Smooth-haired dachshund: types, description with photo, breeding and care

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Dachshund is an unusual dog, behind the comical appearance of which lies an independent and freedom-loving disposition. Once this animal was bred specifically for burrow hunting, but today many families have it as a pet. This article will discuss the main features of the smooth-haired dachshund.

History

The origin of these dogs is still heavily debated. According to one of the most common versions, they appeared during the time of Ancient Egypt, as evidenced by the images of short-legged dogs with an elongated body found on the walls of the pyramids.

Purposeful breeding began only in the 16th century. The records of German breeders have survived to this day, in which the first mention of wire-haired dachshunds hunting in holes was found. It was this ability that became the impetus for the further breeding of these animals. Further improvement of the breed led to the fact that already at the end of the 18th century, its representatives acquired modern features andbegan to be actively exported to various European countries. Around the same period, many kennels appeared on the territory of Germany itself, specializing in breeding hard-haired, long-haired and smooth-haired dachshunds.

Description of the breed

Dachshunds are squat dogs with a stretched body and short legs. The elongated head, tapering towards the nose with strong jaws and close-fitting dry lips, has high-set drooping ears with rounded ends and oval, widely spaced brown eyes.

Under a stretched body with a pronounced scruff, a strong straight back and a slightly sloping croup, turning into the base of a saber tail, there are short, muscular limbs with paws gathered in a ball.

Hairline and color

The entire body of the smooth-haired dachshund, the photo of which can be seen in this publication, is covered with a shiny smooth awn, tightly attached to the skin. It should not have any bald patches, and its length usually does not exceed two centimeters.

As for the color, the standard provides for the existence of several color options. Representatives of this breed can be solid, marbled, brown or black and tan.

Sizes

Depending on the size of the representatives of this breed can be divided into three main groups:

1. Standard smooth-haired dachshunds. The height of such animals varies between 20-27 cm at the withers, and the weight ranges from 7 to 9 kg.
2. Dwarf dachshunds. Depending on genderrepresentatives of this group grow up to 14–21 cm at the withers and weigh only 3.5–4 kg.
3. Rabbit dachshunds. The height of these tiny dogs does not exceed 10–15 cm at the withers, and the mass should not exceed 3–3.5 kg.

Another important parameter is chest circumference. In dwarf smooth-haired dachshunds, it varies between 30–35 cm, in standard dachshunds it is 36 cm, and in rabbits it does not exceed 30 cm.

Character traits

Despite their very modest size and frivolous appearance, these are by no means decorative animals. They are characterized by self-confidence, independence and even stubbornness. They will not tolerate rudeness or disrespect and use all available means to assert their "I". Therefore, both standard and miniature smooth-coated dachshunds will be an excellent companion only for those who can properly build a relationship with her.

Do not forget: they are born hunters, which leaves an imprint on the character and behavior of the dog. Representatives of this breed are characterized by such qualities as fearlessness, ingenuity and the ability to make independent decisions. It is the latter that causes frequent complaints from owners about the disobedience of their pets.

Training

Dachshunds are smart and quick-witted creatures. They quickly understand what is required of them, and also learn bad things with lightning speed. That is why it is necessary to engage in raising a puppy of a smooth-haired dachshund immediately after he appears in your home. At the initial stage, it is very important to establishclose contact with the dog and let him clearly define the scope of what is permitted. Education must be systematic and consistent. The learning process itself must be built, guided by the principle “from simple to complex.”

Since the smooth-haired dachshund (both mini and standard) is endowed with pronounced hunting instincts, it must be taught from childhood to calmly respond to all sorts of stimuli. To do this, immediately after the end of the post-vaccination quarantine with a puppy, it is recommended to visit different crowded places so that he gradually gets used to strangers, vehicles and other animals.

Feeding and care

Dachshunds are one of those dogs that are not meant for street keeping. They do not tolerate wet and cold weather, so it is better to settle them in a house or apartment. As for care, it comes down to regular combing with a special mitten, occasional bathing, systematic nail trimming, and cleaning of ears and teeth.

In addition to hygiene procedures, these active creatures need a daily stay in the fresh air. Walks allow not only to reset the accumulated energy, but also contribute to the socialization of the dog. To do this, it is advisable to purchase the appropriate ammunition in advance and teach the animal to treat it calmly. In the cold season, before leaving the house, it is better to dress the dachshund in warm, waterproof overalls. Otherwise, a short animal may freeze and get sick.

You can feed a smooth-haired dachshund both industrial and natural food. In the first case, it should be a complete diet from trusted global manufacturers that does not contain legumes, cereals, dyes and preservatives. In the second, the basis of the dog menu should be fresh, not too fatty meat. A couple of times a week it is advisable to replace it with sea fish or offal. It is also desirable to diversify the dog's diet with cereals, vegetables, eggs and sour-milk products. It is extremely important that sweets, smoked meats, pickles and tubular bones never get into the dog bowl. From time to time, they are recommended to give additional mineral and vitamin supplements.

Predisposition to disease

Smooth-haired dachshunds are relatively he althy dogs, with an average lifespan of 12-14 years. But, like any other dogs, they are prone to some diseases. Most often, they are diagnosed with anomalies in the development of the eyes, progressive retinal atrophy, alopecia and papillary degeneration of the skin.

The special structure of the body leads to the fact that at the age of 5-7 years they may develop slipped disc syndrome, leading to spinal cord infringement with subsequent paralysis.

Breeding

To obtain offspring, completely he althy individuals are used, as close as possible to the official standard and have reached puberty. Females usually go into heat once a year and fall in the autumn. Pregnancy often proceeds without any complications, and childbirth takes place without surgical intervention.

BA litter usually has 7-8 puppies, each weighing an average of 340 grams. It is interesting that excellent mothers are obtained from dachshunds, prone to self-culling of unviable and sick offspring.

Instead of a conclusion

Dachshunds are quick-witted, pretty creatures that serve as a source of positive emotions. They are incredibly brave, playful and loyal to people. They are naturally balanced, cleanliness, endurance and patience. Dachshunds are easy to train and do not require special care.

In addition to the above advantages, dachshunds have many disadvantages. The most significant disadvantages of these animals include their ability to cunning, a tendency to obesity and problems with the spine. Therefore, in order to avoid the possible occurrence of paralysis, each owner of a dachshund will have to carefully monitor the diet of his pet and strictly dose physical activity. In addition, with a lack of walks, dachshunds can start digging and damaging the master's property.