News From the Motherland

Release The Hounds! Hunting horns kicked off the festivities in Delmenhorst, Germany, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Verein der Teckelfreunde, the Society of Teckel Friends. Several awards were given out, including one to Heino Tielking of Oldenburg in recognition of a 40-year membership in the club. Read all about it in a translated link at NWZonline.

Dackel vs. Teckel via wikipedia: In Germany, dachshunds are widely called Dackel (both singular and plural). To be classified as a full Teckel, these dogs must undergo blood tracking tests. Classically, any dog of Dackel heritage is given an official tattoo upon one ear. After suitable training, the dog must then follow a blood trail that is at least 48 hours old successfully to its conclusion. Once this is completed, another tattoo is marked on the other ear to denote full Teckel rank. Teckel, whether tattooed or not, are bred for hunting purposes, and they tend to be visibly larger in their chests than their Dackel counterparts, though marginally shorter in length.