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Dachshund (Smooth Haired)

General
Other Names
Dog Group Kennel Club		Hound
Breed Classification		Dachshunds belong to the hound group and are used as companions and seen in the show-ring.
Cost of Ownership
Average Food Cost		< £4 per week
Feeding Requirements		The Dachshund can be fed dry or wet food once or twice a day. They can be greedy so be very careful to not overfeed as an overweight Dachshund is at much greater risk of back problems.
		Try Royal Canin Breed Specific Dog Food
Other Expenses		Dachshund puppies can cost between £450 to £650.
Average Puppy Price		£300-500
Lifespan		9 - 15 years If kept at a reasonable weight the dachshund can stay healthy and active to a good age.
Average Litter Size		6 The average litter size is 5 to 6 puppies, although it is not unheard of for a bitch to whelp 12 puppies.
General Physical Description		This is a long backed, short legged dog of diminutive height. While small, the Dachshund is still muscular and powerfully built with a deep, broad chest and well-developed forelegs. The forehead blends into the muzzle creating an elongated look to the skull. The eyes are dark, almond shaped and intelligent looking. The ears are high set and long.
Height Min Max Bitch 0cm (0") 0cm (0") Dog 0cm (0") 0cm (0") Weight Min Max Bitch 9kg (20lbs) 12kg (26lbs) Dog 9kg (20lbs) 12kg (26lbs)
Size Category		Medium
Weight Height Range		Dachshunds are measured by chest girth, which in the standard smooth coated dachshund should be up to 35cms.Both dogs and bitches should weigh between 9-12kgs.
Ailments		The most important health consideration with Dachshunds is their spinal problems. Due to the elongated nature of the body, the spine is prone to injury. Disc rupture, often leading to paralysis, is a common problem in Dachshunds. Stairs and jumping on and off furniture must be avoided. Surgical intervention can sometimes help with this ailment but many Dachshunds have to resort to carts to haul their hindlimbs around. Dachshunds can also be prone to skin ailments such as bald patches and lack of skin pigmentation.
Common Ailments		Acanthosis nigricans - a skin disease which causes a dark, thickened area especially at armpit. Pattern alopeica (baldness) Vitiligo ( lack of pigmentation in skin)
Susceptibility To Illness		Low
Other
History		Dachshunds can be directly traced back to the 15th century in Germany. However, Dachshund type dogs have appeared in ancient Egyptian and Mexican art. Remains of a Dachshund type dog were found with shipwreck remnants in Italy, dating back to the 1st century AD. The German breed standard was set in 1879 and the breed club established in 1888. Dachshunds were exported to Great Britain with Prince Albert and became popular in Britain and America throughout the 19th century. During World War I, the breed lost popularity in these countries, due to its Germanic origins, however, prejudices have been set aside and the dog is again a favourite family pet and hunting companion. Standard dachshunds were used to hunt badgers primarily but have been used with other game.
Intelligence		This breed is intelligent but not particularly easy to train since it has a curious nature and a mind of its own. It can be very difficult to overcome the hunting instinct and train the dog to come when called. Early socialisation is required in order for it to learn to get along with cats and other dogs. Socialisation will also help it overcome its natural wariness with strangers.
Show Characteristics		The head should be long and tapered with the forehead showing a slight arch and blending, in an unbroken line to the bridge of the nose. Obliquely set, the eyes should be almond shaped and of a dark colour. The nose and eye rims, as well as the lips should be black. High set, the ears are long and rounded at the tip. The jaws are powerful and the teeth should meet in a scissor bite. A slightly arched neck meets muscular forequarters, beginning with a long broad shoulder bone. The humerus should be of equal length to the shoulder and set at a right angle. A short forearm appears straight in profile but angles in slightly at the front. Needed for going to ground, the feet are a good size, very well-padded and with strong nails. A muscular body should have a level back and a deep broad chest with a prominent breastbone. The hindquarters show a broad knee joint, a prominent hock and broad achilles tendon. In the standard variety, the coat is short, smooth and dense. All colours are allowed in the show ring. A limited amount of white is allowed on the chest, but is not desirable.
Country Of Origin		Germany
Famous Examples
Records Held
Characteristics
Energy		Medium
Overall Exercise		20 - 40 minutes per day. This dog was bred for hunting, so although it has short legs, it does need to get out for a good walk at least once a day, preferably twice a day. It is probably best to keep the dog on a lead as its hunting instincts can drive it to run off in pursuit and the dog may not respond readily to a recall command. Dachshunds can live happily in a flat or house. In a home with stairs, Dachshunds should be discouraged from frequent travels up and down stairs as this will harm their elongated spines. If living in a place with a garden it must be very well fenced due to the above mentioned hunting instincts. Bear in mind that Dachshunds were bred to 'go to ground' and can dig under many types of fencing.
Distress Caused if Left Alone
Personal Protection		Low
Suitability As Guard Dog		Medium
Risk of Sheep Worrying		Low
Tendency to Bark		High
Ease of Transportation		Medium
Level of Aggression		Medium
Compatibility With Other Animals		Low
Suitable For Children		Low
General Character And Temperament		This is an intelligent dog but it has a mind of its own. Therefore, it is not that easily trained. It is recommended that firm, consistent training techniques be used to overcome the dog's natural tendency to dominate, while not incurring a sense of injustice. Unfairly treated, a dachshund will sulk at length. Early socialisation is required in order to acclimate dachshunds to children, strangers and other animals. They are a breed that becomes quite attached to their family and usually one family member in particular, however, they will be less friendly with strangers.
Grooming
Coat Length
Grooming Requirement		< Once a week
Trimming		None
Requires Professional Groomer
Grooming		Smooth coated dachshunds should be groomed with a rubber glove once a week to remove dead hairs. This breed does shed.
Colour		Most dachshunds are black with tan markings or a solid reddish-brown colour. However, they can appear as reds, dappled, with tiger markings, or brindle. Some may have a limited amount of white on the chest.
Shedding		Moderate
Suffers From Allergies
Tendency to Cause Allergies

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