Is The Dachshund A Good Family Pet?
The cute little Dachshund is an elongated breed with very short legs. Also known as the ‘sausage dog’, the Dachshund was initially bred as a hunting dog, used to burrow for badgers. Today, the Dachshund is a popular pet, with lots of enthusiasm, energy and a love of play.
History of the Dachshund
In terms of domestic dog history, the Dachshund is a relatively modern breed, making its first appearance in the early part of the 18th century. Although today’s Dachshunds are known to have originated in Germany, it is believed that an ancestor of the breed dates all the way back to Ancient Egypt. Recently, mummified dogs that look very similar to the modern day Dachshund have been found.
Nevertheless, what we now recognize as a Dachshund was bred in Germany and was created by selectively breeding a number of terrier breeds from around Europe. As mentioned above, the breed was created for hunting badgers (the name literally means badger hound) by scent, which is why they have an elongated snout and their bodies are close to the ground.
In the following years, the breed became popular in many of Europe’s royal courts, including Great Britain, where Queen Victoria is said to have been smitten with the dogs.
The Appearance of the Dachshund
The Dachshund is one of the most instantly recognizable breeds of dog, with its short legs, large paws and long ears. There are two types of Dachshund: standard and miniature, but both are much smaller than their 18th century ancestors were. Typically, a standard Dachshund will weigh between 15 and 28lbs, whereas the miniature is usually about 11lbs in weight.
Many of the breed’s physical attributes are designed to help with their purpose as a hunting dog. Therefore, the long snout will allow the nose to absorb more scents, the long ears are intended to keep dirt out of the ear canal and the large paws are helpful in digging.
There are three coat-types: smooth (or short-haired), long-haired and wire-haired. There is a variety of coat patterns, such as dapple, piebald and tan points. The most common colors of Dachshund are red and black and tan.
The Temperament of the Dachshund
Perhaps unsurprisingly, given its terrier ancestry, the Dachshund can be known to show aggression, especially with small animals and other dogs. Unfortunately, if not properly trained, Dachshunds can show aggression towards adults and children. In fact, Dachshund bites are one of the most prevalent dog bites in the world. Therefore, it is perhaps not wise to own a Dachshund as a first-time dog owner or if you are not confident in your ability to train a wilful animal.
On the other hand, Dachshunds are enormously fun loving, adore playtime and can be incredibly affection towards their human families. Usually, a Dachshund will prefer the company of humans to the company of other canines.
Although they have a reputation in some quarters for being a low-intelligence dog, this is refuted by many owners and trainers. It certainly seems that, as a working dog, the Dachshund will be among the intelligent breeds. Therefore, it could be that certain training techniques are ineffective with the breed. For example, punishment-based training may prove ineffective, as Dachshunds are very wilful little animals. However, the breed does have a reputation for being difficult to housebreak. Again, this comes down to correct training, but is perhaps not ideal for inexperienced owners.
Is a Dachshund Good With Children?
Like most dogs, or animals for that matter, the way a Dachshund will react to children very much depends on two things: How well-trained the dog is and how well-trained the child is. Consequently, it is advisable to avoid owning a Dachshund in a home with very young children of toddler age.
Children and Dachshunds can get on very well, because the breed loves to play and will enjoy the company of an energetic child. However, the breed is susceptible to problems with its back and joints. Therefore, it is important that a child knows not to play too roughly with a Dachshund.
The Dachshund is a cute and popular family pet, but the breed can be unruly and will therefore need to be trained well. If you’re thinking of getting a Dachshund, it is a good idea to do some further research to ensure that you can provide the best possible home.
History of the Dachshund
In terms of domestic dog history, the Dachshund is a relatively modern breed, making its first appearance in the early part of the 18th century. Although today’s Dachshunds are known to have originated in Germany, it is believed that an ancestor of the breed dates all the way back to Ancient Egypt. Recently, mummified dogs that look very similar to the modern day Dachshund have been found.
Nevertheless, what we now recognize as a Dachshund was bred in Germany and was created by selectively breeding a number of terrier breeds from around Europe. As mentioned above, the breed was created for hunting badgers (the name literally means badger hound) by scent, which is why they have an elongated snout and their bodies are close to the ground.
In the following years, the breed became popular in many of Europe’s royal courts, including Great Britain, where Queen Victoria is said to have been smitten with the dogs.
The Appearance of the Dachshund
The Dachshund is one of the most instantly recognizable breeds of dog, with its short legs, large paws and long ears. There are two types of Dachshund: standard and miniature, but both are much smaller than their 18th century ancestors were. Typically, a standard Dachshund will weigh between 15 and 28lbs, whereas the miniature is usually about 11lbs in weight.
Many of the breed’s physical attributes are designed to help with their purpose as a hunting dog. Therefore, the long snout will allow the nose to absorb more scents, the long ears are intended to keep dirt out of the ear canal and the large paws are helpful in digging.
There are three coat-types: smooth (or short-haired), long-haired and wire-haired. There is a variety of coat patterns, such as dapple, piebald and tan points. The most common colors of Dachshund are red and black and tan.
The Temperament of the Dachshund
Perhaps unsurprisingly, given its terrier ancestry, the Dachshund can be known to show aggression, especially with small animals and other dogs. Unfortunately, if not properly trained, Dachshunds can show aggression towards adults and children. In fact, Dachshund bites are one of the most prevalent dog bites in the world. Therefore, it is perhaps not wise to own a Dachshund as a first-time dog owner or if you are not confident in your ability to train a wilful animal.
On the other hand, Dachshunds are enormously fun loving, adore playtime and can be incredibly affection towards their human families. Usually, a Dachshund will prefer the company of humans to the company of other canines.
Although they have a reputation in some quarters for being a low-intelligence dog, this is refuted by many owners and trainers. It certainly seems that, as a working dog, the Dachshund will be among the intelligent breeds. Therefore, it could be that certain training techniques are ineffective with the breed. For example, punishment-based training may prove ineffective, as Dachshunds are very wilful little animals. However, the breed does have a reputation for being difficult to housebreak. Again, this comes down to correct training, but is perhaps not ideal for inexperienced owners.
Is a Dachshund Good With Children?
Like most dogs, or animals for that matter, the way a Dachshund will react to children very much depends on two things: How well-trained the dog is and how well-trained the child is. Consequently, it is advisable to avoid owning a Dachshund in a home with very young children of toddler age.
Children and Dachshunds can get on very well, because the breed loves to play and will enjoy the company of an energetic child. However, the breed is susceptible to problems with its back and joints. Therefore, it is important that a child knows not to play too roughly with a Dachshund.
The Dachshund is a cute and popular family pet, but the breed can be unruly and will therefore need to be trained well. If you’re thinking of getting a Dachshund, it is a good idea to do some further research to ensure that you can provide the best possible home.
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