The Dachshund is a remarkably versatile and intelligent breed of dog that happily comes in two sizes, three coat lengths and a wonderful variety of colors.
     There is the Standard sized Dachshund.  This size dog stands 9 – 10 inches at the shoulder and can weigh between 16 and 32 pounds.  It should be noted here that Dachshunds were measured originally, and still are, by girth rather than height and weight. The girth measurement is taken as the length around the dog just behind the withers. This girth measurement would indicate the size burrow the dog could fit into to pursue its prey, whether badger, fox, or rabbit. The German breed club places a great deal of importance on their dogs’ working ability, and that is the reason for this measurement.
     The other size of Dachshund is the Miniature.  Miniature Dachshunds weigh about 12 pounds, and stand 4 to 5 inches in height.  The girth measurement of a Mini must not exceed 13-1/2 inches.  The Minis had the job of entering the smaller burrows to bolt cotton tailed rabbits.  This small version of Dachshund has the same standard to adhere to as the larger sized Dachshund, and they have similar temperaments.  These dogs do need to be handled more delicately than Standards.  Some owners have even taught their mini to use a cat litterbox.
     As stated earlier, there are three varieties of coat for the Dachshund. There is the smooth coated variety that most people are familiar with.  This is probably the easiest to care for as well.  A once-a-week brush, check of nails, eyes, ears, and a good rub down is all that is needed, except for the occasional bath.
     A second variety is the longhaired.  This variety of Dachshund is a lovely, affectionate dog.  They make terrific family dogs and are good hunters as well.  The coat is slightly wavy and does require daily brushing and combing. The nails, eyes, ears, and general coat check can be done once a week unless a problem is noticed earlier.
     The third variety is the wirehaired Dachshund.  These dogs appeared in the later history of the Dachshund.  They have been described as being “varminty looking”.  He possesses a rather cocky look, he’s mischievous, and has a devil-may-care attitude. He also loves to use his vocal chords.  It may be best to either have neighbors who also possess Dachshunds or no neighbors at all. Owners of this variety of Dachshund who wish to do their own grooming may wish to learn how to trim and strip from an expert breeder or a professional handler-groomer.  If this is done in the wrong manner, this dog’s coat may be ruined for showing and will require up to a year to grow back to show quality.
     The Dachshund can possess any coat color that can be seen in hounds. The only problem that the author has come across is the dapple coat, also called merle in other breeds of dog, this color has been linked to deafness in the dog.  This was seen in the magazine, Dog Fancy, 12/96, and the author has not found any other references about it.
     The Dachshunds are considered hounds because they were used for hunting badgers.  In the United States the Dachshund is not utilized for hunting for the most part. It is said that only one out of every thousand Dachshunds is being trained and used for earthdog competition, agility, or hunting. The other 999 are a family or a companion dog, a role the Dachshund fits into very well. In Germany, the Dachshunds are required, by some of the dog registries in that country, to demonstrate ability to perform its original function by competing in earthdog events, or in the field.
     Obedience training is not high on the Dachshund’s list of fun things to do.  So early exposure to the basic training desires of the owner (come, sit, stay, heel, down, and walking on leash) is very important.  It is also important for the owner of a Dachshund to establish himself, or herself, as the leader of the “pack” right from the start.  Do not allow your Dachshund to become the boss of the house, they can and will become tyrants.
     The Dachshund is affectionate. Sometimes this dog will bond to only one member of its human family, sometimes to all members.  The Dachshund is very alert to his surroundings. They are very standoffish with strangers, treating them with suspicion and distrust.  These dogs are tenacious and unwilling to yield when the dog thinks that there is something wrong, or if there is something he wants.
     The Dachshund is among the top ten most popular dogs as listed by the A.K.C.  This is wonderful but it does have a drawback in that being popular means puppymills will try to cash in on this popularity. Please do not buy this dog from a pet store, or a backyard breeder, or a puppymill.  These people are thinking in terms of money to be made, not the well being of the dog, nor the betterment of the breed.  Take the time to find a reputable breeder – these can be found at dog shows, talk to your veterinarian(s), at a dog groomer’s shop, or the breed’s club web site.
     A word about housebreaking.  It will require an owner of a Dachshund more time, patience, persistence, and praise to train a Dachshund that he needs to be housebroken.  Dachshunds respond more readily to positive training techniques than harsh methods.
     The temperament of a Dachshund is something that a new owner needs to be prepared for.  These dogs are very intelligent and sometimes it seems as if they are planning the things they do.  They especially like to assist in helping you do things around the house and even more so if they think it will help to expedite going out for play or a walk.  They will follow their master everywhere, and get very upset if they can’t.
     Children should always be supervised when around any dog.  Dachshunds do very well with kids when they have been socialized and introduced to children as puppies.
     Dachshunds make very good watch dogs.  Once they find that they have vocal talent, the Dachshund keeps practicing to make it perfect.
     One thing that some people may have a problem with is that Dachshunds, being hounds, love to roll in the smelliest, nastiest stuff they can find.  It is a Dachshund thing.  When they do this, the only solution is a bath.  Even when attempting to train a Dachshund, when the dog is given a choice between doing what he knows is expected and doing what he really wants, the Doxie will do what he wants.

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