Teckel 101: History, Characteristics, and More

The Teckel, a breed known for its distinctive appearance and lively personality, has a rich history dating back to the 15th century.

Originating in Germany, the Teckel was bred as a hunting dog, specifically for tracking and flushing out small game.

The Teckel's name is derived from the German word "Dachshund", which literally translates to "badger dog", a testament to its original purpose.

With a short stature and long body, the Teckel was designed to follow badgers and other burrowing animals into their underground tunnels.

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The name "teckel" is actually a shortened version of the German word "Dachshund", which literally means "badger dog". This name comes from the German words "Dachs" (badger) and "Hund" (dog).

The German word "Dachshund" is pronounced [ˈdaks.hʊnt], but English speakers often get it wrong. In Germany, the dogs are more commonly known as "Dackel", while working dogs are sometimes called "Teckel".

The dachshund's unique name is a reflection of its original purpose: to hunt badgers and other burrowing animals.

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The name dachshund is of German origin, and means 'badger dog', from Dachs ('badger') and Hund ('dog, hound'). This makes sense, given their original purpose as hunting companions for badgers.

The German word Dachshund is pronounced [ˈdaks.hʊnt], which can be a bit tricky for non-native speakers to get right.

In English, the pronunciation varies, with some people using /ˈdɑːks-/, /ˈdæks-/, and /-hʊnt/, /-hʊnd/, /-ənd/. I've heard people get it wrong and pronounce it as /ˈdæʃ-/hound, but the correct pronunciation is closer to the original German.

In modern Germany, the dogs are often referred to by the shorter name Dackel, which is a more informal term.

The dachshund's origins are shrouded in mystery, but it's clear that they were created by German breeders who drew inspiration from various European breeds, including German, French, and English hounds and terriers.

These early dachshunds were larger than their modern counterparts, weighing between 14 and 18 kg (31 and 40 lb), and came in straight-legged and crook-legged varieties.

The breed's original purpose was to hunt badgers and other burrowing animals, but they were also used for rabbit and fox hunting, and even located wounded deer.

Dachshunds were highly valued by royal courts across Europe, including Queen Victoria's, who was particularly fond of the breed.

The first written records of the dachshund date back to the early 18th century, where they were referred to as "Dachs Kriecher" or "Dachs Krieger", meaning "badger crawler" or "badger warrior".

There's still debate among breeders about when the dachshund was specifically bred for badger hunting, with some claiming it was in the 15th century and others in the 18th or 19th century.

The double-dapple dachshund, which is prone to eye problems and hearing issues, was introduced to the United States between 1879 and 1885.

The smooth dachshund gave rise to both the long-haired and wire-haired varieties, with the long-haired dachshund possibly developed through selective breeding of smooth dachshunds with slightly longer hair, or by crossing them with land and water spaniels.

A typical Teckel is long-bodied and muscular with short stubby legs. Its front paws are disproportionately large, being paddle-shaped and particularly suitable for digging.

The Teckel comes in three sizes: standard, miniature, and kaninchen. The standard and miniature sizes are recognized almost universally, but the kaninchen size is not recognized by clubs in the United States and the United Kingdom.

A full-grown standard Teckel typically weighs 7.5 to 14.5 kg (16 to 32 lb), while the miniature variety normally weighs less than 5.5 kg (12 lb).

A typical dachshund is long-bodied and muscular with short stubby legs. Its front paws are disproportionately large, being paddle-shaped and particularly suitable for digging.

The skin of a dachshund is loose enough not to tear while tunneling in tight burrows to chase prey. Its snout is long.

Dachshunds come in a variety of body types, but the long-bodied and muscular type is the most well-known.

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Dachshunds come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and kaninchen (German for "rabbit"). The standard and miniature sizes are recognized almost universally, but the kaninchen size is not recognized by clubs in the United States and the United Kingdom.

A full-grown standard dachshund typically weighs 7.5 to 14.5 kg (16 to 32 lb), while the miniature variety normally weighs less than 5.5 kg (12 lb). The kaninchen weighs 3.5 to 5 kg (8 to 11 lb).

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale (World Canine Federation) recognizes the kaninchen size, which is a standard in kennel clubs from 83 countries worldwide.

The miniature and kaninchen sizes differ from the standard only by size and weight. Offspring from miniature parents must never weigh more than the miniature standard to be considered a miniature as well.

Some kennel clubs, like the American Kennel Club, use weight for classification, while others measure chest circumference in addition to height and weight.

Dachshunds are bred for perseverance, which means they can be stubborn at times.

Their personality can vary with coat type, with wirehaired Dachshunds being known for being mischievous troublemakers.

Longhairs are calm and quiet, and Smooths have a personality somewhere in between.

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Temperament is also affected by heredity, training, and socialization, so it's essential to choose a puppy with a nice temperament.

A curious and playful puppy that's willing to approach people and be held by them is a good sign, but avoid those that are aggressive or shy.

Meeting the parents, especially the mother, is crucial to ensure they have a nice temperament you're comfortable with.

Early socialization is vital to help your Dachshund puppy grow into a well-rounded dog.

Dachshunds are bred for perseverance, which means they can be stubborn at times. This is a common characteristic of the breed.

Their personality can vary depending on coat type, with wirehaired Dachshunds being known for being mischievous troublemakers. Longhairs are generally calm and quiet.

Temperament is influenced by several factors, including heredity, training, and socialization. Puppies with nice temperaments are curious and playful, willing to approach people and be held by them.

It's essential to meet at least one of the parents, as they can give you an idea of the puppy's temperament. Meeting siblings or other relatives is also helpful for evaluating what a puppy will be like when it grows up.

Early socialization is crucial for Dachshunds, as it helps them grow into well-rounded dogs. Enrolling them in puppy kindergarten class is a great start, and regularly exposing them to new people, sights, and experiences will help them polish their social skills.

Dachshunds want to cuddle with their people, and for many owners, this characteristic outweighs their stubbornness.

Dachshunds are good with children in their own family if introduced to them early. They make great family pets if you're willing to supervise their interactions.

Supervise playtime between Dachshunds and young children, especially with their long backs that can be easily injured if not handled properly. Young children should only hold or pet the Dachshund if they're sitting on the floor.

Teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children. This will prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party.

Dachshunds get along well with other pets, especially if they're introduced to them in puppyhood. They're bold and domineering, so they may well be top dog in the household.

The Wriggle factor is a vital component of the dachshund breed. It's the ability to hunt predators below ground, a trait that's essential for the breed's original purpose.

This ability is what makes a dachshund a true dachshund, according to the Germans. Without it, you don't have a genuine dachshund.

Some dachshunds can be a liability due to their eagerness to go to ground. This is something the author could do without, especially if they're not experienced with earth dogs.

Fortunately, not all dachshunds have this strong prey drive. The Italian and Polish imports in the author's pack are a good example, as they're not as keen on going to ground as the German imports are.

In fact, Hendrix, the male dachshund from Poland, is more interested in flushing game out of cover than going to ground. He's a natural carrier and retriever, making him a valuable asset for hunting.

There's a place for working dachshunds in the UK sporting dog scene, but not every dachshund is suited for every task. The author aims to breed a more toned-down version of the breed, while still retaining the essential characteristics of a dachshund.

Dachshunds are prone to back injuries from jumping on and off furniture, so it's essential to provide a ramp or steps for them to use.

They need moderate daily exercise, such as two half-mile walks a day, to stay happy and healthy. This can be broken up into two 10-minute walks.

Dachshunds can be destructive if they get bored, so it's crucial to keep their minds engaged and active. Crate training can help with this, especially if done at a young age.

Crate training also helps with housetraining, which can sometimes be a problem with Dachshunds. They may not see the need to eliminate outside, so patience and consistency are musts.

Dachshunds are people dogs and shouldn't spend their lives locked up in a crate or kennel. They need attention and interaction to thrive.

Dachshunds are one of the most popular dogs in the United States, ranking 12th in the 2018 AKC registration statistics.

Their popularity extends to urban and apartment dwellers, who make up a significant portion of dog owners in 76 of 190 major US cities surveyed by the AKC.

There are organized local dachshund clubs in most major American cities, including New York, New Orleans, Portland, Los Angeles, and Chicago.

Dachshunds have traditionally been viewed as a symbol of Germany.

Political cartoonists often used the image of the dachshund to ridicule Germany, which led to a decline in their popularity in the United States during World War I.

As a result, they were often called "liberty hounds" in the US.

The Dachshund breed has its own group in countries that belong to the Fédération Cynologique Internationale, also known as the World Canine Federation. This is a notable distinction, as many other countries classify Dachshunds in the hound group or scent hound group.

In the United States and Great Britain, Dachshunds are often classified in the hound group or scent hound group. However, their unique characteristics and behaviors set them apart from other breeds in these groups.

The breed's similarity to terriers, particularly the wire-haired subtype, is due to its persistent personality and love for digging. This trait was likely developed from the terrier group of dogs.

Dachshunds were developed to use scent to trail and hunt animals, and they likely descended from the Saint Hubert Hound. This ancestry is shared with other modern scent hound breeds like bloodhounds and Basset Hounds.

Here's a breakdown of the different types of hounds and their characteristics:

Examples of hound breeds include Anglo-French hounds, Bassets, Coonhounds, Feists, and Lurchers.

Breed Organizations play a crucial role in ensuring the health and well-being of Dachshunds. They provide valuable resources and information for responsible breeding practices.

If you're looking for a reputable breeder, you can start by checking out the Dachshund Club of America, Inc. This organization is dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of Dachshunds.

Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They screen their breeding stock for health problems and socialize their puppies from a young age.

Backyard breeders, on the other hand, may prioritize profit over the health and well-being of their dogs. This can result in puppies with health and behavioral issues.

Here are some key characteristics of reputable breeders:

Dachshunds are one of the most popular dogs in the United States, ranking 12th in the 2018 AKC registration statistics.

They're especially popular with urban and apartment dwellers, who can appreciate their compact size and adaptable nature.

In fact, dachshunds rank among the top 10 most popular breeds in 76 of 190 major US cities surveyed by the AKC.

You can find organized local dachshund clubs in most major American cities, including New York, New Orleans, Portland, Los Angeles, and Chicago.

In Germany, dachshunds are widely referred to as Dackel, both singular and plural. This is the common name used in everyday conversation.

Among hunters, however, they are mainly referred to as Teckel. This term is often associated with hunting-related performance breeding or working dog breeding.

There are kennels that specialize in breeding hunting dachshunds, which is a distinct category from breeding family dogs. This distinction is important to note.

Some people believe that Teckel is a name for the hunting breed or a mark for passing a test for a trained hunting dog in Germany. However, this is an incorrect assumption.

Here are some notable art pieces that feature dachshunds:

Dachshunds are a beloved breed for many reasons. They come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and kaninchen (typically around 8 pounds or 3.5 kg and under).

Their lifespan is about 12-16 years, which is a decent amount of time to enjoy their lively and curious nature. Dachshunds are known for being clever but sometimes stubborn, and they can be quite brave and confident despite their small size.

Their exercise needs are moderate, requiring regular walks and playtime to prevent obesity and keep them mentally stimulated. A daily walk and some playtime should suffice to meet their needs.

Dachshunds have three coat types: shorthaired, Longhaired, and wirehaired. They also come in a variety of colors and patterns. Grooming needs depend on the coat type, with smooth-coated Dachshunds requiring minimal grooming.

They are generally healthy but prone to certain health issues, including back problems due to their elongated body. Proper weight management, avoiding jumping from heights, and using harnesses instead of collars are crucial for their spine health.

Here's a breakdown of Dachshund sizes:

If you're considering adopting a Dachshund, a rescue group is a great place to start. You can find many Dachshund rescue groups across North America, each working to find forever homes for these lovable dogs.

Some notable rescue groups include Almost Home Dachshund Rescue Society, Canadian Dachshund Rescue, and Coast to Coast Dachshund Rescue. These organizations are dedicated to helping Dachshunds in need.

Dachshunds often end up in rescue groups due to a lack of understanding about what goes into owning one. If you're thinking of adopting a Dachshund, make sure you're prepared to provide the necessary care and attention.

Here are some Dachshund rescue groups you can consider:

Remember, all dogs will need veterinary care at some point in their lives, so make sure you're prepared to address any health issues that may arise.