Black & Tan Dachshund: Facts, Origin & History (With Pictures)
By Ashley Bates
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Black and tan might be one of the most popular Dachshund colors. This classic appearance is original, recognizable, and unique. But just how did this color combination come into play?
Breed Overview
| Height: | 8 – 9 inches |
| Weight: | 11 – 32 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12 – 15 years |
| Colors: | Black & tan |
| Suitable for: | Companionship to singles or seniors; families with older kids |
| Temperament: | Feisty, willful, vocal, alert |
The truth is, not all Dachshunds are black and tan, as you well know by now. Let’s learn a little more about this color selection and its history with breeder organizations.
Dachshund Characteristics
The Earliest Records of Black & Tan Dachshund in History
Black and tan is an original Dachshund color. It is very characteristic of the breed itself. So even if you look at the earliest origins of Dachshund history, you will definitely spot the black and tan variety. Black and tan isn’t a specific Dachshund breed but rather a color variation.
The Dachshund originated in Germany during the 15th century, with a breed designed to help them burrow in dens of potential prey. The standard Dachshund was robust enough to run badgers out of their dens. But the miniature Dachshund was geared towards uncovering rabbits and other such small prey.
In fact, the name Dachshund translates to “badger hound,” specifically pinpointing its purpose. If you pay attention, the Dachshund’s front legs are paddle-shaped, which helps them dig efficiently in the dirt. They are incredible dogs capable of quickly burrowing.
Later in the United States, these dogs sniffed out prairie dogs and helped track deer. Shortly after, they became companion animals and shared homes with families all over. Their breeding has taken off, creating many more patterns and color choices.
The black and tan variety comes in the traditional three different coat types: standard, wire-haired, and long-haired.
How Black & Tan Dachshund Gained Popularity
The Dachshund itself gained popularity due to its charismatic nature. They were very efficient in their duties, but they warmed the owners’ hearts with their larger-than-life personalities.
At one point after World War II, the Dachshund almost became extinct. Thankfully, they quickly regained popularity and traction in the dog-loving world, and are now one of the planet’s most favorite dog breeds.
Formal Recognition of Black & Tan Dachshund
The black and tan variation was automatically associated when the breed became part of kennel clubs. This was one of the standard baseline colors that Dachshunds come in, making them easy to come by.
The AKC recognized the Dachshund in 1885. Since then, it has grown exponentially in popularity—ranking at roughly spot 12 of all dog breeds in the US.
Top 5 Unique Facts About Black & Tan Dachshund
Remember that black and tan is just a color variety and has nothing to do with the breed itself other than appearance. But here are five cool facts about this amazing breed.
1. Dachshunds have lots of nicknames
You might otherwise know a Dachshund as a wiener dog or Doxie. Their hot dog-inspired body gives way to many fun Halloween costumes, nicknames, and comparisons.
2. Dachshunds love tunneling
Since a Dachshund is literally built to burrow in small spaces, you might notice they have paddle-shaped feet for optimal digging. They love to tunnel as well. You might see them digging in the backyard or burrowing through blankets in your home.
3. The Dachshund’s body is not just for looks
To bank off our last fact, the body of a Dachshund is efficient for its breed’s purpose. The stock is designed to go down in holes of badgers and other small animals, making their long bodies perform in a weasel-like fashion to get into hard-to-reach territories.
4. Dachshunds are very spirited
Dachshunds have very peppy personalities. They are not for the faint of heart. These dogs make fantastic watch dogs as they are very aware of their surroundings and bark anytime they feel like there could be an imposing threat.
5. Dachshunds were the first Olympic mascot
In 1972, the Munich Olympic Games chose a Dachshund named Waldi as the first Olympic mascot.
Does a Black & Tan Dachshund Make a Good Pet?
Dachshunds are incredibly intelligent pups and have very unique appearances. They are one of the most recognizable breeds because of their body shape and elongated face.
The black and tan Dachshund, along with all the other different color variations, make extremely great pets to the right families. Dachshunds tend to be a little spirited and somewhat difficult to train for novice owners. So if you have never owned dogs before, it’s a bit of a challenge.
But that shouldn’t discredit the breed itself. While they might be a little harder to handle than some, they are very loyal companions that will love to be the only pet in the home. But they can get along very well with other canine and feline companions if you get them early.
Dachshunds make good family pets, but they might do best with old and mature children to understand proper handling. They are still quite small and can easily hurt their spines with rough handling. Also, their personalities tend to be a little larger than life which may conflict with smaller children.
Some other positive things about Dachshunds are that they make excellent dogs for apartments and fantastic companions for seniors. Their compact size makes them easy to care for and fits most weight requirements and many living situations.
Conclusion
If you really enjoy the Dachshund breed and the black and tan Dachshund sounds like a match for you, look at local breeders in your area. If you want a puppy, you should always choose a reputable breeder with a solid reputation.
Avoid places with low living conditions for their pups, including puppy mills and backyard breeders. The breeder should always have proper testing done, preferably with both parents on site. This is a terrific way to test for temperament and sound health.
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Featured Image Credit: In Green, Shutterstock
