How to know if a dachshund is purebred
How to Identify if Your Dachshund is Purebred
The iconic wiener dog has been listed in the top 10 most popular breeds according to the American Kennel Club (AKC) and their entertaining antics will make you fall head over heels while their fierce loyalty will capture your heart for a lifetime.
The Dachshund, whether they be standard size or miniature, smooth coated, long-coated, or wire-haired, is one of the most recognizable breeds in the United States, but how exactly do you know your little Dachshund is purebred.
With their rise in popularity, Dachshunds have been used to create designer mutts, therefore, your lovable little sausage may not be 100% Dachshund. A Chi-Weenie is one of the more popular crossbreeds that have exploded onto the designer dog scene. If you did not get your Dachshund from a reputable breeder, you may be wondering if your doxie is purebred.
While some people are searching for a lap dog to love and fill a void in their life, a crossbreed is just fine. But some people looking for purebred Dachshunds will not want to settle for a dog with questionable genes.
Remember, even if your Dachshund comes with registration papers, even AKC papers, it is not necessarily confirmation that your pup is purebred. Unethical breeders have been known to switch paperwork on dogs and sell them under the guise of being pure Dachshund.
While you can sometimes look at a Dachshund and tell that they are indeed crossed with another breed, there are times when you sit and wonder if maybe your doxie is not 100% doxie. If that is the case, the only definitive way to determine if you have a purebred Dachshund is by ordering a breed identification DNA kit.
Common Features of a Purebred Dachshund
A reputable Dachshund breeder will strive to produce puppies that fit into the breed standard; therefore, a purebred Dachshund will have certain features that make it easy to identify them as a doxie. Take a look at your wiener dog and see if you can easily see these common features.
- Elongated body One of the most recognizable features of a Dachshund is its elongated body. These amazing sausages will have a longer back-to-leg ratio than most dogs. And while a super long back can cause back problems, your Dachshund should have a definite longer back. The classic Dachshund look comes from that longer body and shorter legs.
- Short legs The Dachshund is a low-to-the-ground dog supported by thick, stubby legs. If your Dachshund has longer legs or legs that are equal to the length of their body, that is either a poorly bred doxie or a crossbreed.
- Deep chest Dachshunds are one of those breeds that need a deep chest and prominent keel. When a Dachshund stands, its chest puffs out and showcases a deep keel. A well-muscled keel is necessary when Dachshunds go to the ground after their prey.
- Long, floppy ears Ears that are short are not a desirable trait and ears that stand up are a good indication that your Dachshund is not purebred. The ears on a Dachshund should be long and hang down below the doxies jawline.
- Classic Roman muzzle One of my favorite things about the Dachshund is that classic Roman nose look. Their head shape is unique and when you see a Dachshund without that classic look, you have to wonder if they are purebred.
- Muscular body A Dachshunds body should be well-muscled. Couch potato or one that does not like to exercise will probably not have much muscle mass, but as a young dog, you will see the potential for a muscular body. Dachshunds in prime condition will be solid with a lot of muscle.
Useful Tips: English Cream Dachshund can be recognized with the color and length of the tail. Check details about this breed here.
Things that Might Mean Your Dachshund is not a Purebred
While you may think your Dachshund looks like a Dachshund is supposed to, there may be some things about their physical appearance that give you pause and make you wonder about their true parentage.
- Shorter back Obviously, a shorter back is a big red flag, especially if the back-to-leg ratio is pretty equal. A purebred Dachshund will have that iconic elongated back.
- Longer legs The breed standard states that a Dachshunds legs are shorter, with strong bone, and well-muscled. If you see smaller bones and longer legs, your pup may be a mixed breed.
- Ears that stand up Dachshunds have long, floppy ears that fall below the jawline. Shorter, floppy ears may not mean that your doxie is a crossbreed, but if the ears stand up that is a big sign that the dog is not pure Dachshund.
- Incorrect head The Dachshund head is very recognizable with the classic Roman muzzle and rounded forehead. An incorrect head or a shorter muzzle is another red flag that the dog may not be a purebred Dachshund.
- Spitz tail A curly tail or a tail carried curled over their back is not a true Dachshund tail. Sometimes there will be a kink in a doxie tail from there being too many puppies in utero and not enough room for puppies to expand as they develop.
When in Doubt, DNA Test
In the last several years, companies have started offering breed identification DNA test kits so you can test your dog to see if they are purebred. Even a registered dog can have questionable genetics if the breeder is not reputable. So, if you think your Dachshund may not be pure, order a DNA kit.
Most DNA kits are saliva-based and easy to do at home. You simply follow the instructions included and using the sterile swabs, swab the inside of your Dachshunds cheek. Once you fill out the paperwork, do the swabs, and send them back it takes about 2-4 weeks for your results.
Companies offering breed identification kits include:
- Embark
- Wisdom
- Geno Pet+
- OriVet
Final Thoughts
If you are searching for a purebred Dachshund, you will want to search for responsible breeders who are dedicated to the breed. Yes, you may have to pay a little more money to ensure you are getting a well-bred, purebred Dachshund, but in the end, it is probably worth it.
Rescue dogs that look like doxies can be tested to see if they even have any Dachshund in them. While looking at a dog may give you an idea of whether or not they are a doxie, it will not give you peace of mind in knowing for certain whether they are 100% pure Dachshund. That will only come from completing a DNA breed identification profile.
Dachshund Recommendations and Sources
- How long do Dachshunds live?
- Piebald Dachshund Temperament, Health, Costs, and Pictures
- Blue Dachshund: Breed Info, Temperament, Health, and Costs
- Dapple Dachshunds Temperament, Health, Costs, and Pictures
- Dachshund Colors, Patterns, and Markings Explained With Pictures
- English Cream Dachshunds: Temperament, Types, Health and Care
How Do I Know If My Dachshund Is Purebred? (10 Features)
Do you want to learn how to identify a purebred Dachshund? You are in the right place.Dachshunds are charming dogs with elongated bodies and small legs. Many people like these dogs because of their unique appearance and loyalty.Despite their small size, they make excellent watchdogs. They are naturally suspicious of strangers. They will not hesitate to alert their owners when they see unfamiliar people or hear sounds.Dachshunds have a playful nature and enjoy engaging in games and activities. This makes them a joy to be around, and their curiosity keeps life interesting for their owners.Before owning a Dachshund, knowing if it is purebred is important. This is why I created this post to help you.Let us get right into it.
How To Identify If A Dachshund Is PurebredHere are 10 ways:
1) Pedigree PapersPedigree papers are the most reliable method of confirming that your Dachshund is purebred. These documents record the dogs lineage and should be provided by a reputable breeder. A lineage chart will trace the genealogy of your pet through multiple generations and confirm the absence of any cross-breeding. These documents function much like a birth certificate for your dog
2) Standard Body ProportionsPurebred Dachshunds have long bodies and short legs. The unique shape allows them to burrow into holes in search of prey. If your Dachshund possesses these proportions, it is likely to be purebred.
3) Distinctive Facial FeaturesA purebred Dachshund has an elongted snout and long ears that hang down close to the head. The length of the snout often reflects the breeds historical role as a hunting dog, allowing for a strong sense of smell. When the dog is attentive, the top of the ear should align almost perfectly with the eye line, giving the breed its attentive expression.
4) Weight and SizePurebred Dachshunds come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and kaninchen (rabbit-sized). The standard size Dachshunds usually weigh between 16 to 32 pounds. The miniature version weighs under 12 pounds. Knowing the weight and size of your Dachshund will provide clues to its pedigree.
5) Dental StructurePurebred Dachshunds have a scissor bite, where the upper teeth neatly overlap the lower teeth. Deviations from this dental structure might indicate mixed ancestry.
6) Eye Color and ShapePurebred Dachshunds have dark almond-shaped eyes. The eyes should be set well apart and give an alert, intelligent appearance.
7) Movement and GaitA purebred Dachshund displays a fluid and smooth movement resulting from the proportionate body and structure. The motions should appear effortless, without any sense of awkwardness or imbalance. The back should remain relatively flat, without noticeable arching or dipping, which could indicate skeletal issues or non-standard anatomy.
8) Coat Colors and PatternsThe Dachshund breed has a diverse range of coat types and patterns, making it crucial to understand these variations.Smooth Coat Some purebred Dachshunds have a smooth coat that is short and glossy. The sheen on their coats is a good indicator of their general health and well-being.Wirehaired Coat Wirehaired Dachshunds feature a distinctive two-layer coat. The outer layer is coarse and rough, providing a protective barrier, while the undercoat is finer and softer, serving as insulation. This variety is particularly resilient and suited for outdoor activities.Longhaired Coat These Dachshunds have luxurious, shiny coats. This coat type requires regular grooming to maintain its sleek appearance.Here are the common coat patterns:Solid Coats They range from shades of red to black, chocolate, and even cream.Dapple or Merle Coats Darker base color with spots or patches of lighter shades. This pattern adds a unique texture and depth to the coats appearance.Brindle Coats Brindle Dachshunds have a striped pattern consisting of darker stripes set against a lighter base color.Piebald Coats Piebald Dachshunds have coats that are either monochromatic or bi-colored but feature distinct white patches.Sable Coats Sable Dachshunds have a singular coat pattern with a red base covered with a darker overlay.
9) TailThe tail of a purebred Dachshund is elongated, following the line of the spine. It should be slightly curved but not excessively so. The tail acts as a rudder when the Dachshund is digging or maneuvering underground. This is why it is an important feature for identification.
10) Genetic TestingGenetic testing will provide definitive answers if you are still uncertain about your Dachshunds purity after considering all these traits. DNA tests designed for dogs will help you identify the lineage and confirm if your Dachshund is purebred.
ConclusionBy now, you should know if your Dachshund is purebred. Knowing what to look for gives you more confidence in assessing its lineage.Purebred Dachshunds tend to have an alert yet playful expression. This reflects their curious and brave personalities.I recommend searching for pedigree papers or genetic testing if you are still unsure. These are the most reliable methods to determine if your Dachshund is purebred.
How To Tell If A Dachshund Puppy Is Long Haired?
Last Updated on March 16, 2022 by Sam
Dachshunds are a type of short-legged hound dog with long, thin bodies and short coats. Although the breed shares many similarities in appearance to other types of dogs, Dachshunds have unique physical features that distinguish them from canines as well as distinct personalities that make their owners love them more than any other breed.
Long haired dachshunds are usually born with their coat long. The newborn long haired dachshunds article will teach you how to tell if a Dachshund is long haired or not.
How can I tell if my dachshund is purebred?
A: There are many ways to tell if your dachshund is purebred. One way is to get a DNA test done, which will cost you around $100. Another way is to look at the dogs pedigree, or ask the breeder for information about the parents of your dog.
Why are dachshunds so expensive?
A: Dachshunds are a breed of dog that has been bred for hunting and tracking. They have a long body with short legs, which makes them agile and quick in the woods. This is why they are so expensive because there is such demand for them as pets.
How do I know if my dachshund is Dapple?
A: Dapple is a color pattern that is typically seen in the dachshund breed. It is characterized by a white or cream coat with dark spots on the body, and its most often found on the head, back, and legs.
How can I tell if my Dachshund is a mini?
A: Its hard to tell if a Dachshund is a mini or not, but the best way to determine this would be by looking at their height. A mini Dachshund will generally have shorter legs than an average sized Dachshund.
How can I tell if my dachshund is wire haired?
A: There are a few ways to tell if your dachshund is wire haired. The easiest way is to look at the length of their fur, which should be about 2 inches long. Another way would be to take them for a vet check up and have them examined by a veterinarian.
Should I let my Dachshund sleep with me?
A: Dachshunds are known to be very energetic and can get into a lot of trouble if theyre not given enough exercise. It is best to let your dog sleep on its own bed in the living room, but make sure you keep an eye on it while its sleeping.
How do you discipline a Dachshund?
A: The best way to discipline a Dachshund is by using a positive reinforcement method. For example, you could give them lots of praise and affection when they are good or take them for a walk when they are bad.
What dog has the highest IQ?
A: The average dog is around 100, but the smartest dogs have IQs of 200 or more. Some breeds of dogs are known to be very intelligent and include Border Collies, Poodles, German Shepherds, and Golden Retrievers.
What is a lilac dachshund?
A: A dachshund is a type of hound dog with long, thin legs that are well-suited to the task of hunting badgers. The lilac color comes from the fact that it is bred primarily in Germany and Austria, where they have been used for centuries as hunting dogs.
Dachshunds are a type of long haired miniature dogs. They will have hair that is shorter on the belly, but longer on the back legs and tail. The coat should be smooth and shiny. Dachshunds come in three colors: black, brown, or tan. Their eyes should be dark brown or hazel with a light colored nose. Reference: long haired miniature dachshund.
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Sam is a lifelong dachshund owner and dog lover who has a passion for all things canine. He has had dachshunds as pets for over 20 years and has extensive knowledge on the breed. He has a special place in his heart for dachshunds and loves to share his knowledge with others. He loves taking his dogs on walks, playing fetch, and just spending time with them. Sam is very active in his local dachshund community and is always looking to meet new people who share his love for these special dogs. He is a true lover of the breed and would do anything for his fourlegged friends.