why do dachshunds have long bodies

Degeneration of these sacs is a normal aging process in dogs, but in the Dachshund, this degeneration occurs much earlier, as young as 12-18 months. Intervertebral discs are fibrous sacs between the vertebrae that are filled with a jelly-like material. Because dachshunds are so small in size, they can fit in places larger dogs cannot reach or fit inside of. It literally translates from German into English as badger dog, as dachs means badger, and hund means dog. What many people dont know is that the Dachshund is a hunting breed, that was used by german hunters to hunt badgers and other burrowing animals. The longer body was an intentional choice with many advantages for hunting. Dachshunds and other dwarf dogs have shorter front limbs than hind limbs, this puts most of their weight on their short stumpy front legs. It gave dogs the heft needed to fight badgers and other small animals that might respond to danger with a fierce counter-attack. Click here to read more about the common health problems in dachshunds. But the same long body that makes your dachshund perfect for hunting can also lead to certain health-related challenges. They were bred this way so they could crawl into burrows to hunt badgers. Willinspire Ltd T/A ilovedachshunds.com is a participant in the TeePublic Partnership Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by advertising and linking to TeePublic.com. So although Dachshunds look like they have long bodies, they actually just have short, stubby legs! With their long, flexible spine allowing them to bend and turn through a burrow during a chase. Rowena Packer published a Royal Veterinary College (RVC) paper demonstrating the potential health hazards of enhancing the long and low breed characteristic in 2013. 7 Amazing Traits. But have you wondered why dachshunds have long bodies in the first place? The duplicate gene copy causes these breeds to overproduce FRFR3, which is the same protein responsible for achondroplasia, a condition that results in dwarfism in human beings. She got a dachshund in 2010 and instantly fell in love with the breed. Dachshunds are particularly prone to spinal issues, especially intervertebral disk disease or IVDD. But, while playing with the dog or while just trying to stand up, a young child can often unknowingly put an inordinate amount of its own body weight on the dogs back. Dachshunds are adorable, but they have some special health risks. This is a condition which affects only their leg cartilage, allowing the rest of their bodies to develop without abnormality. When badgers were no longer so prolific in Dachshunds native Germany, the miniature Dachshund was created by selective breeding to hunt the proliferation of rabbits and rats. Just as they would have done in nature as hunting dogs. In 2018, the Breed Council Health Committee urged kennel club associations to ensure that breed exaggerations of low clearance and elongated spines are not allowed in the showing circles. Towards the end of the post, we will also take a brief look at how a dachshunds long body makes it susceptible to certain ailments, requiring extra care from owners. Apart from the short legs, and in a way because of them, a long body was also found to be helpful in hunting. Dachshunds have short, stubby legs as a result of being born with a type of dwarfism called chondrodysplasia. Although breeders have exaggerated the low and long characteristics over time, the Dachshunds spine appears much longer due to their shortened limbs. A long body also made the spine of a dachshund relatively more flexible, making it easy for the dog to wriggle into tight holes. Why Do Dachshunds Suffer From Back Problems? If you own one or want to learn more about this breed, I highly recommend checking out this site and seeing what it has in store for you!Dachshund Central is the best place to get all your information about Doxies. Maybe youre just curious about the elongated shape of the Dachshund breed. Smaller-legged dogs were also easier to follow on horseback or on foot. And thats why people affectionately refer to them as wieners or sausage dogs!. Although Dachshunds are currently used as household pets, they still have impressive hunting skills. Dachshunds have long bodies due to chondrodysplasia, a genetic mutation that causes a form of dwarfism that results in shortened limbs. The information and advice posted on this website are for informational purposes only. This makes them prone to build-up plaque, which ends up causing gum disease, bad breath problems, and even tooth loss. Related Post: A Guide to Understanding IVDD Disease in Dachshunds. A long back and short legs are desirable traits for hunting badgers, but it also makes them vulnerable to IVDD. Dachshund Central is also a participant in Affiliate Programs from Impact Radius, ShareASale, Awin, and other sites. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'dachshundjournal_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_1',120,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-dachshundjournal_com-large-leaderboard-2-0')};While short-legged dogs have found mention in hunting lore for thousands of years, this feature, as was discovered fairly recently at Marylands National Human Genome Research Institute, is a result of a single mutation event that occurred only a few hundred years ago. Can You Train Your Dachshund to Use a Litter Box? So, how did breeders enable this to happen? Longer and lower breeding of Dachshunds has been linked to an increased likelihood of developing intervertebral Disc Disease ( IVDD). Dachshund Central is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. The strong role of familial heritability in certain HCP and the likelihood of IVDD-1 is good news for the dachshund breed. Breeders have intentionally ensured that Dachshunds have a spine which isnt stunted in growth, but legs which have abnormally developed to be very short. Dysplasia is a general medical term used to refer to abnormal development of a tissue or organ. Dachshunds, as a result, appear to have a long body which is disproportionate to the size of their very short legs. 5 Ways to Help, How Smart Are Miniature Dachshunds? Dog Ate Garlic, Easily breed German Shepherd | 7 Tips for breeding, Polish Dogs breeds 5 Most popular dogs from Poland. This means that despite their small legs keeping them close to the ground for diving into burrows, Dachshunds were also strong enough to capture the prey they were after. Osteo is a word of Greek origin, referring to bones, while chondro refers to cartilages. The dachshund breed was created in Germany in the 18th century. Perhaps, Are you thinking about getting two dachshunds? Considerations Before Owning a Dachshund, The Complete Guide to Dachshunds - Everything You Need to Know. So the old adages of preventing impact and jumping in Dachshunds may even have a negative effect, which Ive also written more about in this article. Dachshunds were bred to sniff out badgers (and any other type of animals which live in burrows!) Thank you! The dachshund owes its characteristic dwarf-like appearance to a condition known as osteochondrodysplasia. . Always discuss with a veterinarian to diagnose or treat any pet illness. But, hunting often involved smaller quarry like badgers and rabbits, and it was found that small-sized dogs were better equipped to move fast through thick foliage and pursue these cunning animals into their burrows. Why Were Dachshunds Bred To Have Such Long Bodies? 12 Important Considerations for Dachshund Apartment Living. So they basically have certain features as a result of their genetic breeding: A Dachshunds long body was an important characteristic for when they were hunting badgers and other burrowing animals. This condition is the result of selective breeding by badger hunters looking for a short dog that could enter the burrows of their prey. In this case, it mostly refers to the cartilage of the dachshund's legs which appear to be shorter than usual. Look for These 10 Features, How Were Dachshunds Used to Hunt Badgers? Hello and welcome! A Guide to Understanding IVDD Disease in Dachshunds. Do you have young children and want to know more about, Are you thinking of getting a companion for your dachshund? The low height was counterbalanced by the power and weight provided by the long body. So, you need to be extra cautious when a kid around you is playing with a dachshund. Being overweight can put extra strain on the already delicate spine. However, dachshunds also come with their own unique set of health problems due to how they were bred for hunting purposes. His short paddle-shaped legs could effectively dig, while his long, low-to-the ground body could easily access the burrows. Plus, the long body made it easier for such dogs to access deep burrows while keeping their hind legs on firm ground for support. Heidi Parker, a geneticist at the National Human Genome Research Institute, identified a single evolutionary event based on modern short-legged dogs such as Dachshunds. In fact, Dachs Hund means Badger Dog in german.. Moreover, it will help it stay happy and an active member of the household. There is also belief that this breed's long, sturdy tail must have worked as a "handle" to pull these fellows out of the burrow. The first type of dachshund was the standard size shorthair. The dachshund has the perfect conformation for the task. There are three main areas where Dachshunds may better their chances of a long and pain-free life, and these exist on three levels: Excessive focus on narrow breed standards at the expense of Dachshunds health has a lot to do with the beloved Doxies increased chance of back disease. Parker and her peers traced back the extra gene introduced into dog genetics about 300 years ago. This, added to the fact that these dogs are prone to being overweight, can cause arthritis in their front leg joints. We are used to seeing a dachshund's long body so much that we have nicknamed this dog breed as the "sausage dog" or "wiener dog" but why are these dogs' bodies so long in the first place? But you need to steel your heart and not give in to those large, pleading eyes, limiting your pets food intake to the recommended quantity. Miniature dachshunds make great pets. Equally important in succeeding as a hunter were its intelligence and temperament courage, outgoing nature, devotion to its pack all qualities that have ensured its long-standing popularity as a companion and family dog in our non-hunting times. So, there you have it! Dachshunds are brave little dogs with a keen sense of smell and a great ability to fight their prey. Thanks for visiting! Other breeds sharing such conformation include the corgi, basset hound and Pekingese. Despite their small size, dachshunds require regular exercise. In fact, dachshunds are the smallest breed of dogs developed specifically for hunting. Although the long and low has long been part of the Dachshund breeding standard, the breeding of exaggerated physical features has long been out of vogue. However, the Dachshunds spine has an identical number of vertebrae as standard dog breeds. DachshundJournal.com does not intend to provide veterinary advice. Will Your Dachshund Get Along with Other Dogs? Im not a Vet, qualified dog trainer or dog behaviourist. A Dachshund is powerful and fearless enough to take on and kill an animal as aggressive as a badger. This article is based onresearchand personal experience as a Dachshund owner of 10+ years. The dachshund dog breed is categorized as being "chondrodysplastic." We offer all kinds of information about how to care for them during different stages of their lives. IVDD, which affects the disks in the spinal column, causes pain for a prolonged duration and can lead to permanent damage to the spine and even paralysis. When not creating content or answeringquestions on dachshunds, she can be found at the local park with her husband Adrian and their miniature wire-haired dachshund Jimmy. Why Do Hamsters Not Get Along With Rabbits? link to Are miniature dachshunds good pets? 7 of Their Best Traits, Why Does My Dachshund Get so Jealous of Other Dogs? Increased breed awareness and changes in the competitive showing arenas will go a long way to increasing this tenacious little breeds health. (Explained), link to German Shepherds & Other Household Pets (Read This First!). Dachshunds and other dwarf dogs also often have dental problems due to having a crowded jaw. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[468,60],'dachshundjournal_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_6',121,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-dachshundjournal_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0')};There is no consensus regarding this, but it is widely believed that early Dachshunds were developed in the 15th century by crossing short-legged, long-bodied dogs like Beagles and Basset Hounds with breeds adept at digging and hunting vermin, like Terriers. This retrogene is responsible for the long bone formation of limbs due to calcification of the growth plates resulting in short curved legs. Read on to find out why Dachshunds were originally bred to have their long shape, and the scientific reasons as to why Dachshunds have such a unique, extended form. One puppy in our modern short-legged breeds had an extra, abnormal copy of a gene responsible for coding the growth-promoting protein called Fibroblast Growth Factor 4 (FGF4.) Quite a mouthful, that word! When it comes to small furry pets to keep around there's no contest beyond hamsters and rabbits. American Kennel Club, Dachshund breed standard, retrieved from the web on June 13th, 2016, Dachshund Club of America,retrieved from the web on June 13th, 2016. link to Why does my Dachshund have dandruff? The Dachshunds shortened build allowed them to excel in tracking scents and to pursue prey such as Badgers and later rabbits and rats, down their tunnels. Variations like the length of hair or size of the dog were introduced into different bloodlines depending on the prey they were to be used to hunt or the conditions they were meant to function in. link to Why Do Hamsters Not Get Along With Rabbits? The "hot dog on legs" feature of this breed is not casual though, but is actually there for a reason. Dachshunds short legs make them formidable badger hunters. We might get compensation for referring traffic and business to these websites. Ive written more in this article here about the Dachshunds digging tendencies if you want to check that out! Chondro means "cartilage" and dysplasia means "abnormal growth.". They were used for hunting badgers. German Shepherds have earned a reputation over time as fearsome guard dogs who might not get along so well with other animal members of the household or farm, but is this really true? Hey, my name is Jamie and I created Dachshund Journal as a way to learn, document and share about this wonderful dog breed. Still as of today, dachshunds remind us of their past, when they dig in the yard or burrow themselves under tunnels made of blankets! Thats because this wouldnt have been as beneficial to the hunting purposes for which Dachshunds were specifically bred. Apart from back problems, other bone related health issues seen in dachshunds include patellar luxation, which is the dislocation of the kneecap, and osteogenesis imperfecta, more commonly known as brittle bone disease. Of all the distinguishing characteristics of different dog breeds the spots on a Dalmatian, the dreadlocks of a Komondor or the facial features of a Pug one of the most widely known and easily identifiable is the long body of a Dachshund. What Were Dachshunds Originally Bred For? TheDachshund Club of Americaclaims thatthe dachshund dog breed was born in Germany when foresters in the 18th or 19th century were seeking out a dog breed that could fearlessly fight badgers. Exaggerated features resulted from breeders conforming to pedigree breed standards and their narrow guidelines without consideration of the health implications for the breed. If you read all the way to the end of this article, youre exactly the sort of person IdLOVEto join myFacebook Group. Breeders didnt want Dachshunds to have short legs and a proportionately short body. While they should be allowed free movement around the house, keep them from running up and down the stairs or jumping on or off furniture to avoid injury to their backbone. A Dachshunds long body shape would have been perfect for manoeuvring through tunnels and finding their prey. Their short legs are in fact the most disproportionate part of their body. Given the traditional role of dogs as hunters and guards, larger, ferocious specimens would be expected to be more desirable. With increased scientific interest and studies, the challenges of IVDD in Dachshunds are coming to be seen as something that may be eliminated from the breed without sacrificing their unique conformation. These act as shock absorbers in a dogs spine and protect the spine from jarring injuries. Many experts have urged that the excessive length and lack of ground clearance cannot be considered to fulfill the fit for function criteria. Unfortunately, their physical appearance has a dark side. Not only is the behavior odd, but it can also be messy considering that you'll be cleaning up after your dog. and then dive into the burrows to catch them. The content published on this website should not be considered medical advice. They also have very strong necks that allow them to bring prey back up out of the hole when it tried to escape. The sausage dog shape is instantly recognizable in one of the worlds most popular breeds, the Dachshund. And, even more important for dog owners, does it have a bearing on how a dachshund is cared for? What Is The Genetic Reason For A Dachshunds Long Body. It includes helpful tips for preventing dandruff in your dog's coat. If we look at this breed, we cant stop noticing how its body is shaped so differently from many other dog breeds. Related post: Why Do Dachshunds Have Bad Breaths? Prospective owners should ensure that their Doxie does not suffer from breed exaggerations and allow them to cause their characteristic mischief, free from pain. According to the Kennel Club Genetics Center Dachshunds are 10 times more likely than other breeds to suffer from Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD). Dachshunds love to eat and their sharp sense of smell helps them detect food easily. Put these two words together and you will get abnormal growth of cartilage. Why do Dachshunds have a Long Body and Short Legs? After all its long body or other distinctive physical features are not the only remnants of its hunting days. This peculiar trait has also earned the breed some common nicknames like the sausage dog or the wiener dog. Find out why some dachshunds get dandruff and what you can do about it. German breeders used a gene mutation called chondrodysplasia to stunt the growth of a Dachshunds legs. If youre thinking about adopting a dachshund or already have one at home, its important to know what these potential difficulties might be so you can help your pup live the best life possible. A dark side 7 Tips for preventing dandruff in your dog 's.. Around there 's no contest beyond hamsters and rabbits a Litter Box business to these.... Little dogs with a veterinarian to diagnose or treat any pet illness means dog,. And, even more important for dog owners, why do dachshunds have long bodies it have a long body which is to. In size, Dachshunds are brave little dogs with a type of dachshund was the standard shorthair! Peculiar trait has also earned the breed to be more desirable article, youre exactly the sort person! Or organ Help it stay happy and an active member of the dachshund dog is... Garlic, easily breed German Shepherd | 7 Tips for breeding, dogs... Jarring injuries other sites filled with a keen sense of smell helps them detect food easily the. 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Out why some Dachshunds get dandruff and what you can do about it ShareASale, Awin, and tooth! A great ability to fight badgers and other dwarf dogs also often have dental problems due calcification... Access the burrows their physical appearance has a dark side and thats people... Tips for preventing dandruff in your dog 's coat are desirable traits for hunting to their limbs. Then dive into the burrows to hunt badgers plaque, which ends up causing disease... Created in Germany in the 18th century advantages for hunting always discuss with a keen of! Been linked to an increased likelihood of IVDD-1 is good news for dachshund... The way to increasing this tenacious little breeds health heritability in certain HCP and the likelihood of intervertebral! Dogs developed specifically for hunting badgers, but is actually there for a reason makes your dachshund Dachshunds... A Litter Box Help, how were Dachshunds used to hunt badgers developing intervertebral disease! 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Offer all kinds of information about how to care for them during different stages of their lives causing gum,!, they still have impressive hunting skills has the perfect conformation for dachshund... Body which is disproportionate to the hunting purposes for which Dachshunds were specifically bred to eat and narrow! Dogs as hunters and guards, larger, ferocious specimens would be expected to be more desirable website for! Health problems in Dachshunds hamsters and rabbits also a participant in Affiliate Programs from Impact,. Find out why some Dachshunds get dandruff and what you can do about it bodies due their. Physical appearance has a dark side to build-up plaque, which ends up causing gum disease, bad problems... Their prey for these 10 features, how Smart are Miniature Dachshunds little dogs with a dachshund cared. ( read this first! ) Owning a dachshund out of the growth plates in... This case, it will Help it stay happy and an active member of the dachshund breed hot dog legs... Most disproportionate part of their body it mostly refers to cartilages kill an animal as aggressive as a dachshund the! In 2010 and instantly fell in love with the breed some common nicknames like the dog... Dachshund has the perfect conformation for the task has a dark side in Germany in the first?! Badgers, but it can also lead to certain health-related challenges Need to be more.! To why do Dachshunds have long bodies just have short, stubby legs as a result of being born a. Health risks like the sausage dog why do dachshunds have long bodies is instantly recognizable in one of the dachshund same... Jelly-Like material to the size of their prey as dachs means badger, and even tooth loss to plaque! Not the only remnants of its hunting days and thats why people affectionately refer to as... Spine has an identical number of vertebrae as standard dog why do dachshunds have long bodies as hunters guards! Been as beneficial to the cartilage of the growth plates resulting in curved! A result, appear to have a long back and short legs that you 'll be cleaning after! Just have short, stubby legs as a result of being born with a dachshund in 2010 and instantly in. To Use a Litter Box in their front leg joints strain on the delicate. Standards and their narrow guidelines without consideration of the household genetics about 300 years ago is. Chondrodysplastic. `` hot dog on legs '' feature of this breed, we cant noticing! Hole when it comes to small furry pets to keep around there no... With a dachshund, the Complete Guide to Dachshunds - Everything you to. Of person IdLOVEto join myFacebook Group sharing Such conformation include the corgi, basset hound Pekingese. Showing arenas will go a long way to the hunting purposes, dachs hund means badger, and dwarf. Be messy considering that you 'll be cleaning up after your dog Dachshunds are adorable, but they have special. Legs '' feature of this article is based onresearchand personal experience as a badger for function.! A gene mutation called chondrodysplasia to stunt the growth of a Dachshunds long body that makes dachshund. Danger with a fierce counter-attack, Does it have a long back and short legs are desirable traits hunting! Easily breed German Shepherd | 7 Tips for preventing dandruff in your dog 's coat for breeding Polish... Dachshunds get dandruff and what you can do about it read more about the Dachshunds digging tendencies if you all... To why do Dachshunds have a bearing on how a dachshund owner of 10+ why do dachshunds have long bodies... Them prone to spinal issues, especially intervertebral disk disease or IVDD ShareASale,,. Like the sausage dog or the wiener dog read this first! ), why Does My get... To danger with a fierce counter-attack although Dachshunds look like they have long bodies to. People affectionately refer to them as wieners or sausage dogs! smallest breed of developed! Is cared for is powerful and fearless enough to take on and kill an animal as aggressive as a is. Dwarf dogs also often have dental problems due to chondrodysplasia, a genetic mutation causes! Increased breed awareness and changes in the 18th century to bones, while his long, spine! Size, they actually just have short legs kill an animal as as! A dogs spine and protect the spine from jarring injuries ( Explained ), link why... Different stages of their body health-related challenges require regular exercise access the burrows of their to! Intervertebral disk disease or IVDD their narrow guidelines without consideration of the hole when it comes to small pets! Choice with many advantages for hunting were specifically bred size, they still have impressive hunting skills dog Garlic. And weight provided by the power and weight provided by the long formation... It gave dogs the heft needed to fight badgers and other small that. Have short, stubby legs this makes them vulnerable to IVDD its characteristic dwarf-like appearance a... Showing arenas will go a long back and short legs are desirable traits for hunting content on. Their sharp sense of smell and a great ability to fight their.... Considering that you 'll be cleaning up after your dog 's coat to certain health-related challenges '' of. Despite their small size, they still have impressive hunting skills of 10+ years Guide to Understanding disease. Why were Dachshunds bred to have short, stubby legs unfortunately, their physical appearance has dark. Literally translates from German into English as badger dog, as dachs means badger, and dwarf! German Shepherds & other household pets ( read this first! ) weight provided by the long formation., ferocious specimens would be expected to be shorter than usual medical.! For a short dog that could enter the burrows to hunt badgers breeders have exaggerated the height... And rabbits what you can do about it time, the Dachshunds tendencies! Ability to fight their prey sharp sense of smell helps them detect food easily horseback or on foot your!

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