Dachshunds

Dachshunds are the most intelligent, entertaining and stubborn dogs out there. If you are reading this, you might also know them as the Doxies or the infamous wiener dogs. This interesting dog, a symbol of Germany, is most known for its stubby legs and long back- making it look like a hot dog. This inspires people still today to dress them up in a bun and some ketchup. There are even Dachshund races held in many places, including here in Milwaukee, during German Fest. But at first, these interesting dogs used their low bodies for more useful things.

Originally, they were bred to hunt. Some might find this a silly thought, but it actually makes sense. The main animals hunted by these dogs were badgers. The name Dachshund even comes from German roots, meaning "badger dog". Badgers live in narrow burrows under the ground, which meant big dogs couldn’t get in. The Dachshund's low body actually gave it an advantage, making it very easy to get into the burrow and retrieve the badger. This also applied to foxes and rabbits. But the earlier form of the breed of dachshunds weighed between 30 and 40 pounds on average, much heavier than the modern breed, so they weren't as petite. Though dachshunds were probably created by German breeders, some people believe they go as far back as Ancient Egypt. There were carvings of hunting dogs with short legs found by the American University of Cairo, and also found in some Egyptian tombs, were Dachshund-like dogs that have been mummified. They are not sure what their purpose was at that time, but it was possible that they were simply favored by the Egyptians. Even if they weren't actually there in ancient Egypt, it is sure that they do have traces of some French and also English hounds and terriers bred into them. The breeders mixed the dachshund for the reason of adapting it to make hunting less of a hassle.

Breeders purposely bred the long ears into Dachshunds, for the reason that dirt, seeds and other things don’t get into the ear. The long, curved tail was also added so the dachshunds could be easily spotted in fields. This was also done because it could be used to pull the dog out, if stuck in a burrow. Some other main appearance characteristics have to do with its long snout. It is very good in absorbing odors and sniffing out animals. Dachshunds have large paws, handy for tunneling, and a deep chest, for easy breathing. Doxies' coats can vary from short, long, or wire-haired, and can be found in almost any color that a dog's coat can come in, besides all white. However they can be cream colored. Wiener dogs' coats can be dappled, meaning many different spots and areas of color. Though very small, dachshunds are extremely muscular and well built. They are very speedy, too, despite their short legs. And obviously, its long, lean body. Though it helped them in hunting, it makes their back very fragile and prone to intervertebral disk disease, so they have to be handled gently. Other than their appearance, Dachshunds' characteristics stand out very much, too.

Dachshunds aren't always the classic dog that follows your every command. If he doesn’t want to sit, he won't sit. Not that they aren't intelligent, because they are. Dachshunds are just very, very stubborn. These dogs are also extremely dominant, acting like they're in charge. Wiener dogs will be very loyal to their owners and a few others, but will bark and growl at strangers. They surprise many people by how loud and deep their bark is. They will usually tolerate kids, but might bite if they feel threatened. Regardless of being independent, most Doxies love to play, especially chase things like toys, tennis balls, or any animal they might see. But the reason that Dachshunds are 5th most popular dog breed in America is because they are so determined and lovable.

Lots of people have owned Wiener dogs, even some famous people. E.B. White, William Randolph Hearst, and even Pablo Picasso were proud Dachshund owners. But these dogs weren't always so popular. During the First World War many dachshunds were killed. Some were tortured by being stoned to death. Anyone owning a dachshund was considered "Un-American", because wiener dogs were German. After the war, their popularity slowly came back, and currently, they are one of the top breeds in the country. Now many people favor these beloved pets. Dachshunds really are man's best friend.

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• "Dachshund - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia." Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Nov. 2010. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dachshund>. 
• "Dachshunds." Free Web Site Hosting - On A Mission - Free web site hosting for businesses and personal use . N.p., n.d. Web. 19 Nov. 2010. <http://oamweb.com/educational/dachsiefaq/dachshunds.html>.