If you are anything like me, you love animals and dogs and constantly want to learn more about the different species on the planet. One unique breed of dog is the Wire Haired Dachshund, which is a small, spunky, and dependable dog originating from Germany.
In this article, we learn all about the Wire Haired Dachshund, including its appearance, personality, and history. To learn more about this pint-sized ball of energy, read on.
What Is A Wire Haired Dachshund?
You’re most likely familiar with the Wire Haired Dachshund, or at least some of its relatives, without even realizing it. The Dachshund is famously called the “sausage dog” or “wiener dog” because of its short, stocky, and long frame that makes it look like foods it’s nicknamed after.
There are different types of Dachshunds, depending on their coat type. The Wire Haired is just one of three, with Smooth and Long being the other two coat varieties. Most people are familiar with Smooth Haired Dachshunds simply because their coat is more agreeable to pet.
Even though more people are familiar with the Smooth Dachshund, the Wire Haired Dachshund actually tends to be more agreeable, fun, and family-friendly than the other varieties.
What Does A Wire Haired Dachshund Look Like?
Like other Dachshunds, the Wire Haired Dachshund has a muscular frame that is both short and long, much like a hot dog or sausage. Its sausage body is covered in a short coat that has both a soft undercoat and a hard or coarse outer coat. This coarse coat is what the dog is named after.
In addition to the cute sausage-like body, the Wire Haired Dachshund head is held erect and framed by low-hanging ears. The eyes are very happy and nearly perfectly shaped ovals. You can find Wire Haired Dachshunds in many colors and shades, such as dark grey, black and tan, and different shades of red.
Wire Haired Dachshund Personality And Temperament
Wire Haired Dachshunds have a very unique personality. Most other Dachshund varieties are known for being devoted and fun around their owners, but shy and protective around newcomers. In comparison, the Wire Haired tends to be much more outgoing, friendly, and comfortable with new people.
That being said, the Wire Haired Dachshund still makes a pretty good watchdog. The dog will bark if someone comes to your home, but you don’t have to worry about the dog being as aggressive with someone you introduce them to.
The Wire Haired Dachshund is super energetic, feisty, and clever. Despite its pint size, this dog is a ball of energy matched with great intelligence and eagerness. If not paid attention to, this dog can get into some real trouble out of boredom.
Because this dog has so much energy and intelligence, it loves outdoor time. Even though these dogs have a tendency to get overweight due to overeating, further showcasing their sausage frame, they truly do love to play, run around, and hunt for things in the yard.
History Of The Wire Haired Dachshund
To understand the Wire Haired Dachshund fully, it’s helpful to know about its history. The dog personality we see today is due to the purposeful breeding of the past. So, let’s look to the past of the Wire Haired Dachshund to understand its present.
The Dachshund is considered a pretty old breed that originated in Germany. In German, the name “Dachshund” quite literally means “badger dog,” with “dach” meaning “badger” and “hund” meaning “dog.”
It is believed that the Wire Haired Dachshund was bred in the late 1800s, making it the first of the three Dachshund coat varieties. After that, both the Smooth and Long Coated Dachshund emerged.
Though many people love Dachshunds today for their cute appearance, they were bred for a wildly different reason. Originally, Germans used Dachshunds for hunting since the short and sleek frame made the dog perfect for tracking animals into small crevices.
It is because of the Dachshund’s hunting background that it loves to bark at newcomers and makes a good guard dog. More so, its energetic nature comes from the fact that the dog was bred to be on the go, running, and searching for the hunt constantly.
Who Is A Wire Haired Dachshund Right For?
Wire Haired Dachshunds are right for a variety of people, but especially outdoorsy people. Because these dogs are so active and love hunting, they do best in homes that at least have access to outside time.
In comparison to most other hunting dogs, the Wire Haired Dachshund makes a perfect pet for apartment dwellers because of its small stature. As long as you take the time to take the Dachshund outside and play with it, it will be perfectly content inside a city home or apartment.
Homes with small children would likely be more comfortable with a different breed inside their home. Even though Wire Haired Dachshunds tend to be more agreeable than the other varieties, they still can be a bit nippy. So, it’s best to get a more agreeable and gentle dog if your children are very young.
Once your children get a bit older, a Wire Haired Dachshund should fit in just fine. Especially if you socialize it well with new people and scenarios, you shouldn’t have much issue with your Wire Haired Dachshund acting out of line.
Final Thoughts About The Wire Haired Dachshund
At the end of the day, the Wire Haired Dachshund is a downright adorable little sausage on legs. Whether you love hunting in the country or strolling around in the city, the Wire Haired Dachshund will fit in just fine. As long as it is given enough exercise and attention, this small hot dog can fit in anywhere.
In fact, you’re probably going to have more trouble making sure your Dachshund doesn’t get into places it shouldn’t than finding a place it belongs. Because of its hunting roots, this dog will get into mischief and try to figure out all the nooks and crannies in your home and yard.
Latest Posts:
