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German Dachshund Facts

by: LeeDobbins
Total views: 12 | Word Count: 382

Probably the most strangely shaped dog in the Hound category is the German Dachshund. The Germans developed this odd little dog to hunt badgers, where his long body and short legs helped him with the task. Consider these fascinating Dachshund facts:

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 an elongated, muscular body and short legs. It has an elongated head, convex skull and eyebrows that stick out. His jaws are pronounced and muscular. He has a friendly and active expression, with dark oval eyes (eyes can be brown, black or even appear red). His long ears flop down. The upright tail is aligned with his back.

The AKC dictates the Dachshund facts regarding the height and weight of the breed. The normal height of the standard size dog ranges from 14 to 18 inches with the average weight being 20 pounds. The dwarf or miniature one grows up to 14 inches and weighs 9 pounds. The toy sized dog grows to 12 inches and weighs 8 pounds. Usually a dachshund's life time ranges from 12 to 15 years.

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.

Dachshunds are known for their sweet and loyal temperament, but can be stubborn and hard to train. They can be playful or even mischievous. The like to dig, so expect that in your yard or garden. People have indicated that these tendencies may affect the calmer long-haired dachshunds less, while the wire-haired dachshund is more energetic and playful.

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.

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About the Author

You can learn more about the German Dachshund at http://www.germandachshundfacts.com where you can signup for free dog care and training tips.  

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FollowText.com » Pets-and-animals » German Dachshund Facts

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