush and cleaning cloth, long-haired dachshunds need a fine-toothed metal comb, and straight-haired dachshunds need a carder and a dull trimming knife.The first two varieties require minimal grooming, while straight-haired dachshunds must be trimmed and brushed regularly. The quality of the straight-haired variety’s fur can vary from an almost short-haired appearance to a woolly coat that requires extensive grooming.If you want a straight-haired dachshund with a good working coat, you should ask about the coat quality of the puppy and its pedigree. You should also ask the breeder for written instructions on fur trimming.

More information about the breed

In general, it is recommended that anyone interested in the breed contact the breed club. The breed club has expertise on the breed, an overview of breeders and knowledge of the breed’s health. You can also read more about the breed and its health in the RAS document, which stands for Breed-Specific Breeding Strategies.This document gives a good overview of the breed’s current status and the club’s focus when it comes to breeding in the future. The breed standard describes the physical and mental characteristics of the breed and is recommended as reading for anyone considering buying a puppy of this breed. The breed is mentioned in the BSI (Breed Specific Instructions) regarding exaggerations in pedigree dogs. BSI describes risk areas for certain dog breeds and is intended as a supplement to the breed standard. BSI will help to increase the judge’s focus on exterior traits that can threaten the dogs’ health and welfare if they become too extreme.Good luck with your search for information about the dachshund shorthair!Supporting Sources: Precious , Purebred , Purebred