Note: The breed registries indicated above are the most recognized all-breed registries. The breed may also be recognized by other registries not indicated here. For further details about dog registries, please see the document: Dog Breed Registries in North America.
* The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) is the World Canine Organisation, which includes members (one member per country) that each issue their own pedigrees and train their own judges. The FCI recognizes 332 breeds, with each being the "property" of a specific country. The FCI is not a breed registry nor does it issue pedigrees.
Origin:
Germany
Note: In Canada, the U.S. and the United Kingdom, two sizes of Dachshunds are recognized Standard and Miniature; and three coat types the Smooth, Longhaired and Wirehaired. Taking the two sizes and three coat varieties into account, the Canadian Kennel Club and The Kennel Club (U.K.) recognize six distinct Dachshund types. The Fédération Cynologique Internationale recognizes the three coat types and three sizes Teckel, Miniature Teckel, and Rabbit Teckel which is smaller than the Miniature. (See the Breed Standards for details.)
Breed Description
Physical Dimensions:
Miniature: Approx. 8 inches (20 cm) tall at the shoulders, 20 inches (50 cm) long, nose to rump and 6 inches (15 cm) wide.
Standard: 30-40% larger than the Miniature.
Wirehaired: Slightly higher off the ground than the Smooth and Longhaired.
Weight:
Miniature: The ideal weight is 10 lb (4.5 kg).
Standard: Over 11 lbs (5 kg)
Dachshunds, also known as Dackels or Teckels, were developed in Germany and used to hunt badger and fox since the Middle Ages. The original Dachshund was the Standard Smooth. The name "dachshund" means "badger dog" in German. Dachshunds work in packs and are strong and fearless when sent underground to rout out the ferocious badger. These short-legged dogs were well recognised and known as one of the most versatile and useful breeds for hunting both below and above ground. The oldest breed Club is the Deutsche Teckelklub e.V. which was founded in 1888.
The Standard Wire Haired Dachshund is based on the Standard Smooth but also has some Terrier added in. The cross was done to improve the protective and weather-resistant qualities of the coat and to add a bit of Terrier temperament.
Developed from the original Standard Smooth Dachshund, the Long-haired was created by crossing the breed with the Field Spaniel. This variety has all the attributes of the Smooth but the outline is enhanced by soft feathering on the throat, ears, underbody and tail, giving it an unmistakable elegance.
The Miniature Dachshunds were bred to hunt the rabbits that destroyed farmers' crops. These little dogs must be small enough to slip down rabbit holes and, in their native Germany, they are classifed according to girth, not weight.
The Dachshund is clever, lively, fearless, persistent and outgoing. With his fun-filled outlook, he is an affectionate and wonderful family companion.
The Dachshund's lively and active personality make him an ideal participant in several dog sports and activities, such as Obedience, Agility, Tracking, Earth Dog Trials, Field Work, and Hunting.
CLICK HERE for more Calendars plus a great selection of books, gifts, collectibles & more.
As with all breeds, the Dachshund can be prone to some health problems. The following are the most common found in the breed:
If you are considering the adoption of a Dachshund puppy, or any breed, it is very important to be selective in choosing a responsible and reputable breeder. Ensure that the prospective puppy's parents have all health clearances. Breeding of any dog should not be done until after they have been proven to be free of evidence of significant hereditary diseases. (For more information on selecting a breeder, see the articles on the main Breed Listing and Breeders page.)
Gastric Torsion (Bloat) As with any deep-chested dog, the occurrence of Bloat or Gastric Torsion is a real possibility in the Dachshund. If you are not familiar with this condition, it is absolutely necessary to learn about it and know the symptoms This is a real emergency and a life threatening condition that requires immediate Veterinary attention. See Gastric Dilatation Volvulus (GDV) Bloat in the Health and Nutrition section of Canada's Guide to Dogs for more information and First Aid for Bloat for an article describing some of the things you can do if you are faced with this situation.
Dodger's List Dachshund Orthopedic Disc Group Email Resource Dachshund owners and potential owners should visit this site for valuable information on back problems and the latest information on treatments.
The Dachshund Back Digest A digest of several articles written by members of the "Dachshund-L" and "dachsies@" mailing lists in response to inquiries about Dachshund back problems.
Health and Nutrition Canada's Guide to Dogs growing section on several health and nutrition related issues.
AKC Dachshund Video 24 min. Video Edition, published by the AKC
Discussion of the breed standard: good structure and movement, acceptable colors, correct head, size. Developed for breeders, exhibitors and judges.
Available from Dogwise.com
Note:See the Dachshund Books & Merchandise section for additional titles, books, gifts and collectibles for the Dachshund breed.
Training For information on training your Dachshund, see this growing section of Canada's Guide to Dogs for tips, articles, as well as listings of training centres across Canada.
Wienerdogs.org The Canadian Dachshund Lovers Page!
Tons of information available at this site.
Clubs, Sports & Activities This section of Canada's Guide to Dogs includes information about various dog sports and activities along with listings of non-breed specific clubs from across Canada. (Note: For Dachshund specific clubs, see the Breed Clubs section.)
Note: For more books, gifts and collectibles, see the Books & Merchandise section for the Dachshund breed.
Select from the following links to view Dachshund Breeder listings; Breed Clubs; Shows and Events; Rescue Organizations; as well as Books and Merchandise specific to the Dachshund breed: