Let's See Those Pearly Whites

RAWRRRRRRR. by flickrer trish//gross

February is Pet Dental Health Month, and Dachshunds are in the top breeds of dogs to suffer from periodontal disease according to new data released by Banfield Pet Hospitals.  That's a list we DON'T want to be on!  Excerpt from dvm360:

The breeds at greatest risk for developing periodontal disease include Toy Poodle, Yorkshire Terrier, Maltese, Papillion, Standard Poodle, Pomeranian, Shetland Sheepdog, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Dachshund and Havanese. Data from the survey was generated from a case-control study conducted by Banfield and included 50,000 animals with periodontal disease and 200,000 control animals.
Even more insidious, Klausner says, is the relationship between periodontal disease and other illnesses.
In fact, these data corroborate a very strong link between the presence of periodontal disease and heart disease.
“The worse the periodontal disease was, the stronger the link between endocarditis and cardiomyopathy,” Klausner adds.

Read all the troubling stats at dvm360.  Time to make that appointment. 

Those Special Dachshunds: Meet Albert, Whitney, and Puddles!

Albert (click any photo to enlarge)

Thanks so much to Allison Schubert for sending in these amazing photos of her pack: 'Albert,' 'Whitney,' and 'Puddles!'  And you won't want to miss the awesome story of Albert finding his long-lost sister!  So, without any further ado:

Dear Joey and Maggie,


I am a seven year old black and tan long hair doxie named Albert
Einstein (and yes, I am just as smart). My mom insisted that I send
you some photos of our family because she loves your blog and reads it
everyday aaaand because she's a doxieographer wannabe (hehe, that
kills me). Anyway, we have a new addition in our family, Whitney. I
may not be fond of the girl but she has a great story to share.
Mom had no intention of getting another dachshund since there is me
and the little demon doxie she brought home last year. Well, she
stumbled across a black and tan long hair female that happened to look
just like me. Upon further investigating (I hate it when she does
that) it was discovered the girl was my long lost sister. You see my
sister had been used for breeding for the past seven years and was
being retired. Mom felt it necessary to have Whitney live with us so
she went and got her that night. She wanted her to know what it was
like to be loved and feel dignity and all that hoopla. The first week
Whitney was home she had an extensive dental and lost six teeth. Then
the next week mom found a mammory tumor and back to the vet she went
for more surgery. However, the tumor was benign. Whitney has been with
us since August and she did come with issues but she is adjusting
well. She has learned to go up and down the porch steps, the hair on
her tail has grown out, she loves to be on the couch now (but I don’t
like it). I saw mom cry too the first time Whitney gave mom a kiss and
crawled in her lap. She is still afraid of a multitude of things
though like the sink faucet, kids, being held or brushed. But, she’s
my sister and we will help her through.

Wags and kisses,
Albert
Whitney
Puddles (demon doxie)

Whitney

 

Puddles

Paco Sosa, New York's Oldest Dog, Passes at 20

Photo source:  New York Daily News

It's with a heavy heart that we report the passing of 'Paco Sosa,' Manhattan's oldest dog.  Via PR Newswire:

NEW YORK, Feb. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Paco Sosa, a dachshund who turned 20 last September, and whose strong spirit had cheated death several times in recent years, passed away on February 12.
According to his companion, filmmaker Bernadine Santistavan, Paco acknowledged his readiness to depart, and reassured her it was time to let him go.
For Dr. Thalia Goldberg at Park East Animal Hospital, Paco had a "special soul." Yet stories of animals communicating with their human companions aren't rare. Today's growing awareness of animal psychology has meant a greater ability to read their clues, narrowing the human/animal conversation divide.
In pursuing a greater closeness with -- and understanding of -- Paco, Bernadine was encouraged by the Pueblo Indians of northern New Mexico. "They view animals, and in particular the wolf, as great teachers," she noted, adding, "Paco was a wolf in dachshund clothing."
An early lesson Bernadine learned was that of conquering irresponsibility, by taking care of the young pooch. Patience and dedication are other virtues she thanks Paco for. On average, she devoted four hours a day to meet the special needs of her aging dog, including dispensing medication, cooking special foods, massaging his arthritic body and, Paco's favorite activity, walking in Central Park--once a 30-minute task now requiring two hours. Paco gifted her with many other important lessons in his golden years, among them, compassion for the elderly, selflessness and unconditional love.
Listening marks yet another hard won wisdom for the caretaker. This past year, each time Paco had a seizure, he "came back with a new way of talking to me, so I needed to be very present to re-learn what he was communicating," she said.
But perhaps the dachshund's greatest teachings were the importance of living and dying with dignity – and that "all life is precious," per Bernadine.
Paco's departure will be mourned by many New Yorkers. "People of all backgrounds, from the homeless to Upper East Side society, would stop Paco on the street every day and literally bless him," recalled the New Mexican-turned-Manhattanite.
Paco Sosa departed peacefully in the company of Bernadine and her partner in dog care, Horacio Sosa. As a farewell gift, Bernadine sang him his favorite song, Hound Dog, after which both loving "parents" kept their promise not to shed one tear as Paco Sosa drew his last breath.

Rest in peace little man.

Related:  New York's Oldest Dog

Great Westminster Dachshund History: Judging Dachshund

Judging Dachshund by Samuel Falk - click it to enlarge

 

"Woof."  Judges rate this the best feature picture of 1937.  It won first prize in that division at the Press Photographers' association exhibit in New York.  It is a "spot" news picture of a judge in action at a Madison Square Garden dog show.  Its show title is "Judging Dachshund."  Source:  Chicago Daily Tribune; Jan 30, 1938.  Photo:  Joey and Maggie's personal collection.

The original text on the back of the photo read: 

CANDID CAMERA SIDELIGHTS OF WESTMINSTER DOG SHOW

NEW YORK CITY - On Feb 10, 11, and 12 thousands of dog lovers jammed into Madison Square Garden to witness the sixty-first annual exhibition of the Westminster Kennel Club.  The 3,144 dogs entered, representing 96 breeds from all parts of the world set a record.  The Wide World Service has already brought you general views of the show and its champions.  In this set of pictures, made by a staff photographer working with a candid camera, Wide World now brings you some of the scenes visitors saw in the judging ring and at the benches of the blue ribbon event of the canine world.

A dignified Englishman takes his judging seriously, getting down on his hands and knees to evaluate a Dachshund, one of the most popular breeds in the show.

February 13, 1937

It Should've Been ME, It Could've Been ME, Everybody Knows, Everybody Says So

Handler Jeani McKenney, from Putman, Connecticut, holds 'Joey,' a Smooth Haired Black and Tan Dachshund belonging to Jim and Gail Andreyka, of Monroe, CT, at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show, at Madison Square Garden, NY, on Monday, February 15, 2010.

After missing the cut, Joey barked and ran deliriously in circles as his handler directed a red laser beam along the floor.
"He loves to chase laser lights," McKenney said of Joey.

Read about some more Dachshunds who didn't make the cut at the Danbury News-Times.

Oh Westminster, so much to answer for. 

Westminster 2010: One, Two, Three, and the Dachshunds are OUT

Congratulations to the Whippet, 2-year-old Ch Starline's 'Chanel,' for taking the Hound Group at the 2010 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.  It looked as though wirehair Dachshund Ch Gleneagle's Who's Famous Now had a great chance at taking the spot after making the initial cut and being THE crowd favorite, but ultimately the crown went to the Whippet, followed by the Greyhound, Scottish Deerhound bitch Ch. Foxcliffe Hickory Wind, and the seven-year-old Australian-imported PBGV dog Ch. Rokeena Carte Blanche.

Just wait 'til next year!

Westminster 2010 continues through today:

NIGHT 2:
Tuesday, February 16
Sporting, Working and Terrier Groups, Best In Show
8-11 p.m. (ET) live on USA Network

Breed judging highlight videos are available throughout the day on the Westminster Web site.

2010 Westminster Breed Judging: Hound Group: Dachshund: Wirehair

Relive the Dachshund (Wirehaired) breed judging at today's 2010 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

Best of Breed

Ch Gleneagle's Who's Famous Now

Breed: Dachshund (Wirehaired)

Sex: Dog

AKC: HP 21619803

Date of Birth: May 31, 2006

Breeder: Lisa Kennell & Carol Leggat

Sire: Ch Scoshire Famous Amos

Dam: Ch Knight's Kiss Me Kate MW

Owner: Ann Bischel & Chris Erickson

More Wirehair results at Westminster.

2010 Westminster Breed Judging: Hound Group: Dachshund: Smooth

Relive the Dachshund (Smooth) breed judging at today's 2010 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

Best of Breed

Ch Brodny Schoolhouse Dixie

Breed: Dachshund (Smooth)

Sex: Bitch

AKC: HP 29496303

Date of Birth: December 06, 2007

Breeder: Fred Vogel & Carol F Vogel & Judy Anderson & Nancy Eby

Sire: Ch Brodny Schoolhouse Rocketman

Dam: Ch Brodny Schlh'Se Take It Off

Owner: Fred Vogel & Carol F Vogel & Judy Anderson & Nancy Eby

More Smooth results at Westminster.

2010 Westminster Breed Judging: Hound Group: Dachshund: Longhair

Relive the Dachshund (Longhaired) breed judging at today's 2010 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show.

Best of Breed

Ch Pramada's Living Legend L

Breed: Dachshund (Longhaired)

Sex: Dog

AKC: HP 20925502

Date of Birth: April 01, 2006

Breeder: Margaret E Peat

Sire: Ch Dachshire Star Over Texas L

Dam: Ch Tudox Tristezas At Pramada L

Owner: Margaret E Peat

More Longhair results at Westminster.

How's My Hair?

'Fraiser,' a 2-year-old Dachshund, is groomed backstage during the 134th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, Monday, Feb. 15, 2010 in New York. There are 2,500 dogs competing at Madison Square Garden for the coveted title of Best In Show.  Source

Related:  Westminster Starts Today!

Hudson The Dachshund

Starting your week off with a smile, meet 'Hudson!' Via youtuber RyanYokome who notes: This is why we Love Hudson, such a goof. :D

Westminster Starts Today!

2010 Westminster Poster

Grab a warm seat on the couch, dog show fans - the 2010 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show is here!  We know who we're rooting for, but odds are pretty good that 'Sadie,' the Scottish Terrier who was out of the running last year after a potty incident will take the show.  Meanwhile, we'll keep rooting for the underdog - that loveable Dachshund - because you just never know what dog will be "on" today.  Go Dachsies! 

Thanks to our pals 'Bogie' and 'Monty' for sending in the schedule from Westminster.org:

USA Network and CNBC will be home to The Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show presented by Pedigree®, for the 27th consecutive year in 2010. USA Network and CNBC airs exclusive live coverage from Madison Square Garden on Monday, February 15, and USA Network airs exclusive live coverage on Tuesday, February 16.

Schedule

NIGHT 1:
Monday, February 15
Hound, Toy, Non-Sporting and Herding Groups
8-9 p.m. (ET) live on USA Network
9-11 p.m. (ET) live on CNBC

NIGHT 2:
Tuesday, February 16
Sporting, Working and Terrier Groups, Best In Show
8-11 p.m. (ET) live on USA Network

Breed judging highlight videos are available throughout the day on Monday and Tuesday on the Westminster Web site. These highlights will be available after the show, as well.

To our West Coast viewers: Please note that the West Coast telecast is delayed for your time zone. Since results are posted to our Web site as they occur live, if you want to enjoy the drama of the moment, please avoid the Westminster Web site after 5 p.m. Pacific Time on each evening.

The New Yorker goes to the dogs for Westminster - thanks to our pal 'Clancy' for sending in the cover art!

Harley Gets His Wheels - Now He Just Needs A Home

Meet 'Harley,' the red smooth Dachshund abondoned in Long Beach, California.  He was found to be without the use of his hind legs, but thanks to some kind animal lovers and Med ID Services, who donated his cart, he's ready for adoption to a special home at Long Beach Animal Care Services.   Read more about him and see a great pic of his handomse mug at Long Beach Report.

Happy Valentine's Day!

We're hoping you have a warm, safe, and loving Valentine's Day.  Give your Dachsies a big wet kiss. 

Dachshund Valentine by Tad Carpenter via Dog Art Today. 

Love is the greatest refreshment in life. ~Dachshund Lover Pablo Picasso

In SHORT I'm LONGing for you VALENTINE

Celebrate Dachshund Love this Valentine's Day.

Vintage Dachshund Valentine - possibly 1950's or earlier.

'The Long and Short of it All' Named Top 10 Dog Art Blog

We're so excited.  We've won some great blogging awards from dear friends in the past, but we were especially excited to be included in this list.  Moira McLaughlin, who founded the fascinating blog Dog Art Today, was asked by TypePad blogging service to contribute her list of the Top 10 Dog Art Blogs, and we were included!   To say that we are honored is a bit of an understatement.  She notes:

The Long and Short of it All:  A Dachshund Dog News Magazine:  Carson Bording's astoundingly comprehensive blog dedicated to the Dachshund breed. I especially love the vintage photos of famous Dachshund owners and the images of Dachshunds in advertisements throughout past decades.

See the top 10 Dog Art Blogs at Blogs.com.

Thank you so much.
Carson, Joey, and Maggie....

A Doxie Snow Day From North Texas

Thanks so much to David B for sending in some action shots of his crew, 'Polamalu' and 'Harley,' enjoying some unusual snowfall in Dallas-Fort Worth!  He writes:

Hi there Joey and Maggie!

Here is 12-month-old Polamalu and his rescued 11-month-old half doxie/beagle mix sister Harley enjoying a very rare massive snow fall (8 in) in DFW Texas! They are both avid readers of The Long and Short of it All and we wanted to share their day with y'all. Enjoy!

(click any photo to enlarge and admire)

Shopping for Dachshunds at Walgreens and K-Mart

This might be just what the Love Dachtor ordered for this Valentine's Day.  Thanks so much to Melissa Hawkins, our roving Dachshund reporter, for sending in the pics!  She notes:  I saw some Dachshund stuffed animals at Walgreens and Kmart. I'm pretty sure they are doxies because of the length...but the markings are odd as they are made in China.

Cross-dressing Dachshund Keeps Annoying People Away From Your Home

Beacuse you need more Dachshund stuff.  Via Random Good Stuff:  A small investment will give you a lot of peace – so much joy, so much fun! Shoot, can’t figure out if it’s just for indoors or not. Oh well, at least guests are not going to stay for a long time.

Available at Collections Etc for just $14.99:  Greet guests with this motion-activated “pup for all seasons.” Motion sensor detects when visitors approach and activate the dog’s bark. Complete 9-pc. set comes with 3 seasonal double sided welcome signs and wardrobe of 5 holiday hats. Polyresin. Requires 2 “AA” batteries.

Dachshund Love Just In Time For Valentine's Day

Thanks so much to Melissa Hawkins for writing in with great pics of the newest addition to her pack - 'Milla!'  Congrats!  She writes:

Meet our newest family member "Milla"! She is 9 weeks old and loves to play fight with her sister Pepper and brother Scooby. She looks pretty ruthless, but she is really a lover....especially with her little heart marking on her neck. : )

Happy Valentine's Day!!

(click any photo to enlarge and admire)