Kennel Moniker

In Germany there are a few aptitude tests that dachshunds must meet in order to not only move onto more difficult and Elite tests (Natural tests, VGP, VP) and in order to be approved for breeding.

Spurlaut (literally translates to “Loud on trail”) is a test used to test the nose, desire, line security, and voicing of the dog. For an old post that I wrote regarding how Spurlaut works in Germany see this Spurlaut Post.

Even though I am now living in Sweden, I wanted to check my own breeding stock to ensure that this genetic trait is still present. In Sweden, Dachshunds can partake in 3 different hunting-type exams: viltspår (blood tracking), drev (hunting), and gryt (underground). Drev is the closest to spurlaut, but it is still very different. Even though hunting tests are not a requirement for breeding in Sweden, I think it is important to maintain these qualities.

We are happy to report that Liina has 2 new “titles” from Germany to put behind her name: Sfk and Sp!

Sfk= Schussfestigkeit (Shot steadiness)

Sp= Spurlaut

Not all dachshunds love water (Freddie can attest to that), but Baxter is a bit of a water rat. His mama Iiris is also a water lover. Liina has yet to make her point of view known.

From the first week we had him, Baxter showed off his swimming ability. The little guy thought that the lilypads in my friend’s garden were sturdy enough to hold him. With a splash, I ran over to save the little pup, only to find him swimming away like a pro. I lifted him out of the pond only to hear another splash a little while later…

His first passed hunting exam was water retrieving, which he did with gusto, earning full points and being asked to stay on as a back up dog in case someone didn’t want to swim out to the duck.

By this point, it should come as little surprise that Baxter will wade into any body of water we come across. While out for out first sunny, warm, spring-like day this year, we found a small pond in the dog park down in Malmö. After finding a stick (then a bigger stick), we had some fun retrieving until my little “otter” decided that the water was just too cold for him. The air is starting to feel like spring and the blue skies are giving everyone a much needed energy jolt. Here are a few photos, proving that dachshunds can love water! 🙂