How were Dachshunds used to hunt badgers? In this article, you will learn the 7 best traits that made Dachshunds ideal for hunting badgers.
The Dachshund is popular because of its long body and stubby legs. This breed might not seem like a hunting dog at first glance. But, in reality, these dogs were initially bred for their incredible hunting prowess, particularly for hunting badgers.
While they have since become beloved household pets, it is essential to recognize their initial purpose and the traits that made them effective in their role.
How Were Dachshunds Used To Hunt Badgers
Before the actual hunt began, Dachshunds would be taken to the hunting grounds to familiarize themselves with the terrain. Hunters would also survey the area to identify badger burrows.
The Dachshund’s excellent sense of smell is so precise. They easily differentiate between a freshly dug burrow and an older, abandoned one. In addition, their physique allowed them to crawl through the tunnels.
The Dachshund would pursue the badger through the burrow until it cornered the animal. The dog’s job was to hold the badger in place or cornered until the hunters arrived.
On receiving the signals from the Dachshund, hunters would start digging to expose the badger and remove it from its burrow.
Let us look at some traits that made them good badger hunters.
7 Best Dachshund Traits For Hunting
Here are seven traits that make Dachshunds exceptional badger hunters:
1) Tenacity and Courage
It’s not just any dog that can face off with a badger and live to wag the tail. Badgers are tough, aggressive animals, especially when threatened or cornered. This specific trait makes them well-suited for such a risky face-off.
These little warriors don’t back down easily. While their stubbornness makes them a bit hard to train, this same strong-willed attitude equips them to hunt badgers.
2) Keen Sense of Smell
Dachshunds possess an excellent sense of smell. They are second to the Bloodhound in their scent detection capabilities. This sense allows them to track badgers even in dense foliage or underground. They will alert their human companions once they pick up the scent or continue chasing their prey. Their unique body shape allows them to navigate through complex underground tunnels.
3) Compact Size
The Dachshund’s elongated body and short legs are not just for show; they serve a critical purpose. This unique body shape allows them to dig into badger setts (burrows) and navigate the narrow tunnels. Their small size also makes it easier for them to look for badgers in spaces that would be difficult for larger dogs to access.
4) Strong Jaws and Sharp Teeth
Once a Dachshund corners its prey, it uses its strong jaw and sharp teeth. They use their strong grip to either hold the badger until the hunter arrives or, in some instances, to kill it. Their bite is strong enough to grip and hold onto a struggling animal. This is crucial in a hunt that can turn dangerous at any moment.
5) Endurance and Stamina
Badger hunting is often a long and drawn-out activity that requires dogs to maintain their energy levels over an extended period.
Dachshunds are built for endurance. They are capable of sustaining their energy and focus throughout a hunt. They will chase badgers for extended periods. In addition, they can spend long hours digging and navigating through underground tunnels.
6) Intelligent and Trainable
An effective badger hunting dog needs physical capabilities and the intelligence to follow commands. This allows them to make quick decisions.
Dachshunds are highly intelligent dogs, capable of understanding complex commands and solving problems on the go. This makes them easier to train for hunting tasks and more responsive during a hunt.
7) Strong Instinctual Drive
Many of the Dachshund’s abilities come from their strong instinctual drive to hunt. Even if they haven’t been trained for hunting, many Dachshunds will display a natural inclination for digging, tracking, and chasing. This instinctual drive helps them when hunting. They always remain focused and committed to the task at hand.
Conclusion
Dachshunds were bred because of their specific traits. They were bred as fearless badger hunters. This is because of their agility, powerful jaws, a keen sense of smell, and an indomitable spirit.
Dachshunds are pets in most households today. You will notice they are quite energetic despite their small size. However, remember that they are prone to obesity. Exercise is essential to ensure they do not develop back problems.
In addition, it is important to socialize them early. This will prevent them from becoming overly suspicious or aggressive towards strangers.
I hope this post helped you learn how Dachshunds were used to hunt badgers.