European Dachshunds - Page 1

Are European Dachshunds healthier? I only ask out of curiosity because I was watching a video the other day on dogs that have been horribly disfigured because of organizations like the AKC. I know how much the Great Pyr, Doberman, GSD, and Rottweiler have been modified to create a different dog. Even the Akita has been altered. However, I was shocked the other day when I saw what we had done to the poor Dachshund. Today's Dachshund has a larger chest that is closer to the ground, which makes it more difficult for the dog to run because he/she will bang his chest. But, when I look at German websites, and other websites in Europe, the Dachshund, while still short, seems to have a higher raised chest. Your thoughts? Just curious because Dachshunds, GSD, Rotties, and Dobies are my four, favorite breeds. And I find it criminal that we've made some extreme modifications to each dog. The only thing I don't know is if European Dachshunds are healthier. Do they have fewer back problems? Longer lives? More balanced personalities?

SOME of the 'structural' difference between breeds in the US and the same dogs in Europe is actually down to the depth & 'quality' of their coats.
The chest thing you mention is much more obvious IMO in long-haired dachsies than in the smooth varieties. Because the coat features to a greater extent in American dogs.

Having noted that - unfortunately the European dogs are not free of problems, with their backs and temperaments, any more (or less) than in any other place. It is the same with all dog breeding - if the people doing it strive to keep the original abilities for any original function in the dog, and to maintain good health in them; and worry less about the Show and 'pet' market aspects for how 'pretty' their puppy-produce is,
they will consistently turn out better specimens which maintain condition and live longer.

You need to think different - "Form follows function".

Dachshunds, GSDs, Rottweilers, Dobermans are working dog breeds -
and as soon as we talk about a "working dog breed" we not only should talk about conformation, but about working ability, too.

Most breeders who really work their dogs ( be it as part of a job, be it for competition "only" ) will breed more "functional" dogs, whereas most breeders who don´t work their dogs don´t tend to care about original function. Those greeders tend to breed what they like ( and what sells best ), not what makes most sense.

Susie, I wish there was a way to give your comment a thumbs up. Thank you.

Fanboy, until Oli decides to replace the Like function, we are using "Enable Editor" then Emoticons.