OFFICIAL BREED STANDARD

DACHSHUND

GERMAN DACHSHUND

Country of origin: Germany
Traditional names: Dachshund, Teckel, Dackel
Utilization: hunting dog for work above and below ground, tracking, searching, flushing and companionship.
WDF Classification: one breed structured according to size, coat type and colour-phenotypic varieties officially recognized by the World Dog Federation.

1. HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

The Dachshund is one of the most distinctive and recognizable German dog breeds in the world.

The German term Dachshund literally means “badger dog”, directly recalling the function for which these dogs were selected: following game and entering dens thanks to a body that is low, long, powerful and sufficiently agile.

The earliest descriptions of dogs resembling the modern type appeared between the 17th and 18th centuries. Historical sources document low-set, elongated dogs as early as around 1700; during the 19th century the three main coat types — smooth-haired, long-haired and wire-haired — had already become recognizable, while German selection was moving toward increasingly consistent morphological and functional uniformity.

By the end of the 19th century, the breed already possessed a clearly defined morphological identity and organized genealogical records. Its international spread was rapid, and the Dachshund also reached the United States during the 1880s, where bloodlines mainly originating from Germany and Great Britain developed.

Alongside selection for structure and coat, considerable colour diversity became established in the breed. Historical 19th-century documentation already describes red, brown, black, dapple and brindle subjects.

Historical Development of the Piebald

Piebald belongs to the colour history of the Dachshund as an expression of white spotting genetically distinct from dapple/merle.

Over time, its acceptance has been interpreted differently by various canine systems. In the United States in particular, Piebald was long debated within specialist breed circles. Documents from the early 2000s show that its formal inclusion in the breed standard was initially rejected; subsequently, the American regulatory framework was amended and the current standard expressly recognizes Piebald as a breed pattern, defining it through clearly delineated white areas associated with the base colour.

The presence of Piebald in the Dachshund must therefore not be regarded as a modern phenomenon without history, but rather as a colour expression embedded in a long process of selection and international regulation.

The World Dog Federation officially recognizes Piebald within its classification of the breed and independently regulates its phenotypic characteristics, pigmentation, health and genealogical registration.

2. GENERAL PRINCIPLE OF THE WDF STANDARD

For the World Dog Federation, the Dachshund constitutes one single breed.

The different classifications concerning:

• size;
• coat type;
• colour;
• pattern;
• Exotic varieties;
• Piebald varieties

must not result in the formation of different morphological types.

All Dachshunds must retain:

• the same fundamental anatomical construction;
• the same breed identity;
• correct proportions;
• the typical head;
• functional locomotion;
• character;
• aptitude;
• structural health.

3. GENERAL APPEARANCE

Low to ground, elongated yet compact, strong, muscular and solidly built.

Despite its particular conformation, the Dachshund must not appear:

• weak;
• fragile;
• excessively low;
• dragged along the ground;
• disproportionate;
• hindered in movement.

It must possess agility, stamina and freedom of movement consistent with its functional origin.

The head is carried confidently.

The expression must be intelligent, alert, attentive and determined.

Sexual dimorphism should be recognizable.

4. IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS

The construction is distinctly rectangular.

Body length is clearly greater than height at the withers.

Ground clearance should correspond approximately to one third of the height at the withers.

The indicative ratio between height and body length should remain around:

1 : 1.7–1.8

The body must not, however, become excessively long.

WDF selection considers undesirable any exaggeration that increases the risk of:

• spinal weakness;
• locomotor difficulties;
• the chest touching the ground;
• excessive joint loading.

5. CHARACTER AND TEMPERAMENT

The Dachshund should be:

• well balanced;
• intelligent;
• alert;
• courageous;
• tenacious;
• determined;
• independent;
• endowed with strong hunting instinct;
• persistent in search;
• endowed with good scenting ability.

The breed must retain the ability to work both below ground and above ground.

Extreme shyness, unstable temperament and uncontrolled aggression are incompatible with correct WDF type.

6. HEAD

The head should be elongated, dry and proportionate to the body.

Viewed from above, it tapers gradually toward the nose.

Viewed from the side, it must not appear pointed or weak.

The superciliary arches should be perceptible.

7. CRANIAL REGION

Skull

Rather flat.

Not excessively broad.

It should blend gradually into the muzzle.

The occipital protuberance must not be exaggerated.

Stop

Slightly pronounced but identifiable.

8. FACIAL REGION

Nose

Well developed.

Nostrils sufficiently open.

Pigmentation must be consistent with the subject’s genetic colour background.

Muzzle

Long.

Strong.

Sufficiently broad.

Not pointed.

Lips

Close fitting.

They should properly cover the lower jaw without excessive pendulous corners.

9. JAWS AND DENTITION

Jaws strong and correctly developed.

Ideal bite:

regular and complete scissor bite.

Ideal complete dentition:

42 teeth.

Canines strong.

The lower jaw should be sufficiently broad.

Undesirable features include:

• weak jaw;
• significant dental crowding;
• mandibular deviation;
• overshot bite;
• undershot bite.

10. EYES

Medium size.

Preferably oval or slightly almond-shaped.

Well set apart.

Expression energetic and intelligent.

In traditional colours, dark brown shades are preferred.

In Exotic varieties, eye pigmentation genetically consistent with coat colour is permitted, provided it is not associated with abnormalities or functional deficits.

In dapple/merle subjects, variations in iris pigmentation may occur.

The eye must in all cases remain healthy and functional.

11. EARS

Set high.

Not excessively forward.

Sufficiently long.

Rounded at the tips.

Mobile.

The front edge should lie close to the cheek.

Pointed, excessively folded or anatomically deformed ears are undesirable.

12. NECK

Sufficiently long.

Muscular.

Dry.

Skin close fitting.

The nape may show moderate arching.

Carriage should be natural, free and confident.

13. BODY

Withers

Well defined.

Back

Strong.

Firm.

Muscular.

Must show no sagging.

Loin

Broad.

Strong.

Very well muscled.

Croup

Sufficiently long and moderately sloping.

14. CHEST

The chest is a fundamental breed characteristic.

It should be:

• long;
• deep;
• sufficiently broad;
• well developed.

The sternum should be clearly perceptible.

The ribcage must provide adequate space for the thoracic organs.

The ribs should extend sufficiently far back.

The lowest point of the chest must not result in ground clearance incompatible with functional movement.

15. UNDERLINE

Moderately tucked up.

The transition from chest to abdomen should be harmonious.

An excessively tucked-up abdomen is undesirable.

16. TAIL

Set as a natural continuation of the topline.

Carried predominantly in a natural or moderately lowered position.

A slight terminal curve is permitted.

It must not be carried constantly and markedly above the back.

17. FOREQUARTERS

Strong.

Muscular.

Suitable for supporting body weight and digging activity.

Viewed from the front, they should appear solid and correctly aligned.

Shoulder

Scapula long and oblique.

Musculature well developed.

Upper Arm

Proportionate and correctly angulated.

Elbows

Close fitting.

Turning neither inward nor outward.

Forearm

Short but sufficiently long to ensure adequate ground clearance.

Carpus

Strong.

Metacarpus

Firm.

Neither excessively upright nor weak.

18. FRONT FEET

Well developed.

Compact.

Toes well closed.

Pads resistant.

Nails strong.

The feet must effectively support work and body weight.

19. HINDQUARTERS

Strong and muscular.

Proportionate to the forequarters.

Viewed from behind, they should be parallel.

Thigh

Sufficiently long and strongly muscled.

Stifle

Firm.

Well angulated.

Lower Thigh

Muscular.

Hock

Strong.

Relatively low set.

20. HIND FEET

Compact.

Toes well closed.

Pads strong.

Correctly directed.

21. MOVEMENT

Free.

Fluid.

Energetic.

Regular.

With good forward reach and strong rear propulsion.

The topline should remain stable during movement.

The dog must not:

• sway;
• drag the limbs;
• move stiffly;
• show obvious instability;
• display locomotor interference caused by excessive body length.

22. SKIN

Elastic.

Close fitting.

Free from excessive folds.

Skin pigmentation should be consistent with genetic colour.

23. WDF SIZE CLASSIFICATION

The World Dog Federation recognizes three size categories.

Official size determination is made by chest circumference once the subject has reached at least 15 months of age.

The measurement is taken from the highest point of the withers to the lowest point of the chest, using the measuring tape with minimal and even tension.

The dimensional values used in the current classification are:

A. STANDARD

Males: over 37 cm up to 47 cm
Females: over 35 cm up to 45 cm

B. MINIATURE

Males: over 32 cm up to 37 cm
Females: over 30 cm up to 35 cm

C. RABBIT DACHSHUND / KANINCHEN

Males: from 27 cm up to 32 cm
Females: from 25 cm up to 30 cm

The size category must be recorded independently of colour classification.

24. COAT TYPES

The World Dog Federation recognizes three fundamental coat types.

A. SMOOTH-HAIRED

Coat:

• short;
• dense;
• glossy;
• close fitting;
• firm.

The skin must be adequately protected.

The tail should be fully covered with hair.

Pathological bald areas are not permitted.

25. LONG-HAIRED

Coat soft but structured.

Generally straight or slightly wavy.

Longer:

• on the ears;
• under the neck;
• on the chest;
• on the underside of the body;
• on the backs of the limbs;
• on the tail.

A characteristic fringe should develop on the tail.

Undesirable features include:

• woolly coat;
• pronounced curl;
• excessive volume;
• coat so abundant that it obscures the structure.

26. WIRE-HAIRED

Outer coat:

• hard;
• dense;
• close fitting;
• accompanied by undercoat.

Typical characteristics:

• clearly defined beard;
• marked eyebrows;
• shorter hair on the ears.

Undesirable:

• soft coat;
• woolly coat;
• curly coat;
• complete absence of beard;
• lack of undercoat.

27. WDF VARIETY CLASSIFICATION

The World Dog Federation officially recognizes 13 Dachshund varieties.

Varieties by Size × Coat Combination

1. Standard Smooth-haired
2. Standard Long-haired
3. Standard Wire-haired
4. Miniature Smooth-haired
5. Miniature Long-haired
6. Miniature Wire-haired
7. Rabbit Dachshund Smooth-haired
8. Rabbit Dachshund Long-haired
9. Rabbit Dachshund Wire-haired

WDF Colour-Phenotypic Varieties

10. Exotic Smooth-haired
11. Exotic Long-haired
12. Piebald Smooth-haired
13. Piebald Long-haired

These thirteen designations constitute the official varieties to be used in the WDF Registry.

28. PRINCIPLE OF SEPARATION BETWEEN SIZE, COAT AND COLOUR

For WDF technical and genealogical purposes, it is essential to distinguish three elements.

SIZE

• Standard
• Miniature
• Rabbit Dachshund / Kaninchen

COAT TYPE

• Smooth-haired
• Long-haired
• Wire-haired

COLOUR EXPRESSION

• Traditional
• Exotic
• Piebald
• any specific genetically documented pattern

The genealogical database must keep these characteristics distinguishable even where the official variety designation combines them.

29. TRADITIONAL COLOURS

The WDF recognizes the principal colour expressions historically belonging to the breed.

They include, according to genetics and coat type:

• Red;
• Black & Tan;
• Brown / Chocolate & Tan;
• Wild Boar;
• Brown Wild Boar;
• Brindle;
• Dapple / Merle;
• other genetically coherent traditional expressions.

Colour must always be evaluated in relation to:

• health;
• correct pigmentation;
• genetics;
• correct genealogical classification.

30. DAPPLE / MERLE

Dapple is a pattern characterized by lighter areas distributed irregularly over a base colour.

The distribution of the areas need not be symmetrical.

The pattern must not alter breed type.

Pigmentation may show variations genetically associated with merle.

31. WDF HEALTH RULE ON MERLE

The World Dog Federation establishes:

ABSOLUTE PROHIBITION OF MERLE/DAPPLE × MERLE/DAPPLE MATINGS

The prohibition includes:

• visible merle;
• visible dapple;
• minimal merle;
• genetically confirmed cryptic merle;
• any base colour;
• any coat type.

The purpose is to prevent the intentional production of genetically double-merle subjects and to reduce the risk of ocular and auditory abnormalities associated with this genetic combination.

32. EXOTIC VARIETIES

The Exotic classification identifies subjects genetically and morphologically belonging to the Dachshund breed that display colour expressions not included in the traditional WDF reference range.

The official varieties are:

• Exotic Smooth-haired
• Exotic Long-haired

Exotic status does not constitute a separate breed.

An Exotic Dachshund must fully retain:

• head;
• construction;
• chest;
• proportions;
• limbs;
• movement;
• character;
• functionality;
• breed type.

33. EXOTIC COLOURS

The following may fall within the Exotic classification when genetically identifiable:

• Blue;
• Blue & Tan;
• Blue & Cream;
• Isabella / Fawn;
• Isabella & Tan;
• Isabella & Cream;
• Chocolate;
• Chocolate & Tan;
• Chocolate & Cream;
• Cream;
• Black & Cream;
• genetically coherent derived combinations;
• other documentable colours authorized by the WDF Registry.

Several of these colours are also present in United States Dachshund registration systems, including Blue & Tan, Fawn/Isabella, Chocolate, Cream, Black & Cream and related combinations.

34. WDF PRINCIPLE ON EXOTIC

A correctly classified Exotic colour:

does not automatically constitute a fault.

It is not a reason for exclusion solely because of its colour.

Evaluation must focus on:

• conformation;
• health;
• movement;
• temperament;
• correct pigmentation;
• genetic consistency.

35. PIGMENTATION IN EXOTIC

Nose, lips, eye rims, nails and pads may show pigmentation consistent with the genetic base colour.

Accordingly, genetically coherent diluted pigmentation must not be penalized solely because it differs from traditional black.

Pathological absence of pigmentation must be distinguished from normal genetic colour expression.

36. PIEBALD VARIETIES

The World Dog Federation officially recognizes:

• Piebald Smooth-haired
• Piebald Long-haired

Piebald is a white-spotting pattern clearly distinct from dapple/merle.

In Piebald, clearly delineated white areas are present together with pigmented areas derived from the genetic base colour.

Contemporary American cynological literature likewise describes Piebald as a pattern characterized by defined white areas on solid or two-coloured subjects.

37. DISTRIBUTION OF WHITE IN WDF PIEBALD

Within the World Dog Federation system:

predominance of white is permitted.

White may represent:

• a minority component;
• a component equivalent to the colour;
• the predominant colour component of the coat.

Permitted patches may be:

• large;
• medium;
• irregular;
• asymmetrical.

Symmetry is not required.

38. PIGMENTED AREAS IN PIEBALD

Coloured areas should be attributable to a genetically recognizable colour.

They may include:

• Red Piebald;
• Black & Tan Piebald;
• Chocolate Piebald;
• Cream Piebald;
• Blue Piebald;
• Isabella Piebald;
• other genetically verifiable combinations.

39. TICKING IN PIEBALD

The presence of:

• ticking;
• flecking;
• small pigmented spots within white areas

is permitted.

It does not constitute a fault in itself.

40. PIGMENTATION IN PIEBALD

Nose, lips and eye rims should be consistent with the genetic base colour.

Good pigmentation of sensitive structures is preferred.

The amount of white in the coat must not, by itself, lead to penalization.

41. PIEBALD AND DAPPLE ARE NOT THE SAME

The WDF considers it fundamental to distinguish:

Piebald = white spotting

from:

Dapple = merle

In Piebald, white areas are true zones of coat depigmentation.

In Dapple, there are instead areas of irregular dilution of colour.

Genealogical registration must clearly distinguish the two patterns.

42. COLOUR COMBINATIONS

Where a subject presents several genetically documentable characteristics, the WDF Registry should allow a complete description.

Example:

Miniature – Long-haired – Piebald – Chocolate & Tan

or:

Standard – Smooth-haired – Exotic – Blue & Tan

or:

Rabbit Dachshund – Smooth-haired – Traditional – Red

43. GENERAL HEALTH

Selection should favour subjects that are:

• healthy;
• functional;
• balanced;
• capable of moving freely;
• free from anatomical exaggerations.

The breed’s characteristic elongated construction must not become a target for extremization.

44. SPINAL HEALTH

Particular attention must be paid to the spine.

The breed’s chondrodystrophic conformation is associated with a particular predisposition to intervertebral disc degeneration.

WDF selection should therefore favour screening programmes aimed at reducing the incidence of:

IVDD – Intervertebral Disc Disease.

Where available, the following are recommended:

• clinical evaluation;
• radiographic screening;
• collection of genealogical health history;
• exclusion from breeding of severely affected subjects.

45. EYE SCREENING

Screening for hereditary eye diseases present in different bloodlines is recommended.

Particular caution should be applied to genetic combinations involving pigmentation and merle.

46. HEARING SCREENING

In subjects with extensive depigmented areas, audiometric screening may be performed where there is a clinical or genealogical indication.

The presence of white must not automatically be considered synonymous with disease.

It is the health status of the individual subject that must be verified.

47. GENETIC CONTROL

The WDF encourages the use of available and scientifically validated genetic tests for:

• parentage identification;
• colour;
• merle;
• hereditary diseases;
• genetic diversity;
• genealogical traceability.

48. FUNCTIONALITY

The Dachshund must remain a functional dog.

Aesthetic selection must not compromise:

• movement;
• stamina;
• digging ability;
• respiratory capacity;
• spinal stability;
• normal quality of life.

49. GENERAL FAULTS

Any deviation from the standard should be evaluated in proportion to its severity.

Faults may include:

• insufficient breed type;
• weak head;
• excessively short muzzle;
• insufficient chest;
• weak bone;
• limbs too long;
• body excessively close to the ground;
• weak back;
• weak loin;
• excessively high croup;
• insufficiently muscled hindquarters;
• insufficient angulation;
• open feet;
• short or irregular movement.

50. SERIOUS FAULTS

The following should be regarded with particular severity:

• weak construction;
• body excessively dragged along the ground;
• severely insufficient chest;
• sway back;
• pathologically arched back;
• severe weakness of the loin;
• unstable forequarters;
• very narrow hindquarters;
• severe lack of muscle;
• severely impaired movement;
• marked structural deformities.

51. FAULTS OF THE SMOOTH COAT

Undesirable:

• excessively long coat;
• very sparse coat;
• bald areas;
• insufficiently covered tail;
• soft or woolly coat.

52. FAULTS OF THE LONG COAT

Undesirable:

• absence of typical feathering;
• uniformly short coat;
• strongly curly coat;
• very woolly coat;
• excessive abundance obscuring construction;
• insufficient feathering on the tail.

53. FAULTS OF THE WIRE COAT

Undesirable:

• soft coat;
• woolly coat;
• pronounced curl;
• absence of undercoat;
• absence of the typical beard;
• excessively long coat;
• coat resembling the smooth-haired variety.

54. DISQUALIFYING FAULTS

The following must result in exclusion from breeding or morphological evaluation:

• uncontrolled aggression;
• extreme fearfulness;
• severe behavioural abnormalities;
• pronounced overshot bite;
• pronounced undershot bite;
• severe mandibular deviation;
• disabling deformities;
• locomotor incapacity;
• severe ocular abnormalities;
• clinically significant deafness;
• diseases incompatible with welfare and function;
• pathological albinism;
• evident absence of the breed’s fundamental characteristics.

55. EXOTIC AND PIEBALD COLOURS ARE NOT FAULTS

Under the World Dog Federation standard:

Exotic is not a fault.

Piebald is not a fault.

Predominance of white in Piebald is not a fault.

Pigmentation genetically consistent with an Exotic colour does not constitute a fault.

The subject must be judged within its correct variety.

56. BREEDING

Subjects used for breeding must be:

• healthy;
• typical;
• functional;
• genealogically identified;
• correctly classified by size;
• correctly classified by coat;
• correctly classified by colour and pattern.

Selection must take into account the health history of the bloodline.

57. BREEDING PROHIBITIONS

It is prohibited to mate:

Merle/Dapple × Merle/Dapple

regardless of:

• colour;
• size;
• coat;
• greater or lesser visible expression of the pattern.

Where there is doubt about the presence of the merle gene, preventive genetic testing is recommended.

58. WDF GENEALOGICAL IDENTIFICATION

Each subject must be registrable with:

• breed;
• sex;
• size;
• variety;
• coat type;
• base colour;
• pattern;
• any available genetic data;
• microchip;
• pedigree;
• available health results.

59. SIZE RULE

The size category must not be assigned on the basis of commercial terminology.

The following designations do not constitute new official WDF sizes:

• Toy;
• Micro;
• Teacup;
• Super Mini;
• Ultra Mini;
• Pocket.

The only official size categories remain:

Standard – Miniature – Rabbit Dachshund / Kaninchen.

60. MORPHOLOGY RULE

No colour or coat variety may have its own different anatomical model.

An:

Exotic Long-haired

must display the same correct breed construction as a:

Standard Long-haired

compatible with the subject’s size category.

Likewise, Piebald must be judged on morphological quality and not on the amount of white.

61. WDF WELFARE PRINCIPLE

No aesthetic characteristic may be regarded as desirable when it causes:

• pain;
• functional deficit;
• locomotor difficulty;
• respiratory deficit;
• sensory deficit;
• avoidable pathological predisposition.

Protection of the breed requires the combined preservation of:

morphology, function, health, genetics and genealogical traceability.