Interesting Dachshund Facts

The German Dachshund is the most fascinatingly figured dog compared to any other breed including the Hound. This long short legged dog was first raised in Germany to hunt badgers. Some interesting Dachshund facts are mentioned below:

The Dachshund's defining feature is its long body and short legs. This breed comes in three varieties, including wirehaired, shorthaired and long haired, and dogs of each variety come in three different sizes. Dachshunds belong to the AKC hound group.

The German Dachshund has a long body, short legs, and a powerful jaw. The head is long and slightly convex, with eyebrows that stand out from its head, and dark eyes of black, brown, or sometimes red. He has long ears that dangle, and a tail that is held out straight behind. Most people consider his expression friendly and animated.

The AKC determines Dachshund facts when it comes to height and weight. Standard size is defined as 14-18 inches, and the average weight is set at 20 pounds. Dwarf or miniature size is 14 inches or less, and average weight is about 9 pounds. The toy version is under a foot in height, and weighs approximately 8 pounds.

Dachshunds come in two color patterns, solid or bi colored. The solids are a yellow or tan color while the bi coloreds tend to have bright chestnut coat with black, brown or gray markings. On top of this, there are harlequin and piebald varieties.

Although loving and extremely loyal, the independent Dachshund can sometimes be difficult to train. They tend to be a bit high-spirited, and they love to dig, so be sure to watch your yard for holes. In general, the long-haired dachshund may have a bit more serene temperament than the agitated and sometimes silly wire hair.

Dachshunds put on weight very easily and their propensity towards laziness can cause health problems. Heart disease, diabetes, urinary tract infections and disc problem in the spine are the common problems found in this breed.

German Dachshunds require little grooming -- they shed an average rate as dogs go, and just need occasional rubbing with a grooming cloth. Longer haired types need a daily brushing and a professional trim every six months.