Dachshunds: Ten Things You Didn’t Know about Them
Source © Shutterstock
Dachshunds are one of the most recognizable breeds in the world. They are also very popular. If you want an adorable addition to your family, you should consider adopting one. If you are still on the fence about adopting this breed of dog, you should know more about them. Below are 10 facts that you may not know about the dachshund.
They Come in 15 Different Colors
Many people believe that the dachshund, also known as the Doxie, comes in just a few colors, red, black and tan, and dappled. What you can get a Doxie in 15 different colors and 6 different marking combinations. The colors that this breed of dog can have include:
Black and cream, Black and tan, Blue and cream, Blue and tan, Chocolate and cream, Chocolate and tan, Cream, Fawn or Isabella and cream , Fawn and tan, Red , Wheaten , Wild board , Black, Chocolate and fawn
This dog is very unique because he can have a variety of marking combinations. These include:
Brindle, Dapple, Sable, Brindle piebald, Double piebald, Piebald
There are so many colors and marking combinations, that is very difficult to find two dogs who are exactly the same.
They Come in Three Sizes
The most common size of Dachshund is the miniature Dachshund. Because this is the most popular size, people forget that there is also a standard size Dachshund. The mini version weights about 11 pounds, and they hunted small version. The larger version, weighs about 32 pounds, and hunts badgers. This is the reason that they have been given the nickname, “Badger Dogs”. If you were adopting a dog in Germany, you would be able to find this breed of dog in a third size, which is in between the mini Dachshund and the standard size.
They Have Three Types of Coats
The Dachshund can have one of three different types of coats. It all depends on the dog’s parents. The most popular type of cat is the smooth coat. There hair is short and very soft. There is also the wire-haired dog. This breed does not shed, and their coats are relatively rough. The third type of coat is the long hair. These dogs have hair that is much longer than other breeds and it is soft. If you had a Dachshund and you want to put your dog in shows, all types of coats are acceptable in the show ring.
Source © Shutterstock
The Dachshund Was the First Olympic Mascot
The Dachshund has a huge history with the Olympics. The very first Olympic Game mascot was Waldie, who happened to be a Dachshund. During the 1972 games in Munich, the organizers of the Olympic marathon decided that the route should be in the shape of a dog, to honor Waldie. It took some work, however, they were able to create a route in the shape of a Dachshund.
They Have Very Long Lifespans
If you are looking for a dog with a very long lifespan, you should consider a Dachshund. The average lifespan of this breed is between 15 and 17 years old. In 2009, a Dachshund named Chanel was living with her owners in New York and she held the Guinness World Record for the oldest living dog. She died at the age of 21. After her, another Dachshund named Otto held the title. While not all Dachshunds will live long enough to make the record books, they will live to be in their late teens. As long as you keep your dog happy and healthy, your dog will be with you for a long time.
They Will Eat and Eat and Eat
While these dogs can be quite small, they will eat as much as you put in front of them. If you keep feeding them, they will eat until they become obese. This is a very serious problem with this breed of dog, and it can cause back and joint issues and it can shorten their lifespan. As long as you keep your dog on a strict diet, he should be healthy and happy for years to come.
These Dogs Race
In Australia in the 1970’s, there were races where the Dachshunds raced other breeds of dog. Because they have such short legs and long bodies, it is obvious that the races were more for fun than for actually winning and betting on the races. The races were so fun, that they started having Dachshund races in the U.S. They are held in San Diego, California every December and they are called The Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals.
Source © Shutterstock
They Are a Very Popular Breed
During World War II, this amazing breed had a bad reputation because its photo was used for war propaganda. By the 1940’s however, people started to recognize the Dachshund for what he really was, an adorable and friendly dog. Before 1940, the breed was ranked 28th according to the AKC stats. By 1940, it moved up to become the 6th most popular breed. They continued to remain a popular breed, and in 2015, the Dachshund became the 13th most popular breed.
Dachshunds Are Very Loud
If you are looking for a nice, quiet dog, the Dachshund may not be the best breed of dog for you. If you want a dog to bark when someone comes to the door, he would be the best. This can be a great breed if you want to scare intruders away. If you have your heart set on adopting a Dachshund, you can train your dog to relax a bit with the barking if it has become a problem.
Source © Shutterstock
Dachshunds Train Easily
If you have the patience to train your Dachshund, he can be trained easily. They are very smart and they actually really enjoy their training sessions. You can teach your dog to behave and he can also learn tricks such as sit, stay, speak, come, roll over, and fetch.
If you are considering adopting a dog, you should consider a Dachshund. You can get these dogs in three sizes, therefore, you can find one that will best suit your home and your lifestyle. These dogs live for a very long time and they make amazing companions.
