The Dachshund was originally used in hunting badgers, rabbits and foxes. The Dachshund still has the hunting instinct today, but it’s also a popular companion animal. This small but stubborn dog can live to be twelve to sixteen years old. He is affectionate and friendly towards his owner.
With early socialization, the Dachshund gets along well with children. With a Dachshund in the house you need not fear burglars. It is a real watchdog and will bark at danger. Are you curious and would you like to know more about the Dachshund? Then read this article.
The history: the small hunting dog from Germany
The Dachshund originally comes from Germany and was used there as a hunting dog. He helped hunt small animals, such as rabbits, foxes and badgers. This is why it’s called a Dachshund. The Dachshund had short legs and was therefore able to follow the small animals to their lairs. This happened already in the Middle Ages.
Later the Dachshund was also seen as a companion dog. This is thanks to Queen Victoria who brought a Dachshund to England in 1839. Around 1870, the Dachshund also made its way to the United States and Canada. In these countries they were first used for hunting, but later they became companion animals. The Dachshund became more and more popular and is now also a beloved pet all over the world.
The character: cocky, cheerful and smart
The Dachshund is affectionate and does not like to be alone. It is wise to start early with getting the Dachshund used to being left alone. Towards its owner it is friendly, but it is certainly not an everyman’s friend. The Dachshund clearly has preferences and can be reserved towards certain people. By nature it is not a children’s friend, but with the right upbringing it can generally get along with them. It is a real watchdog and will start barking if it sees a stranger or senses danger. It is important to control his vigilance and barking from an early age. The hunting instinct is still in the Dachshund, so you should certainly be alert with other small pets.
The Dachshund is smart and curious. Generally it is a cheerful and excited dog. Even though it is a small dog, it can be very stubborn and likes to follow its own rules. Partly because of this, early socialization is important. The Dachshund also needs clear boundaries and rules. There are three variations of the Dachshund. Most characteristics of a Dachshund are the same, but each variant has specific character traits. The three types are:
- Short-haired Dachshund;
- Longhaired Dachshund;
- Wirehaired Dachshund.
The short-haired Dachshund has the average character. He is gentle and attached to his family. Towards strangers he is reserved. The Longhaired Dachshund is softer, more sensitive, quieter and more affectionate than the other two types. The wirehaired Dachshund is the fiercest species. This is because Terriers have been used in breeding.