Dachshund Club Of America - For Sausage Dog Lovers

For anyone who has ever shared their couch with a long, low-slung, and incredibly charming dog, the special appeal of the dachshund is something truly felt deep down. These little hounds, with their distinctive shape and big personalities, have captured hearts for a very long time. They come from a lineage of hunting dogs, originally bred for going after badger and other burrowing critters, making them one of the oldest and most adaptable dog types around. It's a breed that brings a lot of joy, and it's almost impossible not to smile when you see one trotting along, so full of spirit.

When you have a dog that is so unique and has such a rich past, it's only natural to want to connect with others who feel the same way. That's where groups dedicated to these wonderful creatures come in, offering a place for people to share stories, learn more, and just enjoy being around their favorite breed. The desire to support these dogs, to help them live good lives, and to celebrate everything that makes them special is something many folks really get behind, you know?

This piece is all about a very important group for these delightful dogs, a place where people who care deeply about the breed come together. We'll explore its long background, what it does to help these dogs and their human companions, and how you can get involved, perhaps finding a local gathering or learning more about keeping your own little friend happy and healthy. So, stick around to find out more about this wonderful community that truly cares for the dachshund.

Table of Contents

The Dachshund Club of America - A Long History of Love

The Dachshund Club of America, or DCA as many folks call it, has been around for a very long time, actually since 1895. It's truly a testament to the lasting appeal of these dogs and the dedication of the people who love them. This group is a national organization, and it has been a strong supporter of the dachshund community for well over a century, which is quite something. It's a central spot for all sorts of useful bits of knowledge, different things you might need, and happenings connected to the dachshund breed. You can find their official online spot at dachshundclubofamerica.org, and it's a good place to start if you're curious, you know?

This club has a deep-seated connection to the American Kennel Club, being the eighth oldest member of that larger organization. That's a pretty big deal, showing just how early and how significantly dachshund lovers organized themselves in the United States. The club was brought into being by a few passionate individuals: Charles Davis and Maryjane Davis, who were known for their Perro Largo Kennel; Louis Derteen; and Jane (Elizabeth) VanValen of Jandelo. These folks, in a way, laid the groundwork for everything that came after, building a community around these very special dogs. It's pretty amazing to think about how far back their vision goes, and how it still shapes things today.

Over the years, the club has seen a lot, including times when things were quite difficult for the breed. For instance, during periods of war, there was a lot of ill feeling towards anything considered German, and that unfortunately included the dachshund, despite its popularity. Food, people, and even these sweet dogs faced prejudice. Many places that raised dachshunds actually stopped doing so during these trying times. But the Dachshund Club of America, in some respects, helped keep the breed going, acting as a steady hand during periods of trouble. It's a powerful reminder of how important these groups are for protecting the animals we care about, really.

What Makes the Dachshund Club of America So Special?

What really sets the Dachshund Club of America apart is its dedication to the overall well-being of the breed, not just showing them off. It acts as a sort of "parent club," meaning it's a guiding light for other, smaller dachshund groups and for anyone who owns or breeds these dogs. A big part of what they do involves backing health studies and providing information for the breed. This means looking into common health concerns and sharing ways to help prevent them, which is incredibly helpful for keeping these long-bodied friends in tip-top shape. They are very much about supporting the health of these dogs.

For example, the club provides useful pointers on how to keep dachshunds from becoming too heavy, a common issue that can lead to other problems. They also offer advice on Intervertebral Disc Disease, or IVDD, which is a concern for dogs with long backs, giving owners and breeders ways to reduce the chances of this happening. Moreover, they talk about responsible breeding practices, including things to be mindful of when it comes to "color breeding," making sure that the focus stays on healthy dogs first and foremost. This kind of careful guidance is a big reason why many people look to the Dachshund Club of America for good, solid information, you know?

Beyond health, the club is also a place for learning about the breed's deep past, how they look, their typical disposition, and what it takes to care for them every day. They help people truly grasp the origin of these dogs, their versatile skills, and how to make sure they're happy and well-adjusted members of the family. It's about more than just owning a dog; it's about truly getting to know the breed and what makes them tick. So, it's really about being a good steward for these animals, and the club helps with that, too, it's almost like a guide.

Connecting with the Dachshund Club of America Community

Getting connected with the Dachshund Club of America and its wider network can bring a lot of good things for dachshund enthusiasts. For those looking to bring a new little friend into their home, the DCA offers a listing of breeders who are members of the club. These are folks who have committed to certain standards, and it can be a good place to start when you're trying to find a dog from a source you can trust. It’s important to remember, though, that the DCA itself doesn't sell dogs, and they don't make promises about the health or background of any particular dog. They also don't oversee the day-to-day operations of these breeders, including those they list. It's more of a helpful starting point, a way to find people who are part of the larger dachshund community, you know?

Being a part of the club itself comes with its own set of advantages. One of the nice things about being a member is getting the official publication of the Dachshund Club of America, Inc. This is a newsletter that comes out four times a year, packed with all sorts of interesting bits. It shares updates about the club's activities, results from local dog shows where dachshunds strut their stuff, and reports from field trials where these dogs get to show off their natural hunting instincts. Plus, it has articles that are full of helpful advice and information on things that really matter to dachshund owners. It's a way to stay in the loop and feel more connected to the broader community, which is rather nice.

There are also specific events and opportunities that pop up throughout the year. For instance, the club organizes things like the National Earth Dog Test, which gives dachshunds a chance to show off their skills in a way that’s very true to their original purpose. People like Jodi Brinley are involved in making sure these performance events happen smoothly for the Dachshund Club of America in 2025. It’s a chance for owners and their dogs to participate in activities that celebrate the breed’s heritage and abilities. So, there's always something happening, or at least the potential for it, which is pretty neat.

How Does the Dachshund Club of America Support Breed Health?

The Dachshund Club of America puts a lot of effort into making sure these dogs stay as healthy as possible. They have something called the DCA Health and Welfare Trust Fund, which is a dedicated pot of money used to support research into dachshund health issues. This means they are actively working to find ways to prevent and treat conditions that commonly affect the breed. It’s a very practical way they show their care for the dogs, by putting resources into understanding and improving their physical well-being. This kind of forward-thinking approach is truly important for the breed's future, as a matter of fact.

Beyond funding research, the club is also a source of information on health guidelines for both people who breed dachshunds and those who own them as pets. They talk openly about concerns like preventing dogs from becoming overweight, which can put a lot of strain on their long backs. They also offer insights into IVDD, a condition that can cause back problems, giving advice on how to try and keep it from happening or how to manage it if it does. This includes encouraging responsible breeding choices that prioritize health and good structure over just looks, which is really quite key.

They even touch on more specific topics, such as the implications of certain "color breeding" practices. The goal is always to make sure that breeders are making choices that lead to strong, healthy puppies, rather than just focusing on unusual coat colors that might come with hidden health issues. This kind of thoughtful guidance helps ensure that the breed remains robust for generations to come. It's a way of looking out for the dogs, helping people make wise choices, and ensuring that the dachshunds of tomorrow are just as happy and healthy as the ones we have today, you know?

The Dachshund Club of America's Role in Breed Preservation

The Dachshund Club of America plays a truly important part in keeping the breed's history and characteristics alive. They are a go-to place for learning about the dachshund's past, tracing back to its origins as a hunting dog in Germany. This includes understanding why they look the way they do, with those short legs and long bodies, and how their temperament developed from their working background. It's about appreciating the whole dog, from its outward appearance to its inner drive, and making sure that knowledge isn't lost over time. They really do try to keep the story of the breed going strong.

They also help people understand the care these dogs need, which goes beyond just feeding and walking. It involves knowing about their particular quirks, like their tendency to dig, and how to provide a good home that suits their nature. By sharing this kind of detailed information, the club helps new owners and even experienced ones to give their dachshunds the best possible life. It's a way of making sure that the unique qualities of the breed are understood and respected, which is a pretty big deal when you think about it.

The club's work in promoting responsible breeding practices is also a huge part of breed preservation. By guiding breeders to focus on health, temperament, and adherence to the breed's established characteristics, they help ensure that future generations of dachshunds are true to type and free from preventable issues. This careful approach helps maintain the integrity of the breed, preventing undesirable traits from becoming common and ensuring the dachshund remains the charming, sturdy dog it's meant to be. So, in a way, they're safeguarding the very essence of the dachshund, which is a rather significant undertaking.

Where Can You Find a Dachshund Club of America Connection Nearby?

Finding a local group that's connected to the Dachshund Club of America can be a wonderful way to get more involved with other people who adore these dogs. The DCA website, dachshundclubofamerica.org, is a good place to start your search. It often has information about affiliated clubs in different areas, so you can see if there's one close to where you live. These local clubs are where a lot of the hands-on community building happens, offering a chance to meet other dachshund owners, share experiences, and learn from one another, you know?

A good example of a local group is the Dachshund Club of St. Louis, which got its start way back in January of 1932. This club works closely with both the American Kennel Club and, of course, the Dachshund Club of America. They held their very first approved event, a sanctioned match, in 1935. Then, just a year later, in 1936, they received permission from the AKC to put on dog shows specifically for dachshunds, focusing on how well the dogs matched the breed's standards. These local groups are the backbone of the larger community, providing a space for people to gather and celebrate their shared love for the breed. It's pretty cool how these smaller groups contribute to the whole picture.

These local clubs often host their own events, like conformation shows where dachshunds are judged on their appearance and how well they fit the breed's description, or field trials that test their natural hunting abilities. Being able to participate in these activities, or even just attend them, is a fantastic way to connect with the breed in a more active sense. It gives you a chance to see many dachshunds in one place, learn about different aspects of the breed, and build friendships with people who truly understand the joys and quirks of living with these long-bodied companions. So, finding one of these nearby connections can really enrich your experience as a dachshund owner, actually.

Understanding the Dachshund Club of America's Outreach

The Dachshund Club of America reaches out to its community in a few different ways, making sure that information and resources are available to those who need them. Their official website, dachshundclubofamerica.org, is a central spot for pretty much everything. It's where you can find details about the breed's health, its background, and general care advice. This online platform acts as a sort of hub, pulling together all the important bits of knowledge that dachshund owners and enthusiasts might be looking for. It's a very accessible way to get information, which is good.

Another important way they communicate is through their official publication, which is sent out to all members four times a year. This newsletter is a treasure trove of information, with news about the club itself, updates on local dog shows and field trials, and articles that cover topics of real importance to dachshunds and their people. It's a tangible way for members to stay informed and feel a part of the larger Dachshund Club of America family, keeping them connected to what's happening in the breed community. It’s like getting a personal update right to your door, which is pretty neat.

The club also handles things like merchandise orders, which can be a fun way to show your pride in the breed. For example, for the 2025 orders, they had a specific deadline, January 24, 2025, to make sure items were guaranteed. If you were someone involved in field trials, you even had the option to pick up your order at the national field trial event, provided you ordered by the deadline and selected that pick-up spot on the form. These kinds of practical arrangements show how the club tries to make things easy and convenient for its members, and how it tries to serve the community in various ways, you know?

What Benefits Come with the Dachshund Club of America Membership?

Becoming a member of the Dachshund Club of America brings several advantages for those who are truly passionate about the breed. One of the most direct benefits is getting that official publication, the newsletter, delivered right to you four times a year. This isn't just any newsletter; it's filled with news from the club, results from various shows and trials, and thoughtful articles on subjects that matter to dachshund owners. It's a great way to stay informed and feel more connected to the broader dachshund community, giving you insights you might not find elsewhere, which is really quite valuable.

Another key benefit is access to a network of reputable breeders who are also members of the DCA. While the club doesn't guarantee specific dogs or oversee individual breeding practices, being able to find a list of members who are committed to the club's ideals can be a helpful starting point when you're looking for a new dachshund puppy. It provides a measure of confidence, knowing you're looking at sources that are part of a recognized group dedicated to the breed. It's almost like a directory of trusted individuals, which is very useful.

Beyond the direct perks, membership also means you're supporting the health and welfare efforts of the Dachshund Club of America. Your involvement helps fund important health studies and educational initiatives that benefit all dachshunds. It means you're contributing to the long-term well-being of the breed, helping to ensure that these wonderful dogs continue to thrive for years to come. It's a way to give back to the breed that brings so much happiness, and it feels good to be a part of something bigger, you know?

Portrait of a brown dachshund dog in a park 14565390 Stock Photo at

Portrait of a brown dachshund dog in a park 14565390 Stock Photo at

Why Are Dachshunds So Territorial at Emilie Bruening blog

Why Are Dachshunds So Territorial at Emilie Bruening blog

Dachshund Owner’s Guide | Greencross Vets

Dachshund Owner’s Guide | Greencross Vets

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