Silky Wire-Haired Dachshund: Facts, Origin & History (with Pictures)
By Jordyn Alger
Updated on
Dachshunds are adorable, fascinating little dogs. There are three general categories of dachshund: the smooth-coated, the long-haired, and the wire-haired.
Wire-haired dachshunds tend to have coarse coats and longer fur at the chin and eyebrows, striking comparisons to bushy-haired men. The silky wire-haired dachshund is usually a mix between the wire-haired and the long-haired dachshunds, giving it a slightly more delicate coat than the average wire-haired dog.
If you are considering a silky wire-haired dachshund for your home or want to know more about this intriguing dog, this article examines the history and other unique facts surrounding the special dachshund.
The Earliest Records of Silky Wire-Haired Dachshunds in History
The dachshund’s origins can be traced back to Germany, where the word “dachshund” can be roughly translated to “badger dog.”
Over 600 years ago, the dachshund found its start in Germany as a badger hunter. The dogs were specially bred to burrow into a badger’s den and capture the creature. Dachshunds were well-suited for the role, as their long, short bodies made them ideal for digging into narrow passages beneath the earth.
Fast forward to the 19th century, when dog breeders decided to breed a dachshund and a terrier with a coarse coat. The exact terrier used is unclear, though it is believed that it could have been the Schnauzer, the Dandie Dinmont Terrier, or the Scottish terrier. This crossbreeding led to the birth of the wire-haired dachshund, which eventually paved the way for the silky wire-haired dachshund to be born.
How Silky Wire-Haired Dachshunds Gained Popularity
Although the dachshund had humble beginnings as a badger hunter, it soon found itself adored by those with prestige. Many celebrities were drawn in by the dachshund’s unique charm throughout the years, spreading their popularity even further.
Some of the celebrities include stars like Carole Lombard and Clark Gable, and even famous artists like Pablo Picasso, Andy Warhol, and David Hockney owned dachshunds. Others include William Randolph Hearst and even the infamous Jack Ruby.
The determination and spirit that allowed the dachshund to be so adept at hunting badgers have made it one of the most popular breeds today. As of 2021, the dachshund ranks among the top 10 breeds in America, beloved for its adorable size and incredible nature.
Formal Recognition of Silky Wire-Haired Dachshunds
The dachshund was officially recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club as early as 1885.
Variations from the standard version of a dog breed are often disqualified from the American Kennel Club’s recognition. However, the wire-haired dachshund is included in the breed standard for dachshunds, assuming specific requirements are met.
These requirements are that the dog must have short-cut fur across the body, with the exception being the jaw, ears, and eyebrows. At those specific locations, the coat must be longer and finer. The distinctive features of the beard and eyebrows are especially important. Without them, they are disqualified.
The Silky Wire-Haired Dachshund is not officially recognized, though it is a mix between two recognized breeds.
Top 3 Unique Facts About Silky Wire-Haired Dachshunds
1. The Dachshund Inspired the Hot Dog
Have you ever heard someone call a dachshund a wiener dog? They are likely referring to the fact that dachshunds closely resemble hotdogs due to their short stature and long bodies. Cute, right?
But the truth of the matter may shock you. Hotdogs didn’t just inspire the dachshund’s adorable nickname. In fact, the dachshund was the inspiration for the hotdog’s name!
Hotdogs were named after the dachshund, originally called the dachshund sausage, because they looked similar to the breed. The name was later changed to hotdogs for ease of use, but the connection between the food and the dog exists today.
2. Dachshund Races Exist!
When you look at a dachshund, you likely do not get the impression that they are skilled at running. If that were your first thought, you would be right!
Dachshunds are not built for speed like other dog breeds, and while they can run, they cannot do it all that quickly. However, watching dachshunds run is adorable. That is why the Dachshund Races began in Australia in the 1970s and why they have spread across the world since.
It is not a serious sport, but the races are an entertaining and adorable competition meant for fun.
3. The First Olympic Mascot Was the Dachshund
The first Olympic mascot debuted in 1972 at the Munich Olympic Games. This pioneering mascot was a dachshund named Waldi. He was so celebrated in the 1972 Olympics that the marathon route was designed in the shape of a dachshund!
Does the Silky Wire-Haired Dachshund Make a Good Pet?
Now that you have learned a little more about the silky wire-haired dachshund, you may consider adding one to your family. Before you take that step, you will want to know what the dog is like to live with. Dachshunds are great family dogs who are affectionate with their owners, and as long as they are adequately trained and socialized, they make excellent companions.
The silky wire-haired dachshund will require some special grooming. It is recommended that pet owners use a bristle brush to brush their wire-haired dachshunds twice a week. It will also be necessary to strip the coat now and then to pluck out dead hairs.
The silky wire-haired dachshund generally shares the same character traits as any other dachshund, though there are some reported differences. Some note that the wire-haired is more independent and tends to bark more than its other dachshund counterparts.
Conclusion
Overall, the silky wire-haired dachshund is a fantastic dog with a lot to offer. The dogs have a fascinating history and remarkable popularity, and it’s not unusual that so many variations have popped up over the years. If you are looking for a unique, adorable little pup to add to your family, this dog may be the perfect fit.
- Related Read: 20 Dachshund Mixed Breeds (With Pictures)
Featured Image Credit: Seregraff, Shutterstock
