The black dachshund is easily recognizable, it is distinguished from others even by one who has only an approximate idea of the dog breeds. Dachshunds often act in films, they are used as an image for animated and literary stories. They are willingly turned on at home, because a smooth-haired small dog gets along well in urban apartments.
Puppies and adults are most often either completely red, harlequin, or black with a tan. Black color may not seem too original, but it is it that is classic in this breed.
Origin history
Black dachshunds are one of the oldest dog breeds on the planet. Information about short-footed hunting dogs was recorded in ancient Egypt. Their elongated body and pointed tail do not allow you to confuse dachshunds with any other dog. Of course, over time, the appearance of the breed changed, for example, the shape of the head and ears became different, which the ancestors of today's dachshund were erect.
Officially, the representatives of the breed were bred by German breeders.
Their appearance on the European continent was recorded as early as the 15th century, while official information was recorded in the 18th century. The appearance of these dogs has already become standard for modern understanding, they were lop-eared and witty, although they differed in longer legs and more massive body dimensions
For dogs involved in hunting, black color was still preferred for many years.
Appearance
The standard allows three sizes of dachshunds. The height and weight of the dog are not the only parameters for determining the size, the chest girth is also important:
- standard size: body weight in the region of 9 kg, chest girth - more than 35 cm;
- miniature size: maximum weight - 5.5 kg, girth - up to 35 cm;
- rabbit size: weight varies between 3.4-4 kg, chest circumference - less than 30 cm.
The external characteristics of the breed, which easily distinguish the dog from others:
- stunting;
- elongated body;
- limbs are shortened, while not curves, of a strong type;
- ears set high, hanging type;
- the mouth is strong;
- the nose is black, shiny;
- eyes of an oblique type, color dark, brown;
- the look is clever, expressive, attentive;
- saber-shaped tail, medium length, not too thin;
- coat color is coal, juicy, contrasting with red-red tan;
- small spots on the chest are allowed in a small amount, darkened, tan is too large, but all this is attributed to shortcomings.
In addition to dimensional subspecies, dachshunds are also classified by type of wool.
- Smooth-haired. The coat adheres tightly to the skin, is smooth, shiny, and the length of the hairs is short. If you pat, it feels like soft.
- Wirecoat. The hair is rough, hard, like a wire. Such dogs have shaggy eyebrows, beard, mustache, outwardly they resemble the breed of terriers.
- Longhair. Elongated hair is located only on the body, ears, limbs, tail. The head is framed by short hair that fits snugly to the skin.
Color features
If we talk about the standard requirements for the breed, then it is the black and tan suit that is indicated as canonical. In this case, the color of the tan also matters, it should not be too dark, merge with the main tone. Such moments are considered defective. Dogs of a completely black color are rejected; the absence of reddish hair is considered unacceptable.
Outwardly, black dachshunds are very interesting, they are distinguished by a graceful appearance, elegance. The contrast of red and black hair gives the dog even greater effect.
Increased tanning marks entering the forehead region are allowed above the elbows.
Such dogs do not look very typical, unusual, but do not cull, as well as the darkening of the tan.
There are several types of black dachshund colors.
- Black and tan. The main charcoal color is combined with red tan marks on the muzzle, as well as dots of the same tone in the underside, on the limbs, chest and neck.
- Pure black. This is a rare variety, there is a tan in this case, but it is poorly distinguishable due to darkening.
- Black and white. It is classified as non-standard and very rare. Outwardly, it looks as follows - on a coal basis, white spots appear - larger than tan marks. Spots can be on the head, legs.
- Black and white with tan. Another color that is not included in the breed standard. Very similar to the previous one, but there are differences. In addition to white spots, there are also reddish tan marks.
Any non-standard color can be found in a thoroughbred dog, while it is considered atypical for purebred individuals. Very often, under the guise of such dogs they sell mestizos. Such dogs will not be able to participate in contests and forums.
Advantages and disadvantages of the breed
Like every animal, dachshunds have their own advantages and disadvantages that must be paid attention to before starting a dog.
The pluses include the following points:
- smart, smart;
- very pretty and funny, interesting with them;
- active, moving a lot, energetic;
- get along well with children, play a lot;
- preserved protective qualities;
- as a hunter, the dog is very good;
- good immunity, with proper care, they rarely get sick;
- long life span;
- very pretty, graceful in appearance, always attract attention.
It is impossible not to say about the disadvantages of the breed:
- there is a genetic predisposition to a number of diseases, “under the gun” ears, eyes, spine;
- prone to obesity, especially with the wrong diet;
- quite pugnacious, can bully other people's dogs, regardless of their size;
- they dig the ground, they can spoil beds, flower beds, houses in danger of flower pots;
- too independent and imagine a lot about themselves, so they can be very stubborn.
Content and Health
The life expectancy of a black dachshund is from 12 to 13 years. They rarely get sick, but structural features of the body, unfortunately, make injuries and problems with the spine quite common. Among other common diseases:
- epilepsy;
- eye diseases;
- problems with the ears;
- obesity.
A common occurrence is chest deformity in dachshund puppies. If the case is difficult, then the little dog will not be able to walk. This pathology is called "swimmer's syndrome." It becomes apparent at the age of one month, so the risk of acquiring a sick dog is minimal.
In order for the dog to develop well, not to get sick, it is necessary to organize quality care for it. Dachshund is not too demanding, but there are nuances that you need to know and observe.
If we talk about caring for wool, then a lot depends on its type. Smooth-haired representatives practically do not require any manipulations, except for combing twice a week. During molting, this procedure is carried out every day. As for the wire-haired and long-haired dachshunds, they need the following special procedures: trimming and haircuts on a regular basis. You can trim long hair yourself, but trimming a dog with stiff hair is very difficult. It is better to entrust this procedure to a specialist if you do not have such skills.
It is very important to constantly check the condition of the teeth, ears, eyes of the dog. This must be done every day, as necessary, the eyes and ears are cleaned, the nails are cut with a special nail clipper.
It is recommended to regularly show the dog to a veterinarian, not to self-medicate, to vaccinate and preventatively treat external and internal parasites in a timely manner.
How to choose a puppy?
The cost of dachshund puppies is variable, it depends on the class of parents, the existing flaws, variety. In general, taxes are very common in our country, almost every major city has nurseries or breeders with a good reputation. There are also a lot of ads for sale through online resources, puppies can be found in the markets.
You should refrain from shopping in such places, despite all the charm of the kids and skillful entreaties of sellers. High-quality puppies are not sold in this way, they do not have documents, information about health and vaccinations. Parents of such puppies may not be purebred dachshunds, most often it is a cross between a dachshund with another breed.
Experts recommend contacting cynological clubs, nurseries. Regardless of the purpose of the acquisition, it is always better to take a dog with documents.
When choosing a puppy, pay attention to the following points:
- exterior, color intensity tan, its size;
- sociability and friendliness of the baby;
- vigorous, cheerful, active behavior;
- freedom of movement.
You can get to know the dachshund closer in the next video.