Did you know?
“The Ugly Dachshund” is a 1966 movie in which a Great Dane thinks he’s a Dachshund after he’s adopted as a pup by a Dachsie.
Standard Wire-haired Dachshund
When rejected by his father he became industrious and motivated; when rejected by his mother he became proudly independent; when rejected by his siblings he became deeply compassionate; but when rejected by the family dachshund he became a complete nut case. – from a case history of Sigmund Freud
Ben and his littermates
“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.
The Wire-haired variety was developed by crossing the original Standard Smooth-haired Dachsie with a terrier. By 1890, the wire-haired was recognized as the third variety of the breed.
These fearless dogs have a keen sense of smell and work in packs when hunting.
Photos displayed courtesy of Deborah Wold, Matsutake Perm Reg’d, British Columbia
Standard Dachsies are 8 inches (20.32 cm) high at the shoulder and should weigh over 11 pounds (5 kg).
They have three coat types. The Wire-haired has a short, straight, harsh, water-repellent double coat and can be any colour. His eyebrows are bushy and he sports a beard on his chin.
A bonus for sensitive owners, the Dachsie has little body odor.
Dachsies may be stubborn, dominant, and a challenge to train. However, they are also friendly, playful, alert, and spirited, and make a terrific companion. The fearless Dachsie does not always look before he leaps! He can sometimes overestimate his athletic abilities!
AmCh/CdnGrCh Matsutakes Somewhere in Time
“Ben”
AmCh/CdnGrCh Matsutakes A Moment in Time,
“Gabe”
Wire-haired Dachsies have terrier-like qualities and like to be the boss! They require 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. Blessed with a loud bark, Standard Dachshunds make good watch dogs!
These dogs are known for chasing small animals, birds, and tennis balls with great determination and ferocity. They can also be aggressive with other dogs and strangers.
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 is a natural burrower who can dig his way out of almost anything! Inside the house you may find him digging through blankets and pillows.
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.
Boredom may lead to destructive behaviours like chewing, scratching, or digging.
CKC Breed Standard
