THE DACHSHUND 177 



growing crops of maize, on the lower slopes, where the vermin 

 work terrible havoc in the evening. In this case the badger is 

 rounded up and driven by the dogs up to the guns which are 

 posted between the game and their earths. For this sport 

 the dog used is heavier, coarser, and of larger build, higher on 

 the leg, and more generally houndy in appearance. Dach- 

 shunds are frequently used for deer driving, in which operation 

 they are especially valuable, as they work slowly, and do not 

 frighten or -overrun their quarry, and can penetrate the 

 densest undergrowth. Packs of Dachshunds may sometimes be 

 engaged on wild boar, and, as they are web-footed and excel- 

 lent swimmers, there is no doubt that their terrier qualities 

 would make them useful assistants to the Otterhound. 

 Apropos of their capabilities in the water it is the case that a 

 year or two ago, at Offenbach-on-Main, at some trials arranged 

 for life-saving by dogs, a Dachshund carried off the first prize 

 against all comers. 



As a companion in the house the Dachshund has perhaps no 

 compeer. He is a perfect gentleman ; cleanly in his habits, 

 obedient, unobtrusive, incapable of smallness, affectionate, 

 very sensitive to rebuke or to unkindness, and amusingly 

 jealous. As a watch he is excellent, quick to detect a strange 

 footstep, valiant to defend the threshold, and to challenge 

 with deep voice any intruder, yet sensibly discerning his 

 master's friends, and not annoying them with prolonged 

 growling and grumbling as many terriers do when a stranger 

 is admitted. Properly brought up, he is a perfectly safe and 

 amusing companion for children, full of animal spirits, and 

 ever ready to share in a romp, even though it be accompanied 

 by rough and tumble play. In Germany, where he is the most 

 popular of all dogs, large or small, he is to be found in every 

 home, from the Emperor's palace downwards, and his quaint 

 appearance, coupled with his entertaining personality, is daily 

 seized upon by the comic papers to illustrate countless jokes 

 at his expense. 



The origin of the Dachshund is not very clear. Some 



M 



