Dackel: Dog Breed Information, Facts and Pictures

Hypoallergenic: No
Lifespan: 12 – 16 years
Mass: 16 – 33 lbs (Standard Size)
Origin: Germany
Temperament: Clever, Stubborn, Devoted, Lively, Playful, Courageous
Colors: Black, Black & Gold, Chocolate, Chocolate & Cream, Cream, Tan, Blue

The nature of the dachshund is friendly, it is neither fearful nor aggressive to describe. Overall, he is a persistent, passionate and nimble hunting dog. Characteristic of the Dachshund is the pronounced self-confidence, which makes him a skilful hunting dog. After all, dachshunds are designed to hunt badgers or foxes above and below ground. Here, the dog must have a good deal of self-confidence, because he meets defensive animals, also he can not count underground the aid of the hunter. The training and education of the Dachshund requires consistency and attention. Already in the puppy age should be started with a consistent training.

Originally, the dachshund was bred for hunting, especially the hunting of badgers and fox counts because of his physique and his nature to the specialties of the dog. Due to the small chest circumference and the short runs, the dachshund can invade the build of wild animals and hunt them out of the building or put them where necessary. His self-confidence helps the animal to defend itself against bad guys. The dachshund is also used for driven hunts and on the track of sick game. However, a large part of today's Dachshund is used as a companion dog. Even as a family dog, the dachshund is extremely popular, especially since the 1960s. Although the numbers of puppies are slightly declining, the dachshund is still one of the most popular dogs in Germany.

The ancestor of the modern dachshund is the Celtic hound. Already some 2,000 years ago, the Celtic tribes valued Bracken as faithful companions on the hunt. Also in Roman records from the 2nd century AD the dachshund finds mention. The short-legged animals were already known for their special hunting skills. In the Middle Ages, the predecessors of the Dachshund were used to hunt badgers and foxes to prevent crop losses and to protect domestic chickens. The small farm dogs were able to penetrate into the building and go hunting there. Bracken were selectively bred to better meet these requirements. For the animal to dig as effectively as possible and move quickly underground, short legs and a squat body were important.

During this time also the breed names, which are still used today, were created: Dachshund and Teckel. In 1879 the first race marks were defined and one year later the German Teckelclub was founded. At the beginning of the 19th century, the dachshund also spread outside Germany, 1925 followed by the first international standards.

The Cynological Federation Fédération Cynologique Internationale places the Dachshund in the group of Dachshunds (Group 4). The currently valid definition describes the physique of the dachshund as low, short and compact. Despite the unusual relationship between body length and leg length, the dachshund is generally nimble and agile.

In addition, there are numerous color variations, even multicolored or brindle dachshunds are bred. In addition to the three types of hair, short-hair, longhair and roughhair, a distinction is made according to FCI Standard No. 148 between Teckel (chest circumference over 35 centimeters, weight about 9 kilograms), Zwergteckel (chest circumference 30 to 35 centimeters) and Kaninchenteckel (chest circumference up to 30 centimeters).