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

To most amateur dog breeders, the dachshund seems to be a squat smooth-haired dog with a narrow long muzzle and shortened legs. This is not surprising, because in fact, this type of dachshund is the most common in the world. But rarer dachshunds, for example, wire-haired, also have admirers.

They are as passionate hunters as representatives of the smooth-haired type. At the same time, 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 education. Initially short-legged wire-haired dogs were used in Germany to hunt badgers.

The coarse thick coat helped during the hunt, protecting the dog's body from damage by dry branches and thorny bushes. Dachshunds were distinguished by courage, ingenuity and sneakiness. Ideal "scouts", easily penetrating into the narrowest animal holes.

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

After a long selection and the most careful rejection, it was possible to derive 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 species of dog was brought to Russia after the 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 short limbs and lean muscular bodies, 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 graceful, while not inferior to powerful males in their working qualities. The three varieties of the breed differ in size.

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

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

In this species, the nose has a straight back, smoothly tapering towards the lobe. The muscles on the flattened cheekbones are well developed. Dry lips are of medium size. The mouth is deep, hiding strong tenacious teeth, the jaws are tightly closed.

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

The body of the dachshund is very massive, elongated, with a muscular withers (noticeably developed in males). The neck of individuals is distinguished by a developed nape, and the chest is oval and elongated, but not wide. Sloping or straight back from the withers to the muscular croup. The lumbar region is lengthened. The line of the abdomen is distinguished by its tightness 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 against the developed chest, and the wrists are visually curved, as they are located under the body. The hind legs of these dachshunds are slightly wider than the front ones. The tail is straight or curled like a sickle, set below the back line.

If you show a good attitude to the dachshund, the dog will certainly reciprocate. But whoever decides to offend her, the dog will fight back. In general, the dachshund is sociable and adores all family members, especially its owner.

These four-legged hunters are very active, if kept locked up, they will become sad. Dachshunds love to hunt, hunt animals and all the entertainment from this category. If the owner does not hunt, all the same, he must certainly provide the dog with the opportunity to frolic and run for a walk. If the doggie is bored, he is able to direct his unused energy into a "nasty" channel.

The dog knows how 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 have a Dachshund.

The dog accompanies the owner everywhere, with special pleasure making joint morning jogs, forays into the forest or city park. And if a long car trip is coming, a positive tax will happily get ready for the journey.

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. An energetic dachshund is friendly in nature, but we must not forget that at heart it is a hunter, which means that it is advisable to exclude the neighborhood with small animals.

Nature takes its toll, therefore Dachshund is not a place next to cats, rodents and other animals... This must be taken into account when going for a walk the dog. At any moment, he can break off at the sight of potential prey.

On the muzzle of dogs, the coat is elongated, forming a mustache, beard and expressive eyebrows. The dense "fur coat" is resistant to dirt.

More often, representatives of this species demonstrate one-color or two-color color. But there are dogs brindle, marbled, spotted, hare, boar, brownish-brown coloring, and also the color "pepper and salt". The red-haired German Dachshund also comes in a variety of shades, from light orange to fawn. A miniature dog is most often monochromatic: brown, black, reddish, sandy or two-colored: black / brown with dark red markings. Less often - grayish with spots like tiger stripes.

Mini hunters exhibit one common quality across all species - density and healthy shine of the coat.

To have a puppy of a classic smooth-haired dachshund is not a problem today, because many breeders in nurseries are engaged in breeding this breed. But the wire-haired look is more difficult to acquire, because so far it is a rarity.... In Russia, you can contact specialized nurseries that breed this variety of dachshunds. There are not so many of them, so you have to be puzzled by finding a certified seller, and often even book a pet for yourself and wait for the offspring.

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

If you want to have not just a pet, but also a dog with the potential of an exhibition winner, then the best option would be to purchase a puppy in a specialized nursery. This is the only way to be sure that the dog will be purebred, with all accompanying genuine documents. Kennel breeders take a serious approach to dog breeding.

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

Any puppy, no matter how much it was bought, must be properly fed. Dachshunds are not gourmet, but they do 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. This approach can lead to obesity of the animal and develop diseases of the heart and spine. For squat dogs, being overweight is very dangerous.

An adult dachshund is supposed to be fed twice a day. The following foods must be included in the diet:

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

In addition, it is recommended that dachshunds feed 2 times a week raw eggs... Your veterinarian may prescribe mineral supplements for your dog. The decision on their admission is made by a specialist for each individual individually.

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

A decorative dog should not become a funny live toy. This is a full-fledged dog that needs timely trimming and grooming, moderate exercise and good attitude. Only then will the hunting dog turn into a loyal friend to its owners.

A dachshund with a dense, hard fur can live outside the house. She will not freeze in bad weather in a booth equipped and insulated for the winter. And although the modern burrowing breed was originally intended for hunting, now it serves more as a companion to a person, therefore it needs to communicate with him, even if it lives in street conditions. Alone, the doggie begins to feel sad and loses all its natural fervor.

A dachshund can be kept in an apartment and in a private house outside the city, where, of course, the dog will spend more time on the street and frolic in spacious conditions. Although sometimes it is necessary to protect the beds and flower beds from such a playful pet. An active dog can "plow" the entire land plot. It is also worth taking care that the dog does not dig a tunnel and leave the site without the knowledge of the owner.

Like other dogs from the category of wire-haired, the dachshund periodically needs trimming. This is a special procedure that involves plucking out dead hair. It is usually carried out in a zoological salon. But the owner is able to cope with the trimmer at home. It is recommended to trim the dachshund at least semiannually.

Dachshunds can only be trimmed in places, shaping the beard, mustache and eyebrows... Do not cut completely because of the likelihood of damage to the structure of the coat. The haircut will make it soft. It is also worth considering such a feature in dachshunds with a hard coat, such as periodic 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 dachshunds come from a walk pretty dirty. Their love for digging in the ground affects. In addition, dogs of this breed are lovers of rummaging through the garbage.

The hanging ears of the dog also need regular cleaning. Veterinary pharmacies sell special ear care products. They are aimed at stopping the infection.

It is also important to pay attention to the eyes of a dachshund and examine them regularly. If profuse lachrymation, redness, purulent discharge are detected, the eyes of the dachshund must be rinsed. You need to use a clean cotton swab and boiled water and be sure to consult a veterinarian.

To exclude dental disease, they must be cleaned twice a week.... For prevention, it is indicated to give the dog special dental toys and treats. Cleaning the teeth of the doggie is carried out from an early age.A well-groomed pet will delight the owners with an excellent mood and healthy appearance.

See below for details on caring for dachshunds.