Dachshunds of all colours from registered breeders

The dachshund originated in Germany, where they were used to hunt badger and animals that live in burrows. The dogs were able to get right into the burrow and flush out the animal. They have big paws for digging and may dig under a fence. They like to burrow under blankets. If there is a hole in the blanket they can get their head stuck and strangle themselves.

About dachshunds

A standard and a miniature wire hair dachshund

A standard & a miniature wire haired dachshund

In South Africa, the name of the breed is usually pronounced dash-und. (und as in under) But it sometimes sounds like Dutch hound! Some folk call them "Daxie" or "Daxies" as it's easier to say and spell than dachshund.

Brindle dachshund puppy

A smooth brindle dachshund puppy

Dachshunds have short legs and long, sausage shaped bodies, which has given rise to the nickname, "sausage dog", or in Afrikaans, "worshond." The correct name for the breed is "dachshund."

The coat can be smooth, long, or wire-haired. The long haired dog needs a little brushing to keep him at his best. Long haired Dachshunds have a wavy, silky coat.

Dachshunds are popular in South Africa as they fit in well in a town house, or any household. It's not advisable to carry puppies around all day, as they need to use their legs in order to develop properly. Breeds with long spines can develop spinal trouble, so do be careful about handling your puppy. Use two hands to support the pup. They should not be allowed to jump down from heights in case they jar the spine.

As well as there being different coat types, there are two sizes as well! A dachshund may be miniature, weighing up to 5 kg, or standard, weighing from 9 to 12 kg.

See origins of dogs

Dachshunds make friendly, confident pets.

Colour: Usually chestnut, or brown & black, or brindle, but there are many other combinations.

Class: Hound

Weight, standard: 9 - 12 kgs.

Weight, Miniature: 4.5 kg - 5 kgs (11 lbs).

Dachshunds are small dogs, but they have big hearts. I'm sure God, the Creator of dogs, loves ALL dogs, small and great. As the Bible says, "Praise our God, all his servants and you that fear him, both small and great!"

Revelation chapter 19, verse 5

Smooth haired dachshunds

photos courtesy Conkasha Dachshunds, illustrating colours

Chocolate dapple dachshund - dark brown patches on light brown