Wire Hair Dachshund puppies are a delightful breed, known for their playful and affectionate nature. They require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy.
Their short stature means they need to be handled with care, but with proper training, they can learn to navigate stairs and obstacles with ease. Wire Hair Dachshunds are generally good with children, but it's essential to supervise interactions to ensure everyone's safety.
Wire Hair Dachshund puppies are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming, requiring only occasional brushing to prevent matting. This makes them a great choice for busy families or individuals who don't want to spend hours grooming their pet.
History and Origin
The Wire Haired Dachshund has a rich history that spans centuries. It originated in Germany, where it was bred to hunt badgers and other small game.
The breed's name, Dachshund, literally means "badger dog" in German. This is a testament to its original purpose as a hunting companion. Wire Haired Dachshunds were developed from the original Dachshund breed, which was first mentioned in a book in the 15th century.
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Their short legs and curved back legs made them perfect for digging and tracking prey in small burrows. They were also bred to be fearless and combative, traits that served them well in their hunting duties. The Wire Haired Dachshund was later produced by crossing smooth-coated Dachshunds with wire-haired breeds, resulting in the distinctive coat we see today.
Teckels: The Sausage Dog
Teckels are small dogs with a big personality, known for their mischievous and charming nature that makes them one of the best country house dogs.
In Britain, a teckel usually means the working wirehaired variety of dachshund, but in Germany, all dachshunds are called teckels and are used for hunting.
Teckels are hunting powerhouses that come in a pint-sized package, making them a great option for those who want a full-on sporting dog without the space or food requirements of a larger breed.
A wire coat is what working dachshunds strive for, but smooth and longhaired dogs can also work, particularly for trailing.
Teckels need to have good mobility, lacking the massive front often seen in show dogs, and they should be able to clamber over 4ft walls like monkeys.
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Origin and History
The Wirehaired Dachshund has a rich history that dates back to ancient times, with mentions in Egyptian and Mexican works of art. This German breed has been used for hunting for centuries, with its excellent characteristics making it a valuable asset for farmers and hunters alike.
Dachshunds were originally bred to hunt badgers, and their short legs and curved back legs made them perfect for digging and kicking up dirt. They were also bred to be combative and fearless, which is still a characteristic of the breed today.
In the 15th century, Dachshunds were first mentioned in a book, and by the 19th century, they had become popular in Great Britain and the USA. The breed was crossed with terrier breeds to make them even braver and more eager to hunt.
The Wirehaired Dachshund was the result of crossing smooth Dachshunds with wire-haired Pinschers, and some Dandie Dinmont Terrier genes can also be found in the breed. This combination of characteristics made them a valuable asset for hunters, and their popularity soared.
In 1925, the first general breed standard was established for Dachshunds, and in 1972, a Dachshund was chosen as the mascot for the Olympic Games, recognizing their toughness, agility, and resistance.
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How Gained Popularity
In Germany, Wirehaired Dachshunds gained popularity shortly after their development. The original Dachshunds had short, smooth coats that didn't dirty easily or compromise their hunting abilities, but this wasn't the case for Wirehaired Dachshunds.
By the time the Wirehaired Dachshund was developed, it was more common to keep Dachshunds for companionship rather than working purposes. However, they were still being used for hunting burrowing animals.
Everyone was accustomed to the Dachshund's usual short or long-haired coats, so the new wiry coat texture of Wirehaired Dachshunds was intriguing. This unique texture likely contributed to their initial popularity in Germany.
Physical Characteristics
Wire-haired dachshunds are small dogs with a unique appearance. They have short, tiny legs that hold them up to about 11 inches tall.
Their coat is a key characteristic, being short, harsh, and slightly longer than average. It's rougher in texture and comes in a variety of colors, including red, black, chocolate, cream, fawn, and gray.
A wire-haired dachshund's face is similar to a regular dachshund's, but their wire hair gives them a distinctive mustache. Their eye colors are dark brown or black, and they have tiny black noses.
Here's a quick look at the wire-haired dachshund's physical characteristics:
What Do They Look Like?
Wire-haired Dachshunds have a unique appearance that sets them apart from other breeds. Their short, harsh coat is a defining characteristic, being slightly longer than average but rougher in texture.
The coat colors of wire-haired Dachshunds can range from red, black, chocolate, cream, fawn, and gray, with some individuals having combinations of colors like brown and tan. Their facial structure is similar to regular Dachshunds, but their wire-haired coat gives them a distinctive mustache.
Wire-haired Dachshunds are small dogs, typically standing at around 5-6 inches tall, and weighing between 8-11 pounds. Their short, tiny legs hold them up, and their dark brown or black eyes add to their endearing appearance.
Here are some key physical characteristics of wire-haired Dachshunds at a glance:
Dachshund Size
Dachshund size is quite compact, with wire-haired dachshunds typically standing around 8 inches tall.
They rarely weigh over 11 pounds, making them a great fit for small living spaces.
Males and females are about the same size, so you won't need to worry about significant size differences between them.
There are some possible variations based on their genetics, but overall, wire-haired dachshunds are a small but lovable breed.
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Coat and Grooming
A wire hair dachshund's coat is short and wiry, with a soft undercoat and a rough topcoat. This unique combination is what gives them their signature look.
Their coat needs regular brushing, especially during shedding season in the fall and spring. Brushing their teeth at least twice a week is also essential to prevent dental health issues.
Their signature mustache is a distinctive feature of the wire hair dachshund breed. They also have a patch of hair that sticks off their nose, adding to their unique appearance.
Here's a quick rundown of their grooming needs:
Dachshund Coat Types and Length
The wire haired dachshund is a short, wiry coat type. This coat type is characterized by an undercoat that's soft to the touch and a topcoat that feels rough to the touch.
The wire haired dachshund's signature mustache is a distinctive feature of this breed. It's a patch of hair that sticks off of their nose.
The wire haired dachshund's coat is often compared to that of a rough-coated dog breed. This is because their wiry coat texture is the result of interbreeding rough-coated dog breeds, such as German Pinschers or Wire-coated Terriers, with Dachshunds.
Wire haired dachshunds shed throughout the year, but they'll start dropping a lot of hair around your home during the fall and spring. Brushing their coat during this period can help prevent problems with their coat and keep your home clean.
Here are some key facts about the wire haired dachshund's coat:
Various Coat Colors
Wirehaired Dachshunds come in a variety of coat colors, including red, wild boar, black, and tan.
One of the most striking features of the Wirehaired Dachshund is its coat pattern, which can be solid, bicolor, piebald, dapple, or brindle.
You can find Wirehaired Dachshunds in most of the AKC breed standard colors and patterns for Dachshunds.
Their coat colors are truly diverse, and it's not uncommon to see a Wirehaired Dachshund with a unique combination of colors.
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Temperament and Behavior
Wire haired dachshunds are outgoing and playful, loving to dig, explore, and learn about their environment. They're also skilled hunters and smart enough to pick up most tricks you teach them.
Their temperament is relatively sociable, and they get along with other friendly dogs. However, they may not be as comfortable around cats and may bark at them if not socialized together from a young age.
Wire haired dachshunds can be stubborn and independent, but they're equally loving towards their family members. They enjoy digging and burrowing under blankets or dog beds, and some might even chew through these items.
Are Energetic?
Teckels, or dachshunds, are indeed energetic dogs. They have a higher adrenalin level than most other dogs, which makes them wonderful trackers and never gives up.
Their high energy level requires regular exercise to keep them happy and healthy. Not giving them enough exercise will result in an unhappy dog that gets anxious, lonely, or destructive.
Teckels are also known for their stamina and can keep going for a long time without getting tired. They love to play, hunt, and explore their surroundings.
Long walks or play sessions, like a good game of fetch, can go a long way in using up some of their energy.
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Dachshund Temperament
Wire haired dachshunds have a unique temperament that's similar to their smooth-coat counterparts, but with some key differences. They're less likely to suffer from anxiety and other mental health issues.
One thing to note is that wire haired dachshunds can be prone to overreacting when there are changes in their environment, such as during thunderstorms. They may also be more likely to bark at other animals or strange noises.
Despite their potential quirks, wire haired dachshunds are generally outgoing and playful dogs. They love to dig, explore their surroundings, and learn new tricks, making them a joy to be around.
With proper training and socialization, wire haired dachshunds can become well-mannered adults who get along with other friendly dogs. However, they may not be as comfortable around cats unless socialized from a young age.
It's essential to remember that wire haired dachshunds are independent dogs who can be stubborn at times. But, they're also loving and loyal to their family members, making them great companions for the right owner.
Do They Bark?
Wire haired dachshunds do bark, and they have a loud bark to boot. They inherit this trait from the breeds they were crossed with.
Their barking can be triggered by sudden changes in their environment, such as stormy weather conditions or new animals entering your home. This is a common occurrence in many households.
You can train wire haired dachshunds to stop barking, but it's not always possible because they love to get vocal.
Are Intelligent?
Wire haired dachshunds are smart dogs, as intelligent as breeds like German shepherds.
They can learn complex commands, solve puzzles, and learn to protect other families.
Start training wire haired dachshunds from a young age to unlock their full potential.
However, their intelligence can sometimes get the better of them, leading to curiosity and aloofness.
They might get distracted by digging holes or searching for rabbits, making it hard to find them in the yard.
Dog-proofing your home and backyard is essential to avoid any problems with wire haired dachshunds.
Step 2
Brushing your wire haired dachshund regularly is essential, especially during shedding seasons. Brush their coat a few times per week to remove loose fur and prevent matting.
Their coat can get dirty and matted if not brushed frequently. Regular brushing also helps prevent loose fur from getting caught in their coat.
You can also use brushing as an opportunity to check for any signs of infection in their ears.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are wire-haired dachshunds good pets?
Wire-haired Dachshunds make great pets for active families due to their lively and loyal nature. With proper care and attention, they can thrive as loving and energetic companions.
Do wirehaired dachshunds shed?
Wirehaired Dachshunds shed minimally, but they are not considered hypoallergenic. They produce less dander than other Dachshund varieties, making them a good option for those with allergies.
When can you tell if a dachshund is wire haired?
A dachshund is considered wire-haired if it has a short, straight coat covering most of its body, with a bushy beard and eyebrows, but smooth hair on its ears. Check for these distinctive features to determine if a dachshund is wire-haired.
Sources
- Teckels: the wire-haired dachshund is a sporting sausage dog (thefield.co.uk)
- Wirehaired Dachshund Dog Breed: Info, Pictures, Facts, ... (dogster.com)
- Wire Haired Dachshund: Your Complete Guide (dogacademy.org)
- Wire-Haired Dachshund (character, education, nutrition, tips) (hundeo.com)
- The Dachshund Club of America: Handbook on the Dachshund (dachshund-dca.org)
- American Kennel Club: Wirehaired Dachshunds (akc.org)
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