Dachshund

Miniature Long-Haired Dachshund

Miniature varieties of Dachshunds were specifically bred for the purpose of going to ground after small quarry such as rabbits. They resulted from selectively breeding diminutive specimens of the three larger Dachshund breeds, but were never intended to be toy dogs. A small replica of the Standard Long-Haired Dachshund, the Miniature is a gay, alert, bold and highly intelligent little dog. He is wary of strangers, giving loud and early notice of their arrival, but is exceedingly affectionate with his own family. Despite his small size, he is nevertheless strong, hardy and ultra game.

The Miniature Long-Haired Dachshund has a very attractive soft, shiny coat, rather similar to that of the Irish Setter. The feathering on his chest, belly, backs of his legs, ears and tail require regular attention in order to keep it well-groomed and tangle free.

The Mini is obedient and responsive to training although his natural instinct for digging needs to be checked from an early age. Like all Dachshunds, he should avoid rough games, jumping down from furniture or in and out of cars, for fear of possible back injuries. He enjoys company, liking nothing better than to be included in family activities and outings and is an ideal pet for gentle children.

Long-Haired Dachshund

Of the Dachshund family, the Long-Hair with his soft, lustrous coat is the most glamorous. His thick, waterproof, well-feathered jacket protects against thorns, while enabling him to endure extremes of both cold and heat. As with all coated breeds, he requires regular grooming to keep his crowning glory in good condition.

Being very territorial, the Long-Haired Dachshund makes an excellent little guard dog, issuing ferocious barks out of all proportion to his size. With his friends he is cheerful and affectionate, liking nothing better than congenial company, although he prefers the company of older children. Like all Dachshunds, he should avoid rough games, jumping down from furniture or in and out of cars, for fear of possible back injuries.

Obedient, faithful, extremely intelligent and easy to train, the Long-Haired Dachshund has a delightful sense of humour and makes a devoted companion. Embodying many big dog qualities in a small package, the Dachshund is a breed with much to recommend it.

Smooth-Haired Dachshund

Developed in Germany to deal with the local badger plague, the Dachshund is a low set, short legged, long bodied dog designed to go to ground and follow game into their burrows. Although the word Dachshund literally means "badger dog" in German, these lively little hounds were also used to hunt fox, otter, stoat, hare, in some instances wild boar, even trail wounded deer, as well as dispatching badgers! There are six varieties, identified by coat type and size (Smooth Haired, Long Haired, Wire Haired, each in Standard or Miniature size).

The Smooth Haired Dachshund is first and foremost a bold and determined sporting dog, although equally adaptable as a house pet. The most popular of all the six different varieties, the Standard Smooth is small enough to fit comfortably into any household, yet embodies many big dog qualities normally found only in much larger animals. Outdoors he is hardy, vigorous and tireless; indoors he is affectionate, companionable and entertaining but he prefers adult company to that of children.. However, like all Dachshunds, he should avoid rough games, jumping down from furniture or in and out of cars, for fear of possible back injuries. Long the butt of canine cartoonists, he tends to be a real character!

His sleek odourless coat, which is impervious to rain and mud, requires very little attention - a quick rub over with a piece of velvet and he shines like satin!

Miniature Smooth-Haired Dachshund

Whereas the larger Dachshund breeds were utilised primarily as badger dogs, the miniature varieties were specifically bred to go to ground after smaller quarry, such as rabbits.

A spunky little fellow, the Miniature Smooth-Haired Dachshund is bold and brave, defiant and determined. His lack of stature does not stop him being a highly effective watch dog and household protector. Stand-offish with strangers and not given to bestowing his friendship lightly, he prefers to reserve judgment until he knows people better. However once a friend, he is devoted and loyal in the extreme.

Virtually maintenance free, the Miniature Smooth-Haired Dachshund has a coat which polishes like antique furniture with just the wipe of a sponge. His sleek, odourless coat is impervious to rain and mud. He needs exercise in order to maintain his trim physique, bearing in mind that he is supposed to be a fit, active little sporting dog. However, like all Dachshunds, he should avoid rough games, jumping down from furniture or in and out of cars, for fear of possible back injuries.

Lively, confident, with a dominant personality and a positive air of self-importance the Miniature Smooth-Haired Dachshund makes an intelligent and affectionate pet for adults and gentle children.

Miniature Wire-Haired Dachshund

Instead of being badger dogs as the larger Dachshund breeds were bred to be, the miniature varieties were developed specifically to go down burrows after rabbits. The Wire-Haired Dachshund is believed to be the end product of crossing Smooth-Haired Dachshunds with Schnauzers and Dandie Dinmont Terriers.

As a result, the Miniature Wire-Haired Dachshund has a short, strong, harsh coat which is completely weather resistant. His grizzle-tweed jacket, bushy eyebrows and beard, along with his charming quizzical expression, all contribute to the appeal of this delightful breed. Bold, defiant and courageous to the point of rashness, the Mini Wire Hair makes a superb little sporting dog or household guard. He does not accept all and sundry as friends preferring to make up his own mind. But once he has bestowed his friendship, it is for life.

Although he can be somewhat obstinate and aloof, even pompous on occasions, he nevertheless can just as quickly turn into the ultimate canine clown, entertaining family and friends with his hilarious antics.

However, like all Dachshunds, he should avoid rough games, jumping down from furniture or in and out of cars, for fear of possible back injuries.

Taken all round, the Miniature Wire-Haired Dachshund is a clever, lively, sagacious, personality-plus little dog, with a mind of his own. He makes an engaging and rewarding companion for adults.