All Dogs Welcome

Varieties by Coat:
      Left to right:
        Smooth-coated
        Long-haired
        Wire-haired

Varieties by Size:   
     Left to right:
       Standard (left)
       Miniature (center)
       Toy as recognized in Europe

Dachshunds present in several colors and patterns including red, cream, black, black and tan, chocolate, fawn, blue, dapple, salt and pepper, brindle, piebald.

Dapple is a color pattern sometimes seen in Dachshunds. This is a pattern known as merle in other breeds such as the Sheltie, Australian Shepherd and Collie. This pattern gives the appearance that the dog has a base color with 'mottling' of a lighter shade throughout parts of its body. For example, if base color = chocolate, then dappling will likely be cream colored. If base color = black, then dappling will likely be gray. If base color = red, then dappling will likely be pinkish.

Double Dappling occurs when both sire and dame are dappled. While this does not guarantee dappled puppies it does effect the way the puppies carry the dappling gene.  If the double dapple gene effects a puppy, particularly if it is in one area of the puppy's coat, the puppy has a high risk for several severe medical problems.  

Dachshunds are noted for their long, low-slung bodies with extremely short legs. The Standard Dachshund is considered to be a medium dog while the Toy and Miniature Doxies are considered to be small dogs. Which they truly are. The Dachshund presents a wedge shaped head with a relatively long snout. The chest of these dogs is so deep as to appear to nearly touch the ground given their short legs. The depth of the chest allows this breed increased lung capacity while it is on the hunt. The stubby little legs end with unusually large and paddle-shaped feet. This makes them very efficient diggers! This breed also displays very loose fitting skin. This is intended to keep the skin from tearing while the dog burrows into tight places to reach its quarry.

Differences by variety in this breed are based on the various original stock breeds:

• Miniatures can sometimes be shy or timid 
  
• Wire haired Doxies tend to be somewhat more outgoing based on their terrier heritage 
  
• Long-haired Doxies are less terrier-like, therefore somwhat more reserved
  

The Dachshund has a strong personality. It is a bold, brave and curious dog that will not back down if challenged. This is a confident and agile, cunning and stubborn animal.
The Doxie is a highly intelligent, friendly and fun loving dog. They are typically quite good with people and with children in their own family. However some Dachshunds will 'guard' their family and may be nippy or aggressive with outsiders, especially children that they don't know.
Doxies are not inclined to incessant barking. However, they have a surprisingly deep and loud bark for their size, probably due to the depth of the chest.
This breed is normally a moderate to high energy dog. It is very important to give them their daily dose of exercise and attention to avoid behavioral problems that can come from boredom or frustration.
A well balanced Dachshund can be a very independent dog. He will happily investigate and inspect his back yard or property. But he is also very happy to join in with family activities. Doxies love their people and are typically very affectionate and enjoy snuggling.

Moderate walks on a leash and some playtime in the yard or home is usually sufficient. Remember to let them investigate. 
All varieties of this breed need brushing to minimize shedding and knotting in longer coats. Grooming requirements vary by coat type. Smooth-coated need only regular bathing and brushing while wire-haired and long-haired may need professional grooming.

Intervertebral disease and injury due to the length of the back coupled with a short rib cage. This condition can be aggravated by obesity, jumping or any rough play that places stress on the vertebrae.  
Other potential medical issues include patellar luxation (dislodged kneecap), epilepsy, congenital heart defects, thyroid problems, allergies, cataracts, glaucoma, cherry eye, and other eye related diseases.

Double Dapple puppies are sometimes born with deformities such as the absence of eyes and / or ears. They may be blind and / or deaf. They may also appear normal at birth but are more inclined to develop health problems as they mature. These problems may include seizure disorders, blindness, deafness, diabetes and several other disorders.  Responsible breeders will not intentionally breed dappled doxies. 

Doxies are recognized by both the AKC and the AWTA as earth dogs. The American Working Terrier Association was founded to encourage breeders and owners to let their dogs participate in activities that exercise the hunting instinct. Dogs who participate compete in natural and artificial earth trials and above ground hunting.

Doxies will do fine in an apartment or condo type atmosphere. However, they will really appreciate access to a yard or park. It is necessary to enable them to exercise their hunting instinct, to sniff and examine, in order to avoid behavior problems that stem from boredom and frustration. If your Dachshund has access to a fenced in area where it can roam free be sure that it is securely enclosed. Remember, Doxies will chase small animals and birds and will also dig. It is not unheard of for this breed to escape under a fence.

There is ancient Egyptian art that depicts three shorted legged dogs seated with the pharoah. These may have been ancestors to the smooth-coated doxie. But the earliest records of the breed date back to 16th century Germany. 
The goal in developing this dog was to create a fearless, elongated dog that could dig into the earth to enter a badger burrow. The dog was expected to fight to the death with the vicious badgers. It was recognized that there was benefit to two sizes of  Dachshunds and to a variety of coat types. Initially many of the smaller Dachshunds were simply runts. To increase the number of miniature Dachshunds these smaller dogs were bred with Miniature Pinschers. These smaller dogs were kept for the purpose of 'going to ground' to hunt and kill small quarry such as rabbits and rodents. Coat type requirements varied by terrain and climatic conditions.
Dachshunds became popular in  the U.S. during the early 1900's but fell from favor during World War I. Shortly after the conclusion of the war US breeders imported stock from Germany to reintroduce the breed to the U.S. By 1910 breeders agreed to establish standards for the varieties of Dachshunds. To achieve the best results and meet the standards:

• Smooth-coated Dachshunds were crossed with Miniature Pinschers
  
• Long-haired Dachshunds were crossed with the Papillon
  
• Wire-haired Dachshunds were crossed with Miniature Schnauzer
  

AKC, Hound
CKC, Hound
UKC, Scenthound

All Varieties:  FCI, AKC, UKC, KCGB, CKC, NKC, NZKC, CCR, DRA, NAPR

Standard variety only: ANKC, CKC, APRI, ACR