The Canadian Kennel Club Breed Standard describes the Dachshund as follows:

"Low to the ground, short-legged, long bodied, but with compact figure and robust muscular development, with bold and confident carriage of the head and intelligent facial expression; conformation pre-eminently fitted for following game into burrows. In spite of his shortness of leg, in comparison with his length of trunk, he should appear neither crippled, awkward, cramped in his capacity for movement nor slim and weasel-like. His hunting spirit, good nose, loud tongue and small size render him especially suited for beating the bush. His figure and his fine nose give him an especial advantage over most other breeds of sporting dogs for trailing. He should be clever, lively and courageous to the point of rashness, persevering in his work above and below ground, with all the senses being well developed. "

For the Official CKC Dachshund Breed Standard for Miniature Wirehaired dachshunds go to the CKC website.

See puppy pictures here.

The origins of the Dachshund can be traced back to working dogs that could go to ground after game such as badgers. Today, the breed is popular both as a show dog and pet.

Dachshunds come in two sizes - Standard and Miniature - and three coats – Smooth-haired, Long-haired, and Wire-haired.

Standard Dachshunds usually weigh between 20 - 28 pounds. Miniatures usually weigh 9 - 11 pounds, 10 is thought to be the ideal.

In Europe, Dachshunds are still used by some people for working; typically tracking fallen deer, hunting rabbits etc, and these are called Teckels. They tend to be slighter in body and longer in the leg than "our show, or conformation" Dachshunds, and they are highly regarded for their working ability and "good noses".

Read our FAQ on Dachshunds (opens in a separate window).

COATS & COLOURS

Smooth-hairs, are the more "easily recognized" Dachshunds. Their coats are short and dense, with a velvet texture and require little maintenance. - Most common colors are: - Black & Tan, and Red. Chocolate, and Dapple.

Longhairs, with feathering on their ears and tails, and long silky body coats. These coats need regular grooming to keep them tidy and to avoid matting. - Most common colors are: - Black & Tan, Red. Red ranging from Cream to
Shaded Red) and Silver Dapple.Chocolate and Dapple. Brindle (tiger-striped)

Wirehairs, are the "rugged workmen", with harsh body hair, beards and eyebrows. Depending on the texture of the coat, which can range from "pin-wire" to "hairy", they may need to be hand-stripped (not clipped) a couple of times a year. Most common colors are: - Red, Wild Boar, Black and Tan, Chocolate and Dapple also occur. Note that Wild Boar in Wires means the individual hairs are striped, giving an overall grizzle/grey appearance, as opposed to the tiger -stripe appearance found in Brindles.

LIVING WITH A DACHSHUND

Dachshunds are active dogs, and will take as much exercise as you can give them. They are, however, just as happy curled up on your lap, snoozing. They are loyal companions and generally make good family pets, but they can be noisy sometimes, (like most dogs)! They are very intelligent and can be trained to be obedient. However, they like "to get their noses down” and follow a scent when off the lead, and can “ become deaf" when it suits them! This is instinctive behavior in a dachshund as they’re ‘scent hounds’.

In general, Wires are the most extrovert and active, Standard Longs are the most reserved and aloof. Standard Smooth are perhaps more "one-person" dogs. All the Miniatures make ideal pets, especially for people who are maybe less active, and who want a small, but affectionate companion, they are perhaps not the best choice for people with very young children though.

HEALTH ISSUES

Dachshunds generally suffer from few health problems, provided they are kept well exercised, fit, and fed a healthy, balanced diet. They should not be allowed to become overweight,that is one of the main contributing factors to a bad back in a Dachshund.

Dachshund Standard Gait movement (using Flash Animation)

Because of their long backs, there is obviously a greater risk of a slipped disk than in some other breeds of dog. However, such problems are best avoided by keeping the dog fit, not allowing it to become overweight, or to run up and down stairs, or, jump on and off furniture, which clearly will put extra stress on the back.

Always consult a Vet if you have any concerns about a puppy you intend to purchase, or health problems with an older dog.