Every dog owner believes their dog is the best on the planet, just as most parents believe their children are the best. However, the truth is a little more complicated than what owners and parents see through rose-colored glasses. Dogs, like humans, have personalities; some are gentler and mild-mannered, while others are more aggressive. Do you know which dog breed is the most aggressive?
According to a 2008 study of 6,000 dog owners, the most aggressive breed is the wiener dog.
The Dachshund’s Temperament
The Dachshund is brave, inquisitive, and always up for an adventure. He enjoys digging and exploring by scent. He is self-sufficient but will participate in his family’s activities when given the opportunity. He is good with his children, but some may snap at strange children. Most people are wary of strangers, and some people bark. Longhaired dogs may be quieter and less terrier-like, while wired dogs may be more outgoing. Some miniatures are more prone to being fearful.
Some people believe that a Dachshund’s coat type also influences its personality. Longhaired Dachshunds are thought to be more mellow, whereas Wirehaired Dachshunds are more energetic and possibly mischievous. (Source: ASPCA Pet Insurance)
The Breed History of Dachshund
Some people believe that this dog breed originated in ancient Egypt, owing to mummified remains discovered in Egyptian burial urns and engravings of short-legged hunting dogs. While modern Dachshunds appear regal, we cannot be sure of this theory. We do know that the term “Dachshund” is derived from the German words dachs which means badger and hund which means dog.
German breeders wanted a smaller hunting companion to track badgers and other burrow-dwelling game like rabbits and foxes, so they developed these badger dogs. Like most scent hounds, the Dachshund is descended from the Saint Hubert Hound but with distinct elements from German, French, and English hounds and terriers.
When did Dachshunds first appear on the scene? It’s difficult to say when the first written reference to Dachshunds appeared, but in the 18th century, they were referred to in print as dachs krieger, the badger warrior. Sounds fierce.
Smooth-coated Dachshunds were the original breed, with longhaired pooches following, either through selective breeding or by breeding with small dogs in the spaniel group. Finally, wirehaired Dachshunds were created in the nineteenth century by combining hard-coated terriers and wirehaired pinschers. (Source: ASPCA Pet Insurance)
Why are they Called Weiner Dogs?
Dachshunds have earned the amusing nickname wiener dog due to their classic long body shape and short legs. But don’t be fooled. They’re very muscular. They also have a more bottomless barrel chest and significantly more lung capacity than most small dogs. If you own a Dachshund, you are probably already aware of this, as they have a much louder bark than most small dogs!
Flap-down ears and a curved tail are other classic Dachshund features. Interestingly, these attributes were intentionally bred to strengthen the breed as hunters. The flap-down ears protect the ear canal from dirt, seeds, and other objects that could get inside and cause problems when digging. The curved tail is easier to spot in tall grasses and can help a pup’s human hunting pal find them if they get stuck in a burrow. (Source: ASPCA Pet Insurance)
Image from K9Web