Types of dachshunds - what they are, breed varieties with photos and names

Proud dachshunds, as they are called for the majestic expression of their faces. The legendary burrow hunters, with a powerful body and short powerful paws, have firmly won their place in the glorious hunting field and in the homes of non-hunting enthusiasts.

Bred in the 17th century in Germany for hunting burrowing animals, they ideally suit the main purpose of the breed. The original breed was a short-haired dachshund, whose parents were short pinschers and hounds.

Distinguished by their keen intelligence but stubborn nature, dachshunds do not require much training. All the instincts inherent in the breed by nature and breeders work perfectly without external interference. Previously, large breed dachshunds were used to hunt deer, but now they hunt foxes. Smaller breeds are indispensable in hunting rabbits and hares.

Dachshunds are good-natured and will quickly become favorites in families with children. They are devoted to their owners until their last breath and do an excellent job as a guard. They are very adaptable to different conditions, but due to their long body, it is not recommended to keep them in multi-story buildings, since the spine suffers with frequent climbing of stairs. The owner of the dachshund was Napoleon.

Origin story

The Dachshund (German name Dachshund, which means badger dog) is the oldest breed of burrowing dog. The time of their origin is hotly debated. According to one version, the history of the breed began in Ancient Egypt: archaeologists discovered images of short-legged hunting dogs.

The formation of the modern breed began in the 16th century in southern Germany. The ancestors of dachshunds are considered to be German hounds. They rewarded her with fearlessness, a keen sense of smell, intelligence and endurance. The short stature of the new breed was quickly appreciated by hunters: they realized that the dachshund would work successfully in a hole. In addition, maintaining the animal did not require any special expenses; the breed quickly spread among the burgher class.

At the end of the 18th century, the dachshund acquired features familiar to modern people. In Germany, a whole network of kennels began to function, which led to the inevitable division into hunting and decorative dogs. In 1870, the first breed standard was published.

Dachshunds were brought to Russia back in the 30s of the 18th century. Here they began to be used as decorative dogs. The breed was especially popular among intellectuals. Two world wars significantly reduced the Russian population, but the breed was completely restored.

Famous hosts

Dachshunds are loved all over the world. Many prominent personalities preferred this breed. Famous dachshund owners include:

• Napoleon I Bonaparte. The French emperor had 2 dachshunds - Grenville and Fauzette. After their death they were buried in the ruler's sarcophagus.
• Anton Chekhov. The writer's dogs are Hina and Brom. The writer believed that they were amazingly smart, although they did not have dazzling beauty and grace.
• Vladimir Nabokov. The writer had many dachshunds. First, mother Lulu and son Box-1, then Traini and a relative of Chekhov’s dachshunds – Box-2. Nabokov believed that the breed was well suited to writers.
• Pablo Picasso. Pet Lamp helped the Spanish artist get ready to paint famous paintings.
• Jean Renoir. The director, the son of a French artist, got himself two dogs of unusual appearance. One was a large albino, and the other was skinny and black. They quickly became famous in Hollywood, where Jean emigrated.

Thanks to famous personalities, many dachshunds have become famous throughout the world along with their owners.

A.P. Chekhov and his dachshund

Types of dachshunds

Modern dachshunds vary in their coat. There are currently three varieties:

1. Smooth-haired dachshund. The standard smooth-haired dachshund is the oldest variety of the breed. A very effective hunter. The pile has an undercoat, which allows it to withstand temperature changes. Becomes abundant in the fall and winter months.
2. Wire-haired dachshund. The rarest representative of the breed. This is due to its specific appearance. Not inferior in intelligence and working data to the standard type. It has a hard, wiry coat with a dense undercoat. There is a characteristic beard on the muzzle. The coat is rough and shaggy.
3. Long-haired dachshund. The result of crossing a smooth-haired variety and a spaniel. The long coat has a dense, fluffy undercoat. The ears are decorated with fringe along the edges and tips, and the back of the limbs are decorated with fringes.

Each of the described varieties is divided by size:

• standard dachshund – height up to 25 cm, weight up to 9 kg;
• dwarf dachshund (mini) – height up to 21 cm, weight up to 5.5 kg;
• rabbit dachshund – height up to 15 cm, weight up to 3.5.

These differences are due to the purpose of each type. The rabbit dachshund had to herd hares and pull them out of the hole. Such work required small sizes. Even a standard dachshund rarely coped with this task.

Excerpts from the standard: head, tail, paws

The head of smooth-haired dachshunds has an elongated wedge-shaped shape and tapers evenly towards the tip of the nose. The forehead has a barely noticeable transition, flat.

The dog has a rather high-set tail, tapering to a point, strong but not too long, fairly straight and not too raised.

The forelimbs are short, wide and straight, only slightly deployed, the hind limbs are narrower and smaller. The toes are gathered into a ball.

Description of the breed

The Dachshund is a miniature, short-legged dog with a long body. It has a squat build and drooping ears. The length of the dog is 55-77 cm. In general, the breed has similar characteristics, despite the differences in coat and height. General characteristics of the breed:

1. The head is elongated, wedge-shaped, the muzzle is not pointed. Weakly pronounced transition from forehead to muzzle. The forehead is of moderate latitude. The jaws are deep, well developed, with a strong grip. The lips fit tightly to the teeth. The nose is oval, colored black or brown.
2. A full row of strong, white teeth. Scissor bite.
3. The eyes are medium sized, oval. The eyelids are dense and well fitting.
4. The body is strong with pronounced muscles. Chest of moderate width. The distance from the bottom of the chest to the ground is equal to one third of the height at the withers. The back is not sagging, straight and strong. Pronounced withers.
5. The limbs are short, strong with well-developed muscles. The hind legs are set wide.
6. Medium-set tail. It can be smooth or crescent-shaped.

Dachshunds do not have a standard height and weight. During the expert assessment, chest circumference is taken into account. For the standard variety it starts at 36 cm; for the dwarf variety the norm is 30-35 cm. The upper girth limit for the rabbit variety is 30 cm.

Wool

Smooth-haired dogs have a hard, short pile that fits tightly to the body. The shortest fur is in the area of ​​the ears and muzzle. The longest is on the tail. Despite their smooth, short hair, Dachshunds have an undercoat. It is especially pronounced in the autumn and winter months.

In the wirehaired species, the guard hair is coarse and wire-like. The hair on the body and tail is especially dense. On the muzzle there is a long, stiff beard. The pile above the eyes is bushy. There are featherings on the forelimbs. The hair on the ears and face is very short and well-fitting. The undercoat is thick and abundant.

Smooth-haired dachshunds have long, shiny coats with abundant undercoat. The pile fits well on almost the entire surface of the body. The throat and lower part of the body are covered with elongated hair. The ears are decorated with fringe at the end and edges. The back side of the limbs is covered with feathers. The hair on the tail is long and thick. Because of this, it resembles a raised flag.

Colors

Dachshunds come in a wide range of colors. Characteristic colors:

1. Single color. Red, yellow-red, dark red, yellow.
2. Two-color. Black-brown, rusty-brown interspersed with gray, gray with yellow markings on the eyes, neck, limbs and chest.
3. Tiger.
4. Marble. The merle dachshund is colored red, black or gray (as the main color). There are gray or beige markings on the body. They shouldn't be too large.
5. Spotted. The markings can be grey, yellow, brown, black, but should not dominate the overall coloring.

There is also an albino color. It is not recognized as a standard and is considered a deviation. These dogs have a pink or light brown nose and light or brown eyes.

Boys and girls dachshunds. External differences

The external differences of dogs are standard. The sex of a puppy can be distinguished by its sexual characteristics. In a male dog, the organ is located at a certain distance from the anus and the testicles are visible, while in females the organ resembles a heart and is located close to the anus.

Females are slightly more modest in size, but girls are not much smaller than boys, and must fit into the standards for height and length. Thus, a dwarf female at the withers is only 14-19 cm. The weight is also much less than that of males, they are more refined, the head size is smaller, and the body is more collected and toned.

Character

Despite its modest size, the dachshund is a true hunting dog. This is evident in her decisive nature. The dachshund is a perpetual motion machine: it is full of energy and does not like to sit still. This breed needs a strong, authoritative owner. If a puppy is not shown a place from childhood, he grows into an uncontrollable dog.

Like other hunting breeds, the dachshund needs training. The owner needs to teach the puppy discipline: the baby must know that he cannot sleep in the owner’s bed, beg for food from the table and pull on the leash. It is almost impossible to wean an adult dog from bad habits.

The Dachshund is capable of making independent decisions and will not act rashly. The same applies to executing commands. If the animal's desire does not coincide with the owner's order, it will refuse to carry it out. The dachshund obeys unquestioningly only if close contact is established between it and the owner. This breed is not suitable for indecisive people. Dachshunds quickly become attached to the family in which they live, but may try to set their own rules. A well-bred animal has a cheerful disposition and friendliness.

The relationship between children and dachshunds develops according to an unpredictable scenario. This breed can be aggressive towards younger family members. Dachshunds do not consider children worthy of obedience, so they treat them with indifference. However, cases of friendship between a child and a dachshund are not uncommon. If the dog becomes attached to the baby, it will protect and even educate him.

Dachshunds can get along with cats if they are taught to do so from childhood. However, this breed loves to hunt and perceives small animals as prey. Unsocialized dogs can clash with dogs of any size.

Dachshunds should only be walked on a leash. They tend to run away from their owners, especially if they spot prey. During pursuit, dogs do not respond to orders.

Dachshunds are highly trainable. They are easy to train, but at the same time stubborn. If a dog needs something, it will find a way to get it. Dachshunds are known to be cunning and manipulative.

How are dachshunds divided by coat?

• Smooth-haired

Smooth-haired dachshunds are the most common of all types of dachshunds. Dogs of this breed are characterized by folds on their paws. The dog is capable of active, long walks. He has well-developed muscles, a strong and strong body.

The legs are short, the body is elongated, and the dog looks harmonious and not awkward. Dachshunds are not only excellent hunters, but also companions and guards. Active, long walks with the opportunity to dig holes are important for her. Otherwise she will start digging for them in the sofa.

Caring for the coat is simple. Wash if necessary, and after a walk wipe the coat with a damp cloth. You should also go over the coat with a dog brush or comb once a week.

• Wirehaired

Dachshunds have had this type of coat recently. Externally, the wire-haired dachshund differs from its fellow tribesmen. This dog has distinctive mustaches, eyebrows and a beard. And somewhat reminiscent of the Australian terrier.

The hard coat helps the dachshund protect itself from the teeth and claws of the animals it hunts. Also, this type of wool does not allow water to pass through, thereby creating comfortable conditions for the dog even in rain and frost. Wirehaired fur is easy to care for: it is enough to comb it once every one to two weeks. It is not recommended to cut such dachshunds.

• Longhair

The breed has long, smooth, flowing hair. The coat acquires its full appearance after several molts; it should not curl. The breed's coat falls down, forming protection for the skin from cold and rain. After all, long-haired dachshunds were bred to hunt in cold conditions.

At this time, there are clubs with working long-haired representatives in Moscow, St. Petersburg, the Urals, Veliky Novgorod and Voronezh, Yaroslavl and Orel. More often, these animals are purchased as decorative animals, although in Russia they are less popular compared to smooth-haired ones.

Care: it is necessary to comb with dog brushes, wash, like other representatives of the breed, no more than once or twice a month with shampoo for long-haired dachshunds. In especially dirty weather, you can use different overalls and sweatshirts for dogs to protect your dog from pollution. It is advisable to trim the hair on the paws, as well as the claws.

Puppies of the long-haired dachshund breed can cost from 6,000 to 16,000 rubles (the price depends on the pedigree and titles of the parents)

Care and maintenance

Due to its small size, the dachshund is suitable for living in an apartment. Ideal living conditions are a private home with a spacious yard where dogs can let off steam.

A kennel or enclosure is not suitable for this breed. Their fur is not designed to retain heat. Therefore, even in a house or apartment, dachshunds need to be given a warm place, away from drafts and balcony doors.

If a dog lives in a private house, it runs the risk of being poisoned by rat poisons. Dachshunds love to hunt mice and rats, so they can catch a rodent weakened by the action of poison. Healthy ones are much more difficult to catch. If a dog bites through the skin of a poisoned rat, it may avoid infection, but if it eats the rodent, it will likely die.

Rats are carriers of rabies and infections, so their bites are very dangerous. A responsible owner must monitor the pet.

The dachshund is walked at least 2 times a day (45 minutes each) and only on a leash. A standard collar will not suit her: the structural features allow it to be easily removed. The best option is a harness vest. A standard harness pinches the sternum and leads to its deformation. This is extremely dangerous during a period of active growth.

Clothes for a dachshund are selected according to the weather. In the fall, a sweater, waterproof overalls or raincoat will be enough for her. In winter, the pet is dressed in insulated overalls. In summer there is no need for clothing. Dachshunds grow up to 10-12 months, so you will have to update your wardrobe often.

Dachshunds are a fold-eared breed, so you need to take good care of your ears. They are inspected for debris and ticks after each walk. The ears are cleaned every 3-4 weeks. The procedure is carried out using special lotions or a cotton pad soaked in warm water.

It is strictly forbidden to clean your ears with cotton swabs. They can easily damage the hearing organs.

The eyes should be examined regularly and cleared of natural secretions. To do this, use a cotton pad soaked in chamomile infusion or warm water. Movements should be directed towards the corner of the eye. Nails are trimmed once every 2-3 weeks. In dogs that spend a lot of time outside, they wear down on their own. Regular vaccination and treatment against parasites is also important.

Grooming

Caring for the coat of a smooth-haired dachshund is not difficult. From time to time you need to comb it with a rubber mitt to remove dead hairs. During seasonal molts - winter and spring - the procedure is carried out more often. The dachshund is bathed as needed. Using special shampoos - 3-4 times a year. The rest of the time, rinse with water.

Caring for the hair of a wire-haired dachshund is much more difficult. The beard should be wiped regularly after eating and walking: it is an ideal environment for the development of bacteria. If you neglect the procedure, your beard will begin to emit unpleasant odors. The wire-haired dachshund needs to be brushed regularly. During seasonal molting - every day.

The dog also needs trimming, a hygienic or fashionable haircut. They bathe her after severe contamination using special shampoos. It is recommended to give preference to cosmetics that contain silicone: this substance makes combing easier. The rest of the time, the dachshund is rinsed with warm water (without detergents). During rainy weather, the wire-haired dachshund is dressed in overalls. The dense undercoat allows this species to do without winter clothing.

Long-haired dachshunds are also regularly clipped and combed. Hygienic haircut is an essential part of grooming. It involves trimming the hair between the toes and around the paw pads, ears and groin. Bathe them 3-4 times a year using shampoo and conditioner. For minor stains, rinse it off.

Feeding

Your dachshund can be fed high-quality dry food or home-prepared meals. Modern super premium drying is made from whole meat and natural ingredients, therefore it has a beneficial effect on the dog’s health. In addition, dry food contains a whole complex of vitamins and minerals, which eliminates the need to introduce additional supplements into the diet.

Premium foods (for example, Pro Plan, Royal Canin or Hills) are made from offal and contain little whole meat. They contain allergenic corn and flavor enhancers. These products will not harm the dog's health, but will not be beneficial either.

Economy class feeds (Darling, Pedigree, Chappie, Friskies) are produced on the basis of by-products and waste from slaughterhouses. They provoke urolithiasis, poisoning and gastrointestinal diseases.

Quality feeds include:

• Brit Kea;
• Pronature;
• Original;
• First Choice;
• Dukes Farm;
• Monge;
• Wulfsblatt;
• Akana;
• Grandorf;
• Now Fresh;
• Savarra.

It is better to opt for holistic food (the last 4 items on the list). They do not contain grains or other allergenic products. The daily feed intake can be found in the table printed directly on the packaging or posted on the manufacturer’s website. It is calculated based on the dog's weight.

During dry feeding, you need to provide your pet with access to fresh water.

If the owner has the opportunity to prepare fresh dishes every day, he should include in the diet:

• low-calorie meat: beef, lamb and rabbit;
• well-cooked offal (from 3 months);
• raw bones (except poultry tubular bones);
• sea ​​fish;
• rice, buckwheat, oats;
• cottage cheese, kefir, yogurt, natural yogurt;
• low-fat cheese;
• boiled egg (1-2 per week);
• omelette without salt and spices;
• vegetables;
• greenery;
• fruits (except grapes);
• rye crackers, biscuits and crackers without seasoning (as a treat).

The daily portion of meat should be from 30 to 50%. It depends on the activity of the particular dog. Meat can be given either boiled or raw. In the latter case, it is recommended to scald it right before serving. It is better to serve sea fish boiled, removing the head, tail, fins, bones and organs.

River fish contains worm eggs, so it is rarely given and only boiled!

The daily share of cereals is up to 20%. If the dog is fat, it is recommended to remove them from the menu. The content of vegetables in a daily serving can reach up to 50%. It is better to give them raw. Before serving, grate the vegetables. Dairy products are given as a snack. They should not be mixed with meat and vegetables.

List of prohibited products:

• pork and other fatty meats;
• boiled poultry bones and tubular bones;
• potato;
• cabbage;
• legumes;
• grape;
• milk (after 3-4 months);
• River fish;
• sausages;
• confectionery;
• fresh bread and products made from yeast flour;
• fried, salted, smoked, spicy;
• seasonings and spices.

An adult dachshund (from 8 months) needs to be fed 2 times a day. If the pet receives a meat bone, this completely replaces feeding. Some breeders recommend feeding a dog over one year of age once a day. The average daily portion is 360 g. 60 g are allocated for treats and edible rewards.

What to feed a puppy

Proper puppy care is impossible without a balanced diet. In the first 4 weeks, the baby is fed by the mother, but from the age of 1.5 months additional foods are introduced into the diet. Dry food for puppies can be given from 1-1.5 months. The main thing is to soak the granules with milk or warm water. The list of approved foods corresponds to the list for adult dogs. These brands have lines for different ages.

If the owner raises the baby on a natural diet, at the age of 1 month baby meat food, meat broths, dairy products, buckwheat or rice porridge, and boiled vegetables are added to mother’s milk (it is acceptable to give a piece of raw carrot).

At 2-3 months, the diet is expanded with buckwheat and rice porridge with the addition of poultry or beef. The meat is boiled until done. Its volume should not exceed a third of the serving. At 4-5 months, babies begin to be fed like adult dogs.

Puppies require a special diet. Babies up to 3 months are fed 5 times a day. From 3 to 8 months – three times a day. From 8 months – 2 times a day. Some people transfer their one-year-old dachshund to one-time feeding.

Estrus, mating, pregnancy, childbirth

On average, dachshunds begin their first heat cycle at the age of 8 months and repeat every 6-10 months. The frequency depends on the characteristics of the body and the psychological state of the dog. Typically, estrus lasts 3-4 weeks.

The first time a female is mated is in her third heat, a male is mated at the age of 1.5 years. If the female is not bred before the age of 6, you should continue to refuse mating. The ideal moment for mating is 12-14 days from the start of estrus. Dogs are bred only in the male's territory: the female is inclined to defend her territory, so she will be aggressive. If mating is carried out for the first time, it is recommended to consult a specialist. He will take into account all the nuances and control the process.

If everything went well, pregnancy occurs. For standard dachshunds, pregnancy lasts 63 days, for miniatures it lasts 60 days. Childbirth can last from several hours to a day. Puppies are usually born 10-40 minutes apart. After each baby, the placenta comes out.

Inexperienced owners should not give birth on their own. It is better to use the services of a veterinarian.

With hormonal problems, dachshunds experience false pregnancy. The reasons may be the production of hormones after an unsuccessful mating. Most often, symptoms appear 6-10 days after the start of estrus. False pregnancy occurs in both parous and non-parous dogs. Symptoms: sudden mood swings, swollen nipples and secretion of colostrum, building a nest for future births, picking up and licking toys in which the dachshund sees puppies.

Training and education

Dachshund puppies begin to be trained from the first months of life. Already at one month old, the baby has enough experience to learn the simplest rules of behavior. Training at home begins with educational work. You should not immediately teach your puppy complex commands. To begin with, he is taught the feeding and toilet routine, the rules of behavior in the apartment, he is forbidden to sleep in the master's bed and pull on the leash.

Dachshunds very quickly get used to permissiveness. If the puppy feels weak, he will not obey commands. It is especially difficult to wean an adult dachshund from stealing food from the table and getting into bed.

You need to train your dog consistently. Any team learns in 3 stages:

• in one way or another they force the dog to perform a certain action;
• if successful, the dachshund is rewarded with a treat, thereby reinforcing the positive emotions from following the command;
• reinforce the association of the command with the desired action.

Until 3 months, the baby is trained in a calm environment. The training is then moved outdoors to strengthen the team in unfamiliar conditions.

Under no circumstances should you physically punish your dog! The pet will lose trust and will not obey the owner.

Usually the dachshund has enough basic knowledge to behave well in society. If the owner wants to unleash the full potential of this breed, he can enroll the dog in special courses.

Standard characteristics of head, tail and paws

Long-haired dachshunds have a dry, long, wedge-shaped head, which is especially noticeable when viewed from above and from the side. The forehead is harmonious, not too wide and not too narrow, rather flat, and does not have a sharp transition to the muzzle. The muzzle has strict lines, narrow, elongated.

The line of the back is smoothly continued by a tail of moderate length and tapering to a tip, it is covered with thick hair, not curved or too raised.

The paws are large and wide, set parallel or slightly turned to the sides. The hind limbs are slightly smaller than the forelimbs. The fingers are distinctly arched and tightly closed, strong. A calmly standing dog rests on the entire surface area of ​​its paws. The coat is thick and silky, allowing it to withstand heat, rain and cold well.

Hunting

When hunting, the dachshund transforms. She becomes a collected, passionate and merciless animal. There are cases when dachshunds rushed at large animals. Burrow hunting is very dangerous. A dog can not only die from the claws of a predator, but also be buried alive as a result of a collapse. For this reason, you should have a shovel in your hunting arsenal.

Having discovered a hole, the dachshund begins to bark at the victim and inflict stinging bites on it, forcing it to crawl to the surface. This breed is known for its death grip: the dachshund can keep its jaws closed for a long time.

At the same time, some dogs leave the victim in the hole because they lose interest in the defeated enemy.

Dachshunds hunt:

• hare;
• wild boar;
• badger;
• duck;
• fox;
• marten;
• ferret;
• ermine.

With proper training, a pack of dachshunds is capable of driving down deer and wolves.

Physical exercise

All types of dachshunds, the photographs and names of which you have already seen above, need physical activity. Daily walks are an excellent prevention of excess weight gain, which happens quite often with dogs of this breed kept as pets (not for hunting). Experts recommend walking dachshunds for short periods of time, but often, giving them plenty of time to run around. It is worth warning those who have their own country plot or house. Dachshunds, due to their hunting nature, are big fans of digging the ground.

How to toilet train

Until about 4 months, babies cannot control their urge to urinate and defecate. Despite this, the puppy needs to be toilet trained from the first months of life. To begin with, he is taught to go to the toilet at home (until all vaccinations are completed, he cannot be taken outside).

The owner must allocate a certain place in the apartment for the puppy where he will go to the toilet. This could be a waterproof diaper or a tray with high sides. In the first months of moving the puppy, it is recommended to protect it with a playpen or special fences. There you need to lay out several diapers so that the puppy gets used to doing things only on them. Then, when he gets a little older, the diaper is placed in a specially designated place. Soiled diapers are suitable for this so that the dog can find the toilet by smell. At first, misfires may occur. There is no need to punish the child; it will be enough to show dissatisfaction. The puddle is blotted with a diaper and taken to the right place. It is very important to eliminate all traces: the smell will provoke a relapse.

After the puppy has become accustomed to the toilet at home, he has received all his vaccinations, and is taught to relieve himself in the yard. He is taken outside after waking up, feeding or active play. It is very important not to leave the street until the dog is done with everything. At first, you can take the soiled diaper outside. However, you shouldn’t delay this. A couple of times is enough for the puppy to begin to associate the street with the toilet.

What toys do you need?

The Dachshund is a perky and active dog. She needs to splash out her energy during long walks and games. To spend independent time at home, your pet needs toys.

Attention! If you provide your dog with toys that he likes, then he will have something to do while his owner is away from home. Games help you not to get bored and spoil things.

Toys should not have soft filling, otherwise the animal will quickly tear them apart during active games. The best option is rubber balls and bones. They are more durable. You should choose products that squeak. The dog will be more interested in playing with them. Toys should be of high quality, of medium size without unnecessary parts, so that the pet does not swallow them and it is convenient to play with them.

Dog toys

Diseases and life expectancy

Dachshunds are prone to excess weight and spinal diseases. Obesity is very dangerous: it increases the load on the back and leads to irreversible consequences.

The most common diseases include:

1. Osteoporosis.
2. Discopathy. This disease manifests itself in the displacement of intervertebral discs, which leads to compression of the spinal cord. Discopathy can be genetic or occur in sedentary dogs.
3. Acanthosis nigricans. It causes skin damage, excessive pigmentation, baldness, and the formation of severe folds. In addition, the disease is accompanied by a stench. Acanthosis nigricans in a dachshund can be a consequence of a genetic pathology or frequent diathesis. Possible causes include diabetes and hypothyroidism.
4. Ear mite.
5. Epilepsy.
6. Cataract.
7. Diabetes.
8. Diseases of the heart, urinary tract.

Problems with the spine are often accompanied by impaired motor activity. If your dachshund's paws fail, you should immediately consult a doctor. Treatment can be either medicinal or surgical. During the recovery period, massage, swimming and special exercises are prescribed. On average, dachshunds live 12-15 years.

Taking care of the dog

Dachshunds have fairly good health. The main risk is associated with the structural features of their body. The animal has a long back and short legs - this threatens the displacement of the intervertebral discs. Therefore, it is important to monitor the dog’s weight (it should not exceed the standard) and its activity. In particular, don't encourage her to jump high or jump up and down from the couch. Strictly follow the diet and dosage of food. Almost ¾ of the diet should consist of meat, which all hunting dogs love so much.

The types of dachshunds listed above have coats that vary in characteristics. However, they all need periodic care. Fortunately, this doesn’t require much effort. For smooth-haired dachshunds, it is enough to wipe them daily for several minutes with a rough mitten and then with a soft cloth. Long-haired and short-haired dogs are combed with a special stiff brush and comb.

Dachshund mix

The popularity of the breed and random matings inevitably lead to the emergence of mixed breeds. The most common ones include:

1. A cross between a dachshund and a spaniel. This mixed breed looks like a spaniel with a long, squat body. He is distinguished by an active, perky character and a tendency to eye diseases.
2. Dachshund and Chihuahua mix. This mestizo is known as the Chihuaxa. From the Chihuahua he inherited erect ears and a pocket size. The dachshund has an elongated body. These dogs do not like to be left alone and need constant communication with their owner.
3. A cross between a dachshund and a toy terrier. This mestizo is similar to an ordinary dachshund, but has the character of a Russian toy. This crossbreed is becoming increasingly popular.

Mixed breeds are no worse than purebred dogs, but require special treatment. Sometimes mixing characters gives unexpected results.

All dachshunds have common traits

The dachshund is a hunting dog; according to the description, it has a long body, short legs, an elongated muzzle with a dark nose. Regardless of the species, all dachshunds are hardy, flexible, have excellent control over their bodies, are very brave and desperate. They show intelligence and initiative when hunting, and at home they are devoted to their owner and family. Dogs can perform guard functions. At the first suspicious rustle they burst into loud barks. Many dachshunds have the same health problems, which are related to skeletal structure, bloating, obesity and frequent colds.

How to choose a puppy

The best place to buy a puppy is a specialized nursery. Pedigree guarantees not only blood purity, but also social skills. A well-trained dog teaches puppy behavior rules. But there is a risk of stumbling upon scammers who keep dogs in terrible conditions. Therefore, in order not to regret your choice, it is recommended to visit exhibitions, get acquainted with the assortment of nurseries, and ideally, sign up for a puppy from the parents you like.

At the screenings, pay attention to the following:

• organization of living space;
• baby diet;
• mother's health and appearance;
• condition of the puppy’s coat, skin, teeth, eyes and joints;
• absence/presence of discharge from the nose and eyes;
• communication between puppies;
• children's reactions to strangers;
• activity of puppies (they should not be lethargic or hyperactive);
• set of documents and pedigree.

It is best to visit breeders with experienced owners or specialists. They will help you take into account all the nuances.

Standard requirements: head, tail and paws

The head of wire-haired dachshunds in profile and on top is wedge-shaped, dry, with strict lines. The forehead is not too narrow, but not wide either, gradually turning into an elongated and slightly hook-nosed muzzle. The brow ridges are well developed. The dog's jaws are exceptionally powerful, very well developed, long and wide opening. According to the standard, the muzzle should not have a square shape.

The line of the back is continued by a slightly curved tail. When at rest, it should not touch the ground or rise too high.

The forelimbs are wide, dense and straight, or slightly turned out to the sides. The paw is formed by four toes; they are compact, arched and rest on dense pads. The hind limbs are slightly narrower than the forelimbs, set parallel.

Where to buy and price

The dachshund is one of the most popular dogs in Russia, so finding a purebred puppy will not be difficult. Officially registered nurseries exist not only in cities with a population of over a million.

List of nurseries:

• Dax Design (Moscow);
• Ulayter (Moscow);
• Tornado Blaze (Moscow);
• From the Golden Storehouses (Moscow);
• From Rainbow Dreams (Rostov-on-Don);
• Svarta Pim (St. Petersburg);
• Caucasus Lake Baikal (Angarsk);
• From the Omsk Fortress (Omsk);
• Crazy Toy (Ryazan);
• Magic of the Stars (Rybinsk).

Average price for puppies: 15,000-35,000 rubles.

Nicknames

You can name a boy dachshund with either a funny or an aristocratic name: Count, Hamilton, Theodore, Zeus, Tim, Denis, Chuck, Charlie, Cactus, Sprat, Kex, Bumblebee, Shustrik. A name for a girl can be gentle or perky: Chloe, Florence, Pixie, Button, Mimi, Plusha, Toffee, Snezhka, Sophie, Donna.

Pros and cons of the breed

+	–
Beautiful hunting dog	Requires special education
Good companion	May exhibit animal aggression
Easily trainable	You can only walk on a leash
Quickly becomes attached to the family in which he lives	Prone to spinal diseases
Most often, she is child-friendly	Submits only to an authoritative master
Suitable for apartment living
Sheds moderately
Suitable for active owners

The dachshund is a small dog with the heart of a hunter. She has irrepressible energy and is able to drive a wild boar. This breed is not suitable for indecisive people and homebodies. The owner must share the interests of the pet.

Coat type

Dogs are divided into three groups based on their coat type. There are smooth-haired, long-haired and wire-haired dachshunds.

Smooth-haired dachshund

The coat of a short-haired dachshund has the following parameters:

• smooth;
• short;
• shiny;
• no bald spots;
• thick;
• fits tightly to the body;
• The length of the hair is 2 centimeters.

Longhaired dachshund

In pets with long hair, the hair lies close to the body, and forms a fringe on the ears, chest and paws. Dogs have undercoat. Their fur has a shine. Its greatest length is observed on the tail below.

Wirehaired dachshund

Their coat type is similar to smooth-haired dachshunds. However, dogs are characterized by the presence of undercoat and coarse hair. Their fur is thick and does not fit tightly on the ears, eyebrows and muzzle. The length of the villi reaches 3 centimeters.