Dog Breeds: Dachshund a.k.a the Sausage dog

Are you a perfect match for a Dachshund? 

Dachshunds are a breed that you will enjoy and have many fun years with. The Dachshund is a "big dog in a small package", which can be good if you travel a lot or spend a lot of time in forests and fields. What many people value about their Dachshund is that it is mostly happy, lively, alert and willing to do something with you, if it just means going for a walk around the block or something else fun. 
 

A Dachshund for everyone

There is a Dachshund for everyone, both size-wise and coat-wise. The Dachshund is available in three different sizes; normal, dwarf and rabbit. The chest girth of the Dachshund is what determines which variant it belongs to. The breed is also available in three different hair layers: rough, long and short haired. The most common colors are black with tooth markings, maroon or game colored. 
 
Normal sized Dachshund 
Males: A chest circumference of 37-47 cm and weighs approx. 9 kg. 
Bitches: A chest girth of 35-45 cm and weighs approx. 9 kg. 
 
Dachshund 
Males: A chest circumference of 32-37 cm and weighs approx. 4-6 kg. 
Bitches: A chest girth of 30-35 cm and weighs approx. 4-6 kg. 
 
Miniature Dachshund
Males: A chest circumference of 27-32 cm and weighs approx. 3-4 kg. 
Bitches: A chest circumference of 25-30 cm and weighs approx. 3-4 kg. 
 

How much exercise does a Dachshund need?

Today, the Dachshund is above all a family dog that likes most types of activity and dog sports. The Dachshund loves to exercise his head, is easy to learn and quick to learn new tricks. Whether you are an avid hunter, enjoy tracking with your dog, want to engage in agility, show, rally obedience or other dog sports, there is always a Dachshund for you. Long dog walks in any weather are (mostly!) no problem for the Dachshund, as it is hardy and thrives outdoors, preferably in the woods. 
 

Dachshund's personality

The Dachshund is one of the world's most widespread dog breeds, which is not surprising because it is a really nice family dog. The breed can be quite stubborn and a bit headstrong, but that's probably where the charm of Dachshunds lies. The Dachshund must be calm and harmonious with a certain guarding instinct. Relatively lively for its size, exude courage and self-assurance. The desire to hunt remains mainly in the normal-sized rough and short-haired Dachshunds. While the long-haired Dachshunds, dwarf and rabbit Dachshunds usually do not have such distinct hunting characteristics. 
 

Is Dachshund a healthy breed?

The Dachshund is a healthy breed that usually lives a long life and lives upwards of 13-15 years. Herniated disc problems and back pain are among the most common reasons for a Dachshund veterinary visit. Vomiting and diarrhea are also a common reason for vet visits for a Dachshund, just like many other breeds. 
 
Dachshund's common (and less common) diseases and injuries

• Stomach and intestines
• The locomotor apparatus
• Neoplasia

Fur care for Long-haired, short-haired and wire-haired Dachshunds 

Fur care for long-haired, wire-haired and short-haired Dachshunds 
How much fur care a Dachshund needs differs between the three different hair layers. A long-haired Dachshund needs to be brushed and combed regularly to avoid tangles in the long coat. A wire-haired Dachshund needs to be trimmed two or more times a year, while a short-haired Dachshund basically does not need any fur care. 

Origin of the breed

The Dachshund originally comes from Germany and dates back as far as the Middle Ages. The Dachshund was originally bred from dusters and then as a dog suitable for pot hunting. The first Dachshunds were also called "mini dusters". The Dachshund is one of the most versatile hunting dog breeds and works equally well as a driving and attacking dog as well as a search dog. In Sweden, the Dachshund is mainly used for deer hunting, as it is slow moving.