General Dachshund Information

If you are thinking of bringing one of these charming canines into your home, you are wise to seek out a little general Dachshund information to make sure that they are the right breed for you. Of course, you already know they are probably just the cutest thing you have ever laid eyes on but the more educated you are in your decision, the more likely you and your four-legged friend will have a long and happy life together.

Dachshund Information Regarding History

Just where do these awkward yet adorable dogs come from and how are they so unique from other breeds? Learning Dachshund information regarding their origin may help you understand them a little bit better. Although most suggest that they originated over 400 years ago in Germany, there is quite a bit of speculation that they were around in ancient times according to tomb and rock drawings found in Egypt, China and South Africa.

Despite these aged theories, documented Dachshund information leads the population to believe that they were developed as a hunting dog for badgers by German foresters. They were designed to be quick, fearless, have a loud bark and the ability to get into holes other dogs simply couldn't.

Dachshund Information Regarding Appearance

Standard size Dachshunds mature at a height of 8 to 9 inches, weighing anywhere from 16 to 32 pounds around 12 months old. They have a very long, compact body, confident head carriage and short yet insanely strong legs. Dachshunds have a finely formed muzzle extending from their tapered head, almond shaped intelligent eyes, black nose and their hound ears extend from near the crown of their head.

Of course, when speaking of Dachshund information regarding physical characteristics, it is their body shape that the breed is so well-known for. While it is long, the front is sturdy, deep, broad and muscular and their tail was bred to be very tapered so foresters could easily pull them out of a badger hole. Their paws are quite compact offering five arched toes which includes their dewclaws that they really don't use.

Dachshund Information Regarding Coats

Dachshunds are bred in three coat varieties including Smooth-haired, Wire-haired and Long-haired. Below is Dachshund information regarding characteristic variations.

• Smooth-haired – The coat should be shining and smooth regardless of the color pattern. One colored varieties include cream or red, two colored are black, blue, Isabella (fawn), wild boar and chocolate, dappled Dachshunds have a darker base with a lighter contrast, brindle offers dark stripes over the entire body and sable is a dark overlay found only on red dogs.

• Long-haired – The coat on these dogs is glistening, sleek and usually wavy in certain areas. These are elegant looking Dachshunds that often really stand out in competitions.

• Wire-haired – The outer coat is short, tight and rough while the undercoat is short and fine on the whole body with the exception of ears, eyebrows and the jaw. Color variations typically include tan as the most dominant shade.

An important point to mention regarding Dachshund information is that their skin should have no excessive wrinkling and movement should be well balanced, never awkward or cramped.

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