CANINE CORNER WITH REBECCA HAWKINS
THE DACHSHUND
The Dachshund, (Pronounced daks-hund) also known as the "wiener dog" or "sausage dog," originated in Germany. The breed's name "Dachshund" translates to "badger dog" in German, reflecting its original purpose as a hunting dog used to track and hunt badgers and other burrowing animals.
There is a huge debate as to when the Dachshund were specifically bred for their purpose of badger hunting, but some believe is was as long ago as the 15th century.
They first appeared in the UK in 1840, Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria, was gifted a number of smooth coated dogs.
These versatile hunting dogs are capable of pursuing game both above and below ground. Their elongated bodies, strong claws and short legs were well-suited for navigating through burrows and tunnels to locate and flush out prey.
Over time, selective breeding practices refined the Dachshund breed to emphasize specific traits such as scenting ability, stamina, and courage. Different sizes of Dachshunds were developed to target various types of game, with the Standard, Miniature, and Toy varieties becoming popular.
Today, Dachshunds are cherished as beloved companions and family pets, known for their playful personalities, loyalty, and affectionate nature. Despite their diminutive size, Dachshunds retain the spirit of their hunting ancestors, displaying traits of independence, curiosity, and bravery that have endeared them to dog lovers worldwide.
Training a Dachshund can be a rewarding but sometimes challenging experience due to the breed's independent and stubborn nature. Dachshunds are intelligent dogs with a strong will, which can make them less eager to please than some other breeds. However, with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement techniques, Dachshunds can be trained effectively.
Interesting fact - The dog (not the HotDog) came first. They are sometimes called ‘wiener dogs’ because their long bodies resemble hotdogs. But would you believe that the original name for the hot dog was the Dachshund Sausage! The deli product received its name because it resembled the dog breed, The name was later shortened to ‘Hot Dog’.
