AKC Dachshund Standards

Dachshund Appearance 

Low to the ground, long body with short legs with robust development of the muscles.  The standard dachshunds skin is elastic and pilable with little or no wrinkling.  The standard dachshund is well balanced without appearing crippled, awkard nor cramped in movement is bold and confident in head carriage and very intelligent alert facial expressions.  The standard dachshund offers excellent hunting spirit, good nose, loud tongue with distinctive building make the standard dachshund well suited for below ground work as well as above ground flexibility.  The standard dachshund is an avid hunting dog as well as an excellence pet.  

Dachshund Size, Proportion and Substance 

The standard dachshund is shown in two sizes including the standard dachshund and miniature dachshund that compete in the class division for (11) pounds or less and 12 months of age or older.  The standard dachshund usually weights between 16 and 32 pounds.  

Dachshund Head 

When viewing a standard dachshunds head, it tapers uniformly to the tip of the nose. The standard dachsunds eyes are of medium size, almond shaped and dark rimmed with an energetic expression that is not piercing and dark in color. Strong prominent bridge bones above the eyes.  Walled eyes (except in the case of the dapple dachshund) is an indication of serious faults.  Ears are located and set near the top of the head but not too far forward with rounded but not narrow, folded and pointed.  The carriage is with the forward edge just touching the cheek to frame the face.  The standard dachshunds skull is slightly arched but not to broad or narrow and slopes gradually into a finely formed, arched muzzle.  The lips are tight and covering the lower jaw with the nostrils well opened for breathing.  Jaws are hinged well adjusted to the back of the eyes along with strong developed teeth and bones.  The standard dachshund has canine power teeth that fit closely together in a scissors bite.  Even bites is consider a minor fault while other deviations are consider a serious fault.  

Dachshund Neck 

The standard dachshund neck is long muscular, clean cut and slightly arched in the nape, flowing gradually into the shoulder without creating the impresssion of a right angle.  

Dachshund Trunk 

The trunk is full muscles and long.  When viewing the standard dachshund in profile, the back lies in a straight line between the withers and the short arched loin.  The standard dachshunds body that hangs loosely between the shoulders is considered a serious fault.