Surprising Facts About Dachshunds You Didn't Know! (Wiener Dog Secrets)

Pets Bunch

Think you know everything about the adorable Wiener Dog? We're uncovering surprising facts about Dachshunds, from their royal history to their stubborn streaks. You'll never look at these sausage dogs the same way again!

Transcript

00:00They are far more than just a charming silhouette. These little dogs hide a history of fierce courage

00:05and royal prestige, originally bred for a dangerous job deep underground. Their name itself reveals

00:12their surprising purpose. Do you own one of these brave dogs? The name Dachshund literally means

00:17badger dog, in German, and that was their original job. Bred to be fearless hunters, they would dig

00:24into badger sets and confront the formidable animals underground. Their long, low body allowed

00:30them to navigate tight tunnels, while their paddle-shaped paws were perfect for digging.

00:35Their surprisingly deep, loud bark helped hunters locate them from above ground.

00:40They were truly built for the hunt. Not all Dachshunds look the same. The breed has three

00:45distinct coat varieties, smooth, long-haired, and wire-haired. The original smooth coat is sleek

00:52and short. The long-haired version was likely developed for colder climates by crossbreeding

00:57with spaniels. The tough, wiry coat, developed from terriers, provided the best protection from

01:04thorns and rough terrain during a hunt. Each coat tells a story of adaptation. This German breed found

01:11an unlikely champion in British royalty. Queen Victoria was famously devoted to her Dachshunds,

01:17which boosted their popularity across Europe in the 19th century. Her love for the breed

01:22transformed them from a hunter's companion into a fashionable pet for the aristocracy.

01:27This royal endorsement cemented their status as a cherished companion, a reputation that continues

01:33today, far from their rugged origins. Dachshunds are highly intelligent, but this often comes with a

01:40stubborn streak. This isn't a flaw, it's a feature of their breeding. When hunting underground,

01:46they had to make decisions independently, without human direction.

01:49This self-reliant nature means they can be challenging to train, requiring patience and

01:55consistent positive reinforcement. They know their own mind. Is a stubborn dog a deal-breaker

02:00for you? Comment below. The Dachshund became a global pop culture icon. A colorful Dachshund named

02:08Waldie was the first official mascot for the Summer Olympics at the 1972 Games in Munich, Germany.

02:14The marathon route for that year was even designed to mimic the dog's shape. This cemented the breed's

02:20image as a charming symbol, representing resilience and tenacity. Their iconic long body comes with a

02:26significant health risk, intervertebral disc disease, or IVDD. This condition can cause severe pain,

02:33nerve damage, and even paralysis. Their elongated spine is fragile and prone to injury from jumping off

02:40furniture or improper handling. Responsible ownership means protecting their back by using ramps and

02:46supporting their full body when lifting them. It's a crucial part of their care.

02:51From fearless hunter to royal lapdog and Olympic mascot, the Dachshund is a breed of surprising

02:57contrasts. Their unique body is a testament to their original purpose, while their bold and loyal heart

03:03makes them an unforgettable companion. They prove that the biggest personalities often come in the

03:09longest, shortest packages. They are so much more than a wiener dog. For more surprising pet stories,

03:16subscribe to Pets Bunch.

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