The Dachshund is popularly called "The Wiener Dog" because of its long and low appearance. The Dachshund in Germany is known as the "Tekal" . The Word "Tekal" can be found inscribed on the base of an ancient Egyptian sculpture which pictures a King seated with three rather strange yet familiar dogs. Apparently a breed of dog that was long backed and short legged did exist in Egypt at a very early date. These dogs are said to be the forebears of the Dachshund as we know it today. The German word "dachshund" translates as badger dog, historically this was the work which the little dog performed. Badgers are nasty and vicious animals, living in burrows in the ground and the Dachshund is a breed that was bred to dig into the burrows and roust out the fearful creature. Needless to say, the Dachshund is a plucky and courageous dog who considers himself to be much larger than he actually is! In actuality, the little dog is of the Hound family, using scent capabilities when hunting, but because of the ability to dig and the ferocious persistence the dog exhibits when "going to ground" it is often mistakenly assumed that this breed belongs in the Terrier family.

The modern Dachshund is represented by two different sizes and three different types of coat. The Standard Dachshund is 12-15 pounds and the Miniature is less than 9 pounds. The coat can be long haired, smooth, or wire haired. Historically the Germans used the Dachshund for the utilitarian purposes for which it was bred. The Standard is considered the dog for tracking badger, stag and boar. The Miniature was used exclusively for rabbit and small game. Regardless of the size or coat, all Dachshunds have the appearance of a long but very short dog, approximately three times longer than it is tall. Tails are long, ears are lop and nearly as long as the head. The muzzle is long and the head should taper cleanly to the tip of the nose. The breastbone should be prominent and the forelegs, because of the depth and broadness of the chest may have a slightly bowed appearance. The legs are built for digging and the paws should be large and the shoulders should be muscular and wide.

In the United States the Dachshund is not often considered as a "hunting dog" and its function is generally that of a pet dog. The popular "Wiener Dog" makes a friendly, if not somewhat feisty, companion dog. This is a little dog who thinks he is tough. He needs to be trained from the beginning to be gracious to strangers who knock on the door , but is not normally a vicious or aggressive dog, just noisy and territorial in his nature. He is prone to problems which can develop because of the long length of his back and as a puppy or an adult, care needs to be taken that he is not lifted or carried incorrectly nor allowed to jump off of furniture. This little dog also loves to eat and has a propensity to become obese if not kept well exercised and given the proper diet.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Dogs