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In this author's opinion, the miniature Dachshund (or Teckel) is the most impressive (canine/genetic) accomplishment out of Germany. "The breed design is perfect for it's crystal clear utility." This utility is as follows, being able to locate and enter varmint dens that most terriers are too big to accommodate. The Dachshund will locate, engage, bay, dispatch, or bolt varmints. Many people look at the miniature Dachshund as a couch potato, with little purpose. Nothing could be farther from a canine axiom.

Teddy Moritz, is a falconer that also hunts with Lurchers and Dachshunds. This is a story that occurred in an undeveloped area in suburban New Jersey in the spring of 1997. Ms. Moritz was running some rabbits with several Dachshunds. Teddy remained in a shaded area enjoying the sounds of the hunt. A brood bitch named Gavia, decided to check in with Teddy. The bitch transversed within three feet of Teddy, probably in search of a kind word or a pat on the head. Before either could be accomplished, a coyote crashed through the camouflaged landscape, taking hold of the unsuspecting dog. Teddy, has spent a significant part of her life with hunting dogs, in pursuit of all types of game. This was just one of those situations were all the wilderness savvy she had acquired would make little difference. Teddy yelled at the coyote, only to be ignored. The predator improved its hold on the protesting Dachshund. They both disappeared into the new spring foliage.

Teddy had the coolness and presence of mind to focus on collecting the remaining Dachshunds. In the event of multiple coyotes this would protect the remaining dogs from harm. Once the dogs were kenneled, Teddy approached the area of the abduction. Out of the forest trotted Gavia, injured but very much alive. One can only speculate what occurred. Gavia and Teddy are doing well and back to varmint hunting.

The second Dachshund tale occurred some years ago in the Town of Islip, which is located on Long Island. Eros Adragna, a veterinary surgeon, specializing in reptiles, was having dinner with his parents, when an abbreviated cry was heard. Alarmed, they began to search the house for the source of the noise, only to find a fourteen foot Burmese Python swallowed two thirds of their miniature smooth haired Dachshund. Fritz's back legs pumped as he tried to gain traction and free himself from the constrictor's hooked teeth. Eros purchased Fritz as a gift for his mother. Needless to say, Mom was screaming for Eros to free the tormented pup. The Burmese Python was worth a great deal of money, far more than the pup. Eros, as a young boy had acquired the snake when he was less than one pound and under one foot. He was now 14 feet and 280 pounds. The Dachshund was not the only thing being tormented. Dr. Adragna had to make a quick decision would he or could he save Fritz. Did Fritz experience partial or extensive spinal cord trauma, resulting from constriction?

Fritz was surgically removed from the Python's oral cavity. The Python's entire jaw assembly had to be severed, with no time for extensive anesthesia. This procedure proved somewhat painful for the reptile and the physician. Fortunately, the snake was not inclined to constrict the Dachshund. This was probably due to the perfect geometry of the pup. In other words, there was no reason to constrict the pup, he was the perfectly sized portion for a snake of that substance and power. The snake had to be sacrificed in order to save Fritz. Fritz is doing well!!!