Dachshund

Etymology and Classification
– The name ‘dachshund’ is of German origin and means badger dog.
– The German word for dachshund is pronounced ˈdaks.hʊnt.
– In modern Germany, dachshunds are commonly known as ‘Dackel’ or ‘Teckel.’
– The breed is often nicknamed wiener or sausage dog due to their long, narrow build.
– Some English speakers incorrectly pronounce dachshund as ‘dæʃ-hound.’
– Dachshunds are classified in the hound group or scent hound group in the United States and Great Britain.
– In countries belonging to the Fédération Cynologique Internationale, dachshunds have their own group.
– Wire-haired dachshunds may exhibit behavior and appearance similar to the terrier group.
– The breed has a scent (or hound) group classification due to their hunting abilities.
– Dachshunds also possess traits that resemble terrier or earth dog groups.

Characteristics and Appearance
– Dachshunds have a long-bodied and muscular structure with short stubby legs.
– Their front paws are paddle-shaped, ideal for digging.
– The breed has loose skin that prevents tearing while tunneling.
– Dachshunds have a deep chest, allowing for heart and lung development.
– Their snouts are long, contributing to their keen sense of smell.
– Dachshunds come in three coat varieties: smooth, long-haired, and wire-haired.
– Longhaired dachshunds have a silky coat with short featherings on legs and ears.
– Wire-haired dachshunds are less common in the United States but more prevalent in Germany.
– The breed exhibits a wide range of colors and patterns, with red being the most common.
– Dachshunds can have single-colored, tan pointed, or patterned coats.

Size and Temperament
– Dachshunds come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and kaninchen (rabbit).
– The standard dachshund typically weighs 7.5kg to 14.5kg.
– Miniature dachshunds weigh less than 5.5kg.
– Kaninchen dachshunds weigh 3.5kg to 5kg.
– The difference between miniature and standard dachshunds is primarily based on size and weight.
– Dachshunds are playful and stubborn.
– They have a keen sense for chasing smaller animals.
– Dachshunds can be aggressive towards strangers and other dogs.
– They are rated as an average working dog in terms of intelligence.
– Dachshunds can have a loud bark and may need training to control it.

Health Issues and Genetic Factors
– Dachshunds are prone to spinal problems, especially intervertebral disk disease (IVDD).
– Obesity, jumping, rough handling, or intense exercise can worsen the risk of spinal injuries.
– Dachshunds may also be affected by patellar luxation and osteogenesis imperfecta.
– Some double dapples may have vision and hearing problems.
– The breed is susceptible to various other health issues such as epilepsy, dental problems, allergies, and eye conditions.
– Development of calcified intervertebral discs is highly heritable in dachshunds.
– Screening programs have been developed to reduce the prevalence of spinal problems.
– A genetic test is available to avoid breeding carriers of osteogenesis imperfecta.
– Dilute color dogs are susceptible to color dilution alopecia.
– Breeders are working to eliminate the occurrence and severity of these health problems.

History, Popularity, and Notable Dogs/Owners
– Dachshunds were created by German breeders and include elements of German, French, and English hounds and terriers.
– They have been kept by royal courts all over Europe, including Queen Victoria’s court.
– The first verifiable references to dachshunds came from books written in the early 18th century.
– The original German dachshunds were larger and came in straight-legged and crook-legged varieties.
– Dachshunds were used for various hunting purposes, including badger, rabbit, fox, deer, and even wild boar and wolverine.
– Dachshunds have traditionally been viewed as a symbol of Germany.
– Political cartoonists used the image of the dachshund to ridicule Germany.
– During World War I, their popularity in the United States decreased due to this association.
– The stigma was revived to a lesser extent during World War II.
– Some people train and enter their dachshunds in races, such as the Wiener Nationals.
– Several races across the United States draw thousands of attendees.
– The Dachshund Club of America opposes wiener racing due to potential injuries.
– Dachshunds rank 12th in the 2018 AKC registration statistics in the United States.
– They are popular with urban and apartment dwellers.
– They rank among the top 10 most popular breeds in many major US cities.
– Organized local dachshund clubs exist in most major American cities.
– Dachshunds are featured in various artworks.
– John F. Kennedy, Grover Cleveland, William Randolph Hearst, E. B. White, and Pablo Picasso are notable dachshund owners.
– Lee Harvey Oswald, Andy Warhol, David Hockney, Kaiser Wilhelm II, and Marie Prevost are also famous dachshund owners.
– Dachshunds have appeared in historical events, such as General Claire Lee Chennault’s pet dachshund named Joe.
– They have also gained popularity in pop culture, with examples like Crusoe the Celebrity Dachshund and the Nintendogs video game.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dachshund