The dog has long been considered a true friend of man. For some people it is customary to start large breed dogs, others prefer to have lap dogs, others do not pay attention to the size of the animal, and perceive only the character and temperament of the pet. The only breed that unites individual preferences of people is dachshund. These dogs can be called dwarf animals in appearance.
Thanks to their special endurance and musculature, they will be able to give a forum for dogs of large breeds. And by temperament are suitable for people with any lifestyle and interests, although most often the fees are acquired by hunters. Today, long-haired dachshunds have become popular.
History of origin
Dachshund is considered an ancient breed, giving rise to the emergence of other species of burrow dogs. Only scientists have not been able to determine the exact date of the birth of a long-haired variety of dogs with an elongated body. However, numerous excavations suggest that the described breed of dog lived in the territory of ancient Rome, Greece and Egypt. It was there that skeletons of animals with elongated body and short paw sizes were found.
All dog breeds with short stature and long body have the same ancestors, namely the ancient hounds. Tax in this matter is no exception.
Although in the distant past with respect to the hounds, the long hull was considered a disadvantage, rather than the primary factor. According to the standard of the past, hounds were obliged to have long paws.
Short-legged representatives of dogs with an elongated body became popular several hundred years later and were used to hunt for burrowed animals. For the first time, the German hunters gave a positive assessment of the disproportionate body of the dogs, after which the breeders firmly set about breeding a squat breed. Official recognition of the breed dachshund occurred in 1988, after which breeders began to actively engage in their breeding and subsequent distribution of puppies.
This fact played an important role in the formation of other subspecies of the dachshund breed. In simple terms, the long-haired variety was born by crossing a classic dachshund with a spaniel, and the long-haired rabbit was born by tying a dwarf dachshund with a pinscher and toy terrier. Along with other breeds in the history of dachshunds, there are several special dates that every breeder of a short-footed breed should know.
- XVI-XVII century. The period of formation of the breed dachshund in Germany. The Germans paid special attention to breeding short-legged and short-growing dogs, which make it easier to hunt wild animals living in burrows.
- XVIII century. It was at this time that the breed being bred and its subspecies acquired the final appearance and characteristics.
- 1939-1945 At these intervals, the demand and popularity of the dachshund breed is sharply reduced, as the world community has negative emotions about everything connected with Germany. And only thanks to the special efforts of breeders who are dedicated to their work, after a short period of time, the rates again win the sympathy of the public.
- 1972 It was then that the XX Summer Olympic Games were held, the talisman of which was the dachshund named Valdi. The popularity of this dog had no limit. Her image in a striped T-shirt was placed on envelopes, clothing and dishes.
Description
Along with other purebred dogs, long-haired dachshunds have the official standard of appearance. Even a minimal deviation from the norm can speak of culling. The maximum height of an adult dog at the withers does not exceed 35 cm. The standard weight of an adult individual varies within 9 kg. Shedding of the long-haired variety of dachshunds proceeds according to the season, the process of hair loss itself is moderate and does not bring trouble to the breeder.
By color, representatives of long-haired dachshunds have different variations. They can be one-color, two-color and spotted interspersed. By itself, the coat is long, falling down, rather thick. A distinctive feature of the breed is a dense undercoat, heating the animal in winter. The head of the dachshund has an oblong shape with oval transitions that taper smoothly and evenly to the tip of the nose.
Highly set ears to the touch are very soft, rather long. Breeders celebrate their high mobility. Dachshund corpus should be smooth, with slightly pronounced muscularity. According to the norms of body structure, the chest area of the dachshund should bulge slightly. Belly picked up. The harmoniously folded limbs of a miniature body must be distinguished by muscularity and bones. The tail is located in the upper part of the body, slightly bending at the tip.
Dachshund has a moderately long body, slightly squat and compact in size. Excellent muscle allows it to develop a good speed and endure long journeys on the legs. Despite such low growth, animals do not experience discomfort and difficulty during movement. On the contrary dogs show perfect control over their bodies, able to overcome the most difficult obstacles.
The distinctive feature of the dachshund is in strong claws., thanks to which they can easily dig the ground. For a minute of hard work, a furry animal can dig a hole 45 cm deep.
Initially, shaggy puppies were bred for hunters, but now these animals have gained popularity among “dog-lovers” with other interests. Long-haired variety is quite common in exhibitions of pedigree dogs.
Character
Long-haired dachshunds have a soft, gentle and friendly character. In general, they are considered to be intelligent animals, rather energetic, flexible, gambling masters of hunting art. Their main weapon is charm, perseverance and stubbornness. Some representatives of the long-haired look tend to dominate and may show heightened egoism. At the same time, the dachshunds are very curious creatures. That is why they try to get acquainted with the outside world, in spite of any obstacles.
Dachshunds by nature very strongly attached to the owner and his family. But strangers are trying to get round. As the ideal place to relax, they prefer the knees of their owner. If a person is lying, fit him by the neck. And at night, be sure to climb under the covers. It is very important to teach dachshunds to society from birth. This is especially true of other dogs, other pets and children. If you do not deal with this issue, a hunting instinct can take over the dachshund.
Like other representatives of small breeds Dachshunds can show a sharp and wary attitude to dogs of large sizes.. And in the case when large dogs respond to aggression, small animals often hide in their legs from their owner. Taksam is most comfortable living in large and friendly families who love outdoor activities. Only for full understanding and maximum adaptation it is necessary to start a puppy of two or three months of age.
At this age, the child is much easier to teach to society, and on a par with it to bring up in all family members a sense of respect for the animal, especially for children.If the child will be sharp and cruel to the tax, she can show aggression.
Some owners of long-haired taxes claim that these animals can replace a professional psychotherapist. They are attentive listeners and sensitive to their owner. Easily distinguish the mood of people, and in the absence of a positive, try to cheer. Although sometimes they can overdo it and even start biting in a game form.
If the dog is purchased for living in a private house, the owner of the garden plot will have to make strong barriers for fruit planting and flower beds. In the free range, the dachshund's digging instinct is revealed, which is why deep minks will be located throughout the territory.
How many years live?
The life cycle of a long-haired dachshund depends on care and its content. Average rates range from 10 to 15 years. Although some owners claim that their pets lived to be twenty years old. Dogs dying in the early period of life are likely to have poor genetic inheritance or have picked up a disease that does not manifest itself outside.
Color variations
Before you begin to deal with variations of color, it is necessary to become more familiar with the wool of a shaggy variety of dachshunds. According to its structure, the hairline of the represented breed is notable for its particular smoothness. At hit of bright beams natural shine is visible. Under the main part of the hair is a small undercoat with a soft structure. Then you can talk about color. Long-haired dachshunds have a variety of colors.
- Monochromatic wool. The coat may be red, fawn or reddish-yellow. Although the most popular is considered pure color with a slight admixture of black.
- Two-tone wool. In this case, characterized by dark, black and brown shades. But in each individual case, small tan of cream and pale-yellow color are visible.
- Marble wool color. The main hair color can be black, red or gray, on top of which small specks of gradient shade can be seen.
- Tiger color wool. In this case, shades of red, fawn and tiger-dark are assumed.
Very rare, but still can be found dachshund with white wool. Usually they are representatives of the short-haired variety. Despite this, the nose and eyes have a pronounced line of dark colors. According to scientists, albinos are born when crossing dachshunds with marble wool color.
Care features
Grooming for most dog lovers is a mystery, although every person is familiar with its basics. We are talking about the rules of care for pets and their appearance. Grooming knowledge is especially important for owners of long-haired breeds, including dachshunds.
- Bathing. Bathing procedures should be carried out only if necessary, but not more often 4 times a year, otherwise the skin of the dog may dry out. For swimming long-haired dachshund you will need to purchase a special shampoo and balsam, thanks to which the hair is easily combed. The first communication of the dog with water should be carried out at the age of six months.
- Combing. Dogs with long hair must be scratched several times a week, and during the molt period daily. To do this, you need to purchase a special massage brush with rare teeth.
- A haircut. If a long-haired pet participates in exhibitions, the cutting procedure should be entrusted to a professional master, since the hairstyle of a candidate for victory should emphasize the breed standard. And to maintain a clean and tidy look hair can be cut by yourself. Especially for an animal, it will be much more comfortable. Long hair is a virtue, although there are still some flaws.
The long and dense wool protects the baby in the fierce cold, but during the festivities the snow accumulates on the tips of the hairs, gathers into clumps. And in the rain it will accumulate dirt.
Due to the miniature size and kindness of the dog, caring for a dachshund at home does not cause difficulties. In general, the standard rules of keeping a pet, familiar to everyone, are assumed. Waiting for a four-legged friend to appear in the house, the newly-made owner needs to buy a sunbed, various toys, a collar, a leash, a toothbrush and a paste.
Caring for your pet's pet is enough once a week. Thus, the freshness of breath is preserved and plaque is removed. We should not forget that long-haired dachshunds require special care for claws. For example, the dachshund puppies need to claw the teeth regularly, in the adult they grind on the asphalt while walking. It is important to inspect the ears of a long-haired beauty daily. In the event of contamination remove using a cotton pad and vegetable oil.
Walking the baby must be twice a day for two hours. In this case, the dog must show maximum physical activity. Upon returning home, the pet's paws must be cleaned or washed. Some owners, overly loving their animals, get for them overalls for the winter period. However, in the case of long-haired dachshunds, this clothing option is not ideal. First, the coat is spoiled. Secondly, clothes hamper movement. Thirdly, there is no possibility of a natural hardening of the dog.
Upbringing and training
The process of raising a dachshund must begin from its very birth. Initially this is done by the mother. Puppies carefully study its habits and try to copy the behavior. At the age of one and a half months, babies begin to be weaned, and from that moment the owner must begin to train the animal to live in a new house. Before starting training, the baby should learn basic knowledge.
- Nickname It is important that the animal has a name of its own from birth. Although the majority of new owners try to rename the animal or buy a puppy that does not have a nickname.
- Team "place". It is necessary that the puppy had its own separate place for privacy. Otherwise, the baby will climb on the sofa or bed.
- Command "no". In this case, prohibitions on asking for food or abducting it from the table are assumed.
- Collar. A little puppy from the first days of birth should have its own accessory. As they grow, the collar will change, and the habit of it will not disappear.
A puppy from birth must have a variety of toys with which he will have fun. Otherwise, furniture, shoes and other personal belongings of the owner may be affected.
Breeders, in turn, argue that you can not immediately give the puppy all the toys, you must give them to your pet gradually, each time causing the baby a feeling of joy. A couple of weeks after getting acquainted with the basic knowledge of puppies, you can prepare for training. They need to be introduced to the street noise, otherwise, being in the space of loud sounds, the baby will be frightened and will not react to the speech of his master.
Animal trainers claim that dachshund breeds need to be trained by several teams:
- "Sit";
- "Lie down";
- "Beside";
- "Walk";
- "To me".
Dachshunds are very clever dogs, they are intelligent, which is why they will be able to teach a variety of tricks.
Feeding
The diet of the dachshund puppy and the adult are very different from each other. At different stages of development, the animal requires certain vitamins. In addition, there is a difference in the number of feedings. For the first month and a half, the puppy receives vitamins and trace elements with mother's milk. After the baby's diet is supplemented with solid food. When feeding babies, the owner must adhere to special rules.
- The diet of the baby should consist of a six-meal meal with a gradual reduction.
- A puppy should have constant access to water.
- For the first few weeks, solid food must be ground through a grater or chopped with a knife so that the baby can chew on them with small teeth.
- The baby must be fed before walking, because immediately after ingestion of food, the puppies develop the urge to relieve themselves.
Adult owners will have to make a choice between natural food or ready-made dry food.
Of course, dry food is quite convenient and easy to use at home. Saves time for cooking, and the package of dog food does not take up much space. And if you choose food from a series of super premium class, the dog at any age will receive a full range of vitamins and minerals.
In the case when a dog breeder has the opportunity to prepare their own dishes separate dishes, it is best to stop the choice on natural food. The basis of the nutrition of an adult individual with natural nutrition are the products listed below.
- Meat and fish. These products should take up to 40% of the daily diet of the dog. Before feeding products it is important to boil.
- Cereals. Preferably buckwheat, rice and oatmeal. Semolina, legumes and wheat cereals can cause diarrhea.
- Fresh water. It is very important that the adult has constant access to drinking.
On the peculiarities of the content of long-haired taxes, see below.