Dachshund: color, description of the breed, features of maintenance and care

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

Dachshunds are small, short-legged dogs endowed with a cheerful, good-natured disposition and a memorable appearance. Once they were bred specifically for hunting, and today they are successfully used as companions and ordinary pets. This material will consider the main characteristics of dachshunds: colors, exterior, behavior and features of the content.

Origin

There are many unexplained moments in the history of the appearance of these animals. According to one version, dogs, vaguely reminiscent of modern dachshunds, lived in ancient Egypt. Drawings that have survived to this day testify in favor of this version.

According to another, official theory, dachshunds were bred by German breeders in the 17th century. According to this version, pinschers and undersized hounds took part in the formation of the breed. In those distant times, dachshunds were quite large in size and were used to hunt badgers, foxes, beavers and otters. Subsequently, the blood of spaniels and small cops began to flow to them, inas a result, long-haired individuals began to appear. The first breed standard regulating the appearance and colors of dachshunds was adopted in 1870. Later, some changes were made to it. These animals were brought to Russia in the middle of the 18th century and at first did not make the proper impression on local dog breeders.

Sizes

Dachshunds are stretched, short-legged animals that are relatively small in size. Depending on this parameter, they are divided into three groups:

• Standard individuals whose chest girth exceeds 35 cm. The weight of such animals ranges from 6.5-9 kg.
• Small dachshunds with a chest girth of 30-35 cm. The weight of these individuals does not exceed 6.5-7 kg.
• Rabbits whose chest circumference is less than 30 cm. Their weight should not exceed 3.5-4 kg.

According to the generally accepted standard, the height of representatives of this breed varies between 12-27 cm at the withers.

Description

Regardless of weight and color, dachshunds, photos of which are posted in this review, are very similar to each other. They have an original, memorable appearance. The graceful, dry, wedge-shaped head with a flat forehead, strong jaws and an elongated hook-nosed muzzle has rounded floppy ears, the front edge of which touches the cheeks, and oval, wide-set brown eyes.

The muscular neck of the animal smoothly passes into a moderately protruding withers, a straight back, a strong loin and slightlysloping croup, ending at the base of the saber tail. Under an elongated body with a broad chest, rounded ribs and a tucked-up belly, there are short, parallel limbs with arched paws and strong claws.

Dachshund coat and color

Depending on the length and structure of the outer hair, representatives of this breed are conditionally divided into three main groups.

1. Individuals with thick, shiny, smooth hair were included in the first category. The awn of such dogs fits snugly to the body and does not form bald patches. The length of their hair does not exceed two centimeters.
2. The second group includes dogs with hard outer coat, under which a thick undercoat is hidden. A distinctive feature of such animals is the presence of a pronounced beard and bushy eyebrows.
3. The third group included long-haired individuals with thick down. They have fringes on their ears. And the tail and back of the legs are feathered.

As for the color of dachshunds, the standard allows the existence of several options at once. Representatives of this breed can be plain, two-tone, marble and brindle. Fiery red, sand and deer individuals are especially popular. There are not many of them among the existing stock, therefore they are very much appreciated by breeders.

Most often on the streets you can meet black or brown and tan dachshunds. On the body of such individuals there are clearly defined straw or reddish-brown marks localized on the paws, chest and muzzle. Wirehairedrepresentatives of the breed are characterized by the so-called "boar" color. Dachshunds whose color does not meet the generally accepted standard are disqualified from shows and do not participate in breeding.

Behavioral features

Dachshunds are active, energetic dogs, endowed with high intelligence and a well-developed hunting instinct. They are able to make independent decisions and can be stubborn. Despite their funny appearance and short legs, they are very hardy and can easily cover a distance of several kilometers.

The marble, tan or chocolate color of the dachshund does not affect its character in any way. Regardless of the color of their coat, these cunning dogs know how to get their way. They value warmth and comfort, quickly become attached to their owners and do not get along well with other pets. Therefore, when deciding to buy a dachshund, you need to tune in to the fact that it will be the only animal in the family.

Education and training

Whatever the color of the dachshund puppy, you need to educate him from the first days of your stay in your home. After the baby gets used to the new place a little and begins to respond joyfully to his own nickname, he can be taught to the collar and leash. This is a very important point, because representatives of this breed can get carried away in the pursuit of prey and get lost.

In general, dachshunds are smart enough, but very cunning dogs with an independent and self-willed disposition. But thanks to systematic training, they can be taught basic commands. It is important tothe lessons were played in the form of a game and were of a consistent nature.

Maintenance and Care

Representatives of this breed do not have a well-developed down, which reliably protects from the cold. Therefore, a brindle dachshund or any other color should be kept exclusively in the house. These dogs appreciate warmth and comfort very much. They are incredibly clean and easily adapt to life in city apartments.

These pretty creatures do not require special care. You only need to brush them a couple of times a week. For smooth individuals, you should buy a hard brush or rubber mitt. And for long-haired dogs, it is advisable to purchase a special comb that prevents the formation of tangles. The long hanging ears of the animal require special attention. They must be regularly cleaned of accumulated dust and dirt, otherwise infection may develop there.

Feeding advice

Age is the only thing that determines the dog's diet. Dachshunds, whose color does not change throughout life, it is advisable to feed two to six times a day. The younger the puppy, the shorter the intervals between meals.

Like any other dog, the dachshund will happily eat both industrial and natural food. In the first case, your choice should fall on products from trusted global manufacturers, which do not contain dyes, preservatives, beans and cereals. The serving size in this situation is calculated taking into account the weight of the pet and the frequency of feeding. In addition, the dog must have free access to clean drinking water.water.

Those who chose natural food need to remember a few simple rules. The lion's share of a dog's diet should be raw, lean meats such as beef, lamb, or poultry. Twice a week it is desirable to replace it with sea fish and offal. Also, eggs, vegetables, cereals and sour milk should periodically appear in the dog's bowl. It is strictly forbidden to feed the dachshund exotic fruits, tubular bones, chocolate, muffins, sweets, pickles, smoked meats, sausages, river fish and beans.

Diseases and longevity

The he alth of these dogs depends on the conditions of detention, nutrition and heredity, and not on color. Dachshunds in black and tan, brown, fawn or any other shade are considered strong enough dogs that can live from 12 to 15 years. In order not to shorten the already short age of your pet, he needs to provide proper conditions, a decent diet and adequate physical activity.

Due to the special structure and stretched body, representatives of this breed are often diagnosed with problems with the spine, which can sometimes be prevented. In order not to hurt the dog's back, it should not be allowed to stand up on its hind legs and jump on sofas and other hills. When leaving the house, it is better to take the dog down the stairs in your arms, and during the walk it is forbidden to pull the leash.

In addition to problems with the spine, representatives of this breed may suffer from retinal atrophy, idiopathic epilepsy, papillary-pigmentary degeneration of the skin, obesity, diabetes, diseasescardiac and urinary system.

Instead of a conclusion

Dachshunds are small, cute dogs with relatively good he alth and a cheerful, cheerful disposition; if properly educated, they make stubborn, reckless hunters and devoted companions. These compact, sociable and smart animals lend themselves well to training and are suitable for apartment keeping.

However, they are very sensitive to low temperatures. This means that in the autumn-winter period they will have to be dressed in special overalls so that they do not freeze. When walking through city parks and streets, it is undesirable to let them off the leash, as they can get lost, starting to chase imaginary prey.