Our little dachshunds are fun, friendly, loyal, and loving dogs. They are one of the most popular dog breeds amongst dog lovers because of their unique physique and cheerful personality. Therefore, many people ask themselves, – What are dachshunds bred for?
Read further to find out!
Otherwise called dackels or teckels, dachshunds certainly don’t look like any other dog breed! The dachshund’s long tubular body and muzzle and its short stumpy legs may leave you wondering,- Why do they look this way?
In this article, we will explore this topic, answering the question, – What are dachshunds bred for?
In doing so, we will gain a better understanding of why the dogs we love so much today look the way they do.
So let’s get started!
Hunting History Of Dachshunds
It is a common fact that the dachshund originated in Germany and was bred for use as a hunting dog.
The two German words that make up the name of this dog breed, “dachs-hund,” literally translate to “badger-hound.”
The name justifies the fact that dachshunds were used for forcing badgers out from underneath the ground. They were also useful for flushing out other tunneling animals such as foxes.
The dachshund physique has evolved over time to resemble the typical physical breed traits that we are familiar with today.
Initially, the emphasis was on breeding a dog that was most suitable for the task of assisting humans in hunting badgers and other small prey.
A dog with a long tubular body and short but sturdy legs was a perfect hunter. Dachshunds were able to navigate the badgers’ underground world unhindered.
The dachshund’s long muzzle with its sharp teeth and a strong jaw was also an advantage in underground hunting.
Firstly, the well-developed jaw with sharp teeth allowed the weiner dog to protect the more vulnerable, softer body parts in the case of a face-to-face confrontation with a badger within the small space of a tunnel.
Secondly, it enabled the dachshund to clamp onto the badger with a vice-like grip and drag it out of the den.
What are Miniature Dachshunds Bred for?
You may be wondering what the miniature dachshunds were bred for?
Miniature dachshunds were also initially bred for a hunting purpose.
This smaller sized dog was able to tackle smaller prey such as rabbits, rats, and other rodents or small mammals.
Dachshund Personality And Temperament
The dachshund is a small dog in size, but definitely not a small dog in its personality.
People often joke about that dachshunds are big dogs in little bodies, and that the weenies have no concept of their small size.
Have you ever heard a dachshund barking?
It has the deep and loud bark of a bigger dog. It is a constant reminder when we ponder our question- what are dachshunds bred for?
These dogs’ primary purpose was to hunt ferocious animals, and so they needed to be able to defend themselves.
Wiener dogs are famous for exhibiting aggressive behaviour, usually towards other dogs or strangers. Breed experts link this aggressiveness to the natural hunting instincts, ingrained in the breed.
Dachshunds do make wonderful family pets, though. They are perfect watchdogs, that’s for sure!
Dachshunds as Family Pets
In fact, it could be one of the reasons when considering the question, – What are dachshunds bred for today? They are indeed excellent family pets and are good with children.
When it comes to early training, families can have a few teething troubles due to the dachshund’s stubborn mentality.
It is because sausage dogs are highly intelligent and they tend to work independently. In order to successfully train a dachshund, you will need a tonne of patience and persistence.
It’s a well-know fact that wiener dogs are also loyal family pets. On the other hand, they are sometimes prone to separation anxiety. As well as that, dachshunds can show aggression when “protecting” their owners from perceived threats.
All in all, if you are considering to bring a dachshund into your family, you shouldn’t worry too much about behaviorial issues.
You can have an obedient and peaceful, well-behaved pet as long as you train your weiner dog correctly.
Dachshund’s sense of loyalty to the family may also give you some peace of mind knowing that you have a little warrior looking out for the household.
Also, dachshunds are great with kids; they are incredibly playful and can be bubbly and funny dogs. They love to make games out of anything, so they are great for keeping children entertained.
The exercise the dachshunds get during play will also help to spend their energy so that you won’t have to worry about them developing any unwanted habits, like tearing up your furniture.
That is to say, the dachshunds’ owners that have not invested in their pets’ on-going physical training will often end up with a very naughty dog.
Some unfortunate pet owners, if asked what dachshunds are bred for, will jokingly say that they have been born to cause havoc in the home!
The best way to help your dachshund live longer?
Watch our video to find out!
What Are Dachshunds Bred For Today?
Dachshunds today are bred for very different reasons than chasing down animals. Nowadays, we don’t get a dachshund because we want it to help us flush out badgers and foxes in our back yards.
Modern breeders have latched onto what we as consumers are looking for in a pet dog.
Because of its tiny size, the dachshund, both the standard and miniature sizes, fall into the category of the small-sized (toy) breeds.
Toy breeds, along with the popular “designer” dog breeds, are the most sought after pet dogs since the explosion of cute dogs on social media.
Designer dog breeds result from two dog breeds mated to make a hybrid, (for example, a Dameranian, which is a dachshund bred with a Pomeranian).
Other dachshund designer crossbreeds include:
- Pugsund (Dachshund Pug mix)
- Chiweenie (Dachshund Chihuahua mix)
- Docker (Dachshund Cocker Spaniel mix)
- Dachshund Great Dane mix
- Doxbull (Dachshund Pit Bull mix)
- Dachshund German Shepherd mix
- Dachshund Husky mix
- Dorkie (Dachshund Terrier mix)
- Dorgi (Dachshund Corgi Mix)
- Dachsador (Dachshund Labrador mix)
- Doxiepoo (Dachshund Poodle mix)
- Dachshund Beagle Mix
- Dameranian (Dachshund Pomeranian mix)
Today, young people looking for puppies want cute, trendy, often handbag-sized dogs. There has also been an increase in demand for smaller dogs due to young couples living in the urban environment.
It makes sense, of course, to go for a breed that isn’t going to get too big, when most people in this demographic live in small and densely furnished apartments.
Dachshunds make the perfect choice for an apartment dog and suit the trendy young couple.
The Modern Dachshund Look
The look of the dachshund is gradually changing. It is because people now breed dachshunds primarily as pets. Weiner dogs’ size is getting even smaller, and the bodies more elongated.
Nowadays, you can also find a dachshund of all the fancy colours and patterns. Namely, you can meet the dapple, the piebald, the brindle, the sable, and the double dapple doxie.
Living in the megapolis, and being handbag-sized, dachshunds are also not getting the exercise they need. It adds extra weight to the body and even more pressure on the spine.
Obesity is one of the main factors that lead the dachshund sadly being more and more prone to spinal issues, such as IVDD.
What are Dachshunds Bred for – To Summarise
When we think about the question,- What are dachshund bred for – we consider its original hunting purpose.
However, the dachshund of today looks quite different from its hunting ancestors. I hope we helped you to gain a better understanding of why the dachshund looks the way it does.
In summary, dachshunds are very versatile creatures; they are excellent hunting dogs, and they are just as good as family pets.