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DACHSHUNDS |
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While the French
were developing their basset varieties for slower, closer hunting, the
Germans created the Dachshunds. Short-statured hunting dogs have assisted
Germans since the Middle Ages.
Their origin,
like those of the bassets, is thought to be from dwarf mutations of the
tall hounds. The Dachshund is basically a short-legged version of the
schweisshund, although crosses may have been made to various terriers
and/or spaniels to obtain the wire and long coats. The Dachsie is a true
hound of German type, without exaggerated skin. He carries the ram's muzzle
with very slight stop and the large high-set flat ear. Dachs means
badger, another animal with a sturdy body on short, crooked legs. Therefore,
the Dachsbracke is a bracke with short legs "like the badger,"
and the Dachshund is a tracking hound with similar appendages. Germans
usually call the Dachshund a Teckel.
Dachshunds have
been employed for many hunting chores: chasing rabbits, searching for
various game and tracking. They are also small (and brave) enough to go
into the lair to bolt hidden prey. To enable them to fill every hunting
need, the breed was molded into a number of sizes and coat varieties as
well as in a panorama of colors. The Standard, or largest size, was primarily
a tracker, although he had ability for searching as well. Smaller varieties
were useful in searching, rabbit hunting and going to ground to chase
out the quarry. The smallest ones were developed specifically to go into
the rabbit warrens and put the inhabitants to flight.
During WWI,
the breed was disparaged as was everything German, but he survived the
prejudice. He is admired in Australia, the USA and many other countries
around the world. The Smooth is a favorite hound in Great Britain, and
in the States, Dachshunds cling firmly to their popularity.
In Germany,
Dachshund sizes are separated not by weight, as in America, but by chest
circumference—the division of classes based on what size hole they could
enter! AKC recognizes two sizes, with the Miniature required to be nine
pounds or under. FCI and Germany have the same Standard dog (called
Normalgrosse but describe two smaller versions. Their Zwerg-teckel
(dwarf Dachshund) must not be more than 13.8 inches around the chest,
and the little Kaninchenteckel (rabbit Dachshund) should not
exceed 11.8 inches. All sizes appear in either a short, smooth; short,
wiry; or a long, fringed coat. Colors commonly are according to the
usual hound tones of black/tan, red or brindle, but more infrequent
patterns of merle, blue/tan or gray with yellow markings are also allowed.
White markings are undesirable.
While most
of the German hounds are not known outside their native land, the
Dachshund has become widely popular throughout the world, fundamentally
as a pet dog. In fact, in Gergweis, Germany, the "Dachshund Capital
of the World," these little dogs outnumber people two to one.
Here Dachsies are rented "by the hour" to tourists for walks.
Affectionate and chipper, he is a fine companion and soul mate. Wary
enough to be a watchdog, his devotion to his own family, especially
to the children, is undying.
His novel
shape lends itself to various nicknames: Weiner Dog, Sausage Dog or
the Americanized "Hot Dog"! The length of body tends toward
back problems, and owners should be careful about their dog's weight,
which may intensify or contribute to this ailment.
His desire
to hunt is still strong, and he well may excavate your petunia bed
to reach a garter snake or gopher. He may even proudly present you
with the rat he has killed in the backyard. But his energy and ability
to have fun make up for any minor annoyances. All of this talent is
bundled into a package with a selection of colors, coats and sizes,
giving a prospective owner nearly unlimited choices!
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