Club - Meet the Dachshund

Brought to you by The American Kennel Club and The Dachshund Club of America.

Lead Editor: Karen Julian

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Vice President, Chief Content Officer: June Kikuchi

Vice President, Kennel Club Books: Andrew DePrisco

I-5 Press: Jennifer Calvert, Amy Deputato, Karen Julian, Jarelle S. Stein

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

The American Kennel Clubs meet the dachshund : the responsible dog owners handbook.

pages cm. -- (AKCs meet the breeds series)

An Official Publication of the AKC.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN 978-1-937049-99-7

eISBN: 9781620080726

1. Dachshunds. I. American Kennel Club. II. Title: Meet the dachshund.

SF429.D25 A65

636.7538--dc23

2012031230

Printed and bound in the United States

17 16 15 14 13 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

Meet Your New Dog

Welcome to Meet the Dachshund. Whether youre a long-time Dachshund owner, or youve just gotten your first puppy, we wish you a lifetime of happiness and enjoyment with your new pet.

In this book, youll learn about the history of the breed; receive tips on feeding, grooming, and training; and learn about all the fun you can have with your dog. The American Kennel Club and I-5 Press hope that this book serves as a useful guide on the lifelong journey youll take with your canine companion.

Owned and cherished by millions across America, Dachshunds make wonderful companions and also enjoy taking part in a variety of dog sports, including Conformation (dog shows), Obedience, AKC Rally, and Agility.

Thousands of Dachshunds have also earned the Canine Good Citizen certification by demonstrating their good manners at home and in the community. We hope that you and your Dachshund will become involved in AKC events, too! Learn how to get involved or find a training club in your area at www.akc.org.

We encourage you to connect with other Dachshund owners on Facebook (www.facebook.com/americankennelclub) and Twitter (@akcdoglovers). Also visit the website for the Dachshund Club of America (www.dachshundclubofamerica.org), the national parent club for the Dachshund, to learn about the breed from reputable exhibitors and breeders.

Enjoy Meet the Dachshund!

Sincerely,

Dennis B. Sprung

AKC President and CEO

Contents

T he outline of the Dachshundan elongated body on very short legsis instantly recognizable and cannot be mistaken for any other canine. The very definition of form follows function, Dachshunds were designed to tunnel underground in pursuit of their quarry. For all his sweetness and charisma, the Dachshund is fierce and fearless when working. The Doxie is a spirited, independent thinker, and you would be too if you were burrowing through a hole after an angry badger fighting for its life! Although the breed has been described as somewhat stubborn, it is in fact one of the brightest hounds out there, as demonstrated by the Dachshunds success in field trials, tracking work, and more.

Dachshunds are busy dogs with playful personalities, requiring owners who will give them constructive ways to occupy themselves.

Dachshunds come in two sizes: Standards weigh from 1632 pounds and stand 89 inches high at the shoulder; Miniatures weigh 11 pounds or less and stand 56 inches high at the shoulder. They also come in three different coat types: longhaired, smooth, and wirehaired.

Sweet and endearing, Dachshunds are equally strong-willed and persistent.

Dachshunds love to play, but the games have to be to their liking. The bright Doxie is unlikely to share a toy with you, fetch a ball or a Frisbee, or repeat the same game more than twice. Smart dogs, like smart kids, bore easily, so mix up the games to keep your dog interested. A fast, curious Doxie mind needs constant stimulation, or the dog will find alternative ways to occupy himself.

Dachshund owners must have a good sense of humor. As loyal and bright as any dog, Dachshunds have their own way of thinking. The Doxies determination to get a job done translates to persistence and perseverance when hunting in the field.

Did You Know?

Dachshund is German for badger dog, after the quarry the breed was designed to hunt. The name Dachshund was first cited in print in 1685, and prior to that these dogs were called burrow dogs, earthdogs, badger creepers, and bibarhunds, meaning beaver dogs. The Dachshund is known around the world as Teckel, Dachel, and Dachsel. Today the breed has nicknames as well, including Doxie, Dachsie, and Weiner dog.

WHOS THE BOSS?

Loyal, intuitive, and strong-minded, Dachshunds can be obedient and rewarding companions. Most Doxie owners contend that their dogs can read minds and are able to pick up on their owners body language. If your Dachshund thinks that you dont know how to solve a problem or that youre lacking in the top dog department, he will step in and take over.

You have to always be in control of your dog and his surroundings. Make it clear to your dog that you are the boss, not him. Dachshunds are sensitive dogs, so never be unkind or harsh when giving corrections, but use an authoritative tone of voice to get your dogs attention and respect.

When the puppy comes home, begin his education right away. Dont be afraid to be the alpha dog on day one: your Doxie wants and needs a leader. But that doesnt mean you have to be a no-fun boss all the time. Play with your Dachshund and be his appreciative audience as he acts the clown with his creative puppy antics. Dachshunds love attention, and nothing will make your puppy happier than interacting with his number-one human.