Did you know?
A Dachshund is three times as long as he is high.
Standard Long-haired Dachshund
A dachshund is a half-dog high and a dog-and-a-half long – H. L. Mencken
Barkerville Dachshunds
“Dachs” is German for badger and “hund” is German for dog. Since the 1500s, Dachshunds have been used to hunt badger, fox, and deer. The word Dachshund was once used to describe a breed type rather than a specific breed. European books dating from medieval times label various dogs as dachshunds simply because they had the tracking skills of hounds, the size and temperament of terriers, and were used to track badgers.
The standard size dachshund was developed to scent, chase, and flush out badgers and other burrow-dwelling animals. In North America, they have also been used to track wounded deer and hunt prairie dogs.
Photos displayed courtesy of Ted and Karen Brunner, Barkerville Perm Reg’d, British Columbia
The Standard Smooth is believed to be the original dog from which the Long-Haired and Wire-Haired were developed. The long-haired came from crossing with the Field Spaniel. Classified as a scenthound, the Dachshund has a keen sense of smell and works in packs when hunting.
The Standard Dachshund is 8 inches high at the shoulder and weighs over 11 pounds (5 kg). Dogs weighing 10 to 11 pounds are classified as miniatures.
There are three coat types. The Long-Haired Dachshund’s glossy, slightly wavy coat is said to be very similar to an Irish Setter. It can be solid-coloured, two-coloured, dappled or brindle. Solid coloured dogs are red (often called tan), red-yellow, and yellow. Two coloured dogs are deep black, chocolate, grey, and white; each with rust-brown or yellow marks.
Dappled dachshunds are clear brownish or greyish colour, or even a white ground, with dark irregular patches or dark-grey, brown, red-yellow or black. The brindle is red or yellow with a darker streaking.
Dachshunds have little body odor.
Barkerville Dachshund
Barkerville Dachshunds
The Dachsie may be stubborn, dominant, and a challenge to train. He requires early, consistent training from a patient, take-charge master. As with many of the smaller dogs, the tendency to spoil them may result in a snappy dog. Training may require extra time and patience. Early socialization is a good idea.
He is also friendly, playful, alert, and spirited, and makes a terrific companion. The fearless Dachshund does not always look before he leaps! He can sometimes overestimate his athletic abilities. Blessed with a loud bark, the Standard Dachshund makes a good watchdog.
A fenced yard is a must as the Dachshund will instinctively wander off after an interesting scent. Be sure the yard is truly escape-proof as the Dachshund can dig his way out of almost anything! Dachshunds require regular exercise to fight a tendency to obesity. This is particularly important as the Dachshund’s body shape does not support extra weight well.
CKC Breed Standard
