HOME › FIND A BREED › BREED INFORMATION › BREED DETAILS

Dachshund

Background

The origin of the Dachshund has been lost in antiquity and there is much conjecture as to its origin. However, it is generally accepted that the breed came to prominence in Germany where it was used by foresters and noblemen to hunt badger, fox and rabbits in dense forests where a larger animal would have difficulty in pursuing its quarry. The Dachshund is a unique breed in that there are three different coats, Long, Wire and Smooth and two sizes, Standard and Miniature. These varieties were each developed for a specific purpose, mainly depending upon the type of terrain encountered in their district of origin.Today's Dachshund in Australia and England is not normally used for hunting and is only bred as a faithful companion or show dog.

Breed Personality, Characteristics & Temperment

The Dachshund is first and foremost a sporting dog, but it is remarkably versatile – being equally adaptable as a house pet. The breed's temperament and acute intelligence makes them the ideal companion for town or country. They have retained a keen hunting instinct that is quickly brought to the surface at the sight of a rabbit or fox. Each variety is different in temperament. The Smooth tends to be more aloof than the other varieties and generally is very discerning in whom it likes or dislikes.

Compatibility With Other Pets

Excellent.

Care Requirements

Dachshunds are strong, hardy and easy to care for. All three varieties require marginal attention, with the smooth variety in particular requiring very little grooming. This is obviously a big advantage for the average dog owning family.The long coat is the more glamorous of the three with long feathering on the ears, underline and tail, giving an appearance of elegance for those who prefer a glamorous coated animal.The wire coat is short and harsh to the touch and the breed is characterised by a beard and bushy eyebrows that gives the Wire its characteristic appearance. Dachshunds get bored hanging around the yard and are enthusiastic eaters, so ensure regular exercise or cut down on food. Dachshunds are quite happy to spend their life on your favourite chair, but for the dogs' wellbeing, regular exercise is recommended.

Please take note:
Because of their long body in relation to their height, and the fact that most Dachshunds love food, it is important not to overfeed. A dog that is too fat is the most likely candidate for a prolapsed disc, which is the most common problem in Dachshunds and tends to occur between five and seven years.

Conclusion

If you have decided that the Dachshund is the dog for you and you are prepared to only feed its strict ration so as not to become obese, then contact one of the groups listed below:

Breeders

State	Contact	Breeder
SA	Lil and Terry Keen	Dacshoe	Contact
WA	Joan Shawcross	Redhound	Contact
VIC	Howard and Jill Smith	Kleindraht & Purdella	Contact
NSW	Pat Thomas	Cogglyn	Contact
NSW	Justine and Mark Yardley	Jumarnic	Contact
SA	Eric and Wolfgang Soti and Schnitzer	Keaton	Contact
NSW	Kathy Anderson	Solana	Contact
WA	Kim and Ian Cross and Todd	Lowenhyte & Lowenwyre	Contact
QLD	Julie Ireland	Graedon	Contact
VIC	Corriene Irwin	Dakyvale	Contact
ACT	Linda Stevens	Briala	Contact
NSW	Chris and Rhonda Tait	Verdellho	Contact
QLD	Carol Speed	Kimscott	Contact
QLD	Chloe Dyckhoff	Daxhaus	Contact
QLD	Chris and Karen Moes	Aridela	Contact
WA	Ann Rushby	Mornoble	Contact
WA	Shirley Horn	Sebdah	Contact
VIC	Margaret Willox-Jones	Witchwood	Contact
VIC	lorraine mcmaster	synsaz	Contact
VIC	Wendy Moore	shadowglen	Contact
TAS	Max and Jan Tonks	Kienna	Contact
ACT	Deb Sheehan	belpais	Contact
ACT	Kathryn Duncan	Kameran	Contact
VIC	Lyndall & Jim Black	Briarmist	Contact

Height:

Weight:

Lifespan: This popular little dog usually lives up to 12 years of age, but given a loving home and the correct nutrition Dachshunds will often live up to 14 years of age.

Ideal Owners: Families. Dachshunds are excellent with children.