Miniature Dachshunds Are Best!

sausage dog, weiners, daxie, doxie, dachsies, and other endearing personal names such as hot dog.

Originally from Germany these courageous dogs were developed to hunt the badger. And the translation of Dachshund is Badger Dog. Affectionate German terms are Dackel and Teckel.

The actual name Dachshund has been traced back to German and Latin writings around 1681 and paintings from 1735.

The authentic origins off the Dachshund breed date back to 1550-1850 when German foresters, gamekeepers, sportsmen and landed aristocracy selected dogs for the fearlessness shown in following the vicious badger underground. And what of the miniature daxie? Well they were bred to go after rabbits down into their warrens.

That is why dachshunds love to dig.

From the 19th century Dachshunds grew in popularity as a companion dog, probably influenced much by famous people such as Queen Victoria who was introduced to the breed by Prince Albert. It was towards the end of that century Dachshunds made their way to America.

Hunting Dachshunds of old were much bigger dogs than today weighing around 14-18 kg. While there are differing records of the breeds origins most experts acknowledge the influence of the pinscher, pointer, spaniel and terrier at various stages of their development.

Not only were they used to hunt badgers and small vermin, Dachshunds were also used as tracking dogs for locating wounded deer and sent out in packs to hunt wild boar. Their big bark made locating prey easy for the hunter. Gamekeepers and huntsmen in the 17th and 18th century honed the characteristics of the breed making them a popular choice.

The Dachshunds popularity was dented by the World War I and II due to the strong association with Germany. However their charm and character won through and they soon established themselves as one of the most popular breeds.

In a week we are due for an addition to the family. As yet we don't know which one of these girls it will be - it could even be their cousin who is a 7 month old boy. The breeder can't make up her mind which to keep.

Update: The breeder just couldn't decide so Jamie has joined our family. She is hoping to breed from Jamie.

Yesterday (3 September)I went to collect Jamie to bring him back to his new home. I'd had a busy morning doing things to make sure I'd have time for Jamie over the next week until he settles in.

Went to collect Kevin as time was getting on and poor Jamie was either nervous or car sick...needless to say there was vomit all over the front seat. What a start.

Settle in? Well, he's already got Kevin wrapped around his little paw. Spent most of the evening perched in his lap.

Aren't dachshunds smart? When he came on today from a roam around the garden I rushed to get his towel as it's pouring with rain... and what do you know he's been digging. Mud everywhere. ARGH. Anyway, I managed to wipe his paws and lavished praise on him. He thought this is great and now rushes to his towel for a cuddle.

Everytime I try to take a picture he moves so will try to get a better one soon.

6 September.
I don't think Jamie is missing his sister and cousins at all. He's settled really well. He loves the garden but hates the lead so walks are a pain at the moment.

This latest photo of Jamie at 10 months old shows he has the makings of a champion. Of course that's my opinion.

The breeder would like to show him but to me he's a family member. I have agreed to let him be shown but won't be taking him to the shows myself.

What are your thoughts on showing dogs? Vote below....

Out walking today I stopped to chat with a neighbor who was in the playground with her young son.

Jamie picked up a baby dummy lying on the ground....no baby in sight. Tanya managed to snap this picture with her mobile.

Yield: 25 servings
1/2 lb Ground beef
1 Carrot, finely grated
1 ts Grated cheese
1/2 ts Garlic powder
1/2 c Whole wheat bread crumbs
1 Egg, beaten
1 ts Tomato paste

Preheat oven to 350 F. Combine all ingredients, mix well. Roll into meat balls. Place on a greased cookie sheet. Bake 15 min. or until brown and firm. Cool and store in fridge in an airtight container or freeze.

"He likes to be on his own," we were told.
Stubborn, with a spirit bold.
"Won't walk on the lead and hates to be picked up".
But, he sure was my pick of pup.
He gave us such pleasure
Lots of love, laughs and memories to treasure.
Yes, we got him to walk on the lead
What! Doesn't like to be picked up? Indeed!
He loved car travel with the wind on his face,
Alert and smiling and full of grace.
Pine Island Sambino was his pedigree name.
"My! God forgot your legs," said one tradesman who came.
Little legs meant he was closer to what he did best
- Snoop and sniff - all smells must pass the test.
The velvety feel of his longhaired fur
As he gave us his 'doggie purr'.
A Dachshund with wide expressive eyes,
These are the memories as the heart still cries.

16/11/1983 - 18/5/2000

Bride Myra Pugh shares a close moment with her bridesmaid.

Chocolate contains theobromine which is a naturally occurring stimulant found in the cocoa bean. Theobromine increases urination and affects the central nervous system as well as heart muscle. It is the theobromine that is poisonous to dogs.

Do not feed chocolate to your dog unless it is specifically made for dogs. Often this will be carob rather than chocolate...don't tell Jamie 'cause he loves it.

Here in Christchurch, New Zealand we are still getting over our earthquake on 4 September 2010.

Jamie is starting to settle.

It was the same power as the Haiti earthquake but the difference was that it was at 4.35 am on a Saturday and so the streets were empty. We also have a smaller population and our buildings and infrastructure would no doubt be much better. Yes it was 7.1 on the Richter scale and 22km deep. And it was not a known fault line. No loss of life!

We were awoken with a roar and violent tossing and just lay on our bed - or tried to at least. Jamie was under the bed (his bed is in our room) and after the shaking was soon in the bed with us. We'd never fit under the bed as it's quite low to the ground - that's my excuse. I know some who were in fact thrown out of bed! The sliding doors slid backwards and forwards.

Power and water were out until 1pm that day but there are still some that don't have these utilities. Jamie shivered each time an aftershock happened but he is settling now and doesn't seem to be phased by it too much. Our first walk on Saturday he didn't want to come back in the house. I'm sure he thought our house was the cause of it all!

The aftershocks have been nerve racking and set everyone's nerves on edge. And on the Wednesday we had another earthquake from a different fault. While this was a 5.1 it was very shallow being only 6 km deep. As a result it was a very sharp and loud shake renewing everyone's fear. We did have a couple of 5.4 and one of 5.1 the night before but they were deeper so, while traumatic, did not feel as bad.

For days the ground just rolled - someone likened it to being on a wobbly jelly and this is a good description. I think I'm getting sea legs.

Some people have been badly affected with the fault running right through their property. In fact, Kaiapoi, the suburb only 15 minutes from where we are is in a real mess.

What the quake has done is to bring a great community spirit with sharing and caring. And we've got to know our neighbors better too. Unfortunately there are always the rogues who will take advantage of tragedy like the thieves who broke into a special-needs school and stole computers and more, or the family who stole from someone who helped out by giving them shelter.

Sadly Christchurch has lost many of its beautiful historic buildings but we have much to be thankful - no lives lost and Jamie survived!

Unfortunately there was a smaller (that is smaller on the Richter Scale) but more violent earthquake on 22 February 2011 and people have lost their lives. So much more damage has occurred.

Jamie is jumpy when he hears certain sounds...even a car door being closed. But we are lucky to have both survived.

Our sympathies go to the people who have lost so much: family, friends, homes, possessions and security.

While it was more violent than Japan's quake at least we have not had a tsunami and a nuclear problem. Not to mention the cold and snow that those poor folk are suffering through. Thinking of you too Japan...

Kikkerland Dachshund Salt and Pepper Shakers - $11.88

These dachshund salt and pepper shakers are a dachshund lovers delight! Features: -Material: silicone rubber and aluminum. -Overall Dimensions: 2" H x 3.75" W.

Toady we;ve had a real dumping of snow. It snowed all night long, all of the morning and most of the afternoon. It's beginning to thaw a bit now but there's about eight inches of snow out there. Jamie really quite enjoyed it and because we are all home he's loving the company. Those bumps are steps that he's climbed!