The Dachshund: a small dog with a great personality!

Here in Europe there are 3 sizes of the dachshund: the standard, the miniature and the kaninchen dachshund.

The circumference of the chest of the standard is above 35 cm and its weight is 7-9 kg.

The miniature has a chest circumference of 30 to 35 cm and a weight of 4-6 kg.

The kaninchen is smaller than 30 cm and weighs up to 4 kg.

Varieties and colours: There are three different hair varieties: longhair, smooth-hair and wirehaired, each with many different colours: Black and Tan, Red, Liver and Tan, Silverdapple, Chocolatdapple etc.

Character: The dachsie has a lovely character: brash, self-willed, very watchful and even when he gets older, he likes to play with pals.

Age and health: The dachshund reaches an average age of 14 years, sometimes even more. I have known dachsies which became 16 and even 17 years old. It is a very healthy breed, but concerning its long back, it should not be allowed to go up and down the stairs, jump at a ball or something else, or play with big dogs.

However, a dachsie enjoys a long walk through the forest, beach and dune. Dig a hole here, follow a track there: no better life then a dog life!

Care: Each hair variety needs a different kind of care. The smooth hair is the simplest to care for. Now and then brushing is all it needs to make it look glossy and shiny.

The longhair must be brushed, but it also needs a comb through the long hair of the ears, tail and legs. Moreover, the long hair between the toes and under its feet must be cut.

The wirehaired must be trimmed one or two times per year because it has a special coat.

Further, each variety must have short nails and clean ears and teeth.