Dachshund Conformation 101

While we don't claim to be show dogs, we're fascinated to read articles about what we're supposed to look like. This great old article Dachshund Conformation, by Kaye Dore, was originally published in The Favorite Issue, a supplement to The American Dachshund, April, 1953. We're not sure if these standards still apply today, but enjoy the interesting text, diagrams, and illustrations. Click on each image to enlarge and read.

Related: The Incredible Dachshund

Slightly related: Dachshund Evolution: 1888 Versus 2008

The Incredible Dachshund

Check out this link to see an interpretation of the AKC Dachshund Standard Gait movement using Flash Animation. Very Cool! You can move your cursor over different parts of the skeleton to find out more about breed standards. Created and designed by Melissa M. Sworab.

Dachshund Evolution

Click on image to see full size. Figure from page 12 of British Museum of Natural History. 1981. Origin of Species. University of Cambridge, Cambridge. (QH366.2)

Old-style dachshund according to wikipedia. Rothschild Zoological Museum, Tring, England.

This looks to be a picture of the exact same dachshund on an old cigar band.

Dachshund Hand Shadow

Amaze the children with your slight of hand or maybe freak out your doxies. From "Hand Shadows To Be Thrown Upon the Wall" by Henry Bursill, 1859. You can view the whole book at the link!

The Dachshund Standard of Perfection.

Groundwork:

Apparently this diagram is the Dachshund Standard of Perfection.

The AKC has their own story to tell.

What's your Dachshund Standard of Perfection?