| “The sun illuminates only the eye of the man, but shines into the eye and the heart of the child” | |
- Ralph Waldo Emerson quotes
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" The Dachshund is, quite simply, the “right dog” for many people. Small in size, even the largest Standard Dachshund weighs only about 30 pounds. Easy to maintain in good physical condition, the Dachshund doesn’t require long runs over many acres. Possessing a friendly, companionable personality, the Dachshund charms his way into the hearts of all who get to know him.
The fact that Dachshunds love people, especially children and the elderly, endears them to the general population. Indeed, Dachshunds are among the most popular breeds of dog in the USA, Germany and Britain. Although the original purpose of hunting is no longer the main reason to breed Dachshunds, they possess so many other desirable qualities that they will retain their popular status for many years to come. However, for the few Dachshund owners who are interested in preserving that hunting trait, there are Dachshund field trials. In America, trials were instituted in 1935. These competitions judge the dogs’ ability and style in finding and retrieving game such as rabbits. The dogs must possess good noses (to smell the prey), courage to pursue the prey, keenness for the hunt, perseverance and willingness to get the job done.
All Dachshunds, regardless of variety or size, compete together in field trials. At a trial, a Dachshund is a Dachshund. There are, however, various stakes or classes for dogs of different ages and experience. Once a dog earns a field trial champion title, he enters the Dachshund history book of distinction and his progeny are much sought after. The rules for field trials, obedience and agility competitions, and breed conformation classes, are spelled out in detail by both breed clubs and kennel clubs. In order to produce dogs that will achieve success in competition, whether conformation or performance events, breeders must understand the criteria set forth in their breed’s standard as well as the abilities that the dogs must possess.
Dachshunds are odorless and exceptionally clean dogs. The Miniature is mature by 12 months of age, while the Standard may not be fully mature until he reaches 18 months of age. Dachshunds are exceptionally long-lived dogs, with many living until 12 to 14 years of age. Regardless of size or variety, the Dachshund is easily maintained and managed, thus making it a most desirable companion.
Though he can be rather stubborn at times, his behavior easily can be modified by a wise owner who quickly changes the subject and gets the dog to focus on some new activity. In other words, the owner refuses to recognize the dog’s obstinacy and thereby prevents a repetition of the undesirable behavior. Physical rough handling only makes an even-tempered Dachshund become aggressive. "
