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New to Dog Training? Click on the video to learn how to teach one of the most basic and most important commands!!
Here is a great video featuring a Labrador Retriever…
Dog Breed of Month – Vizsla Dog Breed — Click Here for more information!!
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Vizsla Dog Breed A.K.A.: Hungarian Short-haired Pointing Dog, Rovidszoru Magyar Vizsla |
| Right Breed For You? | The Vizsla is a high-energy dog. It is, as a result, not a city animal. It does not function well in a small apartment or a small yard. A home with a large, well fenced yard is best suited for its needs. This breed is affectionate and loyal, quite protective of its owner and family. They are fearless and intelligent. |
| Shedding: |
Lite Shed |
| Height: | 20-26 inches (51-66cm) |
| Weight: | 40-60 pounds (18-27kg) |
| Life Span: | 11-15 years of age |
| Litter Size: | 6-8 puppies |
| Hair Length: | Short |
| Group: | Sporting |
| Color: | Solid rust colors in any shading. Very pale yellow and very dark mahogany colors may be a fault in some registries. Black in the coat is a serious fault. |
| Recognized By: | CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR |
The Vizsla is affectionate, gentle and vulnerable. The dog is also protective of its owner and adopted family. The breed is fearless and intelligent. A loyal animal, Vizslas attach and bond quickly to their owner, forming close, tight-knit ties. A Vizsla will follow you from room to room, as you wander throughout your house. Their sometimes, clinging ways leads to their nickname of “Velcro” dog.
The Vizsla is not a noisy dog. It is quiet, barking only if goaded or the circumstances warrant. This does not make them passive. Vizslas can be both aggressive and destructive. Highly intelligent dogs with a need to be active, they become bored and restless if not stimulated or exercised. If left cooped up too long, a Vizsla is a destructive animal; if bored, a Vizsla will resort to eating anything and everything, stealing food from off tables or countertops. Vizslas, well bred though they may be, are not adverse to overturning and gobbling the contents of garbage cans. You can sometimes find a mildly bored Vizsla lying on tables or other places it should not climb. Overall, the Vizsla is a gentle, quiet, good-natured dog and highly intelligent. It is confident and likes to be with people, even children. This breed however, needs sufficient training to keep both you and it happy and content.
A Message from Ben Stein
Although Not related to Dogs, I thought this article from Ben Stein was thought provoking…
I can only hope we find God again before it is too late!!
The following was written by Ben Stein and recited by him on CBS Sunday Morning Commentary.
My confession:
I am a Jew, and every single one of my ancestors was Jewish. And it does not bother me even a little bit when people call those beautiful lit up, bejeweled trees, Christmas trees.. I don’t feel threatened. I don’t feel discriminated against. That’s what they are: Christmas trees.
It doesn’t bother me a bit when people say, ‘Merry Christmas’ to me. I don’t think they are slighting me or getting ready to put me in a ghetto. In fact, I kind of like it. It shows that we are all brothers and sisters celebrating this happy time of year. It doesn’t bother me at all that there is a manger scene on display at a key intersection near my beach house in Malibu .. If people want a Nativity Scene, it’s just as fine with me as is the Menorah a few hundred yards away.
I don’t like getting pushed around for being a Jew, and I don’t think Christians like getting pushed around for being Christians. I think people who believe in God are sick and tired of getting pushed around, period. I have no idea where the concept came from that America is an explicitly atheist country. I can’t find it in the Constitution and I don’t like it being shoved down my throat.
Or maybe I can put it another way: where did the idea come from that we should worship celebrities and we aren’t allowed to worship God as we understand Him? I guess that’s a sign that I’m getting old, too. But there are a lot of us who are wondering where these celebrities came from and where the America we knew went to.
In light of the many jokes we send to one another for a laugh, this is a little different: This is not intended to be a joke; it’s not funny, it’s intended to get you thinking.
Billy Graham’s daughter was interviewed on the Early Show and Jane Clayson asked her ‘How could God let something like this happen?’ (regarding Katrina) Anne Graham gave an extremely profound and insightful response. She said, ‘I believe God is deeply saddened by this, just as we are, but for years we’ve been telling God to get out of our schools, to get out of our government and to get out of our lives. And being the gentleman He is, I believe He has calmly backed out. How can we expect God to give us His blessing and His protection if we demand He leave us alone?’
In light of recent events… terrorists attack, school shootings, etc. I think it started when Madeleine Murray O’Hare (she was murdered, her body found a few years ago) complained she didn’t want prayer in our schools, and we said OK. Then someone said you better not read the Bible in school. The Bible says “Thou Shalt not Kill, thou Shalt not Steal”, and “Love your Neighbor as Yourself.” And we said OK.
Then Dr. Benjamin Spock said we shouldn’t spank our children when they misbehave because their little personalities would be warped and we might damage their self-esteem (Dr Spock’s son committed suicide). We said an expert should know what he’s talking about. And we said OK.
Now we’re asking ourselves why our children have no conscience, why they don’t know right from wrong, and why it doesn’t bother them to kill strangers, their classmates, and themselves. Probably, if we think about it long and hard enough, we can figure it out. I think it has a great deal to do with ‘WE REAP WHAT WE SOW.’
Funny how simple it is for people to trash God and then wonder why the world’s going to hell. Funny how we believe what the newspapers say, but question what the Bible says. Funny how you can send ‘jokes’ through e-mail and they spread like wildfire but when you start sending messages regarding the Lord, people think twice about sharing. Funny how lewd, crude, vulgar and obscene articles pass freely through cyberspace, but public discussion of God is suppressed in the school and workplace.
Are you laughing yet?
Funny how when you forward this message, you will not send it to many on your address list because you’re not sure what they believe, or what they will think of you for sending it.
Funny how we can be more worried about what other people think of us than what God thinks of us. Pass it on if you think it has merit. If not then just discard it… no one will know you did. But, if you discard this thought process, don’t sit back and complain about what bad shape the world is in.
My Best Regards, Honestly and respectfully,
Ben Stein
Breed of the Month – The Australian Cattle Dog
By Mandy K.
The Australian Cattle Dog, or Blue Heeler, is also known as the Australian Heeler, Hall’s Heeler, Queensland Heeler, or Red Heeler. The term “heeler” refers to the breed’s instinct to snap and bite at the heels of the animals they are herding. They have alert and happy facial expressions, pointed ears, and although they appear small, they are muscular and agile. They come in a mixture of colors–mostly blue with tan and black, or mostly red speckled.
Australian Cattle Dog
They were bred as a combination of Scottish collies and Australian dingoes and blended with some Australian Kelpie, Dalmatian, and Bull Terrier to be an extremely hardy breed that can withstand long hours and harsh weather conditions with ease. ACD’s are more ‘work-minded’ than other herding breeds and as a rule, are not as good as pets because of the aggressive characteristics specifically bred into them. But, as with every breed, there are often exceptions to the rule.
Here’s the breakdown:
Temperament 2 out of 5
The Australian Cattle Dog is an excellent companion and is always awaiting the next command from its master. But ACD’s need a lot of exercise or they will become highly destructive. About two hours a day is ideal. They need to be with their pack (that means you!) most of the day or else they develop behavioral problems. These can include severe aggression, depression, or anxiety. This is not a breed to leave at home for hours on end, nor tied up in the back yard. If an ACD must be left alone, they will do best with one or two other dogs for companionship. They are bred to be highly sensitive guard dogs, so as a rule they do not like strangers coming onto their property. ACD’s should be socialized regularly if you want them to be friendly toward other animals and guests. ACD’s do not distinguish a difference between wild animals or your small pets, so they are not recommended around cats, rabbits, mice, or smaller dogs. Most of the time, a well-socialized ACD will do well with children, but they are not recommended. They often herd children, so keep an eye on them–you don’t want them to snap at your child’s heels. Even a highly socialized dog can be aggressive, depending on the child it interacts with.
Training 5 out of 5
ACD’s have what I like to call, “extreme intelligence.” Like Border Collies, they can be trained to do just about anything. The downside of a highly sophisticated breed, though, is that they become bored easily so you always need to have a job for them. The sky is the limit on what you can teach them. ACD’s can be very independent and stubborn due to their intelligence, so firm training is a must. This breed responds well to consistent training and discipline, although they catch on quick and hate to disappoint their masters.
Grooming 4 out of 5
The ACD’s short coat is weather resistant but they are average shedders so brush often with a firm bristle. You only need to bathe when necessary. They never need shaving or haircuts–their coat has been developed to endure all kinds of weather. Never dock their tail–they need it for work! Even the AKC recognizes a full tail, so there’s never a need to dock.
Overall Score 3.5 out of 5
ACD’s weigh about 30-55 pounds and live about 12 to 15 years. They do best on the farm with animals to herd, but if you don’t raise cattle or sheep, a large yard will do, along with plenty of exercise. ACD’s are great candidates for competitions such as agility trials, flyball, frisbee, and of course, herding. I recommend ACD’s for owners who wish to work with their dog, compete with them, or give them a job on the farm. They are not suited for suburban or city life. They tend to be very vocal so its best not to have neighbors too close by. If you’re buying your ACD puppy from a breeder, consider purchasing two or three from the same litter. They’ll be happier pets in the long run having their brothers and sisters with them. Adopting an ACD is tricky if you have existing pets, so make sure you talk with the organization you’re adopting from–they’ll know if that particular ACD would do well with other animals.
| Mandy has been a dog trainer and family pet advisor for ten years. She is passionate about matching the right pets with the right families and has fostered countless animals in her lifetime. Currently she is a staff writer for Plugged In Parents, providing parents with family pet solutions and information. Plugged In Parents is also an online resource for up-to-date health and safety, nutrition, and baby info along with recipes, family movie reviews, money and tech tips, and more! Visit pluggedinparents.com today!
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/ |
Keep Your Pets Cool This Summer
By Ian White
You know that summer is hot. You also know when you need to get out of the sun and cool down. Listening to your own body is easy, but your four-legged friends can’t talk to you. It’s your job to protect them from the heat – and all of the consequences of summer – by providing everything that they need to stay cool.
Beating the Summer Heat
When temperatures climb and your pets are panting the afternoons away, follow these tips to keep them safe and happy even on the hottest of days.
-If possible, let your animals come inside during the worst heat every day. Early afternoon is the hottest time of day for any living thing: letting your cats or dogs soak up some air conditioning for a few hours every day will keep them cool and stop your worrying.
-Make sure that your pets have access to shady spots at all times. Trees are the best sources of protection from the sun. If that isn’t possible, make sure that your pet can get under a covered area, such as a patio or porch.
-Keep the pet’s water supply cool and fresh. The water will heat up as the day passes, so either change the dish often or invest in an auto-watering system. Many models attach to your outdoor water faucet: as your pet depletes the water supply, the system adds more without overflowing or making a mess.
-Never leave your animal in a car, even for just a few minutes. The temperature inside the vehicle quickly rises to the point where any living thing inside will either die or become very, very sick. Even if you park in the shade and leave the windows down an inch or two, you’re still putting your beloved pet at risk. You should leave your dog at home where he can stay in the shade or inside and have plenty of access to fresh, cool water.
-Don’t expect your pets to be playful or overly active on hot days. They don’t need to overexert themselves any more than you do. Like humans, pets can suffer from heat exhaustion or heat strokes.
-Some pets love to swim. Provide these animals with a kid’s wading pool so that they can cool off whenever they get too hot. You can also take your dog with you on trips to the lake or other body of water. If he loves to swim, the cool water will be great. The time he gets to spend with his human masters only makes the experience better for everybody.
-You might be tempted to shave off all of your pet’s hair, but this is not a good idea. The hair protects your animal’s skin from the sun. The hair also helps channel cool air to your pet’s skin, which helps him stay cooler. Instead of buzzing everything, trim the hair to a shorter length. A professional groomer can do this inexpensively and properly.
-If your pet seems sick or otherwise abnormal, call your veterinarian immediately. If your cat or dog is dehydrated or is suffering from heat exhaustion, he’ll need quick treatment to get well again.
Copyright © 2006, Ian White Access 2000 Pty Ltd
Author Ian White is founder of pet-sitters.biz Pet Sitting directory. Find a local Pet Sitter to care for your pets while you are away.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/
Here is an interesting article that will eventually affect every dog owner!! Should We take the dog on vacation or not? For us at Remarkable Dogs we have been dog owners for years and speaking for myself…I plan at least one vacation a year around my dog! With today’s economy and everyone looking to save money and take precious time off, I find it’s actually less expensive. How about you what do you do…
Why Should You Take Your Dog on Vacation?
By Anita Funkhouser
If you are a dog owner, then you probably love to spend time with your dog. Our dogs are like members of our family, so it’s only natural to want to take them with us when we go on vacation. Here are just a few of the reasons why to take your dog on vacation:
1. Taking your dog on vacation with you can help the bonding process. If your dog is left alone for long hours while you and other members of your household work, then the relationship between you and your dog likely has suffered. Most dogs are loyal to their owners, but if you are often not around, it may be more difficult. You can renew this bond and make it even stronger when you take your dog on vacation. Even if you are home often but busy doing other things, taking your dog on vacation with you will allow you to have more “fun time” with him or her.
2. Vacationing with your dog can aid in training. By spending time together, you will have the time and opportunity to take advantage of your and your dog’s undivided attention. With no distractions, you can use it for training and come back from vacation happier.
3. If your dog is with you on vacation, you won’t have the stress of worrying about how your dog is doing with a friend, family member or in a kennel. You won’t have to worry about whether your dog is lonely or whether he or she will be sick when you return home. Taking your dog with you on vacation allows you to bypass this worry completely.
If you have a dog that likes to travel and likes to spend time with you, both you and your dog can benefit from taking a vacation together.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com
Standard Poodle Dog Breed
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| Life Span | 15 to 15 years |
| Litter Size: | 3-8 puppies |
| Group: | AKC non-sporting |
| Recognized By: | CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR |
| Color: | Many different solid colors are accepted in confirmation including: black, white, brown, sliver, blue, apricot, and red. Some breeders have also started breeding “Parti-Poodles” which are not one solid color but patches of different colors, but such coat colors are disqualified in confirmation. |
| Hair Length: | Short |
| Size: | Large |
| Shedding: | Lite Shedder |
| Male Height: | over 15 inches tall at the highest point of the shoulders |
| Male Weight: | between 45 and 55 pounds |
| Female Height: | over 15 inches tall at the highest point of the shoulders |
| Female Weight: | between 45 and 55 pounds |
| Living Area: | Recently Poodles have gained a reputation as “foo-foo” apartment dogs, but the Poodle\’s history shows that they were heavily relied upon working dogs and they maintain a high level of ability and energy. They should have a daily walk to burn off their excess energy and keep them calm and manageable in the house. A daily 30 minute to hour long walk daily should be enough, a session of fetch in the yard or park will also help. Additionally, your Poodle should live in the house with your family. They are very people oriented dogs and would not enjoy being primarily outdoor pets. |
Description
The Standard Poodle is a medium to large sized dog with a dense, curly coat, a long slender face and muzzle, and generally delicate stature. Poodles tend to weight much less than other breeds of similar size. Also known as the French Poodle the Standard Poodle is the largest of three recognized sizes for the poodle.
The Standard Poodle stands over 15 inches at the highest point of the shoulders, the Miniature stands between 15 to 10 inches, and the Toy stands under 10 inches at the shoulders. The Poodle\’s length should be about the same as its height and its back should be basically level with a stable squared off stance. Their tails are docked to about half their original lengths, leaving around 10 inches or so. The teeth should form a scissors bite. The coat should be very dense, curly, and grows continuously so it can be groomed in many different styles and shapes. They also don\’t have that strong “doggie” smell that many dogs have. They have webbed feet like other retrievers from their history as water retrieval dogs and Poodles excel in hunting competitions, agility, flyball, and obedience. Their wonderful personalities, capability, and unique non-shedding coat have made the Poodle extremely popular as a pet around the world.
Someone interested in choosing a Poodle as a pet has the widest array of choices of any breed; no other breed has as many different options of size and color. These dogs are great with children and other dogs. They can be somewhat reserved with new people but with a lot of socialization in puppy hood they can become very outgoing dogs, and will warm up to newcomers quickly.
Coat Description
The Standard Poodle, unlike most dogs, has single layer of fur with texture ranging from coarse to soft, wavy and fluffy. Shedding is minimal and is considered hypoallergenic, although, not completely.
History
The Standard Poodle has been found throughout Europe for at least the last 400 years. Its origin is a bit controversial, but is thought to have originated in Germany and was bred as a water retrieval hunting dog. The English word Poodle seems to come from the German word pudel or pudelin, meaning “to splash in the water.” Some Poodles are still used as hunting dogs and show a strong retrieval drive and eagerness to please. Some believe that it descended from a now nearly extinct French water dog called the Barbet and possibly a Hungarian Water Hound. The Poodle was used in both Germany and France as a gun dog and a retriever of water fowl. It is believed that the traditional Poodle haircut came out of this use. Owners cut their dogs\’ hair in tufts around the joints to keep them warm in cold water.
Because of their high intelligence and trainability the French began to use them as circus performers. Their high popularity in France lead to the poodle to be called the French Poodle although the French themselves call it Caniche or “Duck Dog.” The Poodle has also been called the Truffle Dog and was used search out truffle mushrooms in the woods. In modern times the Poodle remains a popular pet and these dogs have also been used as service dogs, leader dogs for the blind, therapy dogs, and participate in all of the available dog sports. Their varied history is a statement of how trainable and versatile the Poodle really is.
Temperament
The Standard Poodle is an intelligent, loyal, adaptable dog, has a happy, playful personality, and is often described as having great sense of humor. This can be tricky for owners new to the breed because frequently owners find themselves laughing at their Poodles naughty antics and the dog will actually take that laughter as praise for the behavior. As an extremely intelligent and highly trainable dog, Poodles need to be mentally stimulated and taught positive behaviors or they will teach themselves, and owners may not like what they learn. Many Poodle owners talk about dogs who know how to upon the refrigerator or even unzip a purse and remove dog treats. However, since Poodles are eager learners new owners will not find this a difficult energy to channel.
The Standard Poodle is very territorial making them excellent watch dogs, alerting you of danger with a loud strong bark, but the Standard Poodle should not be a yappy dog, and should generally have a very even temperament. As a very adaptable dog, the Poodle is willing to lie at your feet while you watch TV, but will also be ready to go for a hike with you at the drop of a hat. They should have daily exercise to keep them happy and healthy; a 30-60 minute walk daily is preferred. They should have a bouncy, proud carriage, even a prance in their walk. Poodles are great with kids and other dogs and the more socialization they receive as puppies the more outgoing and comfortable they will be as adults. Poodles are one of the few breeds that seem to recognize other members of their own breed. The way that these dogs play is more bouncy and very different from other dogs so when two Poodles get a chance to play together they get very excited.
Because of the hunting history Poodles tend to have a strong prey drive which often manifests in a desire to chase all of the squirrels in the neighborhood. They can be acclimated to small pets such as cats in the home. It is advisable that you take all precautions when introducing a cat to your Poodle so that no one gets hurt and a positive precedent is set. The best thing is to raise the dog with a cat. Poodles can be taught to accept small animals as part of the pack and will even protect them as part of the family. Unlike some dogs, Poodles are able to bond with the entire family rather than just one individual. They are people pleasers and will love to be at your side all day long.
Boxer
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Boxers Dog BreedAliases: German Boxer, Deutscher Boxer |
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| Life Span: | 9-11 years, though some have lived to be 13. |
| Litter Size: | 3 to 8 puppies is common with the average being 6. |
| Group: | Working, Utility, Guardian Dogs, Working Dogs. |
| Recognized By: | CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR |
| Color: | The under-colour should be tan or brindle (a mixture of brown with a sort of marbling), though the tan colour may actually occur anywhere along a continuum of brown-ish colours. |
| Hair Length: | Short |
| Size: | Large |
| Shedding: | Moderate Shed |
| Male Height: | 23 to 25 inches (57 – 63cm) |
| Male Weight: | 60 to 70 pounds (27 – 32kg) |
| Female Height: | 21 to 23.5 inches (53 – 60cm). |
| Female Weight: | 55 to 65 pounds (25 and 29kg). |
| Living Area: | Boxers happily adapt to home life, though keeping them in an apartment is not advised. They are rather large for a mid-sized dog and seem to simply take up more than their fair share of space. Since Boxers also tend to be rather active, they are often running around the house. |
Description
This popular breed of dog is mid-sized, with a very square jaw and naturally floppy ears that are very often surgically altered to make them stand up. They are a naturally very intelligent breed with a characteristic short nose and slight under-bite. They have long, muscular legs and deep chests for resonant barking
They are very good with children and very trainable. Though they have a reputation for being strong willed, this is usually a result of owners who were too indulgent when they were puppies.
Boxers have been used for running animals to the ground and holding them there until their masters arrive with a gun to dispatch the creature that isn\’t a dog. Their ancestors once were trained upon bears (just like Pit Bulls or Staffordshire Terriers), and Boxers can take on deer or pigs.
Today they rarely are used for such hunting adventures. Instead they are used as police dogs as well as service, guide and therapy functions. They can be easily trained to be good with people if socialized well as early in life as possible.
They are always brown or brindle with white and black markings. Dark markings are very likely around the face and eyes. Some dogs are born with an over abundance of white markings that are often accompanied by deafness.
As a breed, Boxers are very loyal and fun loving dogs with a generally calm nature after they mature at about two or three years. Boxers are very loving with their families and will fiercely defend them from theft or attack. Their loyalty extends to other animal members of the family, dog or other pet.
As such, Boxers are now among the most popular breeds in the United States. Because there are so many dogs being bred to keep up with the demand, the breed now has quite a few disorders that they are particularly prone to. These include specific cancers, hip dysplasia, bloat as well as diet related allergies.
It\’s best to have a large yard with a stout fence for containing your Boxer. They are very capable hunting dogs that are bred to get the job done.
Coat Description
Boxer coats are rather thin and are easily maintained. They do shed, but the fur is to short and fine that it typically doesn\’t build up unless it\’s shedding season when the rate seems to about double.
History
The giant Molossian hound of ancient Greece that is the progenitor of many large headed dogs probably travelled there from the Middle East.
More recently, the boxer is of German origin and was bred from a now-extinct and somewhat larger breed of dog called the Bullenbeisser, once used to take down deer, wild boar and even bear, holding them down to the ground until the hunter arrived. Such dogs are today used for more civic uses and have been the companions of shop keepers and
When crossed with the English Bulldog (resulting in the characteristic square jaw and squared shoulders), the breed was stabilized and first brought to show in the 1890s. By 1915, the first American Kennel Club (AKC) champion boxer was “crowned.” The breed has remained very popular \’til this day.
Boxers have a long and distinguished career working with various human enterprises, always looking to please. Indeed, a great many were used by German forces during the world wars as guard dogs and couriers. The popularity of the breed became international after the 1950s. Today there are so many boxers around, it is a good idea to check with your breeder to make sure your new pup doesn\’t have the congenital disorders of a puppy that is bred from parents demonstrating recessive traits.
Boxer
Temperament
Normally very relaxed when older, boxers can be quite a handful as pups. However, they will reward you with a lifetime of faithful service if you keep up with their early training.
Boxers are best loved for their temperament that is intelligent and very loyal. They are rather affectionate and will love to join you on the couch, preferring to be near their owners whenever possible.
They are often distrustful of strangers unless you really work on this aspect of their training when very small puppies. Otherwise, Boxers will very loudly announce visitors to your home and might make a point of diligently putting themselves between your self and your guests.
Typically, Boxers don\’t really calm down until they\’re two or three, though their physical development is usually over by 18 months. This means your early training can seem as if it\’s falling on deaf ears though it actually isn\’t. In fact, your dog may seem to rather suddenly realize what you\’ve been telling him or her all along one day.
Though courteous to other animals in your home that they\’re been brought up with, they have a tendency to chase after cats and other small animals that aren\’t part of their pack. If you have neighbours with cats, it\’s best to make it a point to keep your Boxer either well way from them or train them well not to take off after
Punitive punishments rarely work with Boxers and, like many other dogs, are far more responsive to reward training. Many people have great results when training their boxers to a click or well-chosen set of commands. Click training has become very popular lately and they take rather well to it since it\’s reward based.
They remain very playful late into their lives, which are somewhat longer than most big dogs. Boxers love to roughhouse and are very happy to play with human companions, just as they might with another dog.
Dachshund
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Dachshund Dog BreedAliases: Wiener Dog/Hotdog, Doxie, Badger Dog |
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| Life Span: | 12-15 years |
| Litter Size: | 1-3 puppies. |
| Group: | Hound |
| Recognized By: | CKC, FCI, AKC, UKC, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR |
| Color: | Two colored varieties include chocolate, black, wild boar, blue (gray) and fawn. These dogs will have tan markings over the eyes, on the sides of the jaw, underlip, inner edge of ear, front, breast, throat, paws insides of the legs. |
| Hair Length: | Long, Short |
| Size: | Toy/Small |
| Shedding: | Moderate Shed |
| Male Height: | 14 to 18 |
| Male Weight: | 9 to 20 lbs |
| Female Height: | 14 to 18 |
| Female Weight: | 9 to 20 lbs |
| Living Area: | Dachshunds are very good indoor dogs. They are typically quite active, but because of their size, they can get their needed activity indoors, without requiring a yard.
Dachshunds are extremely good diggers, so if you\’re planning to leave them unsupervised in the yard, be certain that your fence is secure, particularly at the bottom. If the dog becomes bored, he is quite likely to dig out. Because the Dachshund is prone to obesity, you should watch their food intake. Don\’t allow them to free feed or over eat. Dry food is lower in calories than canned food and is better for the teeth, as well. |
Description
Dachshunds are elongated dogs with short legs that are of the hound family. They are German in origin, and their name literally means badger dog, though in Germany they are commonly referred to as Dackel or Teckel dogs. The standard sized Dachshund was developed to hunt badgers while the miniature was developed to hunt rabbits.
Dachschunds come in two sizes; the standards on both varieties are exactly the same except for size. They are all longer than they are tall. There are three coat varieties; smooth coated, long coated and the rarest, the wire coated.
Dachshunds are low to the ground with very short legs and very muscular bodies. Their skin is very elastic, but not wrinkly. They are very well balanced in spite of their long bodies and they hold their heads high.
Their head taper uniformly to the tip of the nose. Their eyes are medium sized, dark and almond shaped, with dark rims. Their ears are set near the top of their heads, are rounded and moderately long. The flopping down of the ears was intentionally bred into the dog to prevent their ears from getting filled with dirt and other debris while they were hunting under the ground. Their lips are tightly stretched and they have strongly developed teeth that fit closely together in a scissors bite. Their teeth are exceptionally strong for a dog of their size.
The Dachshund has a long muscular neck that flows gracefully into their shoulders. Their trunks are exceptionally long and very muscular. Their bodies hang low to the ground, but should not be loose.
Their front legs are very strong, as they were built for flushing animals out of burrows. They have very tight and compact front feet with well arched toes and tough, thick pads. Their hind legs are very well muscled with strong and powerful thighs. Their hind feet are smaller than their front feet. They have a long and rounded croup that sinks slightly toward the tail. Their tails are set in and have no pronounced curving.
The Dachshund has a very fluid gait. Their forelegs reach forward without lifting much as they run.
Dachshunds are very popular in the US, ranking 6th in terms of the number registered with the AKC. This breed has become synonymous with Germany. In fact, they are so closely associated with this country, that a Dachshund was the official mascot for the 1972 Summer Olympics, held in Germany.
Coat Description
There are three coat varieties of Dachshund.
The Smooth Coat – Short, smooth, shiny coat. Should not be long or thick. Their tails should taper gradually without too much hair.
The Wirehaired Coat – This coat consists of a uniform tight coarse outer coat with a finer softer undercoat. This variety of Dachshund has a beard and eyebrows. Hair is shorter and smooth on the ears. Their tails are thickly haired and taper to a point.
The Longhaired Coat- This variety has sleek hair that often has a slight wave. It is longer under the neck and on the fore chest, the underside of the body and on the ears and behind the legs, but they should not have long hair all over the body, nor should their hair be overly curly. Their tails have the longest hair and are carried somewhat like a flag.
History
It is believed that the ancestors of the Dachshund existed as far back as ancient Egypt, due to artifacts found that depicted small dogs with very short legs. This German breed was developed as a badger hunter hundreds of years ago. In German, “dachs” means badger and “hund” means hound. The breed was derived from a mixture of German, French and English hounds and terriers. These dogs have many terrier traits and are excellent hunters. They have been bred to have very short legs, to help them dig as well as to help them get into the burrows where animals like badgers and rabbits reside.
Wirehaired Dachshund
The first verified reference to a Dachshund comes from books written in the 1700s. The original German Dachshunds were larger than today’s standard; weighing as much as 40 pounds. But, over time, they were bred to be smaller to assist them in hunting, and over time, the miniature variety was developed for hunting smaller prey. In addition to furrowing out den animals, dachshunds have also been used as standard hunting dogs, for fox, locating wounded deer. They have even been used in packs to hunt larger game like wild boar, and very fierce animals like wolverines.
Temperament
Dachshunds are very clever dogs. They have a lively temperament and are very gregarious, but this particular breed is prone to vary in temperament more greatly from dog to dog.
They are brave to a fault; often not realizing how small they are. They are bred for work and have a fair amount of energy. They are very sturdy for their size.
Dachshunds require a large amount of interaction. If they become bored, they can be destructive, so it\’s important to keep them entertained when you can, and to keep them confined when you can\’t. Bored Dachshunds have also been known to become aggressive. Socialization is important and as is obedience training, since some Dachshunds are very willful. They can also be quite demanding if spoiled. Once trained, they are very loyal and loving to their owners. They can be protective to a fault; they know no fear and will go into battle with any animal they perceive as a threat, regardless of its size.
Dachshunds are extremely playful, and will love a good game of fetch, hide and seek or chase with their owners and with other pets in the home, so long as they are properly socialized with each other. They are prone to chasing small animals and birds when they are outside. For this reason, it’s important not to let your dog off his leash in an uncontained area. He may become focused on chasing a bird and run away.
This is not a good breed of puppy to bring into the home if you have small children. However, an adult Dachshund who acquires children will usually do quite well with them, as long as they are properly introduced. Particularly in the case of Miniature Dachshunds, however, children should always be taught how to handle them, since they are somewhat fragile, simply due to their size.
