# Dachshund

Also known as: Dackel, Teckel, Wiener Dog, Sausage Dog, Badger Dog
- **Group:** Dachshund (FCI group 4)
- **Size:** Small
- **Origin:** Germany
- **Height:** 13–27 cm
- **Weight:** 4–12 kg
- **Life expectancy:** 12–16 years
- **Temperament:** Curious, Bold, Stubborn, Lively, Loyal
- **FCI standard:** No. 148

A long-bodied, short-legged German hound bred to follow scent into burrows after badgers. Bold, clever and stubborn, it comes in three coat types and several sizes.

## Overview

The Dachshund is instantly recognisable by its long back, short legs and big personality. Its name means badger dog, and it was developed to track and flush quarry from underground burrows. Smaller versions were bred for rabbits.

Today it is a popular companion that still carries a hunter's nose and determination. It suits owners who enjoy a spirited, affectionate dog with plenty of opinions, and who will gently guard its long back.

## History

The Dachshund was shaped by German breeders, drawing on hounds and terriers from several countries. Early references from the 1700s describe badger crawlers, though dogs used for similar work are much older. The first dogs were heavier than today's, around 14 to 18 kg.

The smooth coat came first, with long-haired and wire-haired types following, the wire-haired being the latest. Royal courts across Europe kept them, Queen Victoria among them. The breed became a symbol of Germany and was the mascot of the 1972 Munich Olympics.

## Appearance

A muscular, long-bodied dog on short legs, with a long muzzle, large drooping ears and a gently curved tail. The front paws are broad and well suited to digging, and the loose skin helps in tight tunnels.

There are three coats: smooth, long-haired and wire-haired, in standard and miniature sizes.

## Temperament

Dachshunds are brave, curious and often stubborn, with a strong urge to dig and follow scents. They bond closely with their family and can be wary of strangers, which makes them alert watchdogs with a surprisingly big voice.

Wire-haired dogs tend to be more terrier-like and clownish, long-haired ones a little calmer. Early socialisation and patient, reward-based training work best.

## Care and exercise

Daily walks and play keep a Dachshund fit and happy, but avoid repeated jumping and stairs, and keep the dog lean to protect its back. Always support the body when lifting.

Smooth coats need little care, while long and wire coats need regular brushing and occasional trimming. Secure fencing helps, as they love to dig and follow a scent.

## Health

The long back makes Dachshunds prone to intervertebral disc disease, so weight control and avoiding strain matter. Obesity, dental problems and eye conditions can occur. Double-dapple dogs risk eye and hearing defects, so responsible breeding is important.

## Ratings (1 to 5)

- Energy: 3
- Exercise needs: 3
- Grooming: 2
- Shedding: 3
- Trainability: 2
- Barking: 5
- Good with children: 3
- Good with other dogs: 3

Page: https://techtools.cz/tools/dog-atlas/dachshund
Sources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dachshund · https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q29099
Photo: Katemil94 (CC BY-SA 4.0), https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:%EB%8B%A5%EC%8A%A4%ED%9B%88%ED%8A%B8%28%EB%8B%A8%EB%AA%A8%EC%A2%85%29_%28Dachshund_%28Short%29%29.jpg
Profile written by an AI model from the sources above.