Interesting Dachshund Facts
Probably the most strangely shaped dog in the Hound category is the German Dachshund. The Germans developed this odd little dog to hunt badgers, where his long body and short legs helped him with the task. Consider these fascinating Dachshund facts:
The Dachshund has a long body with short legs and is a part of the AKC hound group. Wirehaired, shorthaired, space and long haired are the three different varieties that are available. The Dachshund also comes in three different sizes that can be found in each variety.
The German Dachshund has an elongated, muscular body and short legs. It has an elongated head, convex skull and eyebrows that stick out. His jaws are pronounced and muscular. He has a friendly and active expression, with dark oval eyes (eyes can be brown, black or even appear red). His long ears flop down. The upright tail is aligned with his back.
The American Kennel Club determines acceptable ranges for height and weight for the breed. These Dachshund facts stat that a standard size Dachshund should 14 to 18 inches long, and weigh around 20 pounds. A dwarf or miniature Dachshund should be between 12 and 14 inches long and weigh around 9 pounds. A toy should be less than 12 inches and weigh around 8 pounds. An average lifespan is 12 to 15 years.
Dachshunds are found in single color or bi-color. Single color appears in yellow or tan. Bi-color includes bright chestnut color with black, brown or gray markings. Other varieties include harlequin and piebald.
Dachshunds are known for their sweet and loyal temperament, but can be stubborn and hard to train. They can be playful or even mischievous. The like to dig, so expect that in your yard or garden. People have indicated that these tendencies may affect the calmer long-haired dachshunds less, while the wire-haired dachshund is more energetic and playful.
One problem dachshunds face is that they have a tendency to be lazy and gain weight, adding to their other health risks. As with humans, they increase their chance of heart disease, diabetes, urinary tract infections and back problems.
German Dachshunds require little grooming — they shed an average rate as dogs go, and just need occasional rubbing with a grooming cloth. Longer haired types need a daily brushing and a professional trim every six months.
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