Long-haired dachshund care and maintenance. Rabbit dachshund (long-haired): description of the breed

All short dogs with a long body, as a rule, have one ancestor - the ancient hounds. And the dachshund is no exception.

But in relation to the hounds, the long body was recognized as a disadvantage rather than an advantage - only the long-legged hound was recognized until this type was found to be used in the field of burrow hunting. For the first time, the disproportionate ratio of the body to the legs was appreciated by German hunters, and only after that by breeders, from whom the purposeful breeding of squat dogs began.

NOTE!

A greater number of remains of dogs of a dachshund physique were found on the territory of Germany. However, during the excavations, the skeletons of early dachshunds were also found in Greece, Ancient Rome and Egypt.

With the official recognition of the breed (1988), the number of breeders increased, which led to the active spread of the breed around the world. Therefore, it is not surprising that active export led to the formation of subspecies of the breed.

So, for example, the standard long-haired dachshund appeared by crossing spaniels with.

- by mating small, pinchers and toy terriers.

The long-haired dwarf was bred by mating small representatives of the standard long-haired dachshund.

Compared to males, females are graceful both in terms of head and torso. The physique of females is more toned. With regard to height and length of the body, gender does not play a role, so the proportions remain the same: 1.7-1.8: 1.

Character features

The character of the long-haired dachshund does not differ much from other representatives of the breed. Along with other relatives, this variety is not devoid of hunting traits and is ready to play the role of a guard along with other dogs.

Well orientated in space. This can be understood by the speed with which the dog takes all the warm and cozy places in the house.

She also lacks a sense of ownership. Therefore, if the owner, for no good reason, pulls his hands to the object chosen by the dachshund, be prepared for a warning roar. The sense of ownership is also manifested in relation to the territory. Most dachshunds show sincere alertness when meeting new guests in the house.

First of all, character is thrown. If other fellow dachshunds are stubborn, then the long-haired dachshund is characterized by a delicate approach. But, despite the gentleness, the dachshund remains true to its nature and can sacrifice principles if circumstances favor it. For example, danger. Still, the dachshund is a territorial animal.

Wool and its device

The dachshund's coat is smooth, even, giving off shine in the light. Closely attached to the body, in the region of the throat and lower part of the body the hair is longer, while on the muzzle it is shorter and dense.

If on the line of the abdomen and chest the hair is wavy, then on the ears it is observed in the form of a fringe. But the hair reaches its greatest length on the underside of the tail, where it looks like a real flag.

Accepted standard

The table below shows the standard characteristics of the long-haired dachshund:

Dimensions and weight

Common sizes:

Standard dachshunds weighing more than 9 kg are not subject to rejection, but they do not receive an “excellent” rating either. As for dachshunds with obesity, they are immediately recognized for marriage.

What is the difference from a smooth-haired dachshund

• one-color (, beige, etc.);
• two-color;
• and tiger.

When, as in a long-haired, only the first and third options are considered.

Photos of the main colors

Among the monochromatic colors of the long-haired dachshund, red (the most valuable), red, fawn and brown are common, which are also not without dark hairs. In a relationship white color the situation is not unambiguous, on the one hand this color is not desirable, but rare white spots are still acceptable.

Among others, marble and brindle colors are often observed. The marble is dominated by a dark shade (gray, red, black) and beige and gray small spots are welcome. In the brindle color, the base is red or fawn.

NOTE!

The value of a color is determined by its saturation.

Pros and cons

Positive aspects of the breed:

• intelligence;
• loyalty to others;
• endurance;
• attachment;
• courage and good makings of a guard;
• innate hunting qualities;
• compactness.

Negative:

• jealousy and resentment;
• propensity to dominate;
• tendency to obesity;
• difficulties with training;
• predisposition to disease.

Types by size

Below are the differences in size between varieties of dachshunds:

Lifespan and health

On average, long-haired dachshunds live 10-15 years. The basis is the conditions of detention and genetic heredity.

Dachshunds from those dogs that are prone to a number of diseases:

• diseases of the spine ();
• (urolithiasis disease);
• heart and kidney disease;
• hormonal disorders;
• diabetes;
• dysplasia;
• eye diseases (cataract and glaucoma);
• obesity;
• osteochondrosis;
• colds and hypothermia;
• "swimmer" or "turtle" chest syndrome.

• skin diseases;
• atlanto-axial instability (displacement of the second cervical vertebra relative to the first);
• hypoglycemia (lack of blood sugar);
• problems with the muscular corset;
• Difficulties in changing milk teeth to molars.

Basic rules of care

The dog's coat is soft and not devoid of the ability to wear out, therefore, in the care of the hairline, stable combing is required at least several times a week, followed by combing out the undercoat. A bristle brush and a comb with rare teeth help with this.

The eyes are regularly checked for accumulated dirt and secretions, which are promptly removed with a damp cloth.

Dirt and wax are also removed from the ears, but with a cotton swab so as not to damage the ear canals.

In dental care, it is advised to buy special pastes and gels, which, along with cleaning, carry out prevention from various diseases.

Nails every 2 weeks or as they grow back. Make sure that there is no damage to the tissue of the claw.

Most owners tend to buy overalls, but this type of clothing is bad for both the pet's hairline and gait. Not recommended for show dogs.

How to feed?

The serving size is based on the pet's body weight at a ratio of 45 g per 1 kg of body weight. By virtue of physiological features should be rich in fats and proteins. Therefore, it is equally critical to approach both the choice of dry food and natural food.

In terms of natural feeding, it is advised to adhere to:

• cereals, vegetable and meat broths (40%);
• in terms of cereals - rice and buckwheat (20-40%);
• kefir, fermented baked milk, cottage cheese, etc. are isolated from fermented milk products;
• vegetables and fruits (40%).

Prohibited Products:

• raw meat;
• boiled bones;
• potato;
• spices;
• spices;
• smoked meats;
• flour and confectionery products.

Education and training

It is worth clarifying that dachshunds know how to put pressure on pity, and if this number is not stopped in the bud, then the dog will subsequently explore the whole range of possibilities for manipulating the owner.

Even dogs have a tendency to obesity, so treats for pets should not become part of the diet, but be used solely as a means of encouragement. Dogs react subtly to the intonation and emotional coloring of sentences, so it is not a problem for them to distinguish between praise and reprimand.

What do puppies look like?

The weight of a dachshund puppy at 2 months is reduced to 2-3 kg, at 3 months it is already exactly 3 kg. If at the age of two months the puppy weighs less or more than 3-4 kg, then according to the standard this is recognized as a defect.

However appearance a pet is formed over 16-24 months, and according to cynologists, changes in the cover of an animal are even longer - up to 4 years. For the first few weeks, puppies are covered with down, so it is difficult to guess the color and type of coat. This will be possible only by 5-8 months, when the puppy begins to grow hair.

Grooming at home

Before you begin, it is advised to take care of the grooming venue - whether it is a special table or a floor covered with a towel.

The fur is moistened with an even layer of a mixture of water and conditioner in the ratio of 3/4 to 1/4 and carefully combed out with a comb-brush. Then with the participation of a flat comb, slicker and bristle brush.

In the period of molting, it is advised to use a furminator.

Bathing is carried out with the participation of shampoo and conditioner (in turn), which, as a result, are thoroughly washed off so as not to damage the dog's skin.

After bathing, grooming scissors are used to cut off the tips of the tail. The use of ordinary scissors can lead to thinning of the hair, so be careful.

Price range and nurseries

The problem is that, despite the popularity of long-haired dachshunds, not every city has nurseries that are ready to provide breeder services. Therefore, be prepared to purposefully go after your future four-legged friend.

The cost of a puppy without documents starts from 5 thousand rubles, while as with a pedigree - from 20 thousand rubles. Among all subspecies of dachshunds, rabbit is the most expensive and reaches an average of 50 thousand rubles. This is due to the popularity of small dogs, which also bring fewer puppies (2-3 in one litter).

Below are the popular kennels breeding long-haired dachshunds:

• "From the Cherry Grove";
• "Country Limonia".

How to choose a future pet?

When choosing, it is advised to pay attention to the following details:

• Pet grooming. The condition of the nose, ears, hair (without bald patches).
• Activity. Dachshund puppies from a young age demonstrate mobility and willingness to explore the world around them. Healthy puppies sparkle with energy and don't shy away from strangers.
• body proportions. The back is not hanging, straight.
• The tail is slightly lowered, without bends.
• The eyes are small and shiny. With a clear and friendly look.

Among long-haired dachshunds, the presence of a parting on the back and the absence of feathering on the tail (suspension) and ears (fringe) are also undesirable. Be prepared to pay attention to defects in the anatomy of the pet - long paws, incorrect position of the limbs, undermining the groin. Among breeders, such shortcomings are severely punished.

In the mind of the average person, the dachshund is nothing more than a cute dog with a long body, short legs and long ears, which has a pronounced problem of being overweight.

It is in a similar vein that they speak about this breed, which for many has become synonymous with lap dogs. Although in reality, by nature, dachshunds are very capable and formidable hunters.

The first samples of the pygmy dachshund appeared back in the fifteenth century in Germany. At that time, it was used mainly for hunting burrowing animals - foxes, rabbits and badgers. Perhaps this will surprise someone, but the dachshund, which has such an inexpressive size and unsightly appearance, has enough strength to cope with such a dangerous animal as a badger. To date, many breeds of dachshunds have been bred, which differ in size, type of coat and color. However, they all have common characteristics.

Dwarf dachshund: photo, features of the breed

This dog got its name not by chance, because it has a rather inexpressive size and looks rather miniature even against the background of its standard relative. Since the creation of this breed, it was assumed that it would also be used for hunting. However, it immediately became clear that such a crumb would not be able to win in a fight with a badger, so they took her only for hunting rabbits. If hunting is not one of your hobbies, and you have been dreaming of a small lap dog in your apartment for a long time, then a dwarf dachshund will be an excellent choice for you.

This dog can also bring considerable benefits to owners of private houses who are tired of listening to and putting up with the constant visits of neighboring cats, because this crumb is strong enough to cope with these uninvited guests. Of course, this dog will show such dislike only in relation to other people's cats. She will treat her own differently, perceiving them as a toy or a playmate. There are cases when dachshunds began to take care of kittens, preventing their own mother from getting to their offspring. They are easy enough make friends with children, as a result, the dog quickly becomes the child's favorite friend.

Dwarf dachshund: character

Considering the small size of the long-haired dachshund, most probably will not be able to take the pygmy dachshund seriously, although in reality it is a rather dangerous and very biting animal. It is because of this deceptive impression that people harm themselves. Seeing a tiny dog ​​on a leash nearby, a person may have a desire to stroke it, but this does not lead to what he expects at all - a painful bite follows on the arm, and sometimes in the face.

Usually those people who do not understand how to treat these cute dogs suffer in this way. Many owners know that dachshunds - very loyal creatures, which at the same time are always on the alert when strangers and unfamiliar people approach them. And today, dachshunds are among one of the most popular breeds for keeping in an apartment environment.

If we turn to statistics, then about 20% of all dog bites are committed by these short-legged hunters. But the long-haired mini dachshund is a very inquisitive animal and always responds positively to the offer to go for a walk or a trip. If you are the owner of a personal plot and you decide to work in the garden, then keep in mind that it is at this moment that a dachshund will be somewhere nearby. At this time, she can do the most different things- help you plant seedlings, be interested in the contents of the prepared holes, or settle down nearby in the shade and follow you from afar.

Long haired dachshunds - pretty funny creatures who are ready to convey their cheerful mood to the owner. And games for her are one of her favorite pastimes. Therefore, if something saddens you, then you can easily cheer yourself up if you take a couple of minutes to this dog. But we advise you to refrain from raising your voice or using physical force against the dachshund. So you will only make it worse and spoil the character of your pet. The dog may perceive your attempts to scold her for any act differently than you expect, and may be offended. This is confirmed by numerous reviews, where the owners indicate that one of the characteristic features of dachshunds is excessive touchiness.

If you act so unfairly with your pet, then he will hide in a secluded corner and from there he will look reproachfully at you. He can demonstrate this behavior for several days, expecting that you will finally apologize to him. Only one conclusion can be drawn from this - dachshunds are very intellectually developed animals. They can easily understand what they are told, and therefore easily master various commands. Sometimes the owner has the impression that his pet is ready to tell him something.

Caring for pygmy dachshunds

Taking care of a dog of this breed is not so difficult, however, here too has its own nuances which must be taken into account.

Least of all problems arise in a person who keeps smooth-haired dwarf dachshunds at home.

It is somewhat more difficult to care for wire-haired dachshunds. Combing such dogs should be carried out much more often - about once every two days. Besides, they trimming required which they need about two to three times a year. Experts call trimming a haircut. This service is provided by many specialized salons. However, if you have experience in this matter, then you can save money and cut your pet yourself.

Keep in mind that caring for a long-haired dachshund will not be as easy as caring for a dwarf smooth-haired counterpart. And the reason for this lies in the length of the coat. Given that the dachshund is a short dog, pellets can form on its coat. This can be avoided if you regularly comb the animal's coat once a day after the next walk.

In addition, you need to pay attention to the condition of the ears and teeth of the dog. Especially often this should be done in the spring, because it is at this time high risk of catching ticks that can easily get into the dog's ears. Do not forget about bathing: this procedure is recommended to be carried out at least once a week or every time the dachshund gets dirty.

It is also necessary to monitor the condition of the eyes, and this must be done in any case, regardless of the breed of the dog. At the first sign of souring of the eyes, it is necessary to treat them using a special solution that is sold in a pharmacy, or weak brewing of black tea. But if you find redness, inflammation, tearfulness of the eyes, then in this case you should not self-medicate. With a dachshund, you must immediately see a doctor.

A haircut

A mandatory procedure that must be carried out in relation to the dachshund is cutting the claws. This can be done by the owner himself at home or use the services of the clinic. If you decide that you can handle this on your own, then you will have to buy special tongs.

If you can't coax your pet into this final finishing touch, then you can do something else - take your dog for a walk on the pavement or just run.

Dwarf Dachshund breed: nutrition

How often your pet will get sick depends on how you will care for him, starting from the very beginning. early age. Here nutrition is of particular importance. One of the first questions that needs to be answered is how often a dachshund puppy should be fed during the day. You have to be very careful here, because these dogs are prone to obesity. If you do not adhere to the diet, it is very easy to overfeed them, and this is fraught with health problems. Therefore, you need to determine in advance for yourself the amount of food for the dachshund.

If a young dachshund puppy eats too much, then this will negatively affect the condition of the joints. For a puppy under the age of four months, you need to follow a feeding schedule that should include 5-6 meals per day. Thus, it turns out that you should feed the puppy once every two to three hours. When determining the portion size, it is necessary to proceed from the fact that the puppy should be hungry by the next feeding. To do this, you need to look at his bowl: if there is food left over from the last time, then you are overfeeding him.

Make it a rule - there should never be food in the bowl after the puppy has eaten. If something is left after eating, then it must be removed before the next meal. If this is not done, then the dachshund will know that he always has food and can choose the time of eating for himself.

When the puppy is 4 months old, reduce the number of meals to 3-4 per day. Even less often, it is necessary to feed an adult animal - no more than once or twice a day. However, here it is necessary to take into account the time of year, the physical activity of the dog and the calorie content of food.

Dachshund food

Also, especially carefully you need to approach the issue of choosing food. Most inexperienced dog breeders are accustomed to believing advertising and therefore begin to give the puppy dry food. This is a gross mistake, since long-term nutrition with dry food, and even more so of poor quality, can lead to complications:

• the formation of kidney stones;
• damage to teeth;
• bowel disorder.

Conclusion

A dwarf dachshund is not such a bad choice, especially if a person expects to get a devoted friend in her person. This dog will fully meet his expectations, because she is very attached to a person and is even ready to protect him if need be. In order to enjoy every minute of being with your pet, the owner will have to regularly care for him. Therefore, he will be required not only to choose the appropriate type of food, but also to monitor the condition of the main parts of the body, primarily wool.

Mini dachshunds

The long-haired dachshund is just the kind that seems to be coming back into fashion among hobbyists, not hunters, and is becoming a popular lap dog. Long-haired dachshunds are very cute - a kind of stretched caricature of a spaniel.

But for the preservation of working qualities, such popularity is of little use.

Long-haired dachshunds were singled out as an independent variety at the same time as smooth-haired, in 1915. The first mention of them occurs in 1820, but German breeders began to carry out serious work with them from 1874. This species has the blood of long-haired hunting dogs:, cops, possibly.

They gave the dachshund a great instinct and ability to work not only in a hole, but also on the trail, and in places where even spaniels could not overcome dense thickets. But among hunters, long-haired dachshunds have never been as popular as smooth-haired and even wire-haired.

Long-haired dachshunds were brought to the USSR after the war, and the dogs were not of the best quality, many of them were of unknown origin.

For 30 years, persistent breeding work was carried out, and among the long-haired dachshunds appeared good producers with field diplomas, but by the 90s of the 20th century, there were practically no dogs of this variety in the stud book

Although the long-haired dachshund does not freeze and can follow the trail for a long time in cold weather, it is the coat that stops skeptical practitioners. It collects enough dirt, and in winter snow freezes on it. Snow pellets, freezing to the coat on the underside of the body and on the back of the paws, make it very difficult for the dog to move.

Long-haired are not as widespread in our country as smooth-haired.

They are concentrated mainly in large, traditional breeding centers: in Moscow (the largest population), St. Petersburg, in the Urals. There are good "nests" of working long-haired dachshunds in Yaroslavl, Novgorod, there are these dogs in Voronezh, Orel.

The FINAL color and coat length of these dachshunds are usually established after several molts, usually in the second year of life.

Their hair grows rather slowly. But when the long-haired dachshund "dresses" completely, its fur coat becomes long and silky, on the body it is smooth and tight-fitting, has a natural gloss.

It is this "shirt" that protects well from dampness and rain. The coat should not be shaggy or tend to curl. Sufficiently thick "shirt", however, does not hide the outlines of the dog's body. On the ears, under the throat, on the underside of the body, on the back of the legs, the hair forms long silky (but not fluffy!) feathers.

On the tail, the hair forms a dewlap in the form of a fringe, which looks very elegant. This is the beauty and pride of the long-haired dachshund. As soon as they don’t call this “beauty - and plumage, and dressing wool, and decorating wool.

Wool shaggy, wavy, in the form of curls causes serious criticism of experts. Fluffy hair and "curls" are generally not acceptable. An "open", loose or fluffy coat, although it may appear thicker and warmer, absorbs moisture like blotting paper.

It becomes a dirt and dust collector and requires constant brushing and brushing to keep it clean. additional measures for cleaning. Wool matte, without shine, dry and hard to the touch indicates that it does not have a fatty layer, which is necessary so that it does not let moisture through.

Black Smooth Dachshund
photo can be enlarged

Dachshund- a breed of hunting, characterized by a small height at the withers, short legs and a long body. It looks quite unusual, due to the unusual for dogs, disproportionate build. This appearance arose as a result of the selection of specimens suitable for hunting burrowing animals. There are several varieties of this breed of dog - standard, dwarf, rabbit, which, in turn, are divided into smooth-haired, long-haired and wire-haired. Dachshunds can be of various colors, the most common of them are black and tan, red, brown and tan, marble: black or coffee. Also there are animals of brindle and black with brindle tan colors.

Images of dogs with a long body and short legs have been found during excavations on the walls of ancient Egyptian temples, and stone and clay figurines of animals similar to modern dachshunds have been found in Mexico, Greece, Peru and China. Nevertheless, many experts believe that dachshunds are an original German breed of dog. In Germany, on the sites of ancient Roman settlements, animal remains were also found, very reminiscent of the skeleton of a modern dachshund. Most likely, variations with shortened legs and an elongated body have arisen more than once over the centuries-old history of the existence of dogs.

There are six varieties of modern dachshunds - smooth-haired, long-haired and wire-haired animals of standard or dwarf sizes. They differ only in size and type of wool. It is believed that the first dwarf or rabbit dachshunds were bred by crossing terriers and pinschers with the smallest and lightest dachshunds. Such pets are used to hunt small burrowing animals such as rabbits.

Brown Smooth Dachshund
photo can be enlarged

Despite the fact that the dachshund has been known in Tsarist Russia since the 30s of the 18th century, it has not received much distribution. Nevertheless, in 1900, the Russian Society of Fox Terriers and Dachshund Fans arose, which kept stud books and organized specialized exhibitions. Oddly enough, but the inhabitants of the Russian state regarded this breed more as, and not as a worker. Many families kept dachshunds as pet. Very quickly and successfully, such pets spread among the creative intelligentsia.

Dachshunds are brave, agile, agile dogs, with self-esteem and independence. Smart, fearless, attentive, aggressive to the beast. Very strong and durable. Loyal to their owner and distrustful of strangers. In urban environments, some specimens may bark on walks and even try to bite people passing by. They have great instincts. On the hunt, they work on a fox, a raccoon, a badger, a blood trail, if necessary, they will serve a duck from the water, warn about a wild boar and a bear. The dog has a loud voice, courageous, with protective qualities, purposeful and independent. With flaws in education, in a city apartment, it can become a domestic tyrant.

Photo can be enlarged

This is how the Germans describe their pet. Strong, with a massive skeleton dog, standing firmly on the ground, with a long elongated muzzle, the ears are long, soft, rounded at the ends. The back is muscular, strong, the chest is voluminous, deep, with a characteristic "keel" in front. The tail, thick and strong at the base, set low, usually carried just below the line of the back, sticking up like an antenna when excited. The limbs are short, thick, with relief muscles, especially pronounced on the front. In addition, the front paws are wider and larger than the hind legs. The animal moves freely, sweepingly.

Given the hunting history of the breed, walks with dachshunds should be regular so that the dog does not get fat in urban conditions. It is better to walk her more often and give the pet plenty to run around in a fenced area. The coat of dachshunds is easy to give in. Smooth-haired dogs should be wiped with a special mitten once a day and soft cloth. A hard brush and comb are needed only in the care of long-haired and wire-haired dachshunds.

In cold weather, in rain and sleet, it is better to dress smooth-haired dachshunds for a walk. Usually, overalls, blankets or knitted blouses are used for these purposes. Almost any clothing can be bought at specialized pet stores, and if necessary, sew or knit yourself. Here is an example of a pattern and instructions on how to sew a jumpsuit.

You will have to take only one measurement - the length of the back. To do this, put a collar on the dachshund without tightening it and measure the distance from it to the root of the tail - this is the length of the back (line AB in the diagram). Now divide the resulting number by 8 to find out the size of the side of the grid square on which the pattern is built. It remains to draw a grid and transfer the pattern pattern to it. Part 1 should be a pair - this is the right and left halves of the overalls. Detail 2, unpaired, half is shown in the diagram - this is a wedge sewn between the front legs with a narrow end; it covers the chest and stomach. The pattern is designed for a poodle, but is perfect for square format dogs of any size, only for them you will have to slightly reduce the width of the legs. The width and length of the legs are adjusted when trying on, the bottom of the legs is assembled with an elastic band. Such a jumpsuit does not prevent the dog from moving at all, it perfectly protects against wet snow, rain and wind, especially if it is made of two layers: the top is made of raincoat fabric, the lining is made of flannel.

long haired dachshund

long haired dachshund
photo can be enlarged

long haired dachshund, without a doubt, a beautiful dog: unusual, elegant, spectacular. Hence its popularity in many countries, although in terms of prevalence it is inferior to its smooth-haired counterpart. There is an opinion that this breed is not sufficiently forced to "show malice", that is, it is simply treated little or not at all as a working dog. For urban conditions, this is even a plus, although this variety was originally created for work, like the smooth-haired one. It was only intended for more severe weather conditions.

For the first time in the literature, a long-haired dachshund is mentioned in 1820. This variety was bred by crossing smooth-haired dachshunds with long-haired breeds. Most likely, the blood of spaniels, as well as some breeds of cops, flows in the veins of the long-haired dachshund. It is not for nothing that the long-haired variety of the hunting direction, for the most part, works better on a duck than smooth-haired or wire-haired dogs.

Although the long-haired dachshund does not freeze and can follow the trail for a long time in cold weather, it is the coat that stops skeptical practitioners. It collects a lot of dirt, and in winter snow freezes on it. Snow pellets, freezing to the coat on the underside of the body and on the back of the legs, make it very difficult for the dog to move.

The final color and coat length of these dachshunds are established after several molts, usually in the second year of life. Their hair grows rather slowly. But when the long-haired dachshund "dresses" completely, its fur coat becomes long and silky, on the body it is smooth and tight-fitting, has a natural gloss. It is this "shirt" that protects well from dampness and rain.

Photo can be enlarged

According to the standard, the coat should not be shaggy or have a tendency to curl. Sufficiently thick "shirt", however, does not hide the outlines of the dog's body. On the ears, under the throat, on the underside of the body, on the back of the legs, the hair forms long silky, but not fluffy, feathers. On the tail it forms a dewlap in the form of a fringe, which looks very elegant. This is the beauty and pride of the long-haired dachshund. As soon as this "beauty" is not called - and plumage, and dressing wool, and decorating wool.

But the wool is shaggy, wavy, in the form of curls causes serious criticism of experts. Fluffy hair and "curls" are generally not acceptable. An "open", loose or fluffy coat, although it may appear thicker and warmer, absorbs moisture like blotting paper. It becomes a dirt and dust collector, and to keep it clean requires constant combing and additional cleaning measures. Wool matte, without shine, dry and hard to the touch indicates that it does not have a fatty layer, which is necessary so that it does not let moisture through.

Long-haired dachshunds are bred in red, black and tan and coffee colors. Interestingly, in this variety until the 1920s. there were pure black and pure brown dogs, without tan marks. The range of shades of red in long-haired dachshunds includes red - the color of polished mahogany, dark cherry, chestnut, golden chestnut, orange, light red, but bright and saturated.

Red long-haired dachshunds also have a color with the exotic name "moire". At the same time, the lower part of the hair has a golden color, and the upper part is dyed with a thin black. Dark color most common on the ears, neck, shoulders, on the body, on the sides. Below, to the stomach, on the chest, the red color begins to predominate. The general impression is that a dark veil is thrown over the golden base. The red color begins to predominate in a purer form in those places where a black and tan dog should have tan. In fact, they seem to be slightly "drawn". The color is extremely refined and elegant.

Dwarf or rabbit dachshund

Dwarf or rabbit dachshund
photo can be enlarged

Dwarf or rabbit dachshund, which differs from its counterparts in a more compact size, was born a little later and immediately became very popular all over the world. The dwarf dachshund is distinguished by a calmer disposition and a penetrating mind, easily finds a common language with all family members, individually adjusting to each of them. These dogs are very friendly with children, but you need to explain to the guys that such a pet is not just another toy in their collection. With permanent residence in an apartment, a dwarf dachshund may well play the role of a decorative dog.

Despite their diminutive size and clumsy build, the pygmy dachshund is bold, active and very agile. As true trackers, they are very inquisitive and enjoy exploring new places. Dachshunds are perfectly trainable, although from time to time they like to demonstrate their stubbornness and independence to their owners. With good upbringing, these miniature pets can make excellent watchmen or faithful companions.

The dwarf dachshund is the smallest of the dachshund breed, with a chest volume of up to 30 cm and a weight of about 3.5 kg., is a specialist in narrow passages in rabbit holes. It owes its origin to breeders who bred dogs suitable for burrow hunting for rabbits. By crossing dachshunds and pinschers, small dogs suitable for hunting rabbits were bred, however, they had little in common with the desired type of dachshund: they were too long-legged, and the head remained very similar to the head of a pinscher for a long time. As a result, they returned to breeding purebred lines, for which the smallest individuals of dachshunds were selected for breeding and selection was carried out on this basis.

Dachshund breeding

As you know, dachshund dogs are capable of breeding as early as 8-12 months. However, at this age, the body of young animals is not yet fully formed. Early mating can lead to serious illnesses and complications. The optimal age for reproduction is 1 year for males and 20 months for females. Veterinarians recommend the first mating of bitches only after the third estrus.

Here are a few basic rules, the observance of which will facilitate the mating process for both animals and their owners. Mating should take place on the territory of the male, since it is at home that the males are most active. A suitable time for mating is in the morning, before feeding. Before the "date" dogs need to walk well. An overcrowded intestine can cause mating without a “lock” and unsuccessful cages.

For mating dogs, choose a quiet place where there are no strangers, other animals. Give the dachshunds time to get to know each other, to get used to the new place. But you should not delay the process, as the male can simply "lose the hunt."

Choosing a Dachshund Puppy

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It is recommended to buy a dachshund puppy at the age of about two months. By this time, the young animal no longer needs mother's milk, he has received the first vaccination and deworming. In addition, the psyche of a 2-month-old puppy is already sufficiently formed to start an independent life next to a person.

When you come to the seller, first of all, pay attention to the conditions for keeping pets. The room in which the puppies live should be clean and warm, it should not have a heavy smell. Ask the breeder to show you at least one of the parents of the young. So you can see firsthand what your pet will turn into when it grows up.

When choosing a dachshund puppy, inspect the entire litter to be able to determine the best copy. Choose the puppy that is the most active and agile. A young dachshund should not be too thin or too fat. In a healthy puppy, the paws are strong and short, and the body already has characteristic proportions.

The next thing you should pay attention to when choosing such a pet is wool. After all, it is she who is the main indicator of the health of the dog. Whether the Dachshund is long-haired, smooth-haired or wire-haired, it should be shiny and free of bald spots and dandruff. Also carefully examine the skin of the animal. It should be clean, without rashes, scratches, sores.

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Next, you need to examine the muzzle and head. The pigmentation of the mouth of dachshund puppies should be light, that is, the tongue and gums should be pink, they should not have wounds or plaque. There should be no unpleasant odor from the mouth. The bite of the animal, according to the standard, scissors. The ears, eyes, nose of the puppy must be clean, without discharge and sores. At good puppy clear eyes, cold and wet nose.

Dachshund males should have both testicles descended at 7-9 weeks of age. If you see a deviation, it is better not to take such a pet in the hope that everything will still bounce back, as this may not happen. As a result, the dog will not be allowed to show and breed.

Pay attention to the back of a young dachshund - it should be absolutely straight, without deflection or hump. Such defects in the future can lead to serious health problems. The tail of the puppy should be straight, without creases. The dewclaws, or fifth toes, should be docked.

To protect yourself from possible problems and disappointment in the pet, do not hesitate to ask the seller for documents confirming the puppy's pedigree, but it is better to conclude a contract of sale. A conscientious breeder who is not indifferent to the fate of each animal will be happy to provide you with all the necessary documents, as well as a veterinary passport of the dog and a puppy card.

Dachshund - hunting dog

The question of whether fox hunting is necessary for this dog, as a rule, causes a negative reaction from the newly-minted dachshund owners. Everyone tends to take the dog for themselves, which means for the couch. And you can't blame anyone for that. Dachshund - wonderful companion and will find something to do even sitting on the couch and without hunting for a fox. Another thing is when you decide to become a breeder or owner of a cattery. Here you have a great responsibility for this breed.

And the dachshund breed was created exclusively for hunting. Hence the features of its exterior. Everything in it is designed to work in a hole: a long chest that accommodates colossal lungs for the size of a dog to avoid oxygen deficiency in the hole and a certain ratio of height at the withers to the distance from the bottom of the chest to the ground. The dachshund must be mobile and move freely in the hole, and the body must not “scrape” the ground, as is common with some foreign dachshunds that are not used for hunting. And the weight of the dog should not exceed 9 kg, since it is difficult for a large and overweight dog to work in a narrow hole and outcrops. If you remove the need to hunt, then the above features of the exterior of the dachshund become rather meaningless. The exterior of a non-working dachshund can take on a somewhat stylized, exaggerated character, and our dachshund will become somewhat reminiscent of its American version: the chest is lowered low and “creeps” along the ground, legs that are too short and “folded” do not allow it to move quickly, the dog is “cheese and loaded ”, and weight - well, it cannot be measured.

“The paws are crooked, the bodies are long, but the mind is extraordinary,” A.P. Chekhov wrote about the dachshund. Unusual mental abilities, cunning, courage, independence, determination, their own opinion about everything in the world - these traits were inherited by the dachshund from her hunting ancestors and were formed over decades. Those whose dachshund “fell ill” with a hole know that without a beloved fox, a dachshund yearns and can become a grump and a bore. Depriving the dachshund of its habitat, we thereby contribute to a change in its character, and this, as you know, as well as hunting qualities, is inherited and will ultimately lead to mental degradation and complete degeneration of the breed.

There is a certain relationship between the characteristics of the psyche of the dachshund and its ability to hunt, as, apparently, in other breeds. That is, the state of the dog's psyche can be judged by its ability to work in a hole. A Dachshund suffering from the above disadvantages will not be able to hunt, and therefore should not be used for breeding. In other words, a dachshund that does not hunt should not be used in breeding.

Now about another category of owners, whose dachshunds might have been hunting if their owner had not been so lazy or timid and would have reached the hole. Sometimes we ourselves come up with many reasons why we cannot do something, trying to justify ourselves first of all by this. But if you only go to the “baiting” once - only once, you will “get sick” with it along with your dog. “I'm ready to climb into the hole myself and show my dachshund how to work,” you hear almost constantly from beginners. The sight of a dog working in a hole is unusually impressive. Everything surprises: from the first steps of a puppy in a hole to the high-class work of an already experienced dog. And what a pleasure to watch the dog gradually, step by step, gain experience. There are no serious injuries on grafting with an experienced nor-master - everyone remains alive: both dogs and foxes. The fears of beginners who explain that they do not go to the hole because they are afraid that the animal will bite their dog are unfounded - often this is just a convenient excuse for oneself. And don't take it seriously. The training of a young dog, like a person, follows the classical path: from simple to complex. A frightened puppy or a young dog may no longer enter the hole, and this is not necessary for either the teacher or the student. The dachshund is an intellectual being, and her sense of self-preservation is highly developed. It is for this property that hunters appreciate it: to take or drive out the beast and at the same time survive. Everything is done with the mind, everything is “with the head”. The training of a young dog goes gradually, and the dog, like his owner, should leave the hole in a good mood, with a feeling of even a small, but victory, and with a feeling of something unfinished. And all week they will think that next time they will show this ...

Having good contact with a person, a dachshund shows miracles in hunting - it works not because the hunting instinct pushes it, but because its owner needs it. She works for the person. Dachshund is able to give all the best. Proper education from this dog can achieve the full realization of all its hunting capabilities. A person who has not been able to understand what level of relationships the dachshund is capable of will complain and complain in vain that the dachshund is far from being the best hunting dog, and he even got an unsuccessful specimen. Work for such a dog will not bring joy, illuminated by communication with a person. The dog will start working for itself. Only the dachshund has nothing to do with it: "don't blame the horse, blame the road." That the person - the creator "blinded" from a dog, then it turned out. Experts at the end of the last century noticed this ability of the dachshund: "It happened that a severely punished dachshund lost his heart and refused to work, but if, on the contrary, treat him kindly, they work with such zeal, which is better than you can wish for."

In addition to burrow hunting, dachshunds are successfully used on the surface for other types of animals and game. If necessary, a hard worker - a dachshund, despite his short legs, will be able to act as a walking hound, and a spaniel, and even a husky. And he will do it to the best of his ability and responsibly and conscientiously.

But it makes sense to start practicing the skills necessary for other types of hunting only when the dachshund begins to work well on a burrowing animal. It must also be borne in mind that among the dachshunds there are dogs that, having successfully hunted on the surface, cool down to the hole.

Undoubtedly, the size of the dachshund narrows the range of its capabilities in ground hunting. But being small has its advantages. The low position of the dachshund's torso above the ground allows it to use its senses excellently. And at the same time, the dachshund has a large margin of "strength" - it is hardy and efficient. No wonder they say: the dachshund's instinct is in its paws.

The dachshund follows the blood trail well. Skill in this work comes with experience, in addition, in the future "blood dog" it is necessary to develop flair as much as possible. To do this, use every opportunity, inventing all sorts of exercises. The hunter must be able to "improvise". A well-trained dog will find its owner along the most difficult and confusing trail. Training this quality can be developed.

Some dachshunds, having found a wounded animal on a blood trail, give a voice, calling the hunter. Such a call The best music for the hunter. In blood trail tests, this ability of the dog is called announcing. Self-announcing dogs are not so common, and the quality is very valuable.

Dachshund can lift and drive and not wounded animals. A deer or an elk does not take a small short-legged dog seriously and moves away from it slowly, which is very convenient for the hunter. The same can be said about the wild boar - a small dachshund cannot frighten this large animal. However, when chasing a wild boar, dachshunds sometimes show such excitement and viciousness that they literally work closely. Particularly vicious dachshunds can not only delay him, diverting attention to themselves, but stop the beast for gacha. Of course, not a billhook. Watching such a work of a dachshund, you do not believe your own eyes - it seems incredible. Because of the difference in the size of the dog and its "prey". In some regions, even roe deer are hunted with dachshunds.

The dachshund can also be used for serving game. Dachshund, unlike high-legged dogs that quickly examine the territory, will spend more time on this work, but will do everything thoroughly and carefully. Hunters are well aware that many dogs are good at fetching - they bring various objects, having a natural inclination for this. But the dog can be trained to serve. Among the dachshunds there are quite a few fetching dogs. This inclination is used to serve game.

Duck work is not a mandatory use for the dachshund. It can be used in this type of work only under appropriate weather conditions, taking into account the size of the dog, and also if she herself shows a disposition towards it. Dachshunds with a penchant for water can be of invaluable help to the hunter. They inspect the reeds, pick up prey from the water, drag the shot game and bring it back. Of course, the dachshund is not very suitable for such work, but, if necessary, he knows how to adapt to it.

History reference

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According to scientists, the formation of the modern dachshund began in the 16th century in southern Germany. The first reliable references to this breed of dog, then under the names “badger crawler” and “badger warrior”, are found in books written before 1700. There are also earlier references to "badger dogs" and "burrowing dogs", however, they refer to a hunting purpose rather than a specific breed. The ancestors of the dachshund were undersized German hound marriages. From them, she inherited the ability to pursue prey with a return of her voice, quick wit and endurance, excellent instinct, fearlessness in combat with the enemy and hunting passion. And what was a disadvantage in the hound dog - the disproportionate ratio of the standard body with short legs - became an advantage for the norna.

German hunters, appreciating these qualities, began to breed a certain type of dog: squat, short-legged, so that it could freely penetrate holes and burrows. Hunting was an expensive and prestigious occupation, but the maintenance of a dachshund did not require large expenses. This was another significant plus, for which the poor burghers and petty nobles fell in love with the breed. In the middle of the 17th century, two types are mentioned: bow-legged dogs for underground hunting and coarse-haired low foot hounds. Over time, the Germans become more and more attached to dachshunds, appreciate their energy, hunting zeal and diligence, loyalty, reliability and intelligence.

By the end of the 18th century, the dachshund practically acquires modern features. The number of dachshunds is increasing so much that they are being exported to other countries. And in Germany itself, a wide network of nurseries is being formed. Their owners bred dogs, adhering to personal sympathies. But over time, the division into decorative and working specimens begins. Naturally, there is a need to establish a breed standard, which was adopted in 1870. At the moment, the generally recognized standard for the Dachshund breed is the FCI standard.

General form dachshunds

Short, short-legged, stretched, but strong physique, with dense muscles; head held high. The look is smart. Despite short legs in relation to the body, dachshunds do not seem ugly, clumsy or constrained in their movements, thin (narrow), like a weasel or ermine.

Dachshund head

Elongated, extremely expressive, dry, when viewed from above and from the side, evenly tapering to the nose. The upper part of the head is only slightly arched, without a sharp transition from the forehead to the muzzle (the smaller the transition, the more typical the head), smoothly merging into a gracefully formed, slightly convex bridge of the nose. The brow ridges are clearly defined. The cartilage of the bridge of the nose and the tip of the nose are long and narrow, the lips are tightly taut, they cover well lower jaw, shallow, not pointed, with easily marked corners; nostrils well open. The mouth is long, far stretching and wide open even behind the eyes, with strongly developed teeth and jaws; strong, exactly one after the other fangs.

Dachshund teeth

Complete set of permanent teeth adult dog consists of 42 teeth, including 12 incisors, 4 canines and 26 molars. Sometimes the number of molars varies from dog to dog.

Dachshund eyes

Medium size, oval in shape, set obliquely, with a clear, energetic and friendly expression. The color of the eyes is bright dark brown or black-brown in any color of the dog. A glassy, ​​fisheye or pearly eye in gray or spotted dogs is not a great fault, but is undesirable.

Dachshund ears

Set high and not very far back, of moderate length, nicely rounded, not narrow, pointed or not wrinkled, very mobile. The front edge is close to the cheekbones.

Dachshund neck

Fairly long, muscular, lean, without wrinkles in the throat, slightly arched, the dog easily holds it high.

Forelimbs of the Dachshund

Correspond to the hard work that the dachshund performs underground: muscular, massive, short, paws long and wide. The dachshund's shoulder blades are long and widely set, close to a well-developed chest, with strong and plastic muscles. The shoulders are as long as the shoulder blades, forming a right angle with them: with strong bones and elastic muscles; adjoining in the ribs, but freely moving.

Dachshund's torso

The back is long, the withers are high, the thoracic vertebrae form a straight line, moderately convex in the lumbar region. The sternum is powerful, stands out noticeably, as a result of which pits form on both sides; the chest is oval in section, when viewed from the side and from above, spacious, well developed, relatively long and gradually merges into the line of the abdomen. With the correct length and angle of the shoulder and shoulder-blade joint, the front leg from the side covers the lowest point of the chest line. The abdomen is moderately tucked up.

Hind limbs of a dachshund

The croup is long, wide, rounded and muscular. The pelvis is not very short, rather well developed, moderately sloping. The thigh is strong, proportionally long, forms a right angle with the pelvis. The sacrum is completely rounded. The knee is wide and strong. Lower leg compared to lower leg of other breeds dogs short, amounts to femur right angle, with well developed muscles. The hock joint is wide, with a strongly protruding calcaneus. The metatarsus is long, movable, freely moving forward, set slightly obliquely forward. The hind feet have four closely knit toes; the weight of the whole leg falls on the fingers; short nails. Seen from behind, the hindquarters must be perfectly straight.

Dachshund tail

Smoothly continues the line of the back, straight.

And in conclusion, we list the advantages and disadvantages of this breed..

Advantages:

Unusual, original pet.

Always warn about uninvited guests.

May be used as a hunting dog.

Cheaper content, compared to large dogs.

From short-haired specimens there is little wool in the apartment.

Companion in children's games.

Gets along well with other pets.

Flaws:

In an apartment, it tends to damage furniture, shoes.

Can wake up in the morning with a loud bark.

When traveling to the country, she tends to break the site.

A significant amount of wool in the apartment is from the long-haired variety.

Quite wayward and difficult to train dog.

A glutton, able to sit down a couple of kilograms of meat left unattended.

Often aggressive towards strangers and other dogs.

Dachshund is both angel eyes and the character of a little imp. Despite its compactness, the dog of this breed is energetic and fighting, which does not prevent it from getting along well in a city apartment.

A dachshund can become a child's best friend, a hunter, and a companion. The main thing is to take good care of her and welcome her excitement, playfulness and quick wits.

Briefly about the breed

The Dachshund is a short-legged, muscular and squat dog whose size indications are based on proportions. So, the length of the body of a thoroughbred animal should be related to growth as 1.7 to 1, and the distance from the bottom chest to the support - 1/3 of the growth.

Different types of breeds, long bred for the features of hunting animals of different sizes, have their own dimensions:

The standard variety of the dog is the largest and most versatile, used for burrowing and chasing large animals. Its dimensions are characterized by a height of about 35 cm, a girth of the sternum of more than 30 cm and a weight of up to 9 kg.

Miniature or pygmy dachshunds occupy a middle position, having a height and girth of the ribs up to 35 cm, and a weight from 3 to 4 kg. Dwarfs were bred from the most squat animals of the standard species.

The shortest among dachshunds is called rabbit and is 5 cm smaller than its average counterpart in height and 1 kg inferior in weight.

To obtain a more compact and nimble hound, the dog was crossed with pinschers and toy terriers and used in hunting hares and rabbits.

The standards also spell out the features of the physique: a wedge-shaped head, a flat wide forehead and a flattened nose, oval eyes of dark brown and lightened shades, broken in lower third ears, long neck and saber low tail.

Diverse and multicolored

Dogs of the Dachshund breed are divided not only by size, but also by the type of coat:

• smooth-haired
• Longhair
• wirehaired

The primary type of dachshunds are smooth-haired, which are distinguished by short, shiny hair, very dense and close to the body. Long hair on tail and feathering allowed. inside tail.

Long-haired dachshunds were bred by crossing with spaniels and are characterized by a soft, shiny coat at least 5 cm long. Thick undercoat and feathering in the abdomen, on the paws and tail are noticeable.

Wirehaired dachshund with wiry hair is the result of crossbreeding with terrier and schnauzer dogs.

The thick, fluffy coat on the muzzle is especially pronounced, and the hair on the ears and tail, on the contrary, is short and smooth.

There are three types of color: one-color, two-color and spotted.

In the one-color version, all shades from fawn to chocolate are acceptable, and the more intense the color, the more thoroughbred the dog.

Bicolor is a dark, black or brown coat with red or light tan.

Dachshund spotting is of two types: marbled or brindle. In the first case, medium-sized light marks stand out on black, gray or red wool.

The brindle coloring resembles the skin of a predator: clear contrasting dark brown stripes on a red-red or fawn coat.

Universal character

The Dachshund is considered a versatile breed, as it can easily be a companion, hunter, sportsman, guard or hound. What character traits will become apparent depends on the preferences of the owner and the direction of training.

Dachshunds have an average level of learning, so after 40 repetitions the dog will learn a new command and in 50% of cases perform the action the first time.

By its instincts, the animal is more active than its collared counterparts, so it must always be kept on a leash to avoid escape.

Dachshund puppies that early childhood they are smart, mobile and quick-witted, they can be taught to the tray and their place from 3 weeks.

health care

Dachshunds are genetically predisposed to diseases of the musculoskeletal system, so you need to carefully monitor the health of your pet.

An animal of this breed should have its own house or a high bed to protect the dog from drafts. The activity of the dachshund requires a long daily walk, so you need to stock up on special clothes for your pet from dirt, rain and cold.

Otherwise, caring for a dachshund is no different from other dogs: bathe as it gets dirty, periodically clean the ears, comb out the coat during the molting period, regularly check the eyes and ears.

Optimal Diet

A balanced diet plays an important role in maintaining a healthy dachshund. When compiling the menu, it must be taken into account that dogs have a high need for trace elements from early childhood, since they are sick at the genetic level with “dwarfism”.

The optimal menu should consist of natural fresh products. Be sure to consume dairy products, meat and cereals.

If you are an active and active person, then the dachshund will perfectly complement your company.

Fast and energetic, she cannot sit in one place for a long time, but she is always ready to guard and protect her master.

Dachshund photo