tekkel

Tekkel is a breed of small hound dog, more widely known as the dachshund in English. The spellings tekkel or teckel appear in various languages, particularly Dutch and German, where the term denotes the breed as a group.

Originating in Germany, the tekkel was developed from hunting dogs used to flush and track prey into burrows. Its distinctive elongated body and short legs enable it to move through tight spaces and pursue quarry underground. There are three coat varieties—smooth-haired, long-haired, and wire-haired—and two size classes, standard and miniature. Coat colors range from solid red and black-and-tan to brindle, dapple, and other patterns.

Temperament tends to be confident, curious, and lively. Teckels are intelligent and can be independent or stubborn, so they respond best to consistent, patient training and early socialization. They are generally good with families when raised with them and can be good watchdogs, often forming strong bonds with a single person.

Health and care: The breed is prone to back problems, notably intervertebral disc disease, due to its long spine. Maintaining a healthy weight, regular but moderate exercise, and careful handling are important. Typical lifespans are about 12 to 16 years, though individual dogs vary.

In modern contexts, the tekkel/dachshund is kept as a companion animal worldwide and appears in conformation shows and various dog sports. It remains a popular and recognizable breed in both urban and rural settings.