Rauhhaar Teckel: Complete Guide

The Rauhhaar Teckel is a unique and fascinating breed, with a rich history and distinct characteristics. They originated in Germany in the 19th century as a working dog, bred to hunt and track game.

Their wiry coats require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. This breed is known for its intelligence, energy, and strong prey drive.

The Rauhhaar Teckel is a small to medium-sized dog, typically weighing between 20-30 pounds and standing between 14-17 inches tall at the shoulder.

A teckel is a hunting powerhouse that comes in a pint-sized package. They're small dogs with a big personality, and their mischievous and charming nature makes them one of the best country house dogs.

In Britain, teckels are usually the working wirehaired variety of dachshund. They're registered with The Kennel Club as dachshunds and are divided by coat type and into two sizes, miniature and standard.

Teckels need to have good mobility to excel in their hunting role. They clamber over 4ft walls like monkeys, and none of Bernd's dogs waddle, they move with agility.

The original breed of teckel is from Germany, where all dachshunds are called teckels. They're used for flushing and retrieving game, tracking wounded animals, and finding, bolting, and despatching vermin.

In Germany, teckels are split into three sizes according to the holes they are expected to go down: kaninchen (rabbit), zwerg (fox), and normal (badger).

The Rauhaar Teckel comes in three different coat types: kurzhaarig (short-haired), rauhaarig (wire-haired), and langhaarig (long-haired).

These three types are the foundation of the breed's unique charm.

Each coat type has its own distinct look, making the Rauhaar Teckel a visually interesting breed.

The langhaarig Teckel was the most popular type just 60 years ago.

The rauhaarig Teckel has since taken the lead and remains the most popular today.

All three coat types share the same strong will and excellent hunting abilities.

Even the smallest members of the breed, like the Kaninchenteckel, are known for their inner strength and hunting prowess.

The schwarz-rote Kurzhaardackel is the closest representation of the breed's original form.

The Rauhaardackel was primarily bred for the hunt, requiring a self-reliant and independent spirit. This is crucial to understanding these dogs.

Their ancestors were strong, enduring hounds with excellent sense of smell, such as the Bracken. The Rauhaardackel's robust coat with dense undercoat, prominent beard, and bushy eyebrows also point to its Terrier and Schnauzer heritage.

The Rauhaardackel's strong body and short legs make it well-suited for navigating dense underbrush, allowing it to be a skilled hunter. This versatility is a testament to its Terrier roots, which instilled a strong prey drive and bold nature.

In Germany, the Rauhaardackel's ancestors were first bred by Wilhelm von Daacke in the 1860s. He aimed to create a dog that would never weigh more than 7 kilograms, which is still a goal for many breeders today.

The Rauhaardackel's distinctive rough coat is a result of crossing with Terrier and Schnauzer breeds, particularly the English Dandie-Dinmont Terrier. This combination of breeds has produced a dog with a strong prey drive and the ability to thrive in challenging environments.

The Rauhaar Teckel's coat needs regular grooming, with strimming required two to three times a year to remove dead hair. This process is best left to a professional dog groomer, unless you're lucky enough to have a breeder who can show you the ropes.

A weekly brush or comb is all you need to keep the coat looking its best, as it's described as "pflegeleicht" or easy to care for. This makes it a great choice for busy owners who want a low-maintenance companion.

As a passionate hunter, the Rauhaar Teckel requires regular exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. They're not suited for water work, but they'll still have fun splashing around in the water if they get the chance.

A Teckel's lifespan can be quite impressive, often reaching 12 to 15 years with some individuals living even longer.

The Rauhaardackel, in particular, is known to live a long life, with some reaching an age of 15 years or more.

Their longevity is a testament to proper care and maintenance, which is crucial for their overall health and well-being.

Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify potential health issues early on, allowing for prompt treatment and a longer, healthier life for your Teckel.

The Rauhaarzwergdackel's coat requires regular grooming, with two to three trims per year to remove dead hair. It's essential to brush their coat regularly to prevent matting.

You'll need to brush their face fur at least once a week to prevent it from getting tangled. Some owners even prefer to use a comb or brush specifically designed for this purpose.

Their face fur should be trimmed occasionally, but it's best left to a professional dog groomer unless you're experienced in doing so yourself. As a general rule, avoid shaving or clipping their coat, as this can damage the structure of their fur.

As for their overall grooming needs, regular brushing is a must to prevent matting and tangling. This is a straightforward process that can be done at home with the right tools.

The good news is that their coat is relatively low maintenance, requiring only regular brushing to stay healthy and looking its best.

Rauhaar-Zwergdackel have a high energy requirement, so they need a nutrient-rich food that meets their needs. Their stomachs are quite small, so it's better to feed them multiple small portions throughout the day.

You should choose a food that's suitable for their size and has the right-sized kibble. This will help stimulate their jaw and ensure their digestive system works properly.

The Rauhaar Dwarf Dackel is a breed that requires consistent and patient training. They can learn the basics, such as walking on a loose leash, calmly leaving objects alone, and responding to a recall.

Their friendly nature makes them a great companion, but it's essential to socialize them well from an early age. This will help them interact smoothly with people and other animals.

Training should be approached as a partnership, where you earn the lead role by understanding and respecting their unique personality. Each Dackel has its own character, so it's crucial to accept and appreciate their individuality.

A Rauhaar Dwarf Dackel is not a good fit for those who consider training as a hobby. They can learn the basics, but it's essential to be aware of their limitations and needs.

Buying a Rauhaar Teckel can be a daunting task, especially for first-time dog owners. The ideal time to buy a puppy is between 8 to 12 weeks old.

To ensure you're getting a healthy puppy, look for a reputable breeder who health tests their breeding stock. This includes testing for hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as eye and heart conditions.

Rauhaar Teckels are a relatively small breed, weighing between 11 and 14 pounds, making them a great companion for city dwellers. They require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.

Before breeding your Rauhaar Teckel, make sure you've researched the breed standard and understand the characteristics you're looking to preserve. This includes their distinctive rough coat and energetic personality.

A well-planned breeding program involves selecting breeding stock that complements each other's strengths and weaknesses, reducing the risk of inherited health issues.