Smooth-haired dachshunds: breed characteristics and recommendations for content

Smooth-haired, or as it is also called short-haired, the dachshund refers to hunting dogs. Her specific qualities are easy to notice, even if she lives at home. Acumen, dexterity and ability to quickly assimilate a team allow it to successfully adapt to any conditions. Today, many do not start dachshunds for hunting, but simply in order to find a faithful four-legged friend, because the nature of dachshunds is quite friendly. They love to play with both adults and children, becoming their wonderful companions.

Norny dogs were known to man for a long time. They were taken with them to hunt, so that they would search, chase, pull them out of their holes and help the person to catch the prey. The help of these dogs was simply invaluable in human prey. In historical finds you can find images of dachshunds dating back to the XVI century.

This breed is considered to be German by origin. According to one version, dachshunds appeared in the process of mixing pinschers and French bassetts, but there is another one, according to which the dachshund appeared as a result of the mutation of hunting dogs. Since the driven hunt was always an expensive pleasure, mainly noble persons were fond of it, but burrow hunting was quite accessible to lower classes: simple burghers gladly led these excellent hunters and took them with them to the forest.

The first standard of this breed was officially established in 1888, and today the standard for dachshunds from 2001 is in effect. As a result of exports, this breed became in demand in other countries as well, while at home it retained its popularity and is second only to the German Shepherd in this respect.

To date, there are 3 types of sleek-haired dachshunds: standard, miniature and rabbit. The latter was bred for prey of rabbits, since their holes are small in size, only small dogs can penetrate them.

The head of the smooth-haired dachshund has an elongated shape that tapers smoothly towards the tip of the nose. The nose is colored black or brown depending on the color of the animal, the jaws are powerful enough. Eyes brown, slightly slanting. Hanging ears reach almost to the level of the nose.

The body is long, but powerful, with a protruding developed chest, the back is even, the loins protrude slightly. The belly is tucked up, to the tail the body is slightly oblique. Forepaws stronger and more rear. The tail gently tapers to the tip, is usually in a horizontal position.

The colors of smooth-haired dachshunds can be different.

• Monochrome - from yellow to red. Oleniy or sable color, which implies a blotch of hair with a dark tip;
• Two-tone - black, brown, gray with light areas. Color tan, harlequin, marble, where the main color is white, red or other light shades with dark spots.

In withers, the growth of males varies from 22 to 27 cm, in females from 20 to 25 cm. In dwarf individuals, this parameter is in the range of 16-21 cm in males and 14-19 cm in females, in rabbit species 12-15 cm and 10-13 cm, respectively.

Dachshunds are not just energetic and playful dogs, they exhibit a peculiar sense of humor. With all its modest dimensions, the dachshund considers itself to be a powerful beast, and if someone tries to doubt this, it can show its teeth.

These animals especially smell odors and hear subtle sounds. Because of this, they can actively sniff passersby. If the owner has not yet managed to teach the dog how to behave, then it is worth walking it on a leash. Sometimes the fee may seem naughty, all because of her habit of making decisions on her own. When a dog agrees with a person’s opinion, he immediately executes the command, otherwise the owner has to insist on his own.

When it comes to stalking, this breed is very hot. Even a high fence will not be an obstacle for it - the dog will simply dig and dig further. In order for the animal not to throw at the people or animals interested in it, it is necessary to teach it from a puppy age to carry out commands.

Adult dachshund is usually fed twice a day, that is, in the morning and in the evening, at the same time, usually after a walk. It is better to place the cups for food and water so that they are in the area of ​​the dog's shoulder line. Every day she drinks about 1.5 liters of water. New products are introduced into the puppy's diet gradually and one by one. In case of problems with digestion or allergies, this will help determine its source.

It is recommended that the dachshund on the table have products with proteins, fats and proteins. Meat or offal, either given raw, or boiled for up to 10 minutes, while you can use the calculation: 15-20 grams per 1 kilogram of dog's weight. Keep in mind that if the dog ate the bone with the meat, then more feed on this day is not worth it. This food is digested for a long time, and the animal's digestive system will work for a long time, so that the portion of the next day should be slightly reduced.

Experts recommend more often give dachshunds products with calcium and vitamins, To clarify the dosage and types of drugs can be a vet. Also in the dog's menu it is good to introduce dairy products, eggs, fruits, vegetables and lean meat: beef, veal, poultry, horse meat, a bit of mutton is allowed. Sometimes a dog can be treated with boiled sea fish, after having pulled out large bones from it.

To make your pet's coat always glisten, you do not need to painstakingly care for it, it is enough to brush it with a hard pile every week. There are also special gloves that make massage and perfectly comb the dog's fur coat. Furminator helps to get rid of loose hairs well. During the molting period, the dog intensively loses the undercoat, then the animal must be combed daily.

For hunting breeds, health is important. Special attention is paid to the pet's teeth. Getting rid of plaque helps both regular brushing and special food - these are bones from pet shops. Part of this task can cope and dry food. If any of the teeth is damaged, then it must be cured.

Care for the claws of an animal should be regular. The hairstyle is made every 2 weeks, also as necessary, you need to file chipped. Eyes and ears are cleaned when contaminated. Walking on the street is recommended as much as possible - it benefits the tax, both to improve physical health and to develop sociability. If possible, go out with her in the morning after sleep, 20 minutes after all feedings, and at night. The number of walks should be at least 3 per day, the recommended duration is from 20 minutes to half an hour.

Do not let the puppy stand on its hind legs if he wants to stand in a column. It is harmful to his immature spinal column and can lead to deformity. Active jumping games are also contraindicated, especially from a height. Stroking the little dog on the head, you should not be too smooth ears, so that they do not lose their beautiful shape and not drooped.

Dachshunds fall into the risk group for diseases of the spine. They may have hernias that require treatment, and without a veterinary intervention the animal can become seriously ill. To avoid damage to the back, do not let the beast jump from a height, do not allow strong shakes. Steep steps can also harm the health of the dog's back, so if there is no elevator in the house, then it is better to take it out for a walk and bring it back in your arms.

Parenting tips

• The desire of a dachshund to make decisions independently is not just a fad, but a reflex produced. Being in holes, these dogs always had to think about where to go and where to look for the beast. It is undesirable to use physical punishment in case of disobedience, because these dogs also have a heightened sense of self-worth and can be very offended by you. Instead, it is better to use the method of ignoring, that is, for a while, to stop paying attention to the pet, thereby expressing your dissatisfaction.
• When an animal is trained, unconditioned reflexes are used in combination with mechanical action and food. Teams should sound confident, without unnecessary words and emotionally colored intonations. After successful performance, the animal is given a treat. For example, the command “Lie down” is given, then pressure is applied to the body, after which food is given. Do not give the dog two teams at once, it will confuse her and slow down the training.
• When the baby has just appeared in your home, it can whine at night from longing for his dog family. You should not put it in your bed out of pity, otherwise the animal will be difficult to wean from this habit.
• To teach the dog to relieve the need on the street as early as possible, without delaying the diaper period. Of course, at first the puppy can go to the diaper, but the later you begin to retrain it to endure the street, the more difficult this process will be.
• A kid should learn to eat from a puppy age at certain hours in the same place. Running around the house with food is very fun, but this behavior should be stopped immediately. You also need to make sure that the dog does not scatter the food around the bowl.
• The animal must see you as a leader, which means that you cannot do without strictness in communicating with him. Only then the dachshund will fulfill your commands and will not cause chaos in the house.
• Training fees should be preceded by the establishment of contact with the owner. In addition, she must respond to her nickname. This suggests that she understands when they turn to her, and is ready to respond. Now you can accustom the dog to your place and begin to master the most simple commands. All this should happen soon after the puppy was in a new family.
• Some dachshund owners are faced with such an unpleasant phenomenon as puppy bites. In order to prevent such behavior, in case of a bite, roll up the newspaper and lightly slap the dog on the nose or rump, giving the command “Foo!”.If this does not help, then you can fold the bitten hand into a fist and shove it further into the mouth, and with the other hand take the puppy by the scruff, shake it and give all the same command "Fu!". Although some experts argue that it is impossible to raise taxes by the scruff of the neck.

Dachshunds are intelligent, playful and good-looking dogs that are able to give the household a lot of positive emotions. They are loved for accuracy, balance, ability to show patience and friendliness. The lack of character can only be called their natural cunning. Regularly walk the animal and let us exercise so that it does not start digging undermines directly in your apartment, and also monitor the health of her back.

How to keep smooth-haired dachshunds, see the following video.