Docksun. Dash-hound. Datsun. Docks-hooned. Wiener dog. Sausage dog. Hot dog. Low rider.
No matter what you call it or how you pronounce it, Dachshunds are one of the most identifiable breeds around. Long and low, their profile is unmistakable.
Their original purpose, and reason for this structure, is to work underground in tunnels. Dachshunds are independent hunters. When they went below ground, they did not have a hunter or farmer to guide them or tell them what to do; they had to figure that out themselves. Their job was to corner a badger in their den and bark so that the farmer above ground could dig down to dispatch it.
This also explains their tenacious and bold personalities. They are a different kind of “smart” than a Poodle or retriever, which take commands from their human partners, but Dachshunds are incredibly clever and resourceful. When working underground, they have to navigate dens, tunnels
, tree roots, and a hissing, snarling badger trying to attack them. The AKC (American Kennel Club) offers Earth Dog Tests for Dachshunds to demonstrate these below-ground skills, but using rats.
Both sizes of Dachshunds (Standard and Miniature) are efficient and useful with above-ground prey, as their size and structure can also be utilized for hunting rabbits. Long, low, and athletic is great for working in thick ground cover. AKC offers Field Trials for our beloved breed to test this ability to track a fresh rabbit trail.
Dachshunds need to have proper structure to do their job efficiently, whether above or below ground, and the best test of holding that structure is movement. Dachshunds should be well muscled and ready to do a full day’s work. A Dachshund should catch your eye on the side movement as being smooth and fluid, with balance and efficiency in covering ground. They should not be bouncy or choppy. FASTER movement doesn’t mean they are covering ground more efficiently. Watch to see how many steps are being taken, and foot placement. Longer, sweeping strides are preferred, but one shouldn’t see TRAD (tremendous reach and drive). One should be able to visualize a glass of water sitting on the Dachshund’s back while movement—without spillage!
Dachshunds have THREE coat varieties (smooth, wirehaired, and longhaired), hence their presence of three in number in the Hound Group at all-breed shows. We are fortunate to have over 54 Dachshund clubs across the country, with 43 that hold Conformation specialty shows.
Dachshunds also come in TWO sizes, Miniature and Standard. Miniatures are defined as 11.0 pounds and under at 12 months or older, which is the definition of the “Open Miniature” class. This class is the only place a Dachshund is weighed in Conformation.
In the past, more judges required dogs to “weigh in” at local Specialties, and almost always at the National Specialty, but this seldom happens anymore. Some judges, and breeders, want to see a clear definition in the two sizes; others prioritize balance and structure over a strict size distinction.
Maintaining structural quality and consistency in the Miniature size can be a great challenge. Breeding the anomaly of dwarfism (achondroplasty) for the Dachshund’s unique function certainly goes against mother nature’s selection away from the extreme. Taking that, and then further crunching the genes by miniaturizing, can be challenging to breed while keep quality and consistency. Breeders dedicated to Miniature Dachshunds have made great strides in recent decades in the overall improvement in structure and quality.
Regardless of size or coat, Dachshunds are hunters. To hunt game, and to be worthy companions for helping to bring home dinner (rabbits) or rid the farm of vermin (badgers), structure, and most importantly, MOVEMENT, is of utmost importance, as with any hound or sporting dog. A Dachshund needs much more than a level topline and a waggy tail. No matter the coat variety or size, Dachshunds are ONE breed.
THREE coats.
TWO sizes.
ONE breed.
The Dachshund is an athletic hunter that needs a classic long and low outline, a sound structure, and a bold personality!
