The Delightful, Daring Red Dachshund: A Comprehensive Guide
As a lifelong dog lover and dachshund aficionado, I‘ve always had a special place in my heart for red dachshunds. With their vibrant coats, endearingly long bodies, and larger-than-life personalities, these spunky little dogs never fail to bring a smile to my face. But there‘s so much more to red dachshunds than just their cute appearance. From their fascinating history as fearless badger hunters to their rise as one of America‘s most beloved companion dogs, the story of the red dachshund is full of surprises. In this comprehensive guide, we‘ll dive deep into all things red dachshund – from their physical characteristics and health concerns to training tips and fascinating trivia. By the end, you‘ll have a whole new appreciation for these little red dynamos. Let‘s get started!
The History of Red Dachshunds
Dachshunds first originated in Germany over 300 years ago, with the name "dachshund" literally translating to "badger dog" in German. As the name suggests, these tenacious little dogs were originally bred to fearlessly hunt badgers and other den-dwelling animals like foxes and rabbits. Their long, low bodies, short powerful legs, and big paddle-shaped paws made them ideally suited for digging and burrowing underground after their quarry.
According to Dr. Jorn Oleby, a Swedish dachshund expert, the earliest dachshunds came in just two colors – red and black & tan. In fact, old paintings and drawings of dachshund-like dogs from the 1700s almost exclusively depict red dogs, suggesting that the red color has been a hallmark of the breed from the very beginning. Even Queen Victoria, who owned dozens of dachshunds in the late 1800s and helped popularize the breed as companion dogs, was partial to the red coloration.
The Red Dachshund Look
So what exactly does a red dachshund look like? According to the AKC breed standard, a red dachshund should have a deep, vibrant reddish-brown coat that is solid-colored with no markings. A small white patch on the chest is permissible but not preferred. The coat comes in three varieties:
- Smooth (short, sleek, shiny coat that lays close to the body)
- Longhaired (soft, slightly wavy coat with longer hair on the ears, chest, underside, and back of legs)
- Wirehaired (short, thick, rough outer coat with a soft, dense undercoat and bushy beard and eyebrows)
Smooth is by far the most common coat type, accounting for around 80% of the breed. Reds are frequently seen in all three coat types, whereas certain other colors like English cream and piebald are typically found only in the smooth variety.
Red dachshunds come in two sizes – standard and miniature. Standards stand 8-9 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 16-32 pounds, while miniatures are 5-6 inches tall and weigh under 11 pounds. Some people claim there is a third "tweenie" size that falls in between, but this is not recognized in the breed standard.
Interestingly, a red dachshund puppy‘s coat often starts out darker and will lighten up as they reach maturity. You may see shades from deep auburn to rusty red to light copper tones in young red dachshunds before the final, rich red color develops. The shade of red can also vary a bit from dog to dog, with some appearing almost orange and others having brown undertones.
Red Dachshund Temperament and Personality
Red dachshunds share the same lively, curious, clever, stubborn, and comically self-assured temperament that the breed is famous for. According to a 2008 study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania, dachshunds rank in the top 20% of breeds for aggression directed towards other dogs and in the top 20% for owner-directed aggression. However, dachshund owners know that with proper training and socialization from an early age, the breed‘s feisty nature can be channeled into more positive outlets.
Red dachshunds are known for being especially spirited and strong-willed, even by dachshund standards. Some owners swear that the red coloring is linked to a bolder, more dominant personality compared to other dachshund colors. While there isn‘t any scientific evidence to support color-based temperament differences, it‘s fun to speculate!
Like all dachshunds, reds are whip-smart and more than capable of learning a wide variety of commands. The key is to make training fun and rewarding, as they bore easily and can be quite stubborn if they decide something isn‘t worth their time. Red dachshunds excel at obedience, agility, earthdog trials, scent work, and other canine sports that challenge their minds and bodies.
Red Dachshund Health Concerns
As adorable as their long and low bodies are, they unfortunately predispose red dachshunds (and the breed in general) to certain health issues, especially back problems. According to the Dachshund Breed Council UK, an estimated 1 in 4 dachshunds will suffer from intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) at some point in their lives. IVDD occurs when the cushioning discs between the vertebrae bulge or burst, causing pain, nerve damage, and even paralysis in severe cases.
Some studies suggest that certain varieties of dachshund are more prone to IVDD than others. A 2016 study published in the scientific journal PLOS ONE found that the overall prevalence of IVDD was highest in the smooth coat variety (4.2%), followed by wirehaired (3.6%) and then longhaired (3.1%). Standard dachshunds were nearly twice as likely to have IVDD as miniatures.
To minimize IVDD risk, it‘s important to keep your red dachshund at a healthy weight, use a harness instead of a collar to avoid putting pressure on their neck, provide them with steps or ramps to get on and off furniture, and avoid letting them jump or do high-impact activities. If you notice signs like reluctance to move, yelping in pain, weakness, or dragging of the back legs, get your dog to the vet right away. With prompt treatment, many dogs can recover and go on to lead full, active lives.
Other health concerns in the breed include eye issues like progressive retinal atrophy, heart disease, epilepsy, and skin problems. The average lifespan for a red dachshund is 12-16 years. Reputable breeders perform pre-breeding health checks on prospective parents to minimize inherited diseases.
Grooming a Red Dachshund
The grooming needs for a red dachshund vary depending on coat type:
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Smooth coats are very low maintenance, requiring just weekly brushing and the occasional bath to look their best. They do shed moderately year-round.
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Longhaired coats need more frequent brushing, around 2-3 times per week, to prevent tangles and mats. They also require regular trimming around the ears, feet, and sanitary areas. Shedding is moderate to high.
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Wirehaired coats have the highest grooming needs, requiring weekly brushing, regular trimming, and hand-stripping (plucking dead hairs) to maintain their distinct wiry texture. Shedding is low.
All three coat types should have their nails trimmed monthly, ears checked weekly for debris and signs of infection, and anal glands expressed as needed.
Fun Facts About Red Dachshunds
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In the novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Dorothy‘s dog Toto was originally illustrated as a red dachshund. In later versions, he was depicted as a Cairn terrier.
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The Olympic marathon route for the 1972 Munich games was designed in the shape of a red dachshund – a fitting tribute since the official mascot was a colorful dachshund named Waldi.
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A red smooth dachshund named Lilliput was one of three dogs to survive the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. He was wrapped in a blanket and carried aboard a lifeboat by his owner, Miss Margaret Hays.
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The popular Instagram celebrity dog Crusoe (who has over 1 million followers) is a red miniature dachshund. He‘s known for his adorable costumes and comedic skits.
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Red is the most common color in the breed, with an estimated 40% of all dachshunds being solid red or predominantly red.
Finding a Red Dachshund
If you‘re interested in adding a red dachshund puppy to your family, it‘s crucial to do your research and find a responsible, ethical breeder. Look for breeders who perform health testing on their breeding stock, provide a written contract and health guarantee, and insist on meeting the puppy‘s parents. Avoid pet stores, online sellers, or anyone offering to ship you a puppy sight unseen, as these sources often get their dogs from puppy mills.
Alternatively, consider adopting an older red dachshund from a rescue organization. There are many dachshund-specific rescues across the country that rehome surrendered or abandoned dogs. Adopting an adult allows you to skip the crazy puppy stage and provides a second chance to a dog in need.
Final Thoughts
Red dachshunds may no longer spend their days hunting badgers, but they still have all the spunk, determination, and courage of their ancestors. For an owner who appreciates their quirks, has a good sense of humor, and is committed to positive training, a red dachshund can be an endlessly entertaining and loving companion. These little firecrackers may be small in stature, but they have huge personalities that are sure to keep you on your toes. If you‘re looking for a dog that will make you laugh, snuggle up beside you on the couch, and fearlessly protect you from the evil mailman, a red dachshund just might be your perfect match.
