The Dachshund: The Weiner Dog

The Dachshund is popularly called "The Wiener Dog"was bred. The Standard is considered the dog for
because of its long and low appearance. Thetracking badger, stag and boar. The Miniature was
Dachshund in Germany is known as the "Tekal" . Theused exclusively for rabbit and small game. Regardless
Word "Tekal" can be found inscribed on the base ofof the size or coat, all Dachshunds have the
an ancient Egyptian sculpture which pictures a Kingappearance of a long but very short dog,
seated with three rather strange yet familiar dogs.approximately three times longer than it is tall. Tails
Apparently a breed of dog that was long backed andare long, ears are lop and nearly as long as the head.
short legged did exist in Egypt at a very early date.The muzzle is long and the head should taper cleanly
These dogs are said to be the forebears of theto the tip of the nose. The breastbone should be
Dachshund as we know it today. The German wordprominent and the forelegs, because of the depth
"dachshund" translates as badger dog, historically thisand broadness of the chest may have a slightly
was the work which the little dog performed.bowed appearance. The legs are built for digging and
Badgers are nasty and vicious animals, living inthe paws should be large and the shoulders should be
burrows in the ground and the Dachshund is a breedmuscular and wide.In the United States the
that was bred to dig into the burrows and roust outDachshund is not often considered as a "hunting dog"
the fearful creature. Needless to say, the Dachshundand its function is generally that of a pet dog. The
is a plucky and courageous dog who considerspopular "Wiener Dog" makes a friendly, if not
himself to be much larger than he actually is! Insomewhat feisty, companion dog. This is a little dog
actuality, the little dog is of the Hound family, usingwho thinks he is tough. He needs to be trained from
scent capabilities when hunting, but because of thethe beginning to be gracious to strangers who knock
ability to dig and the ferocious persistence the dogon the door , but is not normally a vicious or
exhibits when "going to ground" it is often mistakenlyaggressive dog, just noisy and territorial in his nature.
assumed that this breed belongs in the TerrierHe is prone to problems which can develop because
family.The modern Dachshund is represented by twoof the long length of his back and as a puppy or an
different sizes and three different types of coat. Theadult, care needs to be taken that he is not lifted or
Standard Dachshund is 12-15 pounds and the Miniaturecarried incorrectly nor allowed to jump off of
is less than 9 pounds. The coat can be long haired,furniture. This little dog also loves to eat and has a
smooth, or wire haired. Historically the Germans usedpropensity to become obese if not kept well
the Dachshund for the utilitarian purposes for which itexercised and given the proper diet.