Dachshund (pronounced DAK sund) originated in Germany, during the 18th and 19th centuries, to hunt badgers. In fact, Dachshund means, 'badger dog' in German. Their unique size and shape made them the perfect hunting dog. Their small legs allowed them to burrow into the ground and their narrow bodies made it easy for them to capture prey.
There are three varieties of Dachshund, Standard, which reaches an average height of 14-18 inches and average weight of 20 pounds; Dwarf, with an average height up to 14 inches and weight of 9 pounds; and rabbit, reaching an average height of only 12 inches and weight up to 8 pounds. Dachshund coats also come in three varieties, shorthaired, wire-haired and longhaired.
The shorthaired and wire-haired Dachshunds require little care while the longhaired Dachshund does require more brushing. The coats come in a wide variety of colors as well. Bred for their fearlessness and boldness during the hunt, many Dachshunds display these characteristics.
Described as curious and mischievous, they are not always easy to train and can sometimes be stubborn. Due to this personality trait, they are not always the best family pet, and should be watched carefully when around young children. Dachshunds are better with older children who can understand how to approach dogs carefully.
Dachshunds are temperamental and can be easily irritable. They do fairly well with other pets, but have been known to be jealous. Dachshunds are very active dogs that have a lot of stamina and will chase prey for a surprisingly long period of time.
They can be rash when chasing prey and therefore caution should be exercised if the Dachshund is allowed to run off leash. In spite of their high energy levels, Dachshunds do well in all living situations, as long as they are exercised at least once a day. Dachshunds are prone to health problems, due largely to their unique shape.
In spite of their high energy levels, they can easily become overweight, so it is important not to overfeed them. Dachshunds usually have the most trouble with their spinal column because of the length of the spinal column and the shortness of the rib cage.
Obesity will worsen the problem, as it will create more strain on the back. Most Dachshunds should be discouraged from jumping and climbing stairs in order to lessen the risk of injury. Dachshunds are also prone to heart troubles, diabetes, and urinary tract diseases.
This is a big dog, with a big attitude, but was not bred to attack but rather to hold at bay. The original cross of bull dogs with mastiffs produced this tractable yet powerful breed. The foundation stock was 50% Mastiff and 40% Bulldog. The common known term name for the breed early on was "The Game-keepers Night Dog". At first this was a rather generic description for all the big dogs that patrolled the estates but gradually these original dogs were more selectively bred and became what is today known as the Bullmastiff.
The Bullmastiff should have a large, square head with some wrinkling of the brow, a short broad muzzle with a slight upturn to the nostrils and a neck as broad and square as the head, on equally broad powerful shoulders.
Unlike the Bulldog, the front legs should be straight. The chest should be deep and the back short, presenting a nearly square appearance to the body. The entire picture should be one of power and strength. The Bullmastiff is 24-27 inches at the withers, weighing between 110-130 pounds. The coat is short and dense, colors can be brindle, fawn, or red, with a black "mask" on the face. The Bullmastiff is somewhat shorter than a Mastiff and certainly stockier of build, a good Bullmastiff should be quite blocky in appearance, while a Mastiff is taller and rangier.
The Bullmastiff, like all large breeds, requires an owner with some knowledge of training and the willingness to socialize the puppy in its early life. As usual with any breed, a buyer who wishes to purchase a Bullmastiff puppy needs to be wary of irresponsible breeders who breed only for profit rather than a passion for the breed.
The Bullmastiff is not for everyone, a neat housekeeper will not be happy with the amount of drool that the dog can put out. The coat is easy care and the general health is basically good, there being few genetic problems, except for hip dysplasia which is always an important consideration and care should be taken that x-rays are done before breeding.
The Bullmastiff is a powerful large dog with a fearsome look but is in truth a gentle and trustworthy dog. They are not excitable, actually being rather docile and gentle. They are loving to children and protective without being overly aggressive. The Bullmastiff possesses a delightful sense of humor and they can be quite "clownish". This is a dog that is very easy to train, desiring nothing more than to please its owner.
Perhaps because they were bred to hold a man at bay and not maul or kill, they have a sense of wisdom combined with their watchdog instincts and generally are quite intelligent and thoughtful in their response to strangers. They are good watchdogs and will accept strangers only when introduced properly by their masters and will seldom bite or attack, preferring to stand their ground and bark.
This is a breed that is not excitable by nature and they do the business of guarding quite efficiently, since their size combined with their bark is quite sufficient to deter unwanted visitors. This is a dog that is great for country life or suburban areas but they should always be fenced or on a leash, even when on a farm or ranch. They are territorial by nature and will police the entire property that they have access to.