Wild Boar Dachshund: Pictures, Facts, & History
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| Height: | 8–9 inches |
| Weight: | 16–32 pounds |
| Lifespan: | 12–15 years |
| Colors: | Gray, black, brown (mixed) |
| Suitable for: | Active families with older kids, singles and seniors who want a unique colored dog |
| Temperament: | Affectionate, courageous, stubborn, loyal, clever |
Wild boar Dachshunds have a unique name because their fur looks similar to that of a wild boar. Their fur might also be described as wire-haired because it resembles boar bristles. More specifically, their fur starts out light at the skin and turns darker and even black at the tips. Unlike the more widespread long-haired Dachshund, wild boar Doxies don’t have red in their fur and are among the rarest colored subsets of this breed.
Wild Boar Dachshund Breed Characteristics
The Earliest Records of Wild Boar Dachshunds in History
Although there’s little info on the wild boar coloring in history, we know that the Dachshund was bred to fight badgers in 16th-century Germany. Badgers were a serious pest that ate crops and disrupted food supplies, and humans were too big to fit in the burrows they retreated to. Thankfully, the Dachshund’s iconic “sausage” body shape made them a perfect choice to fight these vicious mammals.
How Wild Boar Dachshund Gained Popularity
Dachshunds were almost exclusively used for hunting early on in their history. It wasn’t until the 1800s when they enjoyed their first big popularity boom in Europe when Queen Victoria discovered the breed and became smitten. The queen’s love of Dachshunds inspired Europeans everywhere, but it wasn’t to last.
Around the late 1800s to early 1900s, Dachshunds waned in popularity as anti-German sentiment rose all over the world. Like the German Shepherd, the Dachshund was even briefly renamed to avoid being associated with their home country – they were called the “liberty hound.”
Formal Recognition of Wild Boar Dachshund
Dachshunds were formally recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885, with a wide array of officially recognized colorings. Before you ask, yes, the wild boar colors are recognized by the AKC. Like fawn, wild boar colors are considered a two-tone coat, but they’re much rarer.
Top 7 Unique Facts About Wild Boar Dachshunds
- Wild boar Dachshunds require more grooming than their short-haired brethren or else their coats can easily tangle or mat.
- Doxies are prone to several unique health issues like back disease and neurological conditions, making regular checkups at a trusted vet imperative.
- Wild boar Dachshunds are rarer than most colors, but black and blue are even rarer.
- Because of their body shape, Dachshunds may need doggy ramps or stairs to keep their backs in good condition.
- The Dachshund was bred from several breeds of terrier and hound, including Spaniels, Terriers, French Basset Hounds, and other small-statured hunting dogs.
- The American Kennel Club officially recognized the Dachshund in 1885, 3 years before the German Kennel Club.
- Dachshunds have a bad reputation for being aggressive toward strangers due to their history as hunting dogs.
Do Wild Boar Dachshunds Make Good Pets?
Absolutely! Wild boar Dachshunds have the same larger-than-life personality as all Doxies, and their unique coloring only adds to their character. They’re a bit tricky to train because of their stubborn streak, but once you’ve bonded, they’ll go to the ends of the Earth for you. You just have to find the right ways to communicate and train them, or you might find yourself with a tiny tyrant.
No, really. Even the AKC notes that Dachshunds tend to have a mind of their own, and training them can be a big hurdle. Despite their stubbornness, they’re sensitive creatures that respond very poorly to raised voices and negative discipline. Like most dogs, they do best with lots of love, praise, and, of course, treats.
Before getting a Dachshund, you should be aware that they’ll need some special accommodations to stay healthy. They love to jump and run, which can hurt their back. To help minimize strain and reduce the chances of spinal injuries, you may wish to install low dog ramps to close any big vertical gaps around your home. Lastly, it’s critical that you don’t neglect to take your Dachshund to a vet regularly to stay on top of potential health problems before they become serious.
Conclusion
Wild boar Dachshunds are some of the rarest Doxies around, with an adorable mustache and black-ringed eyes. Despite their turbulent history, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more loyal, brave dog in such a small package.
Featured Image Credit: nik174, Shutterstock
