Long-haired dachshund: history, appearance, maintenance and care (+ photo)

History of the breed

The pedigree of elongated dogs goes back a long way. Even in the tablets of the ancient Egyptians there is a mention of the dachshund. The name of the breed appeared much later and translated from German means “badger dog.” The first short-legged creatures began to be bred in Germany.

At first it was culling hounds. The dogs were not suitable for running long distances and could not participate in driving the beast. But thanks to its amazingly sensitive sense of smell, the breed began to be used in another type of hunting - norn.

Here the combination of short legs with an elongated body came in handy. Rejected hounds easily penetrated the holes of badgers, foxes and other animals. The fishing turned out to be so successful that it became the reason for selection. Thus a new breed of slow-moving hounds appeared.

The first representatives of the species are short-haired individuals. After crossing with spaniels, the shaggy dachshund was born, which immediately gained popularity among hunters due to its gentle disposition.

Story

In the history of the dachshund, several significant dates and periods can be identified for the breed:

• XVI-XVII centuries — formation of the breed in Germany; first mention in literature under the name “badger warrior”. At this time, the Germans began to specially breed short-legged, low dogs for hunting burrowing animals. In German, the dachshund is called Dachshund, “badger dog”: dachs - badger, hund - dog.
• XVIII century - the breed is finally taking shape, acquiring a modern appearance and characteristics.
• 1870 - the first breed standard was adopted.
• 1914-1918, 1939-1945 - due to its German origin, during the war years the dog’s popularity dropped sharply, since everything related to Germany was disapproved at that time. Only thanks to the efforts of dedicated breeders, dachshunds are once again winning the love of society.

Dachshunds are considered one of the most ancient breeds, which gave rise to other burrowing dog species.
The exact time of the birth of the long-haired dachshund is controversial among scientists, but excavations indicate that the dog lived in the territory of Ancient Egypt, Greece and the Ancient Roman Empire. The long-haired breed is believed to have originated by crossing a smooth-haired dachshund with a spaniel and some pointing dogs. Did you know? The dachshund is the first and only domestic animal to become a symbol of the Olympic Games.
Thus, in 1972, at the XX Summer Olympic Games, Waldi the dachshund became the mascot of the competition. Its popularity was so great that the image of a dog in a striped T-shirt quickly became a print for posters, clothes, and dishes.

Description

Since the 17th century, Germany has been looking at short-legged dogs for burrow hunting. In just one century, varieties of elongated dogs appeared, which were already bred outside the country. This was the reason for the approval of breed standards.

Varieties

Since the 19th century, representatives of short-legged hounds have become pets everywhere. In selection, a new direction emerges - breeding miniature dogs. Among long-haired dachshunds, 3 varieties with chest volume appear:

• standard – more than 35 cm;
• “dwarfs” – 30-35 cm;
• “rabbits” – up to 30 cm.

This is the main parameter by which representatives of species are assessed. Such dogs are further divided into 2 types - large dachshunds (8-12 kg) and small ones (6-8 kg). Miniature animals, accordingly, have even less mass.

Otherwise, the characteristics are identical: a well-defined keel on the deep sternum, an elongated body and muzzle, short legs, excessively hairy ears and tail.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

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Dachshunds have different personalities. If the standard one is more playful and docile, then small representatives of the breed are characterized by aggression.

Characteristics of the Dachshund

When purchasing a dog, many people want to be sure of its purebred. Each species has certain characteristics. The long-haired standard dachshund also has them.

Read the article: Breeds of long-haired dogs

1. The head is triangular, but without points, with a narrowed muzzle.
2. The neck is muscular, with pronounced withers.
3. The transition from the forehead to the nose is fuzzy, all lines are smoothed out.
4. The brow ridges and cheekbones stand out sharply.
5. The eyes are dark, not slanted, placed on the same line. The cut is oval. The iris is most often brown, but some dogs have blue and amber.
6. The nose is usually black, and in light-colored dachshunds it is often combined with a shade of fur.
7. Ears hang down and are soft to the touch.
8. The body is strong, with a tucked belly, an oval chest, and an elongated lumbar region.
9. The hind legs are shorter than the front legs, but have developed joints. Toes on widely spaced feet always point straight ahead.
10. The tail is a continuation of the chord line, is in a hanging position and reaches the ground.

The given description of this breed refers to the standard representatives of long-haired dachshunds. Small animals – “dwarfs”, “rabbits” – are also assessed based on these characteristics. As for the dog’s weight, they don’t pay attention to it.

Coat type and color

The main cover is two-layered - fluffy, short below, shiny and smooth above. Despite the name of the breed, dachshunds are not hairy everywhere. In the lower part of the body and on the throat of the dog, the hair is elongated. The breed's ears are framed with fringe, and its hind legs are fringed. The dachshund's tail is also fluffy.

The breed has different colors:

• single-color, which stands out in reddish, fawn and red shades;
• two-color, if lighter tan marks are distributed in places on a brown, black or chocolate background;
• marble, with gray, red and black tints (small inclusions are allowed);
• brindle – there are dark spots on the fawn or red coat.

Each of the described shades refers to breed standards. Dachshunds with the last two colors are less common in nature, so the dogs are more valuable.

Character

Even individuals trained for hunting are distinguished by their docileness and peacefulness. This dog can be safely adopted in a family with small children - standard representatives of the breed are characterized by affection.

Dachshunds have a cheerful character, pets are active, love to play and will not let you get bored. Dogs easily pick up on their owner’s mood and show sympathy if they feel bad.

They attract attentiveness and intelligence in dogs. This is why the process of training a dachshund is easy and relaxed.

Description of the breed

The hairy dachshund has distinctive external qualities from standard representatives of the species. Its description can be endless. The beautiful dewlap and rich feathering on the paws make it the most decorative breed.

On a note! The long-haired dachshund can literally charm anyone with its hair.

But at the same time, the long-haired dachshund dog has not lost its main purpose - it was, is and will be a real hunter.

The shaggy dachshund also has another distinctive feature - it is calmer and more reserved than its smooth-haired counterparts. The shaggy dachshund puppy shows character at an early age and strives to protect its owner.

The appearance of the long-haired dachshund is strikingly different from the smooth-haired variety.

Education and training

When owning short-legged dogs with long hair for hunting or as a pet, training a puppy is approached with the utmost responsibility. The future habits of the pet depend on the owner.

The dog’s behavior is formed from the first days, as soon as it gets into its new home.

1. To prevent the puppy from spoiling household things, the pet is accustomed to its toys.
2. The baby is not allowed to grab food uncontrollably while the owner puts it in the bowl.
3. Dachshunds have hunting qualities in their blood; the puppies do not miss a single cat or dog on their way. Therefore, when raising such a pet, they develop restraint in it.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

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Dachshunds are very sociable animals; dogs often playfully jump on people. It is recommended to wean puppies from this habit.

Dachshunds begin training from infancy. Already at 4 months, puppies quickly learn commands. If the goal is to raise a non-hunting dog, it is enough to limit yourself to a small set of the most common exercises. Classes are structured taking into account the pet’s disposition.

Breed training methods:

In order for training to give an effective result, a number of basic rules are followed:

• training begins if the owner and puppy are in a good mood;
• during classes, at first, exclude all surrounding stimuli;
• commands are pronounced in a clear, calm voice so that the dachshund understands the meaning of what was said;
• to reinforce past lessons, they are repeated in new lessons, changing the sequence;
• If the puppy loses interest, training is stopped.

To attract the dachshund's attention to learning, education is carried out in a playful way. It is not advisable to use only the mechanical method for small dogs. Giving your puppy rewarding treats can be more effective.

Character of the breed

The character of long-haired dogs and their short-haired close relatives does not differ too much. Such a pet is very curious - not a single event will pass by its long nose. The dog is happy to be near its owner 24 hours a day and is very upset if it is left alone at home.

A dachshund puppy quite quickly finds a common language with all family members, but he will consider only one of them as the owner and faithfully obey him. With other pets - dogs or cats, the long-haired dachshund almost always establishes friendly relations, but this does not apply to other people's animals - the dog can consider them as a subject of hunting. If you keep such a hunter in a private house, then small pest animals will forget the way here.

It is not recommended to bring a dachshund, including one with long fur, into a family with small children. These animals are not known for their patience and, even if you accidentally hurt them, they can not only snap back, but also bite. But still, long-haired dachshunds have a reduced desire to hunt, they are calmer and more balanced, so they are recommended to be kept as pets.

Dachshunds, although small dogs, are very brave; they are capable of getting into fights with their relatives, regardless of the size of the enemy. This should be taken into account when walking. Dachshunds are territorial animals and will defend their territory with all the ferocity they have. It’s not for nothing that these cute-looking creatures top the ranking of the most biting dogs. But for its own, the pet will become a faithful and devoted comrade and even a family member.

Care and maintenance

Caring for a dachshund is not difficult.

A special overall, worn on the dog before going outside, will save you from dirt. There is no need for unnecessary water procedures immediately, since frequent washing of the puppy is the cause of the development of seborrhea.

They bathe the dachshund once a week, but after each walk the dog’s paws are washed. Shampoos are selected taking into account the breed. This will make the coat healthy, silky and avoid tangles.

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Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

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To keep the fluffy “fur coat” smooth and smooth, the dog is brushed with a soft brush. During the molting period, old villi are removed.

Regularly inspect your pet's body to identify parasites. Control is especially important when the dachshund is walking in the forest.

Character and psychology

A representative of this breed has all the qualities of a real hunter: he is passionate, fearless, energetic and capable of making independent decisions.

Other hunting dog breeds are described in the article

Otherwise, being underground, alone with a badger or a fox, the dog would not be able to cope with its functions.

But the animal’s pronounced intelligence gives it another quality: these dogs can be extremely stubborn and willful.

without serious training .

The dwarf dachshund is always interested in what moves - it seems to her that this is the meaning of life

Dachshunds, like many other small dogs , need the attention of their owners; they need communication, play, walks and activities together.

If a dog does not receive its share of care, attention and affection, its character will seriously deteriorate: pets deprived of attention are capable of petty dirty tricks, vindictive acts and often become aggressive.

A well-trained and socialized dog has an extremely balanced character.

Feeding

Short-legged dogs are big eaters, so following the regime is important, otherwise the dog will gain weight. Set specific hours for eating. At the same time, kids eat at least four times a day, and older dogs only in the morning and evening.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

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When choosing a diet for a pet, take into account what the breeder fed the puppy. If the new owner decides to rebuild the menu, then this should be done gradually. Ready-made foods are selected according to age.

List of necessary products for a dachshund:

Unleavened crackers, biscuits, and crackers are not recommended to be included in a dog’s regular diet. But this is a good way to encourage a puppy during training.

Feeding rules

The smaller the pet, the more often it is fed. The number of meals depends on the age of the puppy.

Standard diet for a dog:

• up to 3 months - every 3-4 hours;
• from 3 to 8 – 3 times a day;
• adult – twice a day.

Serve small portions so that the dog does not overeat. The dose is determined taking into account the pet’s body weight - for every kilogram of weight, 40 g of products are required. Sedentary dachshunds are given less food.

Tips for feeding your longhaired dachshund

What do you need to know about long-haired dachshunds to feed them correctly? It is important to know that increased mobility requires a lot of energy. It is preferable to feed with products of natural origin, but the option of using dry food is also possible. Of course, it is up to the owners what to feed their long-haired dachshund; the main thing is that the food provides the dog’s body with the necessary microelements. A dachshund should eat before walking, not after. If you decide to buy a long-haired dachshund puppy, you need to remember that you cannot pamper or overfeed it; additional meals outside of the regime are especially harmful. As a result, your Dachshund may quickly become overweight and less mobile.

Diseases and treatment

Dachshunds are one of the few dogs prone to allergies. Itching and dandruff appear when “wrong” foods are introduced into a pet’s diet. A similar reaction, as well as weak stools, is provoked by a sharp transition to a new menu.

Expert opinion

Anna Abramenko

An avid dog lover. Experience in veterinary medicine since 2009.

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Puppies should not jump a lot and do vertical stands. Such movements during games or training lead to displacement of the spinal discs and the development of a hernia in dogs, which affects the posture of dachshunds. Due to the specific body structure of the breed, this is a common health problem for these dogs.

The breed is susceptible to other diseases. What do dachshunds get sick with?

Specific pathologies can be avoided if you provide your pet with proper care in compliance with the regimens.

Breed characteristics

During the existence of the species, neither the character nor the appearance of dogs of this breed changed practically. Smooth-haired dachshund or with wool - it doesn’t really matter. The main thing is that both types have literally outstanding qualities:

• The dog can easily endure any difficulties.
• The fluffy dachshund has a lively disposition.
• It is better to train a dog from an early age.
• Bonds to only one owner.
• The shaggy dachshund breed looks very funny.

Advantages and disadvantages

A dog in the house is a joy and at the same time a small problem. Each breed has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of the breed:

• intelligence;
• easy to learn;
• love for children;
• playfulness;
• devotion;
• cleanliness.

Disadvantages of the breed:

• tendency to resentment and stress;
• susceptibility to disease.

There are few disadvantages to a long-haired dachshund. Even strict adherence to the pet’s diet does not become a burden.

How to choose a longhaired dwarf dachshund puppy

When deciding to buy a dachshund with hair, the most important thing is to choose the right puppy. Despite the fact that all proportions are already visible in a healthy animal in childhood, experts recommend looking at the puppy’s parents. In this case, you can get an idea of ​​what the baby will look like in the future.

It is imperative to check the condition of the muzzle, mouth, ears and eyes. There should be no rashes on the skin.

Important! It is best to purchase a puppy at 2-3 months of age.

Selection rules

It is better to buy a dog when it is a puppy, since it is easier to raise a dachshund than to retrain it.

When choosing a pet, pay attention to such signs as:

• healthy ears, clean eyes;
• saber-shaped tail without curvature;
• smooth, without humps and deflections, the line of the back;
• smooth, glossy coat.

The puppy you like should be moderately well-fed. The dog's behavior is active and playful. Carefree mobility is a sign that the puppy has no health problems.

Diseases of the breed

Dachshunds have an original body structure, which gives them advantages during hunting, but can cause a number of diseases. In addition, there are a number of ailments that can be inherited. Future owners should be more attentive to their pet, identifying diseases as early as possible:

• acanthosis nigricas - a disease that is associated with disruption of the sebaceous glands; accompanied by thickening of skin areas and their hyperpigmentation;
• swimmer's syndrome - a disease caused by osteoporosis; it is detected even in puppyhood - puppies are not able to rise to their feet and move by crawling;
• discopathy – damage to the spinal discs, which can be deformation, displacement or damage;

• epilepsy of idiopathic (unexplained) origin - this condition manifests itself in the form of a number of symptoms - impaired coordination, vomiting, involuntary urination, muscle tremors;
• eye pathologies - atrophic changes in the optic nerve, retina, etc.
• enteritis – inflammation of the intestinal walls caused by infection or unbalanced diet.
• alopecia – due to weakening of the pigment, the dog may begin to go bald.

Without timely vaccinations, dachshunds can develop serious diseases - distemper, rabies, piroplasmosis, etc. But if you carefully monitor your pet and properly care for it, you can avoid the occurrence of a number of pathologies.

Dachshund puppy cost

Hairy breed dachshunds are offered by cynological centers in Russia operating in Moscow, St. Petersburg and Yekaterinburg. Private breeders are also involved in breeding short-legged dogs. Therefore, puppy prices fluctuate.

1. Titled dachshund babies bred for exhibitions cost 60 thousand rubles.
2. Miniature varieties of long-haired dogs cost a little less - 30-40 thousand rubles.
3. The price of purebreds with documents is 15-20 thousand.

If the passport and pedigree of the dog do not matter, then you can look at the bird market. Here the price for puppies starts from 2-5 thousand rubles.

Main varieties

The classification of dachshund breed types by coat is as follows:

• having smooth wool;
• with long hair;
• owners of hard wool.

Varieties according to sizes:

• standard: height from 20 to 27 centimeters, chest volume not less than 35 centimeters, weight up to 9 kilograms;
• dwarf: height from 14 to 21 centimeters with chest volume (for ages from 1.3 years) 30-35 centimeters, two times lighter than standard;
• rabbit: the weight of the smallest dachshunds is on average about 3.5 kg, height is only from 10 to 15 cm, chest circumference is 30 cm. The standards are relevant for an age of at least 1.5 years.

Interesting facts from the life of dachshunds

Dachshunds have been considered a symbol of Germany since ancient times. The image of a “sausage dog” is found on the family coats of arms of the burghers. Therefore, in Europe after the war, these dogs found themselves out of favor; they even tried to exterminate the breed.

Short-legged hounds remain the most numerous breed, second in popularity only to German shepherds. And in the village of Gergveis, dogs are bred in every yard, which is why the area received the status of the capital of dachshunds.

The Egyptians are trying to dispute the nationality of the animal, presenting ancient papyri as evidence. The drawings clearly show the silhouettes of dogs with a long body and short legs.

This is interesting: The most popular breeds with short legs

Reviews

Lyudmila: “While our Linda was a puppy, she managed to ruin her slippers, tore the wallpaper and scratched the furniture. When the dog frolicked, things flew in all directions. But the dachshund was so cute that we didn’t give up our pet. Now this is a well-behaved mother. Linda recently gave birth to some cute puppies and is looking after them.”

Boris: “When I bought a hunting rifle, my friends gave me a long-haired dachshund. At first I was offended by them, mistaking them for a joke. But the very first foray into the forest brought good luck - the Hussar quickly found a hole and extracted a hare from it. I think now a gun is superfluous for hunting.”

Olga: “When I saw a dachshund, I fell in love with this breed. The dog is so beautiful, elegant, and looks with an intelligent look. Now Marquise is pregnant and I ordered a puppy from her.”

If you want to have a loyal friend with four legs nearby, long-haired dachshunds will be an excellent choice. The pet's docile, playful character will bring a special atmosphere to your home.

Photo and video review

We recommend taking a look at the photos of dachshunds presented in the gallery to truly appreciate the breed. A video from the life of playful creatures will not leave anyone indifferent.