Description:

Dachshund Puppies for Sale

Overview: The Dachshund comes in two size varieties: standard and miniature. Additionally, there are three coat varieties: smooth, wirehaired and longhaired. Nicknamed the Wiener Dog, there are easily recognized by their long bodies with short legs the keeps them very close to the ground. They have lots of energy and love to burn it off with vigorous playing. Affectionate, friendly toward other dogs and pets, they can make excellent watchdogs. 

Temperament: Originally bred as a hunting dog for flushing badgers, this scent hound is bold and loves to hunt. Though somewhat independent minded, the Dachshund enjoys participating in activities of its family. They are good with children of their own family, but some have been known snap at children outside of their family, so parental supervision may be warranted. They may be reserved with strangers and are known to bark at them. 

History: The 16th Century is the earliest time of reference to the Dachshund. The name means badger dog because of its use in chasing badgers and other vermin, entering their burrows, dragging them out and killing them. As years passed, this canine was cross bred with other breeds such as the Miniature Schnauzer, Miniature Pinscher and Papillon to produce the variety of coats now available. Serious, controlled efforts to establish a standard for breeding of Miniature Dachshunds was begun in about 1910. Today, the result of these breeding practices is a very popular and fun family pet of a variety of coat lengths and colors. 

Names: The Dachshund is also known in German as Teckel and the Miniature Dachshund is known as Zwergtekel. 

Groups: The Dachshund was accepted into the AKC registry in 1885 assigned to the Hound Group. 

Physical Characteristics: Long, low to the ground with short legs are hallmarks of the Dachshund breed. Its body is muscular so that it doesn’t its back doesn’t sag. The head is carried with confidence and tapers toward the nose. Rounded ears are of moderate length, set near the top of the head, hang down. The Standard Dachshund weighs between 16 and 32 lb. The Miniature Dachshund weighs up to 11 lb. Regarding colors of coat, there exists a large variety. Some of these are: single colored (red, cream); two colors (black, chocolate, wild boar, blue, fawn with tan or cream markings; dapples (contrasting light and dark areas evenly distributed over the body; brindle; sable. 

Care: The Dachshund makes a good inside dog but enjoys time outside for exercise such as a leashed walk or playing in a fenced yard. Little coat care is necessary for the smooth coat while brushing once or twice weekly is recommended for the long coat and wire coat varieties.