About the Dachshund
Dachshund information
The Dachshund, developed in Germany three centuries ago, is a perfect example of form following function. With his long, low body, prominent fore-chest and front legs designed for digging, the dachshund is well equipped for going underground to hunt badger and other den-dwelling animals. A versatile hunter, he has the instincts and intelligence to excel in conformation, earthdog, obedience, agility and tracking events.
The clever, affectionate dachshund is an entertaining and devoted pet. The three Varieties - Longhaired, Smooth, and Wirehaired - compete separately in the show ring. Within each variety (coat type) the two sizes, miniature (11 lbs and under at 12 months old) and standard, are shown together. There is a vast difference between a miniature and a standard size wise. For those who have not seen what the true standard looks like in person, many people painstakingly state that an oversize miniature (called a tweenie) is a standard. They are not. They are oversized miniatures and lack the structure and conformation of a true standard.
Visualization of the size difference between the miniature and standard Dachshund.
The miniature and the standard should be identical in conformation, the only exception being size.
The miniature is to be 11lbs or less at one year of age. The weight of the standard can be up to 40lbs.
Image Credit: Dachshund Club of America
Comparing the size of a miniature and a standard Dachshund
Miniatures are 11lbs. or less at one year of age whereas a standard can weigh up to 40lbs. Here is an example of a standard compared to a miniature.
The Smooth Dachshund
The smooth Dachshund was used for tunneling and due to the short coat didn't get caught in roots.
The Longhaired Dachshund
The longhaired Dachshund was developed to be able to stand up to cold conditions during the hunting season.
The Wirehaired Dachshund
The wirehaired Dachshund is the most popular for hunting and its coat is able to allow it to get through more briars and undergrowth.
ABOUT THE DACHSHUND
Dachshund Sports
The Dachshund is very capable of participating and excelling in many different sports. Below are some of the competitions open for the Dachshund Breed.
Agility
Don't underestimate the Dachshunds ability to do agility. They love to run, jump and go fast! Dogs race against a clock as they navigate an obstacle course with strong concentration and speed. For more information on agility visit the AKC site.
Obedience
There are three levels of obedience competition; Novice, Open, and Utility. Each requires the dog to master a specific set of skills which becomes more challenging before your dog can advance to the next level. Many Dachshunds are great in obedience and love the challenge.
Earth Dog
Dachshunds have a natural love of digging and it's because their hunting instinct makes them do this. Earth Dog trials allow Dachshunds to show their skills and satisfy that need to hunt in a controlled environment. Each dog is judged on his own abilities for seeking and locating rodents underground. For more information, visit the AKC page on Earth Dog.
Field Trials
Field Trials are AKC sanctioned competitions that allow Dachshunds to use their hunting instincts by tracking a scent line that a rabbit or hare has left behind. They are held in fenced in areas and the dog follows the scent. For more information, visit the AKC website on Field Trials.
ABOUT THE DACHSHUND
More Dachshund Sports
Tracking
In a tracking test, the dog and handler team follow the scent trail made by someone walking and laying down a scent path. The goal is to use the scented track to locate the article(s) left by the person who laid the track. Dachshunds make great scent dogs and can do search and rescue as well as deer tracking. Visit the North America Teckel Club to learn more.
Rally
There are three levels of obedience competition; Novice, Open, and Utility. Each requires the dog to master a specific set of skills which becomes more challenging before your dog can advance to the next level. Many Dachshunds are great in obedience and love the challenge.
Conformation
Dachshunds bred to represent the AKC Standard compete to obtain their Championship. Those who obtain their champion status are then considered to properly represent the breed.
