All About Longhair Dachshunds

The dog has long been considered a true friend of man. For some people, it is customary to have dogs of large breeds, others prefer to have indoor dogs, still others do not pay attention to the size of the animal, and perceive only the character and temperament of the pet. The only breed uniting individual preferences of people is the dachshund. These dogs in appearance can be called dwarf animals.

Thanks to their special endurance and muscles, they will be able to give a forum to dogs of large breeds. And in temperament, they are suitable for people with any lifestyle and interests, although most often taxes are acquired by hunters. Today, long-haired dachshunds are in high demand.

Dachshund is considered an ancient breed that gives rise to other species of burrowing dogs. Only scientists have not been able to determine the exact date of origin of the long-haired variety of dogs with an elongated body. However, numerous excavations indicate that the described breed of dog lived on the territory of ancient Rome, Greece and Egypt. It was there that the skeletons of animals with an elongated body and short paw sizes were found.

All breeds of dogs with a short stature and a long body have the same ancestors, namely the ancient hounds. Dachshund in this matter is no exception.

Short-legged representatives of dogs with an elongated torso became popular after several hundred years and were used for hunting burrowing animals. For the first time, German hunters gave a positive assessment of the disproportionate body of dogs, after which the breeders firmly set about breeding squat breeds. The dachshund was officially recognized in 1988, after which the dog breeders began to actively breed and distribute the puppies.

This fact played an important role in the formation of other subspecies of the Dachshund breed. In simple words, a long-haired variety appeared by crossing a classic dachshund with a spaniel, and a long-haired rabbit was born by mating a dwarf dachshund with a pincher and toy terrier. Along with other breeds in the history of dachshunds, there are several special dates that every breeder of a short-footed breed should know.

• XVI-XVII century The period of formation of the Dachshund breed in Germany. The Germans paid special attention to the breeding of short-legged and stunted dogs, which made it easier to hunt wild animals living in burrows.
• XVIII century It was at this time that the breed being breed and its subspecies acquired the final appearance and characteristics.
• 1939-1945 During these time periods, the demand and popularity of the Dachshund breed is sharply reduced, as the world community has negative emotions about everything related to Germany. And only thanks to the special efforts of the breeders devoted to their work, the dachshunds after a short period of time re-win the sympathy of the public.
• 1972 It was then that the XX Summer Olympic Games were held, the mascot of which was a dachshund named Waldi. The popularity of this dog knew no bounds. Her image in a striped T-shirt was placed on envelopes, clothes and utensils.

Along with other purebred dogs, long-haired dachshunds have an official standard of appearance. Even a minimal deviation from the norm may indicate culling. The maximum height of an adult dog at the withers does not exceed 35 cm. The standard weight of an adult varies between 9 kg. Shedding of a long-haired variety of dachshunds proceeds according to the season, the process of hair loss is moderate and does not bring trouble to the breeder.

In color, representatives of long-haired dachshunds have different variations. They can be one-color, two-color and with spotty spots. The coat itself is long, flowing down, quite thick. A distinctive feature of the breed is a dense undercoat that warms the animal in winter. The head of a dachshund has an oblong shape with oval transitions, tapering smoothly and evenly to the tip of the nose.

High-set ears to the touch are very soft, quite long. Breeders note their high mobility. The body of the dachshund should be smooth, with a slightly pronounced muscularity. According to the norms of the structure of the body, the chest area of ​​the dachshund should slightly protrude. The stomach is picked up. The harmoniously folded limbs of the miniature body must be muscular and bony. The tail is located in the upper part of the body, slightly bent at the tip.

The dachshund is distinguished by a moderately long body, slightly squat and compact in size. Excellent muscle allows her to develop good speed and endure long journeys on her paws. Despite such low growth in animals, there is no feeling of discomfort or difficulty during movement. On the contrary dogs show perfect control over their bodies, are able to overcome the most difficult obstacles.

A distinctive feature of the dachshund is its strong claws.thanks to which they easily dig out the soil. For a minute of hard work, a furry animal can dig a hole 45 cm deep.

Long-haired dachshunds are characterized by a soft, gentle and friendly character. In general, they are considered smart animals, quite energetic, flexible, gambling masters of hunting art. Their main weapon is charm, perseverance and stubbornness. Some representatives of the long-haired species tend to dominate and may show increased egoism. At the same time, dachshunds are very curious creatures. That is why they are trying to get acquainted with the outside world, in spite of any obstacles.

Dachshunds by nature are very strongly attached to the owner and his family. But strangers are trying to avoid. As an ideal place to relax, they prefer the lap of their owner. If a person is lying, they are laid on his neck. And at night they must climb under the covers. From birth, it is very important to teach Dachshund puppies to society. This is especially true for other dogs, other pets and children. If you do not deal with this issue, over the dachshund may prevail her hunting instinct.

Like other representatives of small breeds Dachshunds can be harsh and wary of large dogs.. And in the case when large dogs respond to aggression, small animals most often hide at the feet of their master. Dachshunds live as comfortably as possible in large and friendly families who love outdoor activities. Only for a full understanding and maximum adaptation, it is necessary to have a puppy of two or three months of age.

At this age, the baby is much easier to teach to society, and along with this, to raise a sense of respect for the animal in all family members, especially for children. If a child shows harshness and cruelty towards a dachshund, she can be aggressive.

Some owners of long-haired dachshunds claim that these animals are able to replace a professional psychotherapist. They are attentive listeners and are sensitive to their master. Without much difficulty they discern the mood of people, and in the absence of positive, they try to cheer. Although sometimes they can overdo it and even start biting in a playful way.

The life cycle of a long-haired dachshund is largely dependent on care and its maintenance. Average values ​​range from 10 to 15 years. Although some owners claim that their pets survived to the age of twenty. Dogs that die early in life are likely to have a poor genetic inheritance or catch a disease that does not manifest itself outside.

Before you begin to deal with color variations, you need to familiarize yourself with the shaggy coat variety of dachshunds in more detail. In terms of its structure, the hair coat of this breed is particularly smooth. When bright rays hit, natural shine is visible. Under the main part of the hair is a small undercoat with a soft structure. Next, you can talk about color. Longhair dachshunds have a variety of colors.

• Plain wool. The hairline can be red, fawn or reddish yellow. Although the most popular is considered pure color with a small admixture of black.

• Two-tone wool. In this case, dark, black and brown shades are characteristic. But in each case, small tanning marks of cream and fawn color are visible.

• Marble Wool. The main hair color can be black, red or gray, on top of which you can see small spots of a gradient shade.

• Tiger color wool. In this case, shades of red, fawn and tiger-dark are supposed.

Very rare, but can still be found dachshund with white hair. Usually these are representatives of the shorthair breed. Despite this, the nose and eyes have a pronounced line of dark colors. According to scientists, albinos are born by crossing dachshunds with a marbled color of wool.

Grooming is a mystery to most dog breeders, although everyone is familiar with its basics. It is about the rules for caring for pets and their appearance. The grooming knowledge is especially important for owners of long-haired breeds, including dachshunds.

• Bathing. Bath procedures should be carried out only if necessary, but no more than 4 times a year, otherwise the dog’s skin may dry out. To bathe a long-haired dachshund, you will need to purchase a special shampoo and balm, thanks to which wool is easy to comb. The first communication of the dog with water should be carried out at six months of age.

• Combing. Dogs with long hair should be scratched several times a week, and during molting daily. To do this, you need to purchase a special massage brush with rare teeth.

• A haircut. If a long-haired pet participates in exhibition events, the cutting procedure should be entrusted to a professional master, since the hair of the applicant for victory should emphasize the breed standard. And to maintain a clean and tidy appearance, you can do your own hair cutting. Especially for the animal it will be much more comfortable. Long hair is an advantage, although there are still some flaws.

Thanks to the miniature size and kindness of the dog, care for the dachshund at home is not difficult. In general, the standard rules for keeping a pet are familiar to everyone. Waiting for the four-legged friend to appear in the house, the new owner needs to buy a sunbed, various toys, a collar, a leash, a toothbrush and toothpaste.

It’s enough to take care of your pet’s teeth once a week. Thus, fresh breath is preserved and plaque is removed. We should not forget that long-haired dachshunds require special care for the claws. For example, dachshund puppies need to regularly file their claws; in an adult, they grind on the asphalt while walking. The ears of a long-haired beauty are important to inspect daily. If contamination occurs, clean with a cotton pad and vegetable oil.

Walk the baby twice a day, for two hours. In this case, the dog should be maximal physical activity. Upon returning home, the pet's paws should be wiped or washed. Some owners who are overly fond of their animals purchase overalls for them in the winter. However, in the case of long-haired dachshunds, this clothing option is not ideal. Firstly, the coat is deteriorating. Secondly, clothes constrain movement. Thirdly, there is no possibility of natural hardening of the dog.

The process of raising a dachshund must begin from its very birth. Initially, this is the mother. Puppies carefully study her habits and try to copy behavior. At the age of one and a half months, babies begin to be weaned from their mother and from that moment the owner needs to start training the animal to live in a new house. Before starting training, the baby must learn basic knowledge.

• Nickname. It is important that the animal has its own name from birth.Although most new owners try to rename the animal or purchase a puppy that does not have a nickname.
• Team "place". It is necessary that the puppy has its own separate place for privacy. Otherwise, the baby will climb onto a sofa or bed.
• The command is "impossible". In this case, prohibitions on begging for food or abducting it from the table are supposed.
• Collar. From the first birthdays, a little puppy should have its own accessory. As it grows, the collar will change, and the habit of it will not disappear.

Breeders, in turn, argue that you can not immediately give the puppy all the toys, it is necessary to give them to the pet gradually, each time causing the baby a sense of joy. A couple of weeks after getting acquainted with the basic knowledge of puppies, you can prepare for training. It is necessary to introduce them to street noise, otherwise, being in the space of loud sounds, the baby will be scared and will not respond to his master’s speech.

Trainers claim that dogs of the Dachshund breed need to be trained in several teams:

• "Sit";
• “Lie down”;
• "Nearby";
• "Walk";
• "To me".

The diet of a dachshund puppy and an adult is largely different from each other. At different stages of development, the animal needs certain vitamins. In addition, there is a difference in the number of feedings. The first month and a half the puppy receives vitamins and minerals with breast milk. After the baby’s diet is supplemented with solid food. When feeding babies, the owner must adhere to special rules.

• The diet of the baby should consist of a six-time meal with a gradual reduction.
• The puppy must have constant access to water.
• The first few weeks, solid food must be ground through a grater or chopped with a knife so that the baby can chew them with small teeth.
• The baby needs to be fed before walking, since immediately after the food is ingested, puppies are urged to help.

Of course, dry feed is quite convenient and easy to use at home. Cooking time is saved, and a bag of dog food does not take up much space. And if you choose food from a series of super-premium class, then the dog at any age will receive a full range of vitamins and minerals.

In the case when the dog breeder has the opportunity to prepare separate dishes for his pet, it is best to opt for natural food. The basis of nutrition of an adult with natural nutrition are the following products.

• Meat and fish. These foods should occupy up to 40% of the dog’s daily diet. Before feeding, it is important to boil the food.
• Cereals. Preferably buckwheat, rice and oatmeal. Semolina, legumes and cereals can cause diarrhea.
• Fresh water. It is very important that an adult has constant access to drink.

About the features of the maintenance of long-haired dachshunds see below.