That’s one ‘hot’ dog: Suzy Azalea shares amazing facts about dachshunds

Hi there, dog lovers! Suzy Azalea here.

From Suzy Azalea

I’m sure you’ve all heard about Bomber, my handsome and affectionate dachshund. Well guess what? He’s just turned 2 years old! I can’t believe how fast he went from a puppy to a grown-up doxie. As my family and I celebrate Bomber’s birthday, I’d like to share some interesting information about his breed.

“Dachshund” is German for “badger hound.” In fact, dachshunds were first developed by German foresters in the 18th and 19th centuries from several existing breeds of taller hunting hounds (like the bloodhound and the Bibarhund). The Germans’ goal was to produce intrepid, elongated canines that could excavate badger burrows. In other words, dachshunds were originally bred to hunt and fight badgers. Remarkably, dachshunds were also used to hunt foxes and wild boars.

“Suzy Azalea, if dachshunds were originally bred as hunters, when did they become popular as pets?” asked one of my clients. Good question, dear.

Suzy Azalea. Photo credit: Care2.com

According to the Almost Home Dachshund Rescue Society, it was in the 1800s when dachshunds were bred more as pets than as hunters. This was particularly the trend in Great Britain, where the dachshund’s size was slowly reduced by 10 pounds. Consequently, the miniature dachshund (which weighs 11 pounds or less) was bred.

Here are other fun facts about dachshunds you may want to know:

• Dachshunds are also called “Teckels,” “Dachels,” or “Dachsels.” In the United States, they earned the monikers “hot dog,” “sausage dog,” and “wiener dog” due to their long, narrow build.

• Most dog trainers, including Suzy Azalea (ahem, yours truly), find it easier to train male dachshunds than females. This is only because female dachshunds tend to be more independent, whereas male doxies are more eager to please.

• Dachshunds are far-sighted. They can detect movement at a very far distance, but they cannot see as well up close.

• A dachshund named “Otto” was cast in the 1939 film “Wizard of Oz,” but was fired and replaced with “Toto” because of a strong anti-German sentiment during World War II.

• Dachshunds’ sense of smell is their best sensory organ. They can even track a scent that is weeks old.

• Dachshunds aren’t picky eaters. As they have fewer taste buds than people, they will try to eat most anything.

Suzy Azalea. Photo credit: almosthomerescue.org

Well, there you have it. There’s a lot more to say about dachshunds, but I’ll save it for another day. Right now, it’s time to open Bomber’s birthday presents, so…Suzy Azalea, signing off.

My name is Suzy Azalea, and I am a private dog breeder and trainer from LA, California. To learn more about me, catch up with me on Facebook.