Dachshund History
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! |
