Wire-haired dachshunds: types, nature and features of care

For most dog lovers, the dachshund appears to be a low-haired, smooth-haired dog with a narrow long face and short legs. This is not surprising, because in fact the taxes of this species are the most common in the world. But there are admirers of more rare dachshunds, for example, wire-haired.

These are the same passionate hunters, as well as representatives of the smooth-haired type. In this case, unusual dachshunds with hard wool have their own characteristics. And they concern not only the quality of wool, but also all other aspects: origin, care, nutrition and upbringing. Initially short-footed wire-haired dogs were used in Germany for baiting badgers while hunting.

Stiff thick hair helped during the hunt, protecting the dog's body from damage by dry branches and thorny bushes. Dachshunds were distinguished by courage, wit and ingenuity. Ideal "scouts", easily penetrating into the narrowest bestial burrows.

In the process of breeding their crossed with dogs of different hunting breeds. For this purpose, individuals of medium size with thick hair were selected. The goal of the breeders was preservation of the complexion of dachshunds with increased aggression in character and improvement of the protective qualities of a dense wool cover.

After a long selection and the most thorough rejection, so managed to bring out three of their varieties: classic dachshunds, rabbit and dwarf. A certain standard of a new wire-haired species was formed, which was officially recognized in Germany in 1915.

A new type of dog was brought to Russia after victory in World War II, but wire-haired individuals did not gain popularity. Therefore, they are considered more rare representatives of this breed.

Due to the unusual constitution of dogs with shortened limbs and lean muscular body dachshunds won the battle with strong rivals. The standard representatives of the breed are distinguished by a pretty narrow muzzle with a powerful jaw. Females look more elegant, while not inferior to powerful males in their working qualities. Three species of breed differ in size.

• Wire-haired “standard” - the most common variety. The minimum height is 35 cm, the mass ranges from 7-9 kg.
• Dwarf. Dachshund weighs up to 5 kg with growth in withers 30-35 cm.
• Rabbit - the smallest variety. In growth, this dachshund does not exceed 30 cm, and the weight is no more than 2.5-3 kg.

If the weight of the tax exceeds 10 kg, even with appropriate physical development, it will not be awarded the highest score due to unsuitability in the hunting field. The standard haired dachshund has a wedge-shaped head with a well-developed nape. Brow arc barely visible, but underlined by thick eyebrows. On large and mobile ears of a triangle shape, the tips are smoothed to a semicircle.

In this species, the nose has a straight back, gently tapering to the lobe. On the flattened cheekbones are well developed muscles. Dry lips are of medium size. Deep jaws, hiding strong strong teeth, jaws tightly closed.

The eyes are oval in shape, with a deep brown iris. There are also individuals and with amber and blue eyes with a color of a fur coat under blue marble.

The body of the dachshund is very massive, elongated, with a muscular withers (noticeably developed in males). The neck of the individuals has a developed nape, and the chest is oval and elongated, but not narrow. Descending or straight line of the back from the withers to the muscular croup. The lumbar region is elongated. The abdomen line is distinguished by a fit and smoothness.

The limbs of these dogs are strong, with very developed joints.. The front legs are parallel to each other, the upper part is pressed to the developed chest, and the wrists are visually curved, as they are located under the body. The hind legs of these dachshunds are somewhat wider than the front. The tail is flat or curved "sickle", set below the back line.

If you demonstrate a good attitude to the taxi, the dog will certainly reciprocate. But to the one who decides to offend her, the dog will fight back. In general, the dachshund is sociable and loves all family members, especially its owner.

These four-legged hunters are very active, if they are kept locked up, they will become sad. Dachshunds love hunting, baiting the beast and all the entertainment from this category. If the owner does not hunt, he still must give the dog an opportunity to frolic and run on a walk. If a dog is boring, he is able to channel his unspent energy into a “bad” channel.

The dog is able to adapt to the pace of life of the household. This breed is just perfect for all active people, although dog breeders with a measured lifestyle often prefer to start their own dachshunds.

The dog accompanies the host everywhere, with special pleasure making joint morning jogging, raids into the forest or city park. And if a long car ride is coming, a positive dachshund will happily get ready to go.

Dachshund is an excellent companion to its owner. These dogs are so cheerful that they infect others with their mood, raising their spirits with their enthusiasm. The energetic dachshund is friendly to the liking, but one should not forget that it is a hunter in the soul, and, therefore, it is desirable to exclude the neighborhood with small animals.

Nature takes its, therefore Dachshund is not the place next to cats, rodents and other wildlife. This should be taken into account when going to dog walking. At any time it can break at the sight of potential prey.

Dogs have elongated hair on their faces, forming a mustache, a beard and expressive eyebrows. Dense "coat" is resistant to pollution.

More often, representatives of this species demonstrate monophonic or bicolor color. But dogs are and tiger, marble, spotted, hare, wild boar, brownish brown coloring, as well as the color of "pepper and salt." The red German dachshund also comes in different shades: from light orange to pale yellow. The miniature dog is most often monochromatic: brown, black, reddish, sandy or bicolor: black / brown with a dark tan. Less often - grayish with spots like tiger stripes.

Mini-hunters demonstrate one common quality for all species - thick and healthy shine wool.

To bring a puppy of a classic smooth-haired dachshund today is not a problem, because quite a few breeders are engaged in breeding this breed. But the wire-haired look is harder to get, because so far it is a rarity. In Russia, you can contact the specialized nurseries engaged in the breeding of this species of dachshunds.There are not so many of them, so you will have to be puzzled by the search for a certified seller, and often even reserve a pet for yourself and wait for the appearance of offspring.

In cramped conditions, it is best to get a rabbit or miniature dachshund, and in a spacious house a larger rough-haired dog will get along well.

If you want to have not just a pet, but also a dog with the potential of a show winner, then The best option would be to buy a puppy in a specialized kennel. Only in this way you can be sure that the dog will be full-blooded, with all the accompanying genuine documents. Breeders in kennels demonstrate a serious approach to the dog breeding process.

Sometimes for a descendant of titled ancestors with excellent standard indicators sounded very large amount. If you take a puppy with it, but with a pedigree, you can count on the amount of about 20,000 rubles. Dog without documents will get much cheaper. But in this case there are no guarantees about the purebred origin of the pet.

Any puppy, for whatever it was bought, must be properly fed. Taxes do not belong to gourmets, but they need a balanced diet. In addition to a healthy diet, the dog needs a strict feeding regimen.

It is unacceptable to overfeed the dog, allowing him to eat as much as he pleases. Such an approach can lead to obesity in an animal and develop heart and spinal diseases. For squat dogs, overweight is very dangerous.

An adult dachshund is supposed to be fed twice a day. In the diet it is necessary to introduce such products:

• meat: turkey or lean beef in boiled form;
• sea ​​fish in boiled form without bones;
• cereals: rice, buckwheat, oatmeal;
• vegetables boiled and raw;
• fruits;
• chopped fresh greens (mixed in food).

In addition, it is recommended to feed 2 times a week raw eggs. A veterinarian may prescribe a dog mineral supplements. The decision on their admission is made by an expert for each individual individually.

Also, the owner may decide to feed the pet ready-made industrial food - dry or canned. It is important to choose a super premium product or a premium product suitable for small active dogs.

A decorative dog should not be a fun living toy. This is a full-fledged dog, which requires timely trimming and grooming, moderate exercise and good attitude. Only then the hunting dog will turn into a true friend to its owners.

Dachshund with a thick stiff coat can live outside the house. It will not freeze in bad weather in a booth equipped and warmed for the winter. And although the modern burrow was originally intended for hunting, now it serves as a companion to man more, and therefore needs to communicate with him, even if he lives in street conditions. Alone, the dog begins to feel sad and loses all his natural enthusiasm.

The tax can be maintained in an apartment and in a private house outside the city, where, of course, the dog will have more time on the street and frolic in spacious conditions. Although sometimes from such a frisky pet have to protect the beds and flower beds. An active dog can “plow” the entire plot of land. It is necessary to worry that the dog did not dig the tunnel and did not leave the site without the knowledge of the owner.

Like other dogs from the category of haired, dachshund periodically needs trimming.This is a special procedure, consisting in plucking off dead wool. It is usually held in a zoological salon. But the owner is able to cope with the trimmer at home. Trimming dachshund recommended at least semiannually.

You can cut the haircut only in places, making out a beard, mustache and eyebrows. Wholly cut should not be due to the likelihood of damage to the structure of wool. From a haircut, it will become soft. Also worth considering such a feature in dachshunds with a stiff coat, as intermittent baldness at the withers. This process is natural and should not bother the owners.

Bathe the dog every three months using special detergents. Sometimes you have to brush your wool more often, because often the dachshunds come from a walk pretty polluted. Affects their love for digging in the ground. In addition, the dogs of this breed - lovers rummage in the garbage.

The hanging ears of a dog also need regular cleaning. Special preparations for ear care are sold in veterinary pharmacies. They are aimed at stopping the infection.

It is also important for the eyes of the dachshund to pay attention and inspect them regularly. At revealing of plentiful tearing, reddening, purulent discharge of the eye, the dachshund should be washed. You need to use a clean cotton swab and boiled water and be sure to seek advice from a veterinarian.

To avoid dental disease, they need to be cleaned twice a week.. For prophylaxis it is indicated to give the dog special dentological toys and treats. Brushing your teeth to your dog is done from an early age. A well-groomed pet will delight owners with a great mood and healthy appearance.

On the features of care for taxes, see below.