Rabbit dachshund: breed description, care, feeding rules, reviews

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

Dachshunds are born hunters of living creatures that hide in burrows. So, for hunting rabbits, a separate breed was bred, which was called the rabbit dachshund. It is also called rabbit. Now representatives of the breed serve more as decorative pets than hunting companions. Because of the modest size of the animals, they are sometimes called dwarfs. But this is not entirely true, since pygmy dachshunds are a separate species.

History of the breed

The rabbit dachshund was bred in Germany for hunting. Representatives of the breed are characterized by short legs and a very elongated body. This physique allows the animal to be considered one of the most versatile useful breeds of hunting dogs. Dogs are equally good at working underground, on land and on water.

Rabbit dachshund (photo shown in the article) is considered a very ancient breed. Exact timeits appearance is still unknown. Some experts suggest that dogs, very similar to modern dachshunds, appeared in ancient Egypt. But other cynologists believe that the breed appeared in southern Germany. The first mention of it in this region dates back to the beginning of the sixteenth century. The progenitors of animals are short German hounds, which were originally considered a marriage of the breed due to their disproportionate physique. But later such a shortcoming was rightly recognized as a virtue. Due to its physique, the rabbit dachshund is recognized as the best in burrow hunting. Such a title is worth a lot.

Animal Varieties

One of the oldest German clubs has been breeding several varieties of the breed for many decades, which differ in coat quality and size. There are a total of nine species, each with its own standard.

Dachshunds are divided into standard, rabbit and dwarf. Rabbit, depending on the length of wool, are represented by three types:

1. Wirehaired.
2. Short-haired or smooth-haired.
3. Longhair.

The official establishment of the breed occurred in Germany in the nineteenth century after a significant increase in the number of dachshunds. The first standard was adopted in 1870. Currently, the standard adopted in 1979 in Germany is used. Dachshunds deservedly take their place of honor in the popularity rating. They are incredibly widespread on all continents.

Derivationbreeds

To breed the breed, breeders crossed simple dachshunds with pinschers. But the animals often had the muzzle of the latter, a narrow chest, high legs, were completely non-gambling in hunting and had a nervous character. Therefore, in the future, it was decided to breed rabbit dachshunds, selecting the smallest representatives of the breed with good hunting qualities.

Only small individuals took part in the breeding of animals. Breeders were faced with the problem of maintaining the correct proportions in pygmy dogs. And yet we managed to breed two breeds: rabbit and dwarf.

The small size of the animals was necessary for the dogs to work in rabbit burrows. By the way, the breed is good for hunting not only rabbits, but also other animals that live in holes. But due to its modest size, the dachshund cannot defeat an opponent that exceeds its size. The rabbit dachshund (photo is given in the article) is also used for hunting on the surface of the earth.

She picks up the trail well and drives the animals with her voice, indicating to the owner the location of the prey. But you should not get involved in such hunting with dachshunds, since the animal has a predisposition to back diseases that lead to paralysis.

In addition to hunting rabbits, the dachshund can take on the function of retrievers, looking for game on the water and in the thickets. Representatives of the breed can swim and calmly relate to the water. Therefore, they can be used for water hunting. Dachshunds hunt for squirrels no worse than ordinary rabbits. But for this you will have to train rabbit dachshund puppies, starting from7-9 months. According to statistics, only 30% of dogs are used for hunting purposes. Mostly dogs are bred for decorative purposes. Representatives of the breed also cope well with watchdog functions, since their barking is heard from afar.

Rabbit dachshund: breed description

Representatives of the breed are considered the smallest. The chest volume of its representatives is only 30 centimeters, and the weight does not exceed 3.5 kg. Animals are characterized by short legs and a muscular long body. The paws of the dogs are very strong and strong, which allows the dogs to jump out of the rabbit holes. Dachshunds have strongly developed fingers, on which there are thick claws. The hind limbs are smaller than the front ones.

Proud posture makes the animal look funny. The animal's head is elongated and elongated towards the nose. The muscular neck smoothly passes into the shoulders. Animals have 42 teeth. The jaws are strong with a blunt scissor bite. The eyes are set wide apart and may be blue or dark. Ears of medium length hang down. Their unusual length is associated with fitness for hunting. They prevent dirt from entering the ear when hunting in holes.

The skin of dogs is elastic and wrinkle-free. The body is squat with a powerful chest. The animals have a well-fitted belly. In height, males reach 12-15 centimeters, and females - 10-13 centimeters. The coat depends on the subspecies of the breed, since animals can be short-haired and long-haired. Rabbit dachshunds (photo is given in the article) are very mobile dogs.

Subspecies

As we mentioned, there are severalsubspecies of rabbit dachshund: smooth-haired, long-haired and wire-haired. All of them differ in the structure of the coat. Long-haired rabbit dachshunds (photo is given in the article) have wavy hair. It reaches its greatest length on the hind legs, on the ears, under the neck, on the chest. But at the same time, the whole body cannot be covered with long hair. At the same time, it should not be too curly.

The smooth-haired rabbit dachshund has a short and shiny coat. But at the same time, the wool is not hard. The coarsest pile is in the wire-haired subspecies, since it has undercoats. These dogs have a beard and eyebrows, unlike other subspecies. The tail of animals is also densely covered with hair.

Animal Character

Representatives of the rabbit breed of dachshunds have a soft and friendly character since childhood. They are perfect for every member of the family. Dogs are very curious and smart, at the same time they cannot stand rudeness. Dwarf and rabbit dachshunds have a softer character. They are incredibly hardy and viable, their nervous system is stable. Pets are very fond of active walks and games with elements of hunting tasks. Even the smallest dogs are very brave and courageous. They have a very developed self-esteem. Dogs are real scumbags. They are able to cheer up everyone around. Dachshunds are incredibly affectionate, but at the same time jealous. Animals easily adapt to urban conditions. Dogs can go to the tray without forcing the owners to go outside every time. But not worth itforget that animals really need long walks and love them. Dachshunds get along well not only with all family members, but also with other pets.

With the wrong upbringing, animals become extremely stubborn and naughty. If the pet is guilty, it cannot be punished physically, because the dog will hate you. It would be more correct to ignore the animal for a while. The playful disposition of the dog cannot stand the indifference of the owners, so this will be the best lesson. Training a pet must begin at the age of a puppy.

Pet care

Dachshunds are undemanding in care. Still, some points need to be monitored. At the age of two months, puppies need to be vaccinated. And after a couple of weeks to make revaccination. The next vaccination is done after the animal's teeth change (approximately at the age of 6-7 months). Only ten days after the procedure, you can go for walks. Despite the fact that the dogs are extremely active, jumping must be avoided so that the vertebrae do not move.

The main question that owners ask is what to feed the dog? The rabbit dachshund prefers natural food. Animals love dairy products, cereals, meat and vegetables. Meat products are best given at night, then they are much better absorbed. Dogs should not be overfed.

Caring for a pet's coat is very simple. A long-haired and wire-haired dog must be brushed and wiped with a terry towel. After walking, the paws are wiped with a damp cloth, and the body is washed in warm water.in the shower. Full bathing of animals with shampoo is rarely necessary. Detergent is selected depending on the type of wool. Bathing is not recommended for very young puppies aged 4-5 months.

The eyes of dogs require special attention. If you notice that in the morning mucus appears in the corners, it must be removed with cotton wool soaked in tea. Dachshund ears should be checked daily. If sulfur appears, it must be removed with a cotton swab treated in hydrogen peroxide or boric alcohol.

You can't dig too deep into the auricle, so as not to inadvertently injure the animal. If your dog does not like cleaning his ears, you can use cleansing ear drops.

Grooming for dachshunds includes trimming the tips of the claws. The procedure requires careful execution. To carry it out, you will have to purchase a nail cutter. Adult animals grind their claws on the asph alt on their own.

Animal diseases

Like other hunting breeds, dachshunds have excellent he alth. And yet the breed is subject to certain ailments. Most often, dogs have problems with the spine. Therefore, pet anxiety must be taken as a signal for action. If the animal takes unusual postures, you should immediately contact your veterinarian. Unnecessary delay can turn the dog into a cripple.

Puppies with a lack of minerals and vitamins are prone to developing osteoporosis. Also, dachshunds may develop diseases associated with skin dystrophy. Dogs are prone to obesity, eye ailments,epilepsy and ear diseases. Regular visits to the vet will help avoid trouble.

Purchasing a puppy

You can buy a pet in nurseries and ads. The first option is the most preferred. Now on the Internet you can find many forums where people share information and post photos of puppies and their parents. Before buying, you must choose which type of dachshund you want to purchase. Be sure to analyze the reviews of people who have such a dog.

Sometimes potential customers get to know breeders and order a puppy from the next mating. In Moscow, a rabbit dachshund can be purchased for 300-800 dollars. The cost of a puppy largely depends on the pedigree of the parents. Titled dogs that appear on the inserts give excellent offspring. But the cost of such a puppy will be considerable. But a pet-class pet can be purchased much cheaper.

Who is the dachshund suitable for?

Small dachshunds were originally bred for hunting, but now most people keep such pets as cheerful companions. Dogs easily adapt to any conditions. It is easy to characterize people who are suitable for such a pet. The owner must be active and easy-going to provide the animal with the necessary exercise. Dogs get along well with everyone. They find a common language with children. For the smallest children, the dachshund will become a protector and a nanny. The dog will not let anyone get bored, for which representatives of the breed are valued.

Fakes

It is necessary to buy puppies only in kennels with good reviews. Very often, buyers are deceived by selling a look that is not at all the kind that people pay for. Sometimes, under the guise of a rabbit breed, customers are given a dwarf species. Or they can even sell the most ordinary dachshund, recommending to feed it less. This is what dishonest breeders do. You cannot make a miniature dog out of a normal dog, by reducing its diet, you can only harm your he alth, since the puppy must receive good nutrition and develop well. With insufficient feeding, the dog will never grow up he althy. Even if you fell for the tricks and acquired not a miniature breed, but a standard one, you should not worry. The main thing is that your pet is he althy and full of energy. With its cheerful disposition, any dachshund will bring fun and laughter to the house. You will definitely not be bored with such a cheerful friend.

Reviews of breeders

The owners of rabbit dachshunds leave positive feedback about the breed. People note that the animal has a very friendly and peaceful character. Pets are incredibly smart and quick-witted. They get along well with all family members and even with other animals. With the owners of the dog very quickly find a common language, becoming the best friend. Breeders believe that the cute appearance of dachshunds is the best characteristic of its character.

Sometimes animals can show their character and stubbornness. But this rarely happens. In addition, negative traits are quickly corrected by education and training. It doesn't matter which subspecies you choose - with long, short or coarse hair - in any case, youyou get a devoted friend who will thank you for your love and attention. Even if you are far from hunting, the rabbit dachshund will be a good companion for you. Well, for small game hunters, you can’t find a better assistant. Due to their versatility, dogs can walk on a variety of small animals.