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Dog Articles
Past and Present: Dachshund
The
Dachshund, or Badger Dog, combines to a high degree the qualities of
the hound and the terrier, and probably both of these were used in
his development, but where he got his crumpled legs is less
apparent. He is the favorite dog of Germany, where his special work
is to enter a Badger hole and hold the attention of the animal until
it can be dug out.
Badgers
often work serious havoc in the cultivated fields, and they can dig
their way through the ground so rapidly that it is very difficult
for diggers to overtake one without the use of a dog. To follow this
fierce, belligerent, and really dangerous animal into his burrow and
drag him out requires a dog of great courage and tenacity, not to
mention peculiar design. His long body, short legs, and large,
out-turned fore feet subject him to much ridicule, and it is often
said that in Germany he is sold by the yard.
The
Dachshund usually seen in this country has a short and very silky
coat, but there are also a long-haired and a rough-coated variety.
The
well-formed Dachshund should be three times as long, from nose to
base of tail, as he is high at the shoulder. The head should be long
and slender, but far from snipy, the nose running smoothly into the
line of the forehead, with little depression at the top, and the
occiput should be evident. The hound-like ears, combined with this
more terrier-like head, give him an expression all his own.
The body
and neck are long, but muscular and compact, entirely free from
sagginess or weakness, and the tail is the true, tapering, terrier
style, as nearly straight as may be.
The legs
and feet are very important. While extremely short, they must be
very strong and well boned. The fore legs, while bowed and twisted
somewhat, must be strong, elbows out, wrists in, and feet turned
out. The hind legs are to be strong and capable, and viewed from
behind must go down straight and by no means show the turning in at
the heel, known as cow hocks. This is very common and very bad. The
thigh, when standing, goes down nearly straight; the shank (between
stifle and hock) goes straight back horizontally, and the last
joint, or rear pastern, is about vertical, parallel to the thigh.
The feet are large, deep, and well padded.
They are
generally black and tan, revealing the terrier strain here in the
persistency of this dominant color pattern. There are strains,
however, of a whole-colored dark red tan, or cherry, or even solid
brown. The last named are not considered as good, and must be
excellent in other respects to be given a favorable rating with the
better-known colors.
In
disposition they combine to an unusual degree the virtues of their
respective ancestors, having the affectionate, companionable
qualities of the hound and the tenacity, courage, and self-reliance
of the terrier.
Source:
National Geographic 1919
Recommended Reading
Dog Training
Mastery - An Owners' Manual
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