Brindle Dachshund: Facts, Origin & History (with Pictures)
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Dachshunds are one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognizes four markings in this breed: brindle, sable, piebald, and dapple. We’ll take a look at brindle dachshunds, whose coats have a striped pattern that is subtle and blended.
The Earliest Records of Brindle Dachshund in History
Dachshunds are an older, established breed. Their existence goes back to the 1600s in Germany. Dachshunds were bred specifically to hunt underground prey, particularly badgers. Their breeding was carefully thought out to produce physical features that enabled them to do this job: low bodies, fierce jaws, and a loud bark.
Some sources speculate that smooth-haired dachshunds are the product of miniature French pointers and German pinschers. Other sources state that the breed may count bloodhounds and basset hounds as its ancestors.
How Brindle Dachshunds Gained Popularity
By the 1800s, dachshunds made their way to the U.S. The breed was initially used for hunting stateside, but owners noted their adaptability, affectionate nature, and minimal grooming needs. Dachshunds transitioned from working hunting dogs to beloved house pets throughout North America and Europe. Some dachshunds still hunt in Germany today.
Formal Recognition of Brindle Dachshund
The AKC formally recognized dachshunds in 1885, just one year after the organization was established. The AKC recognizes two sizes of brindle dachshunds: the standard (15 to 30 pounds) and the miniature (under 11 pounds). The smaller miniatures make perfect pets for anyone who wants a lapdog with a big personality. Dogs falling between the two sizes are informally referred to as “tweenies.”
The International Fédération Cynologique Internationale (World Canine Organization) based in Belgium recognizes three sizes of dachshunds: standard, miniature, and rabbit. The IFC’s breed guidelines are slightly different from the AKC’s. European standard and miniature dachshunds are somewhat taller than their U.S. counterparts. A rabbit dachshund is roughly the size of a miniature one in the U.S.
Top 6 Unique Facts About Brindle Dachshunds
1. Hunting Heritage
The breed’s name pays homage to its hunting roots. Dachshund is German for “badger dog”.
2. More than just badgers
Badgers weren’t the only animal that dachshunds hunted. Packs of dachshunds were used to help hunt wild boar.
3. “Liberty Hounds”
Due to anti-German sentiment during WWI, brindles and other dachshunds were called “Liberty Hounds.”
4. Brindle & Piebald mix
Brindle and piebald markings are both AKC-recognized, but a dog with mixed brindle piebald markings is not.
5. More coat types
Dachshunds have three types of coats: smooth, wire, and long. It’s believed that smooth-coated dachshunds were the first coat length. Then came longhairs, which were the result of the selective breeding of smooths. Wire-haired dachshunds were developed last and came from breeding dachshunds with wire-coated terriers in the late 1800s. Wirehaired tend to be calmer versions of their smooth and longhaired counterparts.
6. Nicknames
A dachshund’s long, low body makes it the subject of several nicknames like the hot dog, wiener dog, and sausage dog.
Does a Brindle Dachshund Make a Good Pet?
Brindle dachshunds can make wonderful pets for the right household. They have a reputation for being affectionate and loyal companions. Dachshunds are a good match for well-behaved children. However, miniature dachshunds are too small and fragile for rough-housing or handling by very young children. Owning one is a real commitment, as they can live up to 15 years.
As a whole, the breed is quite vocal. Even miniature dachshunds are known for their “big dog” bark and watchdog tendencies. Their long back can cause health problems and make them prone to certain injuries. Dachshunds can’t tolerate a lot of stairs or jumping off and on furniture.
Owners must be diligent about not letting them get overweight, which puts extra pressure on their spine and skeletal system. Dachshunds haven’t forgotten their hunting roots, as most have a natural instinct to dig.
Lastly, miniature dachshunds often forget how small they are. These spunky, diminutive dogs may try to take on larger dogs.
Conclusion
Brindle is one of four AKC-recognized markings in dachshunds. The breed dates back to the 1600s, where German hunters used them to drive badgers out from their underground burrows. Dachshunds came to the U.S. in the 1800s, and their personality traits quickly made them household pets.
Brindle dachshunds are good pets under the right circumstances. They cannot tolerate a lot of stairs, and miniature dachshunds are too small for rough play with other dogs and young children.
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Featured Image Credit: Sapozhnikov Shoes Georgy, Shutterstock
