The Dachshund, often referred to as the Dachshund or especially in hunting terminology as Teckel, is a hunting dog breed that is bred in Germany. There are several breeding organizations that specialize in breeding Dachshunds, such as the German Teckel Club 1888. Dachshunds belong to the FCI Group 4. 

Appearance and Character

Dachshunds have a compact shape. The distinctive features of a Dachshund are its elongated form and comparatively short legs. Dachshunds are considered very muscular with an upright head posture. The head is larger compared to the rest of the body and the legs, which is due to a desired achondroplasia, meaning a shortening of the limbs. Dachshunds exist in various sizes, but also in different color and coat variations. Wire-haired, short-haired, and long-haired are the usual coat types. Black, red, wild boar color, or combinations are common. However, solid or multi-colored white Dachshunds are excluded from the breed standard. Black Dachshunds without tan are also excluded from this. 

Dachshunds are considered very self-confident dogs. This is very helpful in many hunting areas, such as badger hunting, from which the name Dachshund originates. It is also a great advantage when hunting other more defensive game. Regarding burrowing hunting, the Dachshund is a solitary hunter and must make its own decisions, as the handler is not within reach in such situations. However, Dachshunds do not have a particularly high willingness to bond. This means that the dogs require loving consistency and a good handler during their training, and the training should ideally start as early as possible, even as puppies. It should also be noted that a Dachshund with too much self-confidence can cause confrontations with other dogs, as it may show too little respect towards them. 

Areas of Use for the Dachshund

The Dachshund was specifically bred for hunting, particularly for burrowing hunting of foxes or badgers. Thanks to its short legs and comparatively small chest circumference, the Dachshund can penetrate the underground burrows of the animals to flush them out, meaning to drive them from their dwelling. However, the Dachshund is hardly suitable for tracking game or engaging in a fight. Dachshunds are also excellent for tracking work. In driven hunts, the game flushed by the Dachshund flees slower and more familiar and often comes to a stop, allowing for much better shots. This also results in fewer missed shots on fleeing game.

Common Diseases

The most noticeable feature of the Dachshund is its short legs. This is a chondrodysplasia, a form of achondroplasia. The malformation is the result of a mutation that causes premature ossification of the growth plates in the long bones of the legs, resulting in shortened and bent limbs. Due to the very long spine compared to the legs, Dachshunds also experience problems in this area. One of these is the so-called Dachshund paralysis, which is a special form of a herniated disc. In Dachshund paralysis, the nerve pathways in the spine are partially pinched, leading to paralysis symptoms and loss of control over the hind limbs. To prevent this, it should be ensured that the dog develops a sufficiently strong back musculature by getting plenty of exercise. This also helps prevent the onset of obesity, which further promotes Dachshund paralysis. Once Dachshund paralysis has occurred, it cannot be cured. However, there are surgical options, physiotherapy, and medications that can alleviate the symptoms.

Nutrition and Care

Dachshunds love to eat and eat a lot. The general rule, which also applies to all other hunting dog breeds, is to avoid obesity. Obesity not only increases the risk of a whole range of diseases. In fact, excessive weight in hunting dogs also shortens their life expectancy. Furthermore, the Dachshund's freedom of movement is restricted, making it slower and more cumbersome, which negatively affects hunting success. Regarding proper nutrition, treats should only be given very consciously. It is advisable to weigh the Dachshund regularly for weight control. The regular dog food should be of high quality and provide the dog with all the essential nutrients it needs for a healthy and balanced diet. A particularly good and species-appropriate raw feeding method is called BARFing. The dogs receive not only plenty of fresh meat and offal but also a large portion of vitamin and mineral supplements. To prevent under- or over-supply of the Dachshund, dog owners should always consult a veterinarian or the dog breeder. Water bowls should always be sufficiently filled. 

Dachshunds require regular coat care, which depends entirely on the individual coat length. To prevent matting, the dog owner should comb the dog with a dog comb several times a week. Since Dachshunds have a very pronounced hunting instinct, it is important to keep the coat free from dirt or unwanted pests. Regular nail trimming should not be forgotten, as well as checking the teeth. Dachshunds do not necessarily need to be bathed; it is sufficient to gently clean the coat with a brush. However, if there is significant coat soiling, a special dog shampoo should be used. To prevent irritation of the eyes and nasal mucosa, it must be strictly ensured that the foam does not touch the Dachshund's face. 

Training and Activities of the Dachshund

Dachshunds have a lot of energy and therefore need sufficient exercise. For hikes or long walks, the Dachshund is the ideal companion. Taking breaks now and then does not harm either the dog or the owner. However, if the owner wants to go for a bike ride or jog, the Dachshund should preferably be left at home, as it is more suited for a slower pace due to its short legs. Dachshunds can also be enthusiastic about many dog sports, such as retrieving. The dogs enjoy searching for and bringing back balls or sticks thrown by their owner. The Dachshund must be given plenty of time to sniff and explore so that it can let off steam. Not without reason do breeders usually turn to experienced hunters or foresters for the sale of their puppies, as they can provide the Dachshund with a species-appropriate life without compromise. 

Disadvantages of the Dachshund

Dachshunds have very little respect for strangers and other dogs. Due to their incredible willpower, Dachshunds tend to bark. Therefore, the dog owner must bring this behavior under control early on so that the dog understands its boundaries and the owner can maintain a good relationship with their neighbors.  The animals are prone to Dachshund paralysis due to their elongated body shape.