Myrtus Furbert

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Let me begin this paper by stating that I love dachshunds, as a child

growing up, we always had big dogs, such as German Sheppard and large
mutts. Then about four years ago, my husband returned home from the Los
Angeles Animal Shelter with a dog that was a mixed dachshund and Pekingese.
The dachshund features and personality were more pronounced and I fell in love
with this breed. Last April, my husband bought me a cute miniature-red
dachshund, I named him Pimpin. I was so excited, nothing beats his
companionship, I fell in love with him from the time he stepped his paw into our
home. But soon I was stepping into his messes and had the arduous,. task of
potty training him, I was so mad I wanted to get rid of him. Pimpin was so cute; I
could not do it.
The dachshund is sometimes referred to as the ‘wiener dog’ or ‘hot dog’
and is among the most popular dog breeds in the U.S. and has been since the
1950’s. The dachshund originated in Germany, where it is called Teckel. It was
developed over a hundred years or so, and it was bread specifically to hunt
badgers. In German, ‘Dachs’ means badger and ‘Hund’ means dog; thus
dachshund means badger dog, and even the smallest dachshund is a fearless
hunter. They are always willing to go after a badger, which is a powerful and
ferocious animal. However, according to Dr. Engelmann, who studied
dachshunds extensively, these dogs existed 4000 years ago in ancient Egypt.
According to the Daily Dachshund and dog news, the original German
dachshunds were larger than the dachshunds we know today averaging between
30 and 40 pounds.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dashshund
Today’s dachshunds retain that fearless quality for which the breed was originally

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developed. As the breed standard states, they should be courageous to the point
of rashness. This fact is also true regarding my Pimpin, he is not afraid of any
one or other dogs. He is protective of the house. Dachshunds were not only
trained to retrieve their prey, but to kill it as well. I see this trait in Pimpin all the
time, whenever I give him a squeaky toy, he will attack it and destroy the
squeaker as quickly as possible. In addition he fights to control the toy and keep
from my other dog.
The dachshund is the only AKA-recognized breed that hunts above and
below the ground. It has been bred to achieve its original purpose. The short legs
allow the dachshund to burrow deep into the earth after badgers in their dens.
The tail is long and sturdy and extends straight out from the spine, providing a
‘handle’ with which the hunter can retrieve the dog. The paws are usually large
and paddle shaped, for efficient digging. The skin is loose so that it will not tear
as the dog tunnels down into the tight burrows. The dachshund has a deep chest
to allow enough lung capacity to keep going when hunting. Their noses are long
to increase the area that absorbs odors. And the dachshund bark is relatively
deep for a small dog and lets the human locate the dog that has gone down into
the hole for prey. Furthermore, these dogs are extremely strong in both bone and
muscle; they can achieve speeds you would not imagine in a dog with such short
legs. I can attest to this, because every time I take my dog for a walk on a leash,
he pulls me as if he is a big dog.
Beginning in the 1980’s, dachshunds were bred more as pets than
hunters, especially in Great Britain, and their size was gradually reduced by
about 10 pounds. Eventually, an even smaller version, the miniature dachshund
was bred. Today, most people probably think that the dachshund is a smooth
coated red miniature. But there really is no such thing as a ‘typical’ dachshund
anymore.

http:en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dashshund
http://almosthomerescue.org/about_dach/history.htm
The Dachshund Club of America was founded in 1985, in the US and England,

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they were rarely hunted; but in other parts of Europe they were still considered
hunting dogs and are regularly find their way onto the country’s list of most
winning hunting dogs.
In the Wikipedia free encyclopedia, it states that the “breed is known to
have spinal problems, especially intervertebral disk disease (IVDD), due in part
to an extremely long spinal column and short rib cage”. It further states “the risk
of injury can be worsened by obesity, which places greater strain on the
vertebrae. In order to prevent injury, it is recommended that dachshunds be
discouraged from jumping”. Holding the dog properly is also important, with both
front and rear portions of the body fully supported. The encyclopedia further
indicates that climbing stairs regularly may make them less prone to IVDD,
probably because the exercise helps to keep them healthier and fitter and
positive correlations were found between physically fit dogs and a lower
incidence of IVDD. Hence the reason why it is important to keep the dog at a
good body weight. Again, holding the dog properly is important, with both front
and rear portions of the body fully supported. The Wikipedia encyclopedia further
states that “ as it has become increasingly apparent that the occurrence and
severity of these spinal problems, or intervertebral disk disease, is largely
hereditary, responsible breeders are working to eliminate this characteristic in the
breed. Treatment consists of various combinations of crate confinement and
courses of anti-inflammatory medications (steroids and non-steroidal anti-
inflammatory drugs like carprofen and meloxican). Serious cases may require
surgery to remove the troublesome disk”. Some dachshunds have problems with
blindness and deafness, thyroid problems, various allergies and eye problems.
In conclusion, dachshunds are almost always in the AKC Top Ten most
popular breeds. This is a mixed blessing. The more popular a breed – the more
likely that it will be bred in puppy mills.

http:en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dashshund
http://almosthomerescue.org/about_dach/history.htm

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 It is important to buy from breeders who can guarantee that their stock is
free from these genetic problems and whose dogs have been certified.

The dachshund’s popularity as a pet – as well as its pleasing shape and

range of expression, has made it a favorite of artist, illustrators, toymakers,
sculptors, and the advertising business. Dachshund stuffed toys, pull toys,
battery – operated toys, salt and pepper shakers, dishes, and many other breed
related items were made in the 19th and 20th centuries. I will always own a
dachshund; they are the most terrific dogs in the world.

http://www.starlightkennel.com/History.html