But let’s dwell in a little more detail on what types of dachshunds are. It’s not for nothing that the International Canine Federation has allocated its own separate group in the classification for dachshunds (this is the only such case).

So, There are nine types of dachshunds. The gradations are based on the type of coat: smooth-haired (the most common), long-haired, wire-haired; and by size: standard, dwarf and rabbit.

Dachshunds with different coats not only look different, but are also believed to have slightly different personalities.

1. Smooth-haired dachshunds- the most common and popular among dog breeders are dachshunds.
2. Longhaired dachshunds more friendly than other dachshunds, since in order to obtain the long-haired gene for the originally smooth-haired dachshunds, spaniels were mixed in with them, dogs that are very friendly and sociable.
3. Wire-haired dachshunds, on the contrary, are the toughest in terms of character; terriers participated in their appearance, which gave the dogs some characteristic terrier traits - somewhat increased aggressiveness, a kind of nervousness.

The size characteristics of the dog were determined by who the dachshund was supposed to hunt:

• standard dachshunds were primarily supposed to hunt badgers. This explains the original name of the breed - Dachschund, which means badger dog.
• The dwarf or, as it is also called, miniature dachshund is focused on fox hunting.
• Rabbit dachshunds hunt rabbits.

That is, everyone can choose exactly the dachshund that will be easiest for them to care for. Longhairs are very beautiful, but their coat requires more care than that of smoothhairs. Standard dachshunds are bulkier (which is important to many) than their smaller relatives, but they are also more likely to injure their backs than toy and rabbit dachshunds.

Hunting with a dachshund

Dachshunds belong to the ancient type of dogs in terms of their richness of hunting instincts and are one of the most successful human experiences in breeding an animal - a collaborator and assistant.

In dachshunds of pure hunting lines, the instinct to work is so strong that it outweighs the craving for convenience and comfort.

The dachshund has a variety of hunting talents. Its main duty is to work in a hole, but dachshunds also successfully hunted small rodents and were used as a slow-moving hound, convenient because the animal, which escapes from the chase at the speed of the pursuer, is in no hurry to run away from the dachshund as fast as it can, which makes it possible a hunter on foot to overtake him. Thanks to their keen sense of smell, dachshunds were used as bloodhounds and replaced retrievers to follow the blood trail when finding wounded animals.

Dachshunds are not afraid of water, so instead of being a pointer, they can be trained to fetch captured waterfowl. A strong instinct for protecting the territory, vigilance, excellent hearing, instant reaction, the ability to recognize danger and fearlessness allow the dachshund to be a good guard dog. That's how many “specialties” a small dog has!

When hunting burrowing animals, the dachshund is irreplaceable because of its character. She combines courage and prudence, prefers to drive the animal out of the hole rather than tear it apart, which is important when commercially hunting foxes, whose skin is valuable and can suffer in a fight with a dog that is too hot. Dachshunds are tenacious and tough to work with, but are also smart and careful enough to avoid injury and being bitten.

A good dog, trained and trained, is expensive, either in monetary terms or in terms of the time and effort of the trainer. Therefore, any hunter will prefer a dog returning unharmed from a hole to one that crawls out wounded, with serious injuries, although it has killed the animal. The hunting season is short, and you need to work, not treat an overly keen dog.

Excessive ardor and viciousness in dachshunds have always been considered a drawback. Hunters valued cautious and intelligent dogs that persistently pursued the animal, hanging on its tail and constantly vocalizing during the pursuit.

Badger hunting with a dachshund

Hunting with a dachshund for burrowing animals itself has changed little over the past 130 - 160 years. This is how they hunted in the 18th and 19th centuries. They preferred to take a fox with a dachshund. She is not as dangerous to a dog as a badger. Both then and now there were few dachshunds who took a badger. A badger is a large and very vicious animal; it is more difficult to find it in a hole and force it to come out, since badger holes are huge, with many branches, passages and “floors”.

They dig new passages and underground rooms as the old ones become unusable, become dirty or begin to crumble. Often an old badger hole turns into a " communal apartment", in which a variety of animals live - from mice to foxes. In addition to the main exit, there are always several spare ones in a badger hole, located quite far from the entrance hole. Only an experienced, strong, brave and intelligent dog can cope with a badger and drive it out before being shot.

Fox hunting with a dachshund

Fox hunting with a dachshund is easier. She prefers not to engage in a fight with the dog, but confuses him, breaking away from pursuit in a hole, or lies down, waiting out the attack. The fox has always been a more desirable prey for hunters because of the value of the skin. In addition, the abundance of foxes near human farmland threatened losses in the poultry population. The two of them went after the fox. A hunter with a dachshund always took with him an assistant armed with a shovel, a pick, special tongs, and also nets that were inserted into the holes of the hole to block all exits except one.

They hunted in rainy, windy weather, when foxes are more willing to hide in a hole. They approached the discovered hole from the windward side, without making noise. The dog had to behave very quietly, not yelp, not bark, and not give away the presence of the hunter in any way. All openings that could serve as an exit from the hole were covered with nets, weighted at the edges with bullets sewn in, so that the animal would not break through, but would get entangled in them. One hole was left open and the dog was thrown into it. The dachshund showed off and quickly examined the possible hiding places of the fox. The hunters listened attentively.

If the dog quickly returned from the hole without raising a voice, they concluded that there was no animal and went to explore the next hole. If the dog gave a voice, the hunters literally They lay down with their ears to the ground and listened carefully to how the dog worked. At the same time, the assistant began to dig a hole, getting hot and teasing the dog. The dachshund had to chase the fox in the hole, keeping up, constantly voicing, and drive the animal into a dead end, from where they dug them out together, or by persistent pursuit, pinching and barking, force the fox to jump out of the hole into a prepared mesh-purse blocking the exit.

Adult dogs were used to work underground. Experts especially noted that a good dachshund should not be too large or too small. A strong and tireless dog was preferred. If they hunted in places with loose soil, they tried to use larger and stronger dachshunds, which kept the animal at a dead end while the hunters dug them out. In areas with rocky soil, where digging is inconvenient, they preferred smaller, dexterous, vicious dachshunds, who, with persistent pursuit, forced the fox to leave the hole.

Dogs have always been preferred that do not try to engage in a fight with a fox, even if they are able to take it correctly, bite it and even pull it out of the hole, and those that, avoiding direct confrontation, bore the animal until it jumps out of the hole. The dachshund, having sat on the tail of the beast, should no longer leave the hole, even when wounded. They started hunting with dachshunds no earlier than they were one year old, although experienced burrowers knew that often a dog is ready to hunt no earlier than one and a half to two years of age.

By the end of the 19th century in European countries The area of ​​land where they hunted with hounds decreased. Therefore, the dachshund was increasingly used as a hound for a foot hunter. The dachshunds were good because they chased the animal slowly, but without driving it too far from the hunter in excitement. Thanks to their excellent lower sense of smell, they easily followed the trail, persistently followed it, and were able to give a voice if they saw an animal, that is, they walked with sight. The hunters liked that the animal was not afraid of the dachshund, let it get quite close, and walked away from the dog in no hurry, which made it possible for the hunter on foot to catch up with the animal and get close enough to shoot.

As a hound, the dachshund was used to hunt rabbits, martens, otters, ferrets, stoats, forest goats, and even wild boar. The dachshunds were distinguished by their patience; if the hunter missed the first time, they easily found a fresh trail and indicated the new location of the animal. The versatility of the dachshund lay in the fact that it was not adapted only to any strictly defined hunting conditions.

The dog followed the rabbit and the hare through the thicket and dense bushes; in the forest, it stopped the boar, barking and dodging the beast until the hunter sneaks up and shoots; chasing the otter, the dachshund went into the water; she drove martens and stoats up a tree like a husky and barked until the hunter approached. Although hunters already noted that the versatility of the dachshund came somewhat to the detriment of its basic abilities as a burrowing dog, they still willingly used it as a replacement for an entire working pack. L.P. Sabaneev noted that the dachshund “can easily be trained to perform the duties of a bloodhound and retriever, bring a dead bird from the water, look for a wounded or killed animal and bark to notify the owner.”

Nowadays they hunt with dachshunds mainly for fox, raccoon dog and badger. Badgers are hunted only where the number of this animal is sufficiently large. Hunters are required to restore excavated badger holes. In Russia, in some regions, digging holes with subsequent restoration is allowed, but in Belarus and Ukraine this method of hunting badgers is prohibited, since the badger has become a rare animal here.

The Dachshund is one of the most obedient dogs when it is at home.

However, during the inspection of a fox or badger hole, the dog forgets about this exceptional quality.

An exciting activity is hunting with a dachshund: representatives of this breed, bred for burrow hunting, take great pleasure in tracking hares, bringing birds from the water, and picking up black grouse.

IN Lately Dachshunds are often kept as a pet; there are lovers who, appreciating the dog’s natural intelligence and agility, use it as a guard.

According to dog handlers, only a third of dachshunds hunt.

But experts who love their dogs say: in the distant voice of a hunting dog one can hear its soul.

The hunting dachshund is a gentle dog. Most hunters highlight this feature of the breed and another – extraordinary intelligence, which often manifests itself only in the field.

The dog understands the task immediately and behaves in strict accordance with the requirements that need to be met right now.

The dog does everything to identify the smell of the animal, lure it out or tell its owner that game is nearby - right here.

Even while catching fish with a fishing rod, a dachshund can patiently sit next to you, controlling the float and only be distracted from this activity from time to time in order to drive away the cat encroaching on the catch.

Basic qualities of a dachshund:

- wide bone;

- muscle strength;

- long body;

The front legs should be powerful, short with wide claws. The hind legs are characterized by muscularity and strength.

Most of the hunting instincts of the dog are inherited from the breed of hounds. The most valuable attributes are endurance, viscosity, and hunting courage.

A hunting dog is capable of chasing an animal for hours, notifying its owner with a voice about how the rut is progressing; he can spend a long time in a hole - fighting with several of its inhabitants, successfully bringing the animal to the surface.

Hunting Skills

Dachshunds are mainly used for hunting animals in burrows. This type of hunting is the most dangerous for dogs: in addition to the owner of the home (often more than one), the hunter also expects other troubles: a collapse, for example.

If the dog is not dug out, it may end up buried alive. Therefore, dachshund owners prepare not only guns, but also shovels for hunting.

Among hunters who value dachshunds, the debate has been going on for decades about which qualities are more valuable in a dachshund: prudence and a sense of self-preservation or passion and courage.

Depending on which of these properties predominates in the dog, the hunting algorithm changes.

A hunting dachshund, having discovered an animal in a hole, may decide not to put a death grip on it.

By barking at the prey or harassing it with short grabs, it forces the burrower to eventually jump to the surface under the shot.

Such dogs are valued by practical hunters, but breeders prefer others that better meet the requirements of the breed.

The exemplary sports dachshund, an elite representative of the breed, often behaves differently: having discovered an enemy, the dog tightly clenches its jaws and does not let go as long as the animal is alive.

These representatives of the species are very attractive in the eyes of sports judges, kennel owners and those who love dog competitions.

What causes the difference in estimates?

Experienced trappers note: in the first case, the dog exhibits useful qualities needed in practical hunting.

Thanks to these dog skills, a trip to the forest always ends with a positive result - prey.

But the course of events is difficult to predict when an animal in a hole is pursued by an evil dachshund that wins shows and tournaments.

A fight with an animal can end tragically for a dog - a desperate predator also has a death grip.

In addition, dachshunds do not always pull prey out of a hole. In addition, they do not want to re-search for an already defeated enemy.

As a result, production remains inaccessible. And a very big disappointment is that a ready-made abandoned hole, which, if empty, is often used by another animal, can be lost forever for the hunter.

Hunting for grouse with a dachshund can also be successful. The dog, having a great sense of smell, identifies the bird in time.

Moreover, surprised hunters note the following behavior: the dog, as if knowing that the owner will not see its stance - the grass is tall, and the animal is small in stature - returns to the owner, without raising a voice, but with all his behavior showing where the game is hidden.

Duck hunting with a dachshund has its own characteristics.

The dog amazes with behavior that simultaneously shows incredible excitement - to the point of trembling - and extraordinary discipline, thanks to which the dachshund restrains itself.

It seems that she is ready to run into the water and bring all the ducks in her teeth at the same time, but until the shot the animal sits without moving. But after that, the dachshund is ready for any water, in the literal sense of the word.

For her, small ice floes left over from winter are not an obstacle; she is good at finding prey in the reeds and thickets of coastal bushes.

Fans of hunting with a dachshund note that going to the field requires mutual assistance: the owner often pays the dog with actions that not every animal owner is willing to do for the sake of the pet.

Despite its endurance, the dog sometimes finds it difficult to travel long distances. This happens especially often in winter.

Even wide feet do not allow the dachshund to successfully overcome loose, fresh snow cover.

At times you have to carry the assistant on yourself - in the literal sense of the word.

Experienced hunters leave specially free space in their backpack for such cases, but none of the dachshund owners regrets this.

Photo gallery

No matter what anyone says about representatives of this breed, it must be admitted that they are excellent hunters. Proof of these words is a selection of photos demonstrating their excellent hunting skills.

Hunting for fox, badger and other animals. Appearance purebred representatives, description of standard colors and coat types. Temperament and behavior of dachshunds of all sizes. Basics of caring for an adult dog and a puppy.

The dachshund is suitable for working in a hole and above the ground. This breed is considered one of the most versatile. Both standard-sized and miniature dogs are used in the fishery. They go with them to:

1. Fox;
2. Basruka;
3. A rabbit;
4. Ungulates.

The small and nimble dachshund has an excellent sense of smell. Noticing the tracks of the beast, she quickly finds the place where he took refuge. In the hole, the dachshund enters into a fight with him and drives him to the surface. For large animals on the ground, this dog uses different tactics. She pinches and bites the prey's legs, forcing it to remain in one place, where the hunter then approaches.

Before entering serious fishing, these dogs are tested in an artificial hole or in a pen. Individuals with good abilities show successful results already on the first baiting.

Dachshund in descriptions

Their small size, keen sense of smell and courage allow dachshunds to be excellent hunters. To work, they need strong muscles, correct anatomy and breed character.

Appearance

For dachshunds, it is customary to measure not the height at the withers, but the chest circumference. In standard dogs it is at least 35 cm, in dwarf dogs - from 30 to 35 cm, in rabbits up to 30 cm. Measurements are taken when the dog is 15 months old. The maximum weight reaches 9 kg.

These dogs have an elongated body with short legs. The narrow head is held on the neck with a proud posture. Intelligent eyes are oval shaped and dark brown in color, ranging from bright red to deep hazel.

The tail is of moderate length, straight, but a slight bend is allowed at the end. It continues the line of the back, which should be strong and muscular. The ears hang, close to the cheekbones.

Dachshunds have the following colors:

1. Solid: yellow, red, yellow-red, black hair allowed;
2. Tan: on a black or brown background, spots of red color in certain places;
3. Brindle: dark background with streaks;
4. Marble: gray or beige spots on a dark background.

Important: Wirehaired dogs have a standard boar coloration. It ranges from light to dark shades and can be compared to the color of fallen leaves.

Character

The Dachshund is an active, intelligent, but balanced dog. She can make her own decisions, which is so necessary when working in a cramped hole. Working individuals have viciousness. There is no aggression towards humans.

If at work the dachshund is an energetic and purposeful animal, then at home it turns into a sweet and friendly pet. After a hunt or a long walk, she always rests, but her sleep is light. There is cunning in the character.

Dachshunds have no problems with children. Jealousy does not appear; these are sociable and sociable dogs. They are often paired with other pets. When walking, a dachshund never behaves melancholy; it follows the scent, sniffs out dogs and cats.

With proper upbringing, hunting instincts are not visible in everyday life. Therefore, cats do not become prey for hunters with short legs. The dachshund loves toys, but quickly guts them or hides them. Her bark is loud, so she always knows when guests are coming.

Important: Wire-haired individuals have a softer and more flexible character. They are silent more often than they bark. They probably owe these qualities to their ancestors - pinschers and terriers.

Who is the breed suitable for?

Dachshunds get along with people who have an active lifestyle. Recently, hunting with dogs of this breed has been losing popularity, but their number in houses and apartments has not decreased. Dachshunds do not let their owners get bored.

Despite their small stature and good-natured look, these dogs can fight back. Some individuals with tendencies towards dominance periodically try to undermine the authority of the owner.

These are the reasons for refusing a child to purchase a dachshund. For a high school student, this breed does not pose a danger. It is not uncommon for dachshunds to live with older people.

If you don’t have time for long walks or daily games with your pet, then it’s better to give up dreams of a brave dog with short legs and a long muzzle. Otherwise, care is not difficult; a novice dog breeder can handle keeping a dachshund.

Dachshunds are bred to live in a house or apartment. They will yearn away from their owner, and in winter they will not withstand frost. They need to participate in the life of the family, watch the owner and receive a large portion of affection from him.

In a kennel, smooth-haired and sociable dogs will not withstand cold and loneliness. Even hunting dachshunds are kept in the house. They are walked regularly, ensuring uniform physical activity.

Dachshunds are mainly purchased by fans of the breed, hunters and those who want a pet with a lively mind and a cheerful disposition.

Puppies: growth and care features

Dachshunds are born at different weights. There are cases when puppies weighed 500 g, and subsequently they grew to standard sizes. However, at birth it is difficult to determine what kind of dog will be. The structure of the coat is immediately visible, but the color changes slightly.

Dachshund puppies are very energetic, playful and a little clumsy. Therefore, they make sure that they do not jump from great heights. Wires, shoes, and furniture are protected from them. When changing teeth, wooden and plastic products are most often affected.

A separate room, a free cage during the absence of people in the apartment will help to avoid negative consequences.

Dachshunds are affectionate to their owners but can be stubborn, especially as puppies and teenagers. Education begins from the first days of being in a new family. The puppy is praised for good behavior and taught a sleep schedule and regular paw washing.

Features of care and feeding

The frequency and type of grooming depends on the type of dachshund's coat. Short hair does not need frequent washing; it is wiped with a damp cloth, and after a walk the paws and belly are washed.

Sometimes they comb with a brush with frequent and short teeth, which is a kind of massage. Long-haired dogs are bathed with shampoo 1-2 times a month and brushed every day.

Wirehaired dachshunds are trimmed. Their fur practically does not fall out on its own, and old hairs then prevent new ones from growing. Skin irritation, dandruff and itching may occur. Once every few months, mature wool is plucked in a special way, or a small part of the oldest hairs is constantly removed.

Important: During shedding, short-haired dachshunds leave behind small, spiky hairs. Therefore, long-haired or wire-haired dogs are more suitable for allergy sufferers, asthmatics and lovers of cleanliness.

Pets with short hair are dressed in overalls and sweaters in winter. Dogs with a hard coat have a developed undercoat, so they do not notice frosts or rain.

The diet for dachshunds consists of common foods that can be given to dogs. Meat, offal and fish in combination with porridge or cottage cheese - daily menu. 1-2 times a week chicken or quail eggs, berries, chicken or turkey throats are added to it.

A dachshund that eats properly, goes outside every day and spends time playing with its owner can live up to 17 years. There are a lot of long-livers in this breed.

Video about the Dachshund breed

The Dachshund is a hunting dog breed originally from Germany. This is one of the oldest and most popular burrowing dogs. But dachshunds have found use not only as hunting dogs, but also as companion dogs.

Long-haired dachshunds.

Dogs with short legs have been known to people since ancient times, but they did not exist as a separate breed. Short legs interfered with fast running, so such animals did not find use. But the situation has changed to XVI century. At that time, large tracts of forests in Europe began to disappear and driven hunting for big game remained accessible only to the richest nobles. Middle-class and poor people paid attention to smaller and more sedentary prey - foxes, badgers, rabbits. Hounds were used to hunt them, but all these animals live in burrows in which they escape persecution. Most hounds, due to their large size, could not penetrate into holes, which is where small, short-legged dogs came in handy. In Germany, the number of small-landed nobles was especially large, so it was there that a group of burrow dogs was formed. The first dachshunds descended from the Bracque hound breed, with further selection the short legs were strengthened and the dachshunds acquired their modern appearance. It should be said that from the very beginning the dachshund population was somewhat heterogeneous, so several types of dachshunds were formed on its basis. Based on size, there are standard, dwarf and rabbit dachshunds, each of these types can be short-haired, long-haired or coarse-haired, so there are 9 varieties of the breed in total. Standard and smooth-haired dachshunds are more common than their wire-haired and small-haired types.

Smooth-haired dachshund.

The Dachshund is a squat, short-legged, elongated, but muscular and flexible dog with a high head. The size of dachshunds is determined not by the height at the withers, but by the volume of the chest: for a standard dachshund - more than 35 cm (weight up to 9 kg), for a dwarf dachshund - 30-35 cm, for a rabbit dachshund up to 30 cm. In the last two types, chest volume is not measured before 15 months of age.

The head is long, with a flat skull with a barely defined transition from the forehead to the muzzle. The muzzle is long, wide, tapering towards the nose, but not pointed. The lips are dry, close-fitting, the opening of the mouth reaches the level of the eyes. Scissor bite. The eyes are of medium size, oval in shape, widely spaced, shiny, with an intelligent and energetic expression. The iris of the eye is brown. The ears are set high, flat, hanging, with rounded ends. The ears should not be pointed, narrow or folded. The neck is set high, moderately long and muscular. The withers are well defined. The chest is voluminous, long and deep, with the breastbone protruding forward. Belly with slight rise. The back is straight or slightly sloping, strong, muscular, with an elongated loin. The tail is straight, slightly curved towards the end, it should continue the line of the back, the dachshund carries it lowered. The forelimbs are muscular and lean, the wrists are located closer to each other than the shoulder joints, so the paws appear crooked when viewed from the front. The hind limbs are muscular, parallel to each other. The toes are gathered into a ball, the claws are short, there is a dewclaw on the paws, but in dachshunds it is not removed. The color is dark red, black and tan, merle, brindle, the nose is preferably black, in dogs of brown color it can be brown.

Wire-haired dachshund.

The wool should be:

• in short-haired dachshunds - short, thick, shiny, close-fitting;
• in wire-haired dachshunds - hard, close-fitting, short on the ears, a pronounced beard and mustache on the muzzle, bushy eyebrows;
• in long-haired dachshunds - smooth, shiny, close to the body, on the throat, ears, belly, hind legs and the underside of the tail is long and hangs down.

The character of dachshunds is very lively, energetic, but balanced without cowardice or malice. Dachshunds are very smart, curious, and when hunting they show themselves as passionate, viscous (tireless) pursuers. They have a well-developed sense of smell, they can work like hounds, chasing prey along the trail, but more often they are taken to a hole with an animal driven by hounds, in the hole the dachshund shows anger towards the animal, persistence and courage. She drags the captured animal to the surface. Dachshunds are more suited to life in the city than other hunting dogs, but when keeping them, you need to take into account the characteristics of this breed.

Who should not own a dachshund:

• for those who have little time - dachshunds are accustomed to close cooperation with people and other dogs, so they do not tolerate loneliness well. Families whose members are all absent for more than 5-6 hours at a time should not own a dachshund;
• adherents of strict discipline - dachshunds are playful, active and curious, which means they will not leave anything unattended in the house. If you leave dogs alone for a long time, they will entertain themselves, not necessarily that you will like the result of this entertainment;
• lovers of cleanliness - dachshunds do not require special care, but due to their short paws, their coat can get dirty in rainy weather (especially long-haired dogs), and as hunting dogs, some dachshunds have a tendency to fall out in excrement on the street. You can avoid these troubles by proper upbringing from childhood and by washing your paws after returning from a walk;
• for nervous people - dachshunds are naturally vocal; if you are annoyed by the barking and fussing of the dog at your feet, then you should turn your attention to another breed.

Dachshunds are not afraid of cold weather, but vests help protect their coats from the elements.

But besides the disadvantages, dachshunds also have advantages.

Who should get a dachshund:

• people with an active lifestyle - dachshunds represent a unique combination of small size with mobility and tirelessness, therefore they are ideal for those who like long walks, they will gladly take part in children's games, and will fill the life of a lonely person with energy;
• residents of small-sized apartments - despite their body length, dachshunds are generally compact, they are easy to carry in your arms or transport in transport;
• For hunters, the hunting purpose of dachshunds is by no means their least advantage. This breed is still considered one of the best burrowing dogs, but for good results, dachshunds must undergo training.

In general, dachshunds are unpretentious, hardy, and adapt well to different conditions, and their intelligence, liveliness and subtle understanding of the owner’s feelings made them very popular. Nowadays, dachshunds are found in many countries of the world; representatives of the intelligentsia love to keep them; dachshunds were the favorites of Napoleon and the German Emperor Wilhelm II. But future owners should not forget about the physiological characteristics of the breed - diseases of the spine. This problem arose relatively recently. The fact is that on a flat surface, dachshunds move easily and freely, but in the vertical plane (when climbing uphill, jumping) their spine experiences an excessive load. Previously, dachshunds were used for hunting and there was no need for them to make movements unusual for them; nowadays, dachshunds often get injured when jumping from the sofa or moving up the stairs. To protect your pet’s health, you need to take your dachshund in your arms when walking up stairs or getting into vehicles, do not allow it to jump, and do not teach dogs to stand upright.

The dachshund chases every animal - from a rabbit to a deer, a wild boar, even a wolf. Trank-Defoug says that in Hungary a wolf ate one of his best dogs. Set on the trail of a wild boar, the dachshund soon stops it, since the animal, attacked by such a small animal, treats it with contempt, while the dachshund easily evades attacks; Due to its small size, a boar cannot even screw up with its fangs; one might even say that he seems to be teasing and inciting the dog. The hunter, guided by barking, sneaks up and shoots.

As a hound, the dachshund also gives a voice when it sees an animal, but it does not lose the trail, since it has a decent sense, of course the lower one. She very well tracks a hare, a fox, a badger, a goat on the ground, but at the same time you don’t have to let her go far from her, since she is very reluctant and gets carried away in pursuit. The dachshund soon chases the wild cat up a tree and barks at it, as well as the pine marten. In the opinion of many, she seems to have no rivals against rabbits, since she climbs into impenetrable thickets, but the rabbit is not afraid of her and does not hide in a hole, as from briquettes and beagles, and she runs quietly, so it is easier to shoot; the dachshund climbs into the hole after him.

Finally, the dachshunds eagerly chase the otter out of its hole and pursue it so ardently that they forget their innate aversion to water; however, long-haired and especially wire-haired dogs are more suitable for this hunt. Dachshunds are also used to exterminate small animals - martens, ferrets, stoats, which they drive out of empty buildings. If the hunter standing at the exit misses, the dachshund runs in hot pursuit and indicates the animal’s new hiding place. Then the dachshund can easily be trained to perform the duties of a retriever and a bloodhound (Schweisshunde), fetching a dead bird even from the water, looking for a wounded or killed animal and barking to notify its owner.

ohpets.ru

History of the origin of the breed

To this day, controversy continues over the origins of this breed. According to one version, similar short-legged dogs once lived in the territory Ancient Egypt. The beginning of the formation of the modern breed dates back to the 16th century. The hunting quality of the dogs - getting into narrow holes where others cannot get into - was appreciated; in addition, maintaining a small pet did not require any special financial costs.

The adoption of the first breed standard occurred in 1870. Before this, individual breeders were engaged in breeding dogs, based on personal preferences. Dachshunds arrived on the territory of Russia in the 30s of the 18th century, and at the turn of the century the first club of fans of this breed appeared. Naturally, the wars had a negative impact on the popularity and development of the breed, but its restoration was so good that today dachshunds are one of the most common dogs - not so much hunters, but more companions.

Description of the Dachshund breed

The dachshund is a burrow hunter, and its appearance is associated with this purpose. There are three varieties of the breed:

• standard fee – height males vary from 20 to 25 cm, weight yat maximum 9 kg;
• dwarf (mini) – weight up to 5.5 kg;
• rabbit (the smallest species) - up to 15 cm, up to 3.5 kg.

Life expectancy is 12-15 years. But any dachshund has an amazing exterior, by which it is not difficult to recognize the dog - it has an elongated body and disproportionate short legs:

• Head The dachshund has an elongated shape, tapering towards the nose. The skull is powerful, has a clearly defined transition from the frontal bone to the nose and weakly defined brow ridges with a hollow.


• Ears hanging, elongated. The nose is pigmented in a dark color - black or brown. The jaws are strong, with close-fitting lips and a regular, scissor bite.
• Eyes oval in shape, medium in size, in most cases they have dark brown irises, with the exception of dogs with a rare marbled color.
• Dachshunds are distinguished by a strong, muscular, squat body with a dry, powerful neck and a wide chest. The withers of dogs are quite high. Back straight, ending in a convex lumbar girdle with a pronounced waist.
• The belly is present, but does not hang down, otherwise we are talking about excess weight of the animal. Round croup, limbs shortish, muscular, stable, ending in paws with black claws. The thighs have a pronounced muscle relief.
• Tail thickened, saber-shaped. In a calm state it is lowered, when the dog is excited, it is located evenly and rises above the waist. Dachshunds' tails should not curl or lie flat on their backs.

The coat depends on the type of dachshund. Short-haired individuals have thick, smooth, hard hair. Long-haired dogs have a long, soft coat with a wave.

Colors

There are dogs of various colors, although not all of them are quite common. The following coat colors are distinguished:

In addition, in Germany they were breeding dachshunds with marbled, blue and white colors. Among dogs with hard hair, there are also individuals with ash coloring.

Look other short-haired dog breeds.

The nature and features of socialization

The dachshund can safely be called an ideal dog for hunting - its nervous system is very stable and balanced. Moreover, representatives of decorative varieties of dachshunds are also endowed with this quality. The Dachshund is a reasonable dog that remains calm in any situation. She is fearless, and her quick wit and discipline prevent her from showing her instincts where they shouldn't. Therefore, unlike other hunting dogs, the dachshund rarely gives vent to his feelings and begins to chase cats or other dogs.

According to the type of temperament, the dachshund is clearly sanguine. She is very curious and inquisitive, which is again connected with hunting - without the habit of being interested in what is happening around, the animal cannot be a successful hunter. The dachshund reacts to any noise, even the slightest. If there is a dachshund in the house, then she will be the first to know all the news - who came, what they bought, and why the cat received a scolding.

Representatives of this breed do an excellent job as guard dogs. The dog voluntarily begins to guard the house and everyone who lives in it. Of course, in terms of size, the dog is inferior to other, truly guard breeds, but their voice is quite convincing - loud, serious, it notifies of the existing threat. This is a quality that almost all hunting dogs are endowed with.

Some dachshunds are quite aggressive towards strangers coming into the house and other dogs on the street. But they do this for two reasons - when they feel a real threat or the owners are not raising the pet. Owners should take into account the fearlessness of their four-legged friends; they will rush to protect the family, even if the enemy is several times larger than them. And this threatens serious damage.

In general, the dachshund is a delicate, sociable creature, accustomed to living next to a person. They cannot live without communication and long walks with their owner. Despite its modest dimensions, the dachshund cannot be classified as a timid animal. She always behaves with dignity, does not fuss and treats herself and her owner with respect. Because of the pride inherent in these dogs, they will never engage in begging.

The Dachshund is a great playmate and always gets along with children. The dog gets away with all the pranks and can be a good nanny and even a protector for its little owners. A difficult issue is keeping a dachshund and other animals in the same house. Smaller pets will act as game, so it is worth assessing such risks. These dogs get along with cats if the dog ends up in a house where there is already a cat or if they grow up together. But even in this case, conflicts are possible if the cat tries to clearly dominate.

Read also: nicknames for dachshunds.

How to train and raise a dachshund

When purchasing a funny dachshund, it is worth considering that dogs of this breed are created to penetrate holes and retrieve game from the water, so no matter how hard you try, a dachshund will not turn out to be a service dog. In the disciplines that are required for service, they are rather weak.

Owners may be touched by the sight of cute short-legged puppies, but they should not relax and forget that the dachshund is a dog with nerves of iron, can be surprisingly stubborn, is capable of being cunning and knows how to manipulate people. Therefore, from the first day the owner must prove that he is the boss in this family. When training, you should ensure that commands are compulsorily followed, since if you give up on your pet’s disobedience once, you will have to deal with laziness every day.

Dachshunds do not tend to carry out tasks mindlessly; they first assess the situation and decide how best to approach this issue. This must be taken into account when working with a representative of this breed. Purebred pets are extremely active and mobile, they love to fetch, but they are in no hurry to give objects to the owner. They love to swim, which helps them cool down in hot weather.

It is important for owners to achieve unconditional obedience from their pet, but this should be done with mandatory emotional relief. Training can be done daily, but its duration should not exceed 20 minutes.

First of all, the Dachshund puppy should be taught to follow its owner and feel the need for communication. To do this, you need to take your pet to a deserted place and try to attract attention. Any response should definitely be encouraged. The result of such training is that the dog will follow the owner without trying to run away after smelling something “interesting.”

If a puppy is purchased for hunting, then he needs to undergo special training at a baiting station. But if there are no such intentions, then you can take a basic training course or raise your pet yourself, choosing the nearest site.

How to care for a dachshund

Dachshunds are quite unpretentious in grooming, however, this does not mean that they do not require attention at all. The activity of these dogs involves regular long walks - with games and training. On the street, they show enthusiasm in exploring every bush, blade of grass and pebble. They simply cannot pass by, as their instincts are higher. Therefore, you should not rush your pet or try to interrupt the process.

Pets of this breed are excellent for living in an apartment, however, if they are kept in a private house, then games and walks in the local area will benefit them. Animals, left alone at home, get bored and are very happy when the whole family gets together.

Your dog's teeth need care; they are cleaned regularly using special remedy and a brush. The eyes should be examined daily, and any discharge that appears should be removed with a damp cotton pad. If signs of conjunctivitis appear, then a furatsilin solution can be used for rinsing.

The coat is very easy to care for - just bathe your pet periodically and dry it by wiping it with a terry cloth towel. Considering the length of the coat, you need to purchase special combs, brushes and comb the dog. Short-haired dogs are brushed once a week and more often during the molting period. For long-haired dogs, this procedure is carried out more often to avoid tangling of the coat.

After walking in dry weather, it is enough to rinse your pet’s paws or wipe them with a damp cloth. If it's dirty outside, you can bathe your dog in the shower without using shampoo. Dachshunds' claws are trimmed as necessary; in long-haired animals, the hair growing on the paws between the toes is trimmed.

Feeding the dachshund

The issue of feeding should be taken seriously and follow the basic rules:

• do not force the dog to eat or overfeed;
• under no circumstances should you give your pet food from the table;
• It is imperative to follow a diet, this is the key to excellent digestion;
• at natural nutrition You can include cereals in your diet - rice, buckwheat, but it is better to avoid oatmeal and barley;
• It is not recommended to give milk to adult dogs; they are more suitable dairy products– fermented baked milk, kefir, yogurt;
• A dog is essentially a predator, which means that the basis of the diet should be meat and offal.

A combined diet of natural food and dry food is unacceptable for dachshunds. This is due to the fact that an overabundance of certain substances may occur. Many experts say that natural food is preferable for dachshunds, but in some cases, ready-made diets are a good option.

The food is recommended for pets whose gastrointestinal tract cannot fully digest meat; in addition, it is easier to choose if the dog suffers from food allergies. Naturally, owners appreciate its ease of use. But it is important to buy a quality product that contains everything you need.

As for natural food, there is no need for variety. It is important to balance the diet, including everything you need and provide this food daily. It is recommended to give dachshunds raw lean meat and boiled offal, raw vegetables and fruits. Bran can be added to food to improve the functioning of the animal’s gastrointestinal tract.

Dachshunds should not be given dishes and baked goods made from flour, as it can disrupt the intestinal microflora. You should also not feed your pet industrial food based on cereals (40-60%).

Read more: what to feed your dachshund.

Video about dachshund

How much does a dachshund puppy cost?

Today, representatives of this breed are at the peak of popularity and are found quite often. The price range is quite wide. You can buy a puppy inexpensively at the market or through an advertisement - for 2000-5000 rubles. A dog with a pedigree and all vaccinations costs more - 15,000-2,000 rubles.

The most expensive are miniature rabbit dachshunds. This is due to the fashion for decorative dogs and low fertility - there are usually from 3 to 5 babies in a litter. The price of such a baby varies from 30,000 to 40,000 rubles. If you take a pet for exhibitions from titled parents, then the price of a rabbit dachshund can increase significantly to 50,000-60,000 rubles.

The Dachshund is a small dog with a sense of self-esteem. She will not tolerate neglect, but if you love and care for her, she will become an excellent companion and a favorite of the whole family.

dogipedia.ru

Education and training

The success of baiting and hunting in the future depends on the correct upbringing of a young dog. Therefore, you need to approach the process of education with all seriousness. You need to start raising a dachshund from the moment it appears in your home. Of course, it is very difficult to accustom a two-month-old dog to certain commands, but it is quite possible to instill in it some inclinations.

The first thing you must do in raising your pet is to accustom him to his nickname. The dog must know that when you say a certain word, you are addressing it specifically. The nickname should be short and sonorous so that your pet can quickly remember it.

You should also teach your dachshund to understand the intonation of your voice. If you are unhappy with something, you should raise your voice, thereby showing her that this cannot be done. Under no circumstances should you yell at the puppy yourself, allow other people to do this, and especially not physically punish her. The dachshund will begin to be afraid of people and will become difficult to train and bait.

Physical punishment is generally unacceptable. If you start beating a dog, it will no longer become a hunter. It is important to understand that a puppy will be interested in training only if it is carried out by a friend and owner, and not by a person who constantly beats him for reasons unknown to the puppy.

From the early months of life, a dog can be taught such a simple command as “search”. At first glance it is difficult, but if you start training her as a puppy, it is quite simple. At the very beginning of training, show the dog a piece of meat and place it in a visible place, then give the command “search” and release the dachshund from the leash. Over time, tasks for the dog will need to be complicated by hiding a piece of meat.

hunfis.ru

Description of the breed

The appearance of the dachshund is unusual: it has a long body, a proportional head and short legs. This body structure arose due to a genetic mutation called chondrodystrophy. With this pathology, the torso develops normally, but the limbs are shortened and twisted. In terms of size, dachshunds come in standard, rabbit and dwarf varieties. By type of fur - smooth-haired, long-haired and wire-haired. Here is the standard, characteristics and short description breeds:

• The height of a standard dog is from 35 cm, a dwarf dog is 30-35 cm, a rabbit dog is up to 30 cm.
• The weight of a regular adult dachshund is up to 9 kg, and that of a dwarf dachshund is up to 7 kg.
• The dachshund's head is elongated, the skull is flat, the stop is barely visible.
• The muzzle is elongated, pointed, with a convex back of the nose and a large lobe. The bite is correct, scissor bite, complete set of teeth, lips tightly fitting.
• The eyes are medium-sized, oval-shaped, widely spaced. The shade is dark or reddish with brown, depending on the color.
• The ears hang down, are set high, slightly tilted forward, are relatively large in size, the tips are rounded, and pressed tightly to the cheekbones.
• The neck is elongated, slightly convex at the nape, with developed muscles, held high.
• The back has a straight or slightly sloping line, pronounced withers, an elongated loin, and a long and wide croup.
• The breast has small depressions on the sides, is oval in front, looks spacious on the sides, the ribs are set back.
• The tummy is tucked.
• The tail has a medium set and continues the line of the back.
• The front legs are straight, dry and muscular, the elbows are directed back, the shoulder blades fit tightly to the body, the corners of the joints are pronounced. The length of the legs is equal to a third of the height of the dog at the withers.
• The thighs are elongated, with developed muscles, the hind legs are straight, with pronounced angles of the joints.
• The paws are plump, the toes are arched, gathered into a strong ball, the pads are hard.

The dachshund's movements are energetic, yet smooth and spacious, with a long stride. The push of the hind legs is elastic, the front legs do not rise much, all legs move in parallel. The tail is kept slightly lowered.

Coat and color options

Dachshunds have different types of fur. There is a dog:

• Smooth-haired, with close-lying short hair, without traces of bald patches.
• Long-haired, with a thick undercoat, fringed ears, pronounced feathering on the back of the legs and at the bottom of the tail. The coat is smooth on top, close-lying, and elongated below.
• The wirehair has wire-like hair and a pronounced undercoat. The length is the same on the body, on the muzzle there is a beard and bushy eyebrows, on the ears the hair is short and smooth.

The smooth-haired dachshund comes in one-color, two-color, merle, and brindle colors. Single-color color has the following options and types:

• red (the most valuable);
• reddish with yellow;
• pale yellow.

The nose and claws of such dogs are black; black hairs are allowed; white hairs and marks are considered a defect.

The two-tone color is black or brown, with reddish-brown or yellow tan. The tan is located on the following parts of the body:

• above the eyes;
• on the side of the muzzle;
• on the lips below;
• inside the ears;
• on the front of the chest;
• inside and behind the legs;
• around the anus;
• on a third or half of the inside of the ponytail.

The claws and nose are black or brown, depending on the base tone. White spots are undesirable, but do not disqualify dogs because of them.

The main tone of marbled dachshunds is dark (gray, black or red), with beige or gray light spots randomly scattered throughout the body. Brindle dachshunds have a red or fawn base coat with dark brindle highlights. The wire-haired dachshund has a boar (wolf, murugi) color or the same tones as the smooth-haired one. The color of a long-haired dachshund matches the coat colors of a smooth-haired dog.

Dog character

The dachshund is a hunting dog that has maintained its qualities for hundreds of years. It works great in rabbit, badger and fox holes. Can catch an animal that is much larger than her. This is an intelligent and quick-witted breed, because when hunting, it often had to make independent decisions. The dog is very lively and energetic, it is hardy, capable of walking many kilometers, despite its short legs. An active character requires constant physical activity: the dachshund loves to run, play, and explores every corner in the apartment, in the yard or in the park.

The Dachshund dog breed is very loyal to its owner and gets along well with children and other family members. She loves comfort and warmth, she will happily sleep under a blanket and climb into her arms. At the same time, the dachshund is cunning and stubborn. She knows how to get her own way, skillfully covering up the traces of her own dirty tricks. It does not get along well with other dogs; it will desperately defend its own territory from a stranger, even if he is larger than it. The main “weapon” of the dachshund is its ringing bark and courage, which exceeds all reasonable limits.

It is not recommended to keep a dachshund with other animals. She will perceive small rodents and birds as prey. Chasing cats around the yard and in the house is one of the dachshund's favorite pastimes. The Dachshund dog is proud and independent and requires special treatment. If a puppy appears in the house, he will quickly become the master of the situation and be the center of attention. Only proper education and training will allow him to be put in his place and controlled.

Training and education of a dachshund

Bring up good manners A Dachshund puppy needs it from day one. He must clearly understand the sound of the nickname, his rights, what he can do and what he cannot do. This is not an easy task, because the dachshund is a very smart, cunning and stubborn breed. The dog will do everything not to comply with the requirements and not be punished. An inexperienced owner will not have time to look back before the little dog has won his independence and will demonstrate his willful character everywhere. This does not bother many; they are completely at peace with this situation, they believe that the dog does not need training, because the dachshund is small and funny, its pranks do not cause much harm.

If the owner wants to get an obedient dog that not only responds to its name, but also clearly follows all commands, it needs to be trained correctly. It is necessary to show persistence, not to succumb to tricks and subterfuges, to reward the dog only for its accomplishments, and to punish with a severe reprimand for pranks. Classes are conducted in the form of a game, teams are often changed so that the dog does not get bored. Best of all, if the desires of the owner and the dog coincide, then the dachshund can be taught the most complex tricks, and not just basic commands. Good training and education will help to raise a dachshund into a real hunter or a funny pet that brings joy and does not cause problems.

Care, nutrition and maintenance

The dachshund can be called an ideal breed for an apartment. Maintenance will not cause any trouble, the dog is clean, small in size and very smart. Dachshunds live well in a country house, but it’s not worth keeping it outside all the time: the dog can freeze. You need to walk dogs, especially young ones, a lot, for an hour 2 times a day. In winter, early spring and late autumn, your dog needs clothing to prevent it from catching a cold. At home, a dachshund must have toys and bones, it is advisable to build minks and labyrinths for it, then the dog will throw out its energy and will not spoil things in the apartment.

Caring for a dachshund is not difficult. The smooth-haired dachshund is brushed once a week using a stiff brush or rubber mitt. If the coat is long or coarse, dogs should be brushed 2-3 times a week, making sure that tangles do not form. Enhanced coat care should be done during the shedding period. It is important to take care of your ears; they are cleaned once a week: they wipe the inner surface of the auricles and remove wax. Claws are trimmed once every 2-3 weeks. Brush your teeth every other day: Dachshunds are prone to the formation of tartar.

Up to 4 months, a dachshund puppy needs to be fed 4 times a day, from 4 to 6 - 3 times, and from six months the dog is transferred to 2 meals a day. The dachshund eats willingly natural products, as well as canned food and other prepared foods. It is important not to overfeed the dog: he is prone to obesity, so feeding should be correct, in small portions, appropriate to the size and weight of the breed. In a natural menu, animal proteins make up at least 40%, it is better to give low-calorie cereals (rice, buckwheat), and include vegetables and fruits in the diet. Dry food and canned food are purchased at least premium class.

Mating and breeding of dachshunds

Girls mature for breeding at 18-20 months. By then she should be in her 3rd heat. Boys are knitted at approximately 2 years old. Dogs no older than 8 years are allowed for breeding. One of the partners must be experienced, otherwise the mating will be problematic or will not take place at all. In most cases, when mating dachshunds, outside help is not required. 10 days before mating, dogs are dewormed and must be examined by a veterinarian the day before. Immediately before mating, they are given a good walk and not fed.

Dachshund pregnancy lasts 58-63 days. It can be diagnosed from 3-4 weeks. During pregnancy, the bitch should eat well; she is given vitamins and mineral supplements with calcium. Food must contain at least 50% animal proteins. 3 weeks before giving birth, the dog is transferred from 2 meals a day to 3 meals a day. Childbirth in a standard dachshund proceeds without complications and lasts about 6 hours. The dog itself gnaws the umbilical cord and takes care of the puppies. Rabbit and miniature dachshunds give birth more difficultly and often require the help of a veterinarian.

Dog health

Dachshund hunting working dogs are relatively healthy. Their life expectancy is 12-15 years, if care, maintenance and feeding are correct. But there are pathologies that are typical for domestic dachshunds:

• discopathy;
• heart diseases;
• pathology Bladder and kidneys;
• cataracts or clouding of the lens;
• eclampsia during childbirth;
• diabetes;
• obesity.

The dachshund should not be overfed or overloaded physical exercise so as not to treat later. Vaccination is carried out for puppies at 2-3 months, it is done by the nursery or breeder. Vaccinations should be repeated every year.

Selection and price of a puppy

How much does a puppy cost? The breed is very common, there are no problems finding and buying it. Dachshund puppies and their price depend on the purebred, variety and pedigree. Miniature dachshunds cost 25,000-30,000 rubles. A standard purebred dachshund costs 15,000-20,000 rubles. The price of puppies without documents is 1000-5000 rubles, they are often given into good hands. And ordinary dogs, without exhibition prospects, cost approximately 6,000-10,000 rubles.

slonvkvartire.ru

Origin story

The first information about dogs similar to modern dachshunds appears in the 16th century in southern Germany. The dachshund is considered the oldest breed of burrowing hunting dog. Its ancestors were supposedly German hounds called Brakes. It was from these stocky and short dogs that dachshunds inherited courage, extraordinary intelligence, hunting instinct and intuition.

The Germans call them Dachshund, which translates to badger dog. The oldest club that deals with breeding is called Deutscher Teckelklub e. V, it was created in 1888.

The dachshund was brought to Russia around the middle of the 18th century, but its popularity began to grow only in the 20th century. Interestingly, dachshunds were Napoleon's favorite pets. He loved his dogs Fossette and Grenouille so dearly that he ordered them to be buried with him in the same grave. Among the others famous people who were connoisseurs of dachshunds, it is worth noting Anton Chekhov (he had 2 dachshunds) and Andy Warhol.

Video review about the Dachshund dog breed:

Appearance and standards

The Dachshund is a squat, short-legged dog of an elongated but compact build with well-developed muscles, a proud carriage of the head and an attentive expression. Dachshunds are very active and flexible.

For decades, breeders have bred Dachshunds in three sizes:

• Standard (chest circumference from 36 cm);
• Miniature Dachshund (chest circumference up to 30 to 35 cm);
• Rabbit dachshund (chest circumference up to 30 cm).

And also three varieties of wool:

• Smooth-haired
• Wirehaired
• Long-haired.

Regardless of the type, a dachshund should not weigh more than 10 kg.

Head and muzzle

The dachshund's head is elongated, but not pointed, tapering evenly towards the nose. Well developed jaws. The teeth must be complete and in the correct bite. The lips fit well and cover the lower jaw. The eyes are oval-shaped, medium in size, set wide apart, with a friendly, energetic look. For all colors, shirts should range from light to dark brown. Even in merle-colored dogs, light eyes are undesirable, but tolerable. The ears are quite long, set high, and have a rounded shape. The anterior edges of the auricle are adjacent to the cheekbones. The neck is long and flexible. The scruff is slightly convex.

Frame

The topline has a slight slope due to the slightly sloping croup. The back is strong, straight or slightly sloping. The chest is very well developed, the ribs are laid back. The lowest point of the sternum should be above the ground at a distance of 1/3 of the height at the withers. The hemline is slightly tucked. The tail is a continuation of the top line, straight or saber-shaped, tapering to the tip. A slight bend in the last third is allowed. The limbs are short and very muscular. When viewed from the front, the front legs are straight, with the paws pointing forward and the elbows straight back. The hind legs are set parallel. The paws are well assembled and rest on strong pads.

According to the ICF standard, which is detailed description breed, dachshunds must undergo working tests. Some clubs in non-European countries are trying to achieve the abolition and awarding of the title of International Champion only for beauty. The leadership of the association has a different opinion: the dachshund is a hunting dog and this is confirmed by tests, and an excellent exterior should not exclude excellent working qualities.

Coat and colors

Smooth-haired dachshund It is distinguished by short, shiny, thick hair that fits tightly to the skin. It feels hard to the touch. The winter coat is slightly longer and thicker than the summer coat.

There are three types of colors:

• Single-color (red, reddish-yellow, fawn). Pure color is preferred, but black hair is allowed.
• Two-tone rich brown or black with red or fawn markings.
• Marbled with a dark base color (black, red or gray) on which there are random beige or gray spots.

Breeding a merle dachshund is quite a bold undertaking, since the merle gene, which is responsible for color, carries hidden health risks.

Wirehaired dachshund The owner of a thick, coarse coat with undercoat. The hair of the same length fits tightly throughout the body, only on the muzzle it forms a beard and bushy eyebrows; on the ears the hair is shorter than on the body, almost smooth. The predominant color is the so-called boar (has many shades from light to dark). There may also be others described for the smooth-haired variety other than merle and brindle.

Longhaired dachshund the most elegant. Its coat is moderately soft, shiny with undercoat. On the body it fits tightly, on the throat and lower part of the body it is slightly longer. On the ears it falls below the edge, forming a fringe. Pronounced feathering on the hind legs and underside of the tail. The colors of long-haired dogs can be one-color or two-color, like smooth-haired dogs.

Character of Dachshund dogs

Dachshunds are truly sanguine. These long dogs are very inquisitive by nature, as their hunting instinct makes them know everything that happens around them. Dachshunds are sure to be interested in any slightest squeak or rustle, which makes them excellent watchdogs.

Dachshunds are always full of energy, but they are also very gentle creatures. The courage and pride of these dogs can sometimes be reckless. However, larger dogs often respect the serious intentions of the little ones. A cheerful dachshund will always be devoted to its owner. This dog will get along with children who treat it with respect, but may not tolerate excessive affection from a very young child. Dachshunds also love to travel.

The dachshund gets along well with other pets in the house, but sometimes it can experience bouts of jealousy. A dachshund will always demand respectful treatment, as it considers itself a proud and important person. Dachshunds are true lovers of comfort, and therefore they often climb into the laps or arms of their owner. They can often be found wrapped in a blanket.

Education and training

Almost all dachshunds are relatively difficult to train, this does not mean that they are stupid. Dachshunds quickly remember house rules, various commands and even tricks, but are not always ready to carry them out at the owner’s first request. Sometimes it's hard to get them to be quiet for a bit, as they love to bark. These smart dogs will always defend their owner. Experienced dachshund owners believe that long-haired dachshunds are calmer than their short-haired cousins. Dogs of this breed do not tolerate rudeness and neglect.

Dachshunds are very obedient dogs when they are at home, but when hunting or walking, the dog forgets about its docile nature and, sensing a scent, plunges headlong into searching for the animal.

Hunting with a dachshund

Initially, dachshunds were bred for burrow hunting, but the dogs also take great pleasure in tracking a hare, picking up a black grouse and serving birds from the water. Most modern owners of dachshunds keep them as pets, dogs for the sofa and family, but there are also lovers who use the breed for its intended purpose, however, according to dog handlers, there are no more than a third of them.

Using dachshunds to hunt burrowing animals is quite dangerous. While following an animal underground, dachshunds can get caught in a cave-in, lose a fight with an inhabitant, or get stuck. Therefore, a hunter with a dachshund will have to take with him not only a gun, but also a shovel.

A dog can work in different ways. One dachshund barks at its prey, harasses it with short grabs, and forces the burrower to jump out of the shelter before being shot. The other, having discovered an opponent, clamps it in its jaws and does not let go until the animal is alive or until the hunter comes.

Dachshunds are characterized by such qualities as endurance, viscosity and hunting courage, excitement and courage. They have another one on the hunt distinguishing feature- intelligence, which is fully manifested only in the field. A dog that has grown up in close contact with its owner understands the task perfectly and does what is required of it at the moment.

For a Dachshund pet, you need to allocate its own place in the house. At the same time, it should be quite spacious. Dachshunds are very active, mobile and love toys, so their place should be equipped with various balls, rubber bones, etc. Due to their build, Dachshunds can have back problems. For this reason, the dog’s sleeping place should not be too soft.

To maintain its perky temperament, the dog needs regular physical activity in the form of walks and active games. Climbing slopes and walking over rough terrain will have a very good effect on the musculoskeletal system. During the cold season, many owners choose clothes for their dogs according to the weather.

Caring for a dachshund's coat is not difficult, with the exception of wire-haired dogs that need regular trimming. For the rest, it is enough to brush them regularly, a little more often during the molting period. Dogs are bathed infrequently, as needed. Grooming tools and cosmetics are selected depending on the type and length of the coat.

Dachshunds need eye care. Mucus that has formed in the eyes can be removed using a cotton swab dipped in ordinary boiled water. If heavy discharge appears, you should immediately contact a veterinarian. You need to clean your ears as they get dirty. This will help avoid the development of inflammation and infectious diseases. Teeth also need regular care. To clean them, special toothpastes, treats and toys are used, which remove plaque and thereby activate the formation of tartar.

Diet

Since the dachshund is a hunting breed, active with well-developed muscles, its body needs meat, which should make up 30-50% of the diet. It could be beef, veal, rabbit. It is better to avoid pork; it is too fatty for dogs, and chicken often causes allergies. An excellent substitute for meat 1-2 times a week is fillet of lean sea fish (boiled), as well as offal. About a fifth of a dachshund's diet should consist of cereals (for example, rolled oats, rice or buckwheat). It’s good to include vegetables in your pet’s diet (for example, carrots, pumpkin, zucchini). The dog will be happy to eat them boiled and stewed. You can add a little vegetable oil to vegetables. As a tasty treat, the dachshund can be treated to bananas, dried fruits and fermented milk products.

If you prefer to feed your dog ready-made food, then you should use holistic or super-premium food. Daily norm Feed is calculated based on the recommendations on the packaging and divided into 2-3 doses. Dachshunds are prone to obesity, so they should not be overfed.

Health and life expectancy

Typically, dachshunds suffer from diseases acquired as a result of improper maintenance, care or feeding, as well as due to age-related and other physiological changes that are beyond the control of the owner. In addition, there are several inherited diseases in the breed:

• Papillary skin dystrophy - increased secretion of the sebaceous glands, leads to the formation of folds, hyperpigmentation and thickening of the skin. Sometimes the disease is associated with dysfunction of the adrenal cortex or thyroid gland. Smooth-haired dogs are mainly susceptible.
• Swimmer's syndrome - an anomaly manifests itself at 3-4 weeks of age; puppies cannot rise to their feet due to deformation of the chest.
• Intervertebral disc defect. The most commonly reported syndrome is slipped disc syndrome, which leads to compression of the spinal cord and subsequent paralysis. Appears at the age of 5-7 years.
• Idiopathic epilepsy appears in dogs at the age of 2-3 years. Wire-haired and long-haired dachshunds are more often affected.
• In wire-haired dogs, eyelash growth defects occur, which are corrected surgically.
• Marbled dachshunds have eye development abnormalities;
• Alopecia (baldness) due to weakening of pigment occurs in dogs of gray and isabella color, but since they are quite rare, the disease is not widespread.
• Progressive retinal atrophy begins to appear between the ages of 1.5 and 5 years and usually leads to complete blindness.

The life expectancy of dachshunds is 12-14 years.

Choosing a puppy and price

The first thing potential owners need is to decide on the purpose of buying a dachshund. The dog may be:

• Working (hunting);
• Decorative;
• Sports.

Decorative dogs are bred only for their exterior and purchased for participation in exhibitions. These are mainly dwarf dachshunds. In this case, hunting qualities are lost very quickly.

With hunters, everything is clear; they must have strong instincts and be born from parents who have proven themselves in this matter. This does not guarantee that the puppy will become a great helper, but it significantly increases the likelihood.

Sporting dachshunds are companions that are unlikely to show themselves at exhibitions and will not become hunters' assistants, but owners intend to participate with them in various sports competitions or "artificial hole" tests. At the same time, the working qualities of the dog are preserved. It can be used in breeding to produce excellent burrowers and at the same time maintain the level of exterior qualities.

Having decided on the type, you should start choosing a kennel and parents, and only then move on to choosing a puppy from the litter. Working dogs are usually looked after not at exhibitions, but in the field. While watching the work, it is worth considering that first-class dogs do not always give good offspring.

The competence and experience of the breeder is very important. It is in the first weeks of life that the foundation for a dog’s mental and physical health is laid. When choosing a baby from a litter, it is important to pay attention to its external characteristics, they do not have special significance, only if the dog will not participate in breeding. Puppies should be healthy, well-fed and heavy, but not due to overfeeding carbohydrates or a bloated belly. The limbs and head should appear disproportionately large. The coat is shiny, the movement is active and cheerful, the kids should be curious and playful.

Prices for puppies vary widely. A dachshund from a kennel will cost around 25,000-35,000 rubles. Puppies without documents, but from working parents, are sold by hunters for an average of 10,000 -15,000 rubles. Dachshunds without a pedigree, born to amateurs, are sometimes quite inexpensive, up to 5,000 rubles.

usatiki.ru

The rumor is right that a dog raises a hunter. And mutual understanding between hunter and dog is created when a person respectfully and seriously recognizes his dachshund’s competence in burrow hunting. It’s not for nothing that an experienced hunter will stop a beginner: don’t bother the dog, he knows better.

The working qualities of a dachshund usually immediately change the ironic attitude towards it that often exists, and make you see something special in this brave little dog. Why is the dachshund respected and valued? Why exactly did it sink into the soul and turn many hunters into convinced “taxi drivers” who often do not change their attachment to this breed throughout their lives? They never dispute the merits of other dogs, but when asked to adopt a puppy of a different breed, they will only smile to themselves: they know that a small short-legged dog knows the secret of the art of burrow hunting.

More than once in the burrows I heard an admiring whisper: it works beautifully! Beautiful! And the hunter, with bated breath, watches all its actions, understands the ideas and techniques of his dog, sees its tactics and strategy, and at these moments he will not believe any scientist that his dog does not know how to think.

The Dachshund knows how to “think through” a situation, figure it out in his “mind”, and then find the right solution. It was this ability that was fixed in the breed. Without it, the price would be worthless in underground hunting, where the situation develops in a new way every time, and each time it is necessary to solve it in the old way - to get the animal. If we briefly formulate the main feature of the dachshund’s work, we can say: this is tactics and maneuver. As a rule, the dachshund works economically, without wasting energy, but tries to “assess” the situation and “take the initiative into its own paws,” thus making the enemy dependent on its maneuver. The dachshund, first of all, “works with his head”, intelligently, with calculation, choosing the most advantageous positions and moments for attack. The tactical art of the dachshund includes precise measurement of its own strength and the strength of the animal. Add to this a developed hunting instinct, the anger and aggressiveness of a beast dog, passion and tirelessness in pursuing the beast, and you will get the “service” characteristic of a dachshund. No wonder they say about dachshunds: these little dogs with the heart of a lion.

Strong constitution, strong stable nervous system and the character of a sanguine person - these are the starting points that determine the specifics of a dachshund’s work. An experienced dachshund, having a healthy sense of self-preservation, even in the heat of battle does not lose composure, self-control, and the ability to “analyze” its actions and the situation. In the excitement of hunting passion, in a state of extreme nervous excitement, the dachshund does not show recklessness, forcing it to rush without looking back at a stronger and larger opponent. Her tactical “calculations” do not include a direct confrontation with the beast if it can be avoided. The dachshund is the smallest hunting dog, and it has to win, to paraphrase the famous expression of the great commander, not by size, but by skill. This skill is tactics. The dachshund's tactics include achieving a result - catching an animal - with minimal losses for oneself. It is known that dachshunds are the least likely to be killed or injured while hunting. At the same time, their production rate is high.

The functionality of the dachshund for a hunter and its prey ability are based on the fact that it is always ready to engage in a short fight with the animal, but at the same time avoids serious bites from it. She uses any suitable moment to grab the animal, bend down, dodge, let go a little, and then again, seizing the moment, give a grip. This is one of the manifestations of anger.

A long body on short legs allows her to do this in the best possible way - in the corridors of the burrow the dachshund walks almost in full height without bending down, it saves her a lot of effort. For the same reasons, the dachshund can quickly chase an animal in a hole. What other dog does a hunter need? She is able to quickly drive out a fox, and suffers little from wounds, as is often the case with dogs possessing uncontrollable anger, who receive serious wounds after the first work in a hole. Healing wounds consumes precious time during the hunting season, and the dog’s performance is significantly reduced.

Cowardly dogs have little vitality. But the same applies to those dogs who do not know (and life experience does not teach them this) their physical capabilities, bitterly paying for their uncontrollability. The dachshund is endowed with the courage to attack, is agile in its work, and has an excellent reaction. She is a vicious dog, but she knows how to use her anger prudently. This is the skill of the dachshund.

A hunting dachshund must be energetic, have agility, persistence in work and the ability to actively attack. The trouble-free and tireless work of a dachshund is its viscosity. The instinct of these dogs, as a rule, is so developed that the dachshund forgets about everything in the world when working. Hunting consumes her entire being, it is the meaning of her life, her purpose. The dachshund “finds itself” from birth and experiences difficulties only when its hunting inclinations are not realized. This hardworking and businesslike dog requires regular work.

When a dachshund sits at home for a long time, she begins to get bored, looks for all sorts of small things to do, toils, becomes irritable, and it is clear from her that she finally wants to get down to real business. And he looks disappointedly after the owner leaving for work.

Even lactating bitches and very old “veterans” who have been through more than one serious alteration in their lifetime do not refuse to work.

The dachshund has an excellent sense of smell, allowing it to navigate the complex labyrinth of various smells. To work in a hole, a dachshund needs a clear voice, which the dog must give throughout the entire work.

zooclub.ru

Hunting with a dachshund

Dachshunds belong to the ancient type of dogs in terms of their richness of hunting instincts and are one of the most successful human experiences in breeding an animal - a collaborator and assistant.

In dachshunds of pure hunting lines, the instinct to work is so strong that it outweighs the craving for convenience and comfort.

The dachshund has a variety of hunting talents. Its main duty is to work in a hole, but dachshunds also successfully hunted small rodents and were used as a slow-moving hound, convenient because the animal, which escapes from the chase at the speed of the pursuer, is in no hurry to run away from the dachshund as fast as it can, which makes it possible a hunter on foot to overtake him. Thanks to their keen sense of smell, dachshunds were used as bloodhounds and replaced retrievers to follow the blood trail when finding wounded animals.

Dachshunds are not afraid of water, so instead of being a pointer, they can be trained to fetch captured waterfowl. A strong instinct for protecting the territory, vigilance, excellent hearing, instant reaction, the ability to recognize danger and fearlessness allow the dachshund to be a good guard dog. That's how many “specialties” a small dog has!

When hunting burrowing animals, the dachshund is irreplaceable because of its character. She combines courage and prudence, prefers to drive the animal out of the hole rather than tear it apart, which is important when commercially hunting foxes, whose skin is valuable and can suffer in a fight with a dog that is too hot. Dachshunds are tenacious and tough to work with, but are also smart and careful enough to avoid injury and being bitten.

A good dog, trained and trained, is expensive, either in monetary terms or in terms of the time and effort of the trainer. Therefore, any hunter will prefer a dog returning unharmed from a hole to one that crawls out wounded, with serious injuries, although it has killed the animal. The hunting season is short, and you need to work, not treat an overly keen dog.

Excessive ardor and viciousness in dachshunds have always been considered a drawback. Hunters valued cautious and intelligent dogs that persistently pursued the animal, hanging on its tail and constantly vocalizing during the pursuit.

Badger hunting with a dachshund

Hunting with a dachshund for burrowing animals itself has changed little over the past 130 - 160 years. This is how they hunted in the 18th and 19th centuries. They preferred to take a fox with a dachshund. She is not as dangerous to a dog as a badger. Both then and now there were few dachshunds who took a badger. A badger is a large and very vicious animal; it is more difficult to find it in a hole and force it to come out, since badger holes are huge, with many branches, passages and “floors”.

They dig new passages and underground rooms as the old ones become unusable, become dirty or begin to crumble. Often an old badger hole turns into a “communal apartment” in which a variety of animals live - from mice to foxes. In addition to the main exit, there are always several spare ones in a badger hole, located quite far from the entrance hole. Only an experienced, strong, brave and intelligent dog can cope with a badger and drive it out before being shot.

Fox hunting with a dachshund

Fox hunting with a dachshund is easier. She prefers not to engage in a fight with the dog, but confuses him, breaking away from pursuit in a hole, or lies down, waiting out the attack. The fox has always been a more desirable prey for hunters because of the value of the skin. In addition, the abundance of foxes near human farmland threatened losses in the poultry population. The two of them went after the fox. A hunter with a dachshund always took with him an assistant armed with a shovel, a pick, special tongs, and also nets that were inserted into the holes of the hole to block all exits except one.

They hunted in rainy, windy weather, when foxes are more willing to hide in a hole. They approached the discovered hole from the windward side, without making noise. The dog had to behave very quietly, not yelp, not bark, and not give away the presence of the hunter in any way. All openings that could serve as an exit from the hole were covered with nets, weighted at the edges with bullets sewn in, so that the animal would not break through, but would get entangled in them. One hole was left open and the dog was thrown into it. The dachshund showed off and quickly examined the possible hiding places of the fox. The hunters listened attentively.

If the dog quickly returned from the hole without raising a voice, they concluded that there was no animal and went to explore the next hole. If the dog gave a voice, the hunters literally lay down, putting their ear to the ground, and listened carefully to how the dog worked. At the same time, the assistant began to dig a hole, getting hot and teasing the dog. The dachshund had to chase the fox in the hole, keeping up, constantly voicing, and drive the animal into a dead end, from where they dug them out together, or by persistent pursuit, pinching and barking, force the fox to jump out of the hole into a prepared mesh-purse blocking the exit.

Adult dogs were used to work underground. Experts especially noted that a good dachshund should not be too large or too small. A strong and tireless dog was preferred. If they hunted in places with loose soil, they tried to use larger and stronger dachshunds, which kept the animal at a dead end while the hunters dug them out. In areas with rocky soil, where digging is inconvenient, they preferred smaller, dexterous, vicious dachshunds, who, with persistent pursuit, forced the fox to leave the hole.

Dogs have always been preferred that do not try to engage in a fight with a fox, even if they are able to take it correctly, bite it and even pull it out of the hole, and those that, avoiding direct confrontation, bore the animal until it jumps out of the hole. The dachshund, having sat on the tail of the beast, should no longer leave the hole, even when wounded. They started hunting with dachshunds no earlier than they were one year old, although experienced burrowers knew that often a dog is ready to hunt no earlier than one and a half to two years of age.

By the end of the 19th century, the area of ​​land where hounds were hunted decreased in European countries. Therefore, the dachshund was increasingly used as a hound for a foot hunter. The dachshunds were good because they chased the animal slowly, but without driving it too far from the hunter in excitement. Thanks to their excellent lower sense of smell, they easily followed the trail, persistently followed it, and were able to give a voice if they saw an animal, that is, they walked with sight. The hunters liked that the animal was not afraid of the dachshund, let it get quite close, and walked away from the dog in no hurry, which made it possible for the hunter on foot to catch up with the animal and get close enough to shoot.

As a hound, the dachshund was used to hunt rabbits, martens, otters, ferrets, stoats, forest goats, and even wild boar. The dachshunds were distinguished by their patience; if the hunter missed the first time, they easily found a fresh trail and indicated the new location of the animal. The versatility of the dachshund lay in the fact that it was not adapted only to any strictly defined hunting conditions.

The dog followed the rabbit and the hare through the thicket and dense bushes; in the forest, it stopped the boar, barking and dodging the beast until the hunter sneaks up and shoots; chasing the otter, the dachshund went into the water; she drove martens and stoats up a tree like a husky and barked until the hunter approached. Although hunters already noted that the versatility of the dachshund came somewhat to the detriment of its basic abilities as a burrowing dog, they still willingly used it as a replacement for an entire working pack. L.P. Sabaneev noted that the dachshund “can easily be trained to perform the duties of a bloodhound and retriever, bring a dead bird from the water, look for a wounded or killed animal and bark to notify the owner.”

Nowadays they hunt with dachshunds mainly for fox, raccoon dog and badger. Badgers are hunted only where the number of this animal is sufficiently large. Hunters are required to restore excavated badger holes. In Russia, in some regions, digging holes with subsequent restoration is allowed, but in Belarus and Ukraine this method of hunting badgers is prohibited, since the badger has become a rare animal here.

www.nexplorer.ru

The smooth-haired dachshund is an excellent loyal friend and a good hunting assistant. After all, no hunter would ever climb into a swamp after a duck or into a hole after a badger. A dog of this breed will do all this for the owner with great pleasure! The dachshund is not afraid of water and the dark. And the result will please both.

The Dachshund is the oldest breed of hunting dog. There are many varieties of this kind of human friend, but this particular one is good for baiting burrowing animals. Her fur is smooth and shiny. The ears are floor-length and soft. The muzzle is elongated and long. Strong back, deep, voluminous chest. The forelimbs are more massive than the hind limbs. The length of the tail reaches the end of the paw, has a thick base, and becomes sharper towards the end.

The animal requires proper care (care for health, fur, claws, teeth, eyes, ears). Vaccinations, nutrition, walking – you need to take into account everything that will make the dog’s life luxurious. Representatives of this tribe do not like loneliness, easily settle down in apartments and houses, and love to play with children.

After buying a puppy, you need to get all the necessary vaccinations in the first month. First of all, from plague and rabies. This will protect your dog from diseases when in contact with wild animals and you will be confident in its safety. In the second year of life, they begin to take the dog out for fishing.

Constant training will prepare him to carry out various commands. Dachshunds are very smart and intelligent, so they remember commands very quickly. A trained dog is always less hassle. She listens to the owner religiously. The shooting period is very short. Perhaps this is why such qualities of a pet as caution and perseverance are valuable, rather than ardor and malice. After all, it is better for any hunter to see his dog safe and sound, returning from the hole. Do not treat a dachshund that is fond of fighting for serious injuries.

Before hunting a badger, you need to let your pupil frolic and play. The badger is a nocturnal lazy animal of quite large size. Badger fat has medicinal properties. This is what attracts trappers to hunt a predator. The animal spends the whole day in a hole that resembles a labyrinth. It comes out at night. The passage into the house is very narrow. A brave and prudent dog can cope with a predator. When launched into a hole, the dachshund sniffs every millimeter of the ground. Because he is always purposefully looking for a badger.

The dachshund is a brave and independent dog. After all, she is looking for prey in a dark and narrow establishment on her own, not relying on the owner’s help. And the St. John's wort can only wait for the moment when the badger jumps out of it. This is where the beast can pay with a shot in the head. Having discovered a badger deep in a hole, a dachshund may anger or bite it. He lures him out and runs to the exit. Its mobility and short legs provide support when leaving the burrow. This excellent feature of the dachshund during badger hunting reduces the waiting time for the hunted animal.

Sometimes a dachshund may find itself lured into a remote corner of a badger's maze. In a dark corner, a badger covers its prey with earth. But the worst thing can happen: a badger strangles a dachshund. Another danger awaits the dachshund while hunting. Foxes often live in badger burrows. They are carriers of skin mites. This contagious disease can be transmitted to humans. If a dachshund has physical contact with a fox, the likelihood of becoming infected increases. And there is only one outcome - the death of the pet. Therefore, after a hunt, you should carefully inspect the animal’s fur. And if you find something suspicious, you need to contact a veterinarian. On early stages the disease is curable.

It is necessary to constantly take care of the dog's safety. When going hunting in a car, a person does not think about the fate of the dog. She usually sits in the front seat of the car, looking at her owner, waiting for the hunt time. Special containers have long been invented for transporting dogs. Good strength guarantees safe transportation of the animal over long distances. You can place a pet mat inside the plastic box. The box can be insulated depending on the time of year and weather. And so that the dog does not freeze in the winter, caring owners purchase a special suit for him at the pet store. This is reliable protection from the cold, and not a tribute to fashion. By observing all these simple requirements, your four-legged friend will feel great, and you will not worry again.

The dachshund is an excellent breadwinner; when hunting, it gives all its best, delighting its owner with another trophy. And hunting without a dog will not be so fruitful and eventful. The safety of your pet is in your hands. Monitor the condition of his coat. Clean it from dirt and dust using a mitten. In winter, dress your dog in a warm suit. Don't overfeed. Take her for walks every day. Love your pet, take care of it. And he will certainly thank you and make your fishing more rich and varied. After all, you couldn’t find a smarter and more loyal dog.

www.hunt-guns.com