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'Remember my waistline!' The Dachshund, wich should not be overfed, is a very sporting and sensible little dog suitable for small homes. The Dachshund is delightful, dynamic, droll and a very intelligent dog. He doesn't get in people's way, and due to his small size, he can go anywhere with you.
The Dachshund is low to ground long in body and short of leg with robust muscular development. The skin is elastic and pliable without excessive wrinkling. Appearing neither crippled, awkward, nor cramped in his capacity for movement. The Dachshund is well-balanced with bold and confident head carriage and intelligent, alert facial expression.
The long-bodied, short-legged Dachshund in smooth coat is a favorite of cartoonists, and toy-dog makers,probably because it is distinctive in appearance yet exaggerated just enough to provoke a chuckle or a hug. But those who laugh at the humorous appearance of the Dachshund probably know little about this wonderful canine bred to hunt badger and now well-adapted to life as a people companion.
As their name suggests in German, Dachshunds were originally bred to go down holes in chase of badgers. His hunting spirit, good nose, loud tongue and distinctive build make him well-suited for below-ground work and for beating the bush. His keen nose gives him an advantage over most other breeds for trailing.
The Dachshund bred in Germany comes in Europe in nine varieties, identified by coat type and size. Bred and shown in three coat types Smooth-Haired, Long-Haired, Wire-Haird and three Sizes.
Why a Dachshund? The Dachshund has features which he shares with a great many of his colleagues especially with other short legged, long bodied hounds. But if you are looking for that unique combination of qualities, those which make the Dachshund a distinct and separate breed that cannot possibly be confused with any other; if you are looking for a dog of moderate size; for a dog who does as well as a city dweller as he does as a hunting companion - then you must consider the Dachshund.
Why a Dachshund? If you want a dog who despite his unusual proportions is decidedly elegant, looks cleancut and well cared for with little effort on your part, again consider the Dachshund. If, finally, you want a dog who possesses a high degree of intelligence yet is free from neurotic quirks, a dog that is faithful though very much a person in his own right, lively and intensely courageous, then you will really have no choice but a Dachshund because, to my knowledge, no other breed combines all of these qualities to anywhere near the same degree.
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on 25-04-1997