The Miniature Dachshund by Muriel Newhauser – 1973
Download this page in PDF formatBy Muriel S. Newhauser
(excerpts from the 35th Anniversary Issue of THE AMERICAN DACHSHUND / September 1973)
submitted by Bob Bray and Jeanne Rice with huge thanks to Cindi Todd for the typing of this very long article.
[Note: More photos will be added periodically to this article in the near future.]
History of the Standard Dachshund
Putting aside the mythology of ancient Egyptian origin, all Dachshund historians agree that the real origin of the Dachshund breed is embraced in the 300 years (1550 to 1850) during which the German foresters, gamekeepers and sportsmen, after first selecting dogs for their success in hunting badgers underground, gradually produced a “badger dog” better adapted by structure and temperament to cope with the game of the day.
By 1840, the German Stud Book had 54 Dachshunds registered. In 1879, the first official standard was set up. In 1888, the German Teckel Club was founded.
The exact date of the Dachshund’s arrival in England is not known, but it seems highly probable that some of the first of the breed were owned by Queen Victoria. In her diary dated April 23, 1833 there is a reference to her dog named Dash. A portrait by Landseer, painted in 1839, shows a Dachshund with her. The Queen kept hers as constant companions; while Prince Albert used a brace to hunt in Windsor Forest.
The English Dachshund history records the first was exhibited at the Birmingham Show of 1870, a four-year-old dog named Feldman, imported from Prince Edward of Saxe-Weimer. The English Dachshund Club was not founded until 1881.
Though Germany must be regarded as the Dachshund’s native land, the English may justly claim to have been the first to popularize the breed, by bringing it to the notice of the public.
The earliest American records show Dachshunds first imported to the United States in 1879. By 1885 eleven appeared in the AKC Stud Book. The Dachshund Club of America was founded in 1895. Individual registrations with AKC for the years 1878 to 1945 (67-year period) amounted to 43,000. From 1945 through 1957 (12-year period) there were 225,000. In 1971 there were 60,954 and in 1972 there were 55,149. At this rate 1973 will produce more Dachshunds than the 67-year period from 1878 to 1945. The AKC does not register Miniatures as such, therefore it is impossible to know how many are registered.
History of the Miniature Dachshund
The Miniature Dachshund is, of course, a descendent of the Standard Dachshund. In the 1800’s in Eastern Germany, the rabbits were increasing so rapidly and doing such great damage that the hunt officials decided to breed a very small Dachshund to relieve the problem. The Standard Dachshund was mated to Miniatures of other breeds, such as the Miniature Pinschers, Dandie Dinmonts, Schnauzers and others in order to reduce size and weight. They cared little about the Dachshund type.
All over Europe the hunting breeds were forbidden to the common people. The peasants were not supposed to hunt. So breeding was the nobility’s prerogative and was left to the royal gamekeepers. These men believed the fastest way they could, they would reduce size. Their attempts were unsuccessful, as they lost their hunting spirit and type. In their shortcuts, used for size reduction, the result was “toy temperament” and the project collapsed. [TDHP note: The existence of these breeding programs are the reason why some erroneously believe that the modern miniature is the result of cross-breeding with other breeds.]
Later another attempt was made to breed down, starting with Dachshunds about 12 pounds, and they retained only those in the program who exhibited “hunting passion.” The Germans were only concerned with the hunting abilities – not conformation. This size reduction program sacrificed the Dachshund appearance to functional qualities, and few of the early German Miniatures were exhibited at dog shows; indeed many conformation judges refused to “rate” them or judge them.
In 1905, in a few kennels, was found the results of type, size and weight of pure-bred “Zwerg” Teckels. The first Miniature Dachshunds were registered in the German Stud Book for 1902. There were 7 Smooth bitches, 2 Smooth dogs, and 2 Wire bitches.
English Miniatures
[From the Minature Dachshund Club website: The Miniature Dachshund Club (UK) was founded in June 1935 as a result of a meeting called by Dr. E. Hindle and held at the Dog Owners Club, St. Ermins, London SW1 which was attended by Lt. Col Spurrier D.S.O., Mrs. Millicent Howard and six other Miniature Dachshund breeders. It was registered with the Kennel Club on the 4th July 1935.
In 1947, a “Standard of Points” was prepared in which a most important factor was the weight limit stipulation of not more than 11 lbs. (5 kilos). The Kennel Club rules stated that scales must always be provided for Miniature Classes, and dogs must be weighed when entering the ring for their class, and if they are overweight this should be considered a most serious fault. (This rule still applies at the present day and is most rigidly observed).
As a result of a request made to the Kennel Club in September 1948 for separate breed status approval was received in January 1949 that recognition would be given as separate breeds for Dachshunds Miniature Smooth-haired and Dachshund Miniature Long-haired. In 1950 11 sets of C.C.’s were allocated to Miniature Dachshunds for the year 1950.
In 1953, the Club made itself responsible for the Miniature Wire-haired breed and made an application to the Kennel Club for the Club to hold a Championship show for Miniatures in 1954, but permission was not forthcoming. The first show confined to Miniatures was held on the 16th April 1955. The Kennel Club granted separate register and championship status for Miniature Wire-haired Dachshunds in January 1958.
For the Club show in March 1962 the Club was allocated C.C.’s for Miniature Smooths. In February 1975 the Club held its first show with C.C.’s for each of its three breeds.
The Club celebrated its Golden Jubilee in 1985.]
In England in 1925, the first recognized Miniatures belonged to Lady Mae Blakiston and Miss O. M. New. In 1926, a Smooth, Bitterline (Danish import), was shown at Crufts.
Mrs. Howard and Mrs. Whitely were successful names in the show ring in 1938. To indicate the quality of the Miniatures of this era you might like to read a critique of this period. “Open Dog (3 entries): All had bad teeth. 1st place, a well-built little dog. 2nd, somewhat belied his name (Marvel) as he was out at the elbow. 3rd, same defect.” When one realizes that these were the best at that time, it shows the work that was necessary to bring them up to today’s very much improved Miniatures.
In 1947 it was so hard to get an entry large enough to have a show, that the Longs and Smooths were combined and drew an entry of 14.
Puppies were not eligible, as the classes were for under 11 pounds and over 12 months. This meant a long wait before Miniatures could be shown.
Contessa of Montreaux, bred and owned by Mrs. Angel Negal, and Minivale Miraculous, bred and owned by Mrs. Winder were destined to become, in 1948 the first champions of the Smooth Miniature Breed.
Eng. Ch. Prince Albert of Wendlitt
In the late ‘60’s, the Smooth Miniature scene in England was dominated by Ch. Prince Albert of Wendlitt, owned by J. E. Littmoden. His record was 40 C.C.’s (Challenge Certificates, very roughly the equivalent of 5-point wins in the U.S.), four BIS wins and sire of four champions.
In bitches, an outstanding winner has been Mrs. M. Batterson’s Ch. Wingcrest Principal Girl. This black, and tan bitch is the first Smooth Miniature that I have ever judged. She was my Reserve Best in Show at the Leicester Show last year. She was bred down from Standards and it yet remains to see how she will influence the breed, but on her own merits is a lovely Smooth Miniature Dachshund.
A charming photo from the May-June 1955 issue of The Dachshund Digest of three American/Canadian Champions of the famous English Primrosepatch Kennel founded by Mrs. Smith-Rewse and continued by her niece, Mrs. Peter van Brunt. Am Can CH Primrosepatch Tinyteckel, Am Can CH Primrosepatch Honeygold, Am Can CH Primrosepatch Fairy Bell.
A Miniature Dachshund Club was formed in England in 1935. At that time, a team of Longhairs was imported from Germany. These had Papillons bred in them. The progress made in England can probably be traced to the Primrose Patch Kennels of Mrs. Smith-Rewse. This kennel used the best of the small Standards to mate to the best Miniatures. The Smooth breeders were reluctant to do this to improve their Smooths, but did so on rare occasions and used the Longs to improve bone and ribbing.
Miss Avis Mary Earle came to the United States from England and established the Tinyteckel Kennels with five Long Miniatures. One of these was Primrosepatch Diamond, who has the distinction of being the first Longhaired Miniature Dachshund champion in America. He completed his championship late in the summer of 1949. Her Tinyteckel Ever Ready was the holder of an Obedience Title.
Miss Avis Earle and her five English imports: Gracechurch Fairy Dream, Primrosepatch Zinnia, Smokyhole Rolfi, Smokyhole Mimi, and the first American Miniature Longhair Champion Primrosepatch Diamond.
In 1948, The Kennel Club (English) granted a separate register of Smooths and Longs, and in 1949 a separate breed status at shows.
English Longhaired Miniatures
The Long-Haired Miniatures charged ahead at winning in 1948. Mrs. Bellamy, of von Walder fame, owned the first champion bitch, Ch. Chloe von Walder. Ch. Marcus of Mornyvarna was the first champion dog. Mrs. Bellamy’s breeding is best known in this country through Ch. Mighty Fine von Walder, imported by Nancy Onthank in 1961.
Eng. & Am. Ch. Mighty Fine von Walder bred in 1960 in England, imported to America by Mrs. Nancy Onthank of Rose Farm Kennels
An English kennel that made its presence felt in the early ‘60’s is Mrs. Norah Parson’s Minutist Kennel. Again this fine kennel name is found in the United States in Mrs. Onthank’s imports. It was my pleasure to award Ch. Minutist Goliath points in 1970.
From these same bloodlines came Ch. Delphik Derry, bred and owned by Mr. and Mrs. [Hazel] Eddy Fielding. By 1972 he had sired 11 champions. Also he is the grandsire of the bitch, Ch. Delphik Debbrett, who in 1969 and 1970 was awarded the “Jackdaw” trophy for the top-winning Dachshund of all varieties and Best of Breed at Crufts in 1970-71-72. The top winning ML dog in 1971 was Ch. Delphik Diplomatic. Ch. Bardival Black Princess, owned by Mr. and Mrs. W. Fletcher was the top winner in 1972.
Mrs. Muriel Rhodes is well known in the United States for her judging assignments on both coasts. She and her husband, Jim, have been breeders of Miniatures with bloodlines from von Walder, Minutist, Mertyn-Grunwald and Montreux. Mrs. Rhodes has served as Honorable Secretary of Great Britain’s Long-Haired Dachshund Club since 1960, is also Public Relations Officer of The Dachshund Club, and is on the Committee of the Wire-Haired Dachshund Club.
English Wirehaired Miniatures
Miniature Wires were the last to be established in England. Shortly after World War II, Sire Charles Lambe (Dunkerque Kennel) and Adrian Molony (Huntersbroad Kennel) became interested in establishing Miniature Wire-Haired Dachshunds. They bred small Wire Standards to Smooth Miniature dogs. This led to many problems – was it a peculiar terrier type or was it a smooth type? Coats varied from good to very bad, and the same could be said of their movement; but they had wonderful personality, which perhaps is why those few breeders became utterly devoted to them and determined to do all they could to improve them.
In 1950, a dog, Barro aus der Waidmannsklause, and a silver dapple bitch, Aggie (10 ¾ pounds) were imported from Germany. Every C.C. winner in the past three years has come from these two Wires. From Barro ex Aggie also was produced Huntersbroad Graphite, a 14 pound silver dapple. He became the foundation for the Orkneyinga Kennels.
Mrs. Wakefield (Silwood Kennel) bred the first Wire champion in 1950 – Ch. Jane of Sillwood.
In the late ‘60’s, Mrs. Grosvenor-Workman of Silvae Kennels bred Ch. Silvae the Mouse. Silvae is found in many pedigrees in the U. S. Mrs. Grosvenor-Workman is the president of The Dachshund Club (English).
Mrs. Shelagh Willoughby (Cumtru Kennels) for many years bred all three coats. Last year I was pleased to visit this kennel and saw some of the most delightfully marked dapple Longs and Wires. Some of her Long dapples are with Captain Barbara Lehr, and dapple Wires with Trudy Coldwell and others in the U.S. The most famous is Ch. Calpreta Print of Cumtru CD and Ch. Witching Hour of Cumtru, who “own” Carol and Stan Orne.
Ch. Calpreta Print of Cumtru is the only dapple Wire Miniature champion who has a Companion Dog Degree added to her title. It is a great sight to see Stan Orne in the obedience ring with this darling imported English bitch. She won her winning legs on her CD in only three trials, and at the same shows won a BV and two BOS’s. I would say “they” have a good thing going.
In 1962, twelve wire-haired Dachshunds (BKC registered) came to America with Mrs. Blanche Y. Schoning. They received AKC registrations soon after arrival here. The original stock came from three outstanding kennels in Great Britain, the initials of which form the first three letters of Mrs. Schoning’s kennel, Scoshire: Sillwood, Coobeg, Orkneyinga. Two matings from the Bluefeld Kennel introduced a fourth and valuable English bloodline. In 1964 Orkneyinga Angus of Scoshire, a seven and one-half pound chocolate dog, was imported from Jack and Jane Satchell to Scoshire Kennels. From this U.S. beginning in 1963 Scoshire Orkneyinga Wendy, at almost 13 years, still is with the Schonings. A long life from being shown at Crufts to her happy retirement in Aquebogue, NY.
From the shows in the early ‘50’s the Wires have rapidly progressed. In 1958, there were 143 registered with The Kennel Club (English) and in 1964 had increased to 348, in 1969 to 516, in 1971 to 545. In 1973, this figure probably will be more than doubled.
The top stud dog 1969 to 1971 was Ch. Bryn of Paxford, owned by Miss M.E. Grey. He also won the Miniature Dachshund Club trophy for the leading sire in all three varieties.
Registrations up!
The English registrations of October 1965 in the British Kennel Gazette, up to that time of the year, were:
269 Long Standard — 819 Long Miniature
1149 Smooth Standard — 1512 Smooth Miniature
98 Wire Standard — 193 Wire Miniature
It would seem that the Miniatures have a firm foundation in England. Imports of Miniatures by varieties for the year 1971 from England published in AD, May ’72:
70 Longhair Miniatures — 72 Smooth Miniatures — 16 Wirehaired Miniatures
I wish I could “paint with a wider brush” about our English cousins – there is much not covered here. I saw such a few Miniatures and their breeders and know that many important dogs, breeders and owners have been omitted.
American Miniatures – The Miniatures that were!
Miniatures were first exhibited in the United States in May 1934 at a DCA Specialty show in a combined coat and sex class. There were nine entries by four owners. That autumn, several six- or seven-months-old puppies of Standard parents won over Miniature Dachshunds in the “under nine-pound class.” To prevent such “ringers” from taking unfair advantage of this class, the minimum age of twelve months was added to the class definition in 1935, and the Miniature class made a division of the Open class, making blue ribbon winners eligible to compete in the Winners’ classes with Standard Dachshunds for championship points.
Mr. Daustin of Redlands, California imported Smooth Miniatures about 1930. The heaviest weighed six pounds and his stud dog was four pounds. He showed for a time, but became discouraged as there was no “under nine-pounds” class at that time.
In the first decade of Miniature breeding in America there were so few Miniatures, either imports or their immediate descendants, that sound breeding plans were difficult to develop and even harder still to carry out. All Miniature stock had comparatively recent ancestors of Standard size and ancestors in which faults linked with too rapid size reduction were concentrated. Whenever fairly close linebreeding was attempted, to expedite a program, either improved quality brought with it increased size, or reduced size entailed the same faults as in Germany: fiddle front, weedy structure, pop eyes, snipey muzzles, apple domes and bad ears.
After the end of World War II, the human population explosion was accompanied by a canine population expansion. AKC Dachshund registration prior to the war was about 300 monthly – by 1949 it was about 3,000 monthly, in 1971 about 4,900.
The public thought them so cute that their popularity grew rapidly. Caroline Clark Roe, Grayce Greenburg and Kaye Dore were among the first to import and to breed the little ones on this coast. Grayce had an “in” with the movie people through her Standards and in the American Dachshund magazine. She helped popularize them as great pets. Miniatures enjoyed a renaissance of interest and favor.
The first cover of the Amercan Dachshund to be used by a Smooth Miniature was June of 1947 – Webb’s Pink Lady, whelped June 29, 1944 (Hansi of Starcrest ex Fraulein Liebchen). The next year the AD carried advertising of Elizabeth Kargoll (Kargollheim Kennel), Mrs. Fritz Kroeff (Osterholz Kennel), Caroline Clark Roe, the Lester Noel Webbs, and William Giandoni.
The Miniature Clubs
In 1948, Grayce Greenburg acquired Smooth Miniatures and by 1949, together with Mr. W. W. Giles, who lived in New York, and a few other Miniature breeders formed the American Miniature Dachshund Association, which was incorporated in July, 1950, in New York.
One of the main purposes of the AMDA, as stated in its constitution, was “to seek changes in the AKC-approved standard of the Dachshund so that the Miniature Dachshund will have a separate standard and classification of its own.”
Since Grayce Greenburg, then editor of the American Dachshund magazine, was one of the originators of the separate variety idea, she gave the cause full use of the magazine, and much furor was created. “Separate variety now” was the battle cry.
Giles, Greenburg, and others had advanced the premise that all that was necessary was to organize the Miniature fanciers into some cohesive group and then the AKC would automatically accede to their wishes. Every issue of the AD contained letters from every facet of Dachshundom – breeders, Miniature and Standard; judges, exhibitors, pet owners, etc. – asking, demanding or pleading, for a separate variety. AMDA members were urged to write directly to the AKC to demand separate variety NOW for Miniatures. If there was any opposition, it got no coverage.
In 1951 Mr. W. W. Giles, National Director of AMDA, and Chairman of the DCA Miniature Committee, conducted a survey for the DCA. The survey indicated that Dachshund fanciers were in favor of a separate variety, the Toy Group, nine-pound limit, and a separate Miniature parent club. The DCA sent the survey to the AKC. The AMDA column in the AD led fanciers to believe the AKC would routinely approve the separate variety.
Mr. John C. Neff, then Executive Vice-President of the AKC, replied in a letter to Dr. Lyman R. Fisher, then DCA president, rejecting the proposal of a separate variety. Mr. Neff’s letter is quoted below from pages 6 and 7, AD, October 1952.
“August 20, 1952
Dear Dr. Fisher:
As you suggested, I shall attempt to review our several discussions on the “Miniature” Dachshund question. At the outset, let me say that the American Kennel Club is not prejudiced on this subject – it just hasn’t found a way in which the wishes of a number of Dachshund breeders can be met within the frame-work which has been built through the years in encouraging the advancement of many breeds. Perhaps the solution may come through the Dachshund Club of America, and the American Kennel Club will welcome any constructive work it undertakes.
The expressed desire of a substantial number of Dachshund breeders and exhibitors for separate show classification for dogs which, when mature, would weigh 9 pounds or less is in itself, I fear, not sufficient reason for undertaking such a step. As we all know, the modern quest for points would find many exhibitors in many breeds interested in more and more separation by weight or by height or by color which would make exhibiting more productive point-wise. Such interest cannot in itself be considered a tenable position from which to advocate a new separation as it clearly would contribute nothing to breed improvement – would, in fact, in most cases lead to breed impairment.
Nor, would the contention that the “Miniature” is handicapped when shown against the “standard” be convincing reason for a separate variety – unless it is also contended that the quality of the former approximates that of the latter but that a judicial prejudice exists which frequently produces an unfair result. (This “handicap” viewpoint is present in many breeds. One color is at a disadvantage as compared with another, one coat length or texture is handicapped because of the weakness of judges for a different coat length or texture, etc. And, the Dachshund already has three varieties, the maximum number of any breed.) The creation of a special variety for Miniature Dachshunds would make a fourth and quite conceivably it could result in a total of six varieties for the breed because it would be contended that the Miniatures were entitled to all the coat varieties just as are the Standards.
It is assumed that the interest in a separate variety for Miniatures cannot be assigned to either of these two causes, some real practical difficulties still must be faced and overcome. Your organization’s assistance in working toward a solution of these difficulties is solicited, as I have said. Following are some particular problems to which study might be given.
Since a variety (in whose winners’ classes points are awarded) may offer competition in all six of the regular offical classes (puppy, novice, bred-by-exhibitor, American-bred, open and winners) what definition can be established for the Miniature Dachshund which will give assurance that nothing but Miniatures will compete in these classes? Can it be said that a Miniature Dachshund is one which weighs no more than so many pounds, stands no more than so many inches at six months, at nine months, at twelve months, at a later date? Or, as has been suggested, could it be said that mature dogs are not to go above a certain height and weight limit and that younger dogs will be considered to be Miniatures if their parents become “recorded” as being Miniatures when mature? No facilities exist for obtaining and maintaining such records. It is clear that some major rule changes (which now apply uniformly to all the 111 breeds) would have to be prepared to meet particular problems presented here. In those breeds where variety separation exists, interbreeding between varieties is allowable even when variety groups are involved. An example is the Poodle. Poodles are Poodles so far as the Stud Book is concerned; show requirements or limitations as to size are entirely unrelated to registration procedures. If we are to assume that this problem could in some way be met, we would then be confronted with problems such as these:
Is the Miniature Dachshund stabilized so that a reasonably good specimen (within the currently accepted weight limit of nine pounds) may be expected from breeding Miniatures without recourse to an occasional breeding to a standard to regain quality which may be lost in search for small size? If the Miniature is not thus established, the plan as suggested in the preceding paragraph (to recognize immature dogs as Miniatures on the basis of the “recorded” status of the parents) would lead straight to retrogression simply because the needed quality of the standard would be unobtainable.
The present rules applying to determining heights and weights at a show would be quite inadequate. They allow for an official determination of a dog’s height or weight upon application at the show but before the judging of the breed. Doubtless little of it would be practiced, but exhibitors would demand assurance that no loop-holes in the rules would permit an unscrupulous exhibitor to dehydrate or withhold food from a dog near the weight limit prior to an early morning weighing, followed promptly by corrective measures before the dog enters the ring. Dealing as we are with very small weights and heights an actual weighing or measuring of all entries at the ring would be an indicated solution. While this is a common practice in Europe, American exhibitors have shown a dislike for such procedures. If such a plan were to be adopted, it might be predicted that the exhibitors themselves would in a short time completely nullify the plan. They would consider it unsporting to question the representation made by an exhibitor on his entry form and even if the procedures of weighing (or measuring) all entries at the ring were adopted, the practice might quickly become completely superficial.
We doubt whether those who advocate a separate variety for the Miniatures have fully realized the problem involved. Unless you can provide a solution not yet apparent to us it would seem that several really major rule changes prepared specifically for your breed would be necessary to establish safeguards.
As I have said to you, our minds are not closed on this subject. It does look formidable from a practical standpoint. I cannot close this letter, however, without again raising the question of what course is best for the Miniature Dachshund itself. Will the dog improve under a plan for variety separation? May it not improve faster and more surely if it continues to compete in the winners class against the standards by means of special open classes for mature dogs of nine pounds and under?
When these dogs start defeating Standard dogs in the winners class, when Miniatures bred to Miniatures quite regularly produce Miniatures which can do that, then the question of defining a Miniature will no longer be the problem it is today. The need for special legislation and safeguards will have disappeared. The dog will have defined itself.
Sincerely yours,
(signed) John C. Neff
Executive Vice President”
The AKC letter stunned the AMDA, and Giles accused, in print, Mr. Horswell and others in the DCA of double-crossing the Miniatures – or at least draggin’ their feet.
About this same time, Mrs. William Burr Hill and other Miniature breeders on the East Coast, resigned from the AMDA and formed the National Miniature Dachshund Club [in 1952]. They had become disenchanted with the forceful writings and talks by Mr. Giles which ruffled the AKC and DCA.
The National Miniature Dachshund Club was dedicated to the improvement of the Miniature Dachshund and avoided the separate variety issue.
Both clubs continued for a year or so to seem to be active – mainly in the pages of the American Dachshund magazine.
Miniature exhibiting now declined sharply, but the die-hard Miniature breeders continued.
By about 1959, these few hard-core breeders, having set aside the quest for a separate variety and devoting their efforts to breeding a better Miniature, had come up with Reserve winners, and finally, point winners. Notable among these were : Mrs. William Burr Hill, then of Long Island; Mrs. Lynda Beard of Lincoln, Nebraska; Muriel Glenz of Florida; Mrs. Dwight Garner, then of Iowa; the Ruffells of Seattle; Mrs. O’Doud of Ohio; Cordelia Jensen of San Pedro; and Charlie Mays of San Diego.
This increased Miniature activity gave renewed impetus to the two Miniature clubs. The National on the East Coast and the American, now reactivated, in the Pacific Northwest, had annual roundups or rallies in conjunction with established shows, and each club’s newsletter appeared with regularity.
The early 1960’s reflected the efforts of the hard-core experienced breeders and of the two clubs as follows:
1) Of the 137 Miniature champions from 1941 to 1965 there were 105 finished between 1960 and 1965, or 80 percent.
2) Entries increased in the Open Miniature class for all coats from 219 in 1952, to 1340 in 1964.
3) Miniatures in all regular classes (2,015) represented 15 percent of all Dachshund entries (12,981) at point shows in 1964.
4) Miniatures, mainly Wires and Longs, occasionally won Varieties and Groups.
5) A notable year for Miniatures was 1966 – a Best in Show – Ch. Elenbusch Jiminy Cricket MW, sired by Ch. Elenbusch Real George MW.
6) In 1968, the AMDA Rally brought an entry of 94 Miniatures to the San Diego Specialty and the NMDC Roundup at DALI netted 100 (88 present).
At this point, both clubs are serving a good purpose to Miniatures and Dachshunds. They encourage the exhibiting, breeding, and support to all Dachshunds. They both give aid and support to the new people – and add great social awareness to all dog shows. Both are giving much to the “dog game.”
The present officers of both clubs for 1973:
AMDA: National Director – Lillian Bell; Executive Secretary – Edith Knox, and Treasurer – Henry May, Jr. Regional Directors: Vice-President Berniece Squier, Muriel Newhauser, Roberta Jones, Ada McCord, Pat Wynne and Billie Ruffell.
NMDC: President – Dave E. Thomas, 1st Vice- President – Ann Sims, 2nd Vice-President – Jeanne Rice, 3rd Vice-President – Kathryn Curtis, Secretary – Dr. Leonore Loeb Adler, Treasurer – Grace Hill, Directors – Ruby Arnot, Irma Mickley, Norman Lough, Ada McCord, Norman Walley and Peggy Westphal.
[TDHP note: While the American Miniature Dachshund Association is no longer active, the National Miniature Dachshund Club remains active today.]
The FIRST
From the very first United States Miniature champion, in 1941, the Wires have taken the lead. After thirty-one years there have been 206 MW champions. The leader was Dr. Lyman R. Fisher. He imported his first pair of Miniatures in 1931 from German, Alex Friewaldau and Adda von Swartenbrook. With the help of Comet Brooks, the Limelight Kennels progressed through some very successful showing in California. The first Miniature ad in the AD and the first picture of a Miniature came from this kennel. The picture was of Limelight Breslauerlicht, A-378985 (Cito v Blucherbruch ex Ch. Christel von der Bunzlauer Heide-Limelight); breeder, Dr. Lyman R. Fisher; whelped, July 9, 1939; weight, 7 ¾ pounds. This picture can be seen in the January 1941 AD on page 2.
With the first two champions named Berlinerlicht and Breslauerlicht I am positive that I have the two intermixed…in searching through archaeo-records this is a great possibility. One thing is a fact, and that is the quality of these first two Wire champions. Berlinerlicht lived with Mrs. Donia Cline (nee Bussey) while she was showing her for Dr. Fisher. As Mrs. Cline has said, “I never realized that I was making Miniature history. She was a pleasure to live with and to show, and could easily be a winner today.” What a great thrill for this great dog woman to have finished the first American Miniature. [Note: A letter from Dr. Lyman R. Fisher in the February 1966 NMDC Digest states “…twenty-five years ago I bred the first Miniature AKC Champion – a chocolate wire – Limelight Breslauerlicht.]
A long five year dry period for Wire champions before Mikosz v Teckeldorf finished, and a year later it was Ch. Misery v Teckeldorf. Then six years before the next – Ch. Ursel von Osterholz, a wheaten, bred and owned by Mr. and Mrs. Fritz Kroeff. Did I say a dry spell? So far five Wire champions and not one Long or Smooth champion.
Wires in the ‘50’s
Ch. Tubac’s Wee Johann W with breeder/owner Neville R. Stephens
The leading breeders of the ‘50’s were Mary Garner with four Wire champions, and Mr. and Mrs. Neville Stephens with four champions carrying the “Tubac” prefix. The old-timers can well remember the pink Cadillac pulling up to shows with Neville unloading Longs, Wires, Smooths, Standard, Miniatures and Miss Lucy!
The Tubac Wire Miniatures usually were the entire entry at most shows. Probably Ch. Tubac’s Wee Johann W was their most noted. He finished his championship in three shows, and was a Canadian champion at 13 months. He weighed 8 pounds, 8 ounces. He was the top-winning Miniature, all coats, in 1958-59-60. His name is found in many of the Wilheen Kennel’s pedigrees of today.
During this same period Mrs. Charlie Mays was showing her Ch. Garner’s Wee Josh W. “Ugly” was the sire of 12 Wire Miniature champions. He not only produced champions, but his children followed in his footsteps as great producers.
The Sixties
What a decade, with 103 Wire Miniatures making their championship! Who were the breeders? The Garners did not let down and neither did the Tubac Kennels. In Southern California there was Mrs. Charlie Mays whose kennel name was in front of 11 champions. Should I stick my neck out and say which was the best? No, thanks, but I can say that many times I saw Dorothea Metzger in the group ring with Ch. Mays’ Tallyrand MW or Ch. Mays’ Tyna-Mite MW. Tyna-Mite was the winner of over 40 BVs, and the first Miniature Wirehair to win the variety at a DCA Specialty. She finished her championship requirements in five shows with four majors, and acquired her title before she was 11 months old. She was Top Winning Dachshund Bitch (Phillips System) two years running. Never formally “retired,” she was occasionally shown at Specialties or Miniature Rallies, and when she was six years old, won a coveted First in the Hound Group. Her show career began in 1961 and ended in 1967. During those years, “Robin” was owned by the late Mary Germany and always handled by her present owner, Dorothea Metzger.
Also from this same Southern California area came the Elenbusch Kennels. Ellen Bourgeois came into her own in the ‘60’s. The fame that this breeder set was that she whelped the first Miniature to win a Best in Show. Ch. Elenbusch Jiminy Cricket MW was whelped October 13, 1964 and died December 6, 1969. And for his owners, Beverly and Sherry Snyder, held a record that is unbelievable – 4 BISs, 165 BVs, 20 HG-1, 80 Group placings, 3 Specialty BVs, and the thrill of a BV at Westminster KC in 1969, under Ramona (Van Court) Jones. He was the top-winning Miniature, all coats, in 1969 (Phillips System).
When the Miniature Wire, De Sangpur Wee Ad-Lib, won his title in 1964 it was another milestone for Mrs. William Burr Hill. No other person had bred Miniature champions, as well as Standards, in all three coats. Mary Garner was the first to breed all three coats to championship, but she bred Miniatures only. Charlie Mays also belongs to this very select group of breeding champions in all coats, in Miniatures only.
Dr. C. William Nixon bought his first dog in 1951. As a geneticist he felt he could help Miniatures. He made the choice to start with a small Standard b&t bitch to breed down. The Smooth Miniatures came first, then he was captivated by Wires. Ch. Rayes Little Maynard W, bred by Mrs. Mays, finished by Mrs. Esther Olson, seemed to fit into Dr. Nixon’s program. Maynard traveled from California to Massachusetts to help this geneticist and his plans. This son of “Ugly” sired 11 champions. Dr. Nixon also has worked on probably the most difficult of all – dapple Miniatures. Many dog clubs have used his great talents as a speaker. His writings have often appeared in the AD.
The Wire picture continued to be bright –
Ch. Garner’s Little Cutie Pie MW, owned by Margery Shepard, in 1963 was the top winner in the Phillips System. Mary Garner really did not have time to enjoy showing her as she finished her in a blaze of glory – three majors in two weekends.
Ch. Val-Jean’s Cinderella MW finished in 1963, and was in the ring at Knickerbocker DC’s Specialty this year, at eleven years of age. It was reported that she still is a little character and full of life. She was bred by Jean C. Coyne and owned by Howard Atlee.
Ch. Wilheen’s Mighty Mike MW (Wilheen’s Kennel), bred and shown by Dr. and Mrs. William C. Adams, seems to have proven himself as you look at Wire pedigrees.
Ch. Garner’s Miss Special MW, owned by White Gables Kennels, had one of the most charming “doggie beds” that was in the Van Court’s den. She was always such a dear with Mrs. Lancaster. She too had great wins.
The Wires do seem to have the winnin’ ways. Ch. Wilheen’s Winnie of Way-Hi MW (owner-Dorothy Turco, handler-Dick Vaughn) won a Best in Show in 1970 at the Greater Miami Dog Club show over 1123 other dogs, all breeds. When Forest Hall pointed to “Winnie-Pooh” I am sure that Dick was not 6’4” tall, but at least 20 miles tall, with Dorothy way above him. The best show record I have on Winnie-Pooh is: 2 BIS, 12 HG-1, 38 Group placements, 42 BVs – and all this before she was two years old. She was top-winning Wire Miniature in 1970 and 1971.
Ch. Little John v Maradon MW, owned by Marge Pepper, was top Miniature Wire dog in 1970 and ’71. In 1972 he was Best in Show over an entry of 1400 dogs, in Mexico. He not only is a Mexican Champion, but also an International champion. His record in a 14 month time was: BIS-1, Gr 1st – 4, Gr 2nd – 4, Gr 3rd – 4, Gr 4th – 9, BV – 36, BOS – 6, and 2 Bests of Breed. He started out like a Texas twister by finishing in five straight shows, going 3rd in the group his third time out. He was not shown during 1972, but this year he already has a good start on a nice record. It was my pleasure to award him a BV at the New Mexico Dachshund Club this May.
In 1969 a new star was born. The star being the Wyndel Kennels in the form of their first champion, Wyndel’s Katiedid MW. Katiedid was lost in whelping her first litter, but she was a producer for Pat Wynne of Ohio. From this start came Ch. Wyndel’s Michelob MW in 1970, Ch. Wyndel’s Knight on the Town MW in 1971, Ch. Wyndel’s Kiss Me Kate MW, who at the DCA Specialty in 1972 had wins like no other Miniature, Ch. Wyndel’s Butterscotch MW and Ch. Wyndel’s Charisma MW in 1972, Ch. Wyndel’s Ladybug MW and Ch. Verdon’s Knight Raider MW.
Ch. GAR’s Jolie Jeni MW I remember so very well! At my first judging assignment she was shown under me by Ray McGinnis’ daughter. In a class of two, I placed Jeni second. Since that time she has gone to Texas and, like a native-born Texan, has “taken-off.” Owned by Jacque Hastings (Haywire Kennel) she has proven to be much better than a red ribbon winner.
Ch. Wilheen’s Knight Wire MW (former owner – Vera Falco – now owned by Mrs. Constance Jones). Ch. Knight Wire’s show record includes a Best of Breed, Best of Variety at DCA in 1969, more than a dozen group placings (including HG-1), and better than 60 BV awards.
I do not have the show career of Ch. Sir Lawton von Maradon, but it was with substantial honors and recognition that he was BIS, February 4, 1973 at St. Joseph, Missouri, with 1285 dogs in competition. His owner is Florence Poindexter and he was handled by Jack Brenneis.
The National Dog System of the Top 50 Dachshunds of 1972 showed the top Miniature to be Ch. Starkweather Knightwatch MW, owned by Mrs. Lisa Houston. He had 3 Gr – 1, 1 Gr -2, 1 Gr -3 and 4 Gr – 4. The second was his father, Ch. Wilheen’s Knight Wire. Number 4 was Ch. Mays’ Hap-Pea Torpedo MW, owned by Elsie Riddick with 1 Gr – 1, 1 Gr – 2, 1 Gr -4. Ch. Wilheen’s Jack of Diamonds MW, owned by Bernie Caluwaert, was fifth, and Ch. GAR’s Joli Jeni MW, owned by Mrs. Pat Hastings, was sixth. The only Wire bitch was seventh, Pat Wynne’s Ch. Wyndel’s Kiss Me Kate MW. Not one Smooth was listed.
American Longhaired Miniatures
In Longhaired Miniatures, Mrs. William Burr Hill broke the ice in 1954 with the first American-bred champion. De Sangpur Wee Allene. There are few persons that have been more active in the breed than this dedicated fancier. She has been secretary of the Dachshund Club of America for almost twenty years. She organized the Dachshund Association of Long Island in 1950. She helped to organize the National Miniature Dachshund Club and has served as its president, secretary, and treasurer [and editor of its publication – N.M.D.C. Miniature Dachshund Digest]. She is not only active in the breed ring, but also has had obedience degrees on De Sangpur Dachshunds.
Mrs. Hill got her first Dachshund, a Long [Standard], in 1942 and named her Penelope de Sangpur. The next year she bought William de Sangpur [also a Standard]. There were many shows at which these two were the only Longhairs at the show. William is a legend for his coat. He was BV at Westminster in 1948. He sired 38 champions before his death in 1956. Less the reader become confused, “Billy” was not a miniature, but one gets the feeling that it was “Billy” that really got Gracie Hill “hooked”.
Ch. De Sangpur Wee Allene was retired in 1958 to raise a family with a record of 27 BV’s, 1 Gr.-1, 2 Gr.-2, and 2 Gr.-4. Since Allene there have been 137 Long [Miniature] champions.
The Fifties
Edmonston’s Livin’ Doll in 1956 was the second champion. She was shown in 1964 and at nine years of age, still lovely. The next year it was Ch. Bayard Chantilly, a lovely black and tan bred and owned by Mary Howell.
“Tilly” was whelped September 16, 1955 and died January 1970. Her grandam was Ch. De Sangpur Penelope (Standard) and a breeding to a Smooth Miniature resulted in Bayard Astarte. When Astarte was bred to Tinyteckel Black Silk, the result was the lovely Ch. Bayard Chantilly. She started her show career by going Reserve at DALI from the puppy class. This was a real achievement for a miniature in 1956. She finished with three majors, including a 5-pointer, on March 29, 1958. “Tilly” was the dam of Ch.. Bayard le Bistro, who finished in 1965. Finally a male champion in 1959 was Edmonston’s Teddy Boy. It all added up from 1954 to 1959 that there were only nine Champion Miniature Longs.
The Soaring Sixties
The Longhairs became really alive in the ’60’s as there were sixty-two dogs and bitches finished in this decade. The Tubac Kennel, De Sangpur Kennel, Mary Garner, and many others were in there making forward strides. There were two new people who came to the front – Pat Beresford and Paul Tolliver. Paul had been breeding Smooth and Wire Standards for a few years, but turned his energies to Long Minis. Ch.. Keli Jean of Wayne, bred by Ruby Arnot, was his first champion. Keli Jean also was shown in Rhodesia in 1964, had a litter and returned back to Paul. She was his first Champion – but not his last.
One day early in 1964 he bought a black and tan puppy bitch to our home in Gardena, for Herman and me to see. Paul thought she looked very nice and we agreed that she was very promising, but I do not think any of us suspected that this little Long bitch was destined for the niche in Miniature history. This promising puppy was Ch. Taunuswald Wee Sakura ML (Ch. Goldie’s Little Alex ex Golden Ember von Taunuswald). “Cherry” finished her championship at nine months of age. Her Specials’ career started at the Northern California Dachshund Club Specialty under the late Frank Hardy. A few weeks later she was Best of Breed at the New Mexico Dachshund Club Specialty under Thirza Hibner. So she started her career in grand style and had many nice wins throughout her show career. She retired from the show ring at seven years of age, and also in grand style by taking Best of Breed at the Cascade Dachshund Club Specialty under Frank Homeyer. At that time both owner and judge agreed that her coat was the fullest and best it had ever been.
Ch. Sakura’s record: From January 1965 through November 1970 she was shown 133 times )an average of twice a month) with 93 strikes and 40 misses. The strikes include 27 BV’s at All-Breed shows, 8 BV’s at Specialties, 3 BB, 11 BOS Specialty wins (twice at DCA), 4 Specialty BOS to BB wins.
Patchwork Hill Kennel was the other kennel to make giant steps forward. Pat Beresford got her feet wet in Miniature Longs through the great Ch. Mighty Fine von Walder , a Group winner, and De Sangpur’s Wee Rouge.
“Hermione’s” first litter produced Patchwork’s first champion – Ch. Westphal’s Merry Mite. A year later her second litter gave Pat five Champions – an enviable record. This breeder did not stop with her “first bit of luck.” Through good basic bloodlines, studying, looking, and asking, she has five generations of Patchwork bloodlines – all having been proven in the show ring. Ch. Ardencaple’s Melody D’Amour, owned by Ken Fields, is proving this breeder’s knowledge at the present time. National Dog System 1970, listed “Melody” as the third Miniature in the Top 50 Dachshunds.
Ch. Herr Volkman’s Norman Too (Sept. 10, 1962 – Feb. 13, 1973) finished in 1966. Ralph and Billie Becker and Marguerite Gilden know the pain and sorrow of living without “Alvin.”
Sunara Firecracker, out of the English Ch. Mertynabbot Byworth Comet was imported from England by Charlie Mays. He was shown a very few times, but as a stud dog he has produced 11 AKC Champions and 3 CKC champions. “Crackers” most recent champion daughter, Ch. May’s Rhapsody ML, owned by Mrs E. E. Keeton, handled by the Murrays, finished in March of this year [1973] in three weeks time and was BOS to a BIS Standard Long, Ch. Karlew’s Triton.
Cecil and Olive Callahan of Sugar Creeks Kennels with their Ch. May’s Chim-Chim Cher-Ee ML were thrilled with his “Garden” BV in 1969 and also his standing of 8th in the Top 20 Longs for 1969.
Peggy Westphal’s Ch. Patchwork Hill Calliope won more than any other ML in the late 60’s, we suspect. He was tops in all Miniatures in 1970 as he was rated 6th in all Longhaired Dachshunds. Pat Beresford’s Ch. Patchwork Johnny Come Lately (a litter brother of Calliope) was also in high ranking for that year. Johnny was still in the Top 20 Longs in 1971, But Paul and Minnie Nakamura’s Ch.Nakamura’s Wee Willie ML was 7th in this list. Paul Tolliver’s Ch. Taunuswald Nefertiti was the Number One bitch.
The ’70’s has also seen Am, Can & Mex Ch. Ace-Hi Little Tootsie ML. Not too many Miniatures can brag of a championship from three countries. This, I know, brings great pride to Donald and Norma Taylor of Council Bluffs, IA.
“Toots” in 1970 was 6th in the top 20 Long bitches. She had 4 BV’s and 2 BOS from the classes over Specials, and finished with three majors. In 1971 she obtained a Mexican championship with 2 Gr-1 and 1 Gr-3. In 1972 she went to Canada and started her career, and now holds a Canadian Championship title, too. This sable bitch was not alone in her “traveling” ways, as a kennel mate, Am. Can. & Mex. Ch. Sugar Creek’s Wee Robin Hood M had done as well as she. “Robin” came home from Canada with 10 BB’s, HG-1 and HG-3. In 1972 he received the Award [from] Dogs In Canada magazine for 2nd place in ML competition.
Smooths
The Smooth Miniatures were really the late starters. The first champion was in 1956 and in the next sixteen years only fifty-nine had obtained the coveted title.
My late husband, Herman, and I had the pleasure of seeing the first Smooth male champion – Dach’s Den Eric-M (McGillicuty of Dach’s Den ex Sonsie v Smytrie of Dachs Den). Even though he was an old dog when we saw him, he was still, in our opinion, very correct. His front was lovely. Lynda Beard of Lincoln, Nebraska was a real pioneer. Living in the middle of the country – with very few dog shows – not being able to drive – took the train to all shows. She not only had the “normal” problems of breeding Smooth Miniatures, but taking the rebuff of judges after taking 3 or 4 days to get to a show. Perhaps credit not only goes to the courage and determination of Mrs. Beard, but also to the judges who could see the value in Eric as a good Dachshund.
Two years later, in 1958, Mrs. William Burr Hill finished the second male – Ch. De Sangpur Wee Lancelot (Jeetzel v Osterholtz ex De Sangpur Wee Impchen). In less than two months, in the most severely contested eastern area, this three-years-old and eight-pound red Smooth male showed with two BVs and a HG-4. He placed not lower than BW at five consecutive shows. The eight-pound weight was verified by Laurence Alden Horswell as an official weigher at the first and last of his wins. The judges were: Lester Fox, Mr. and Mrs. Horswell, John Cook, and Mr. William Held. To Mrs. Hill and the breed’s misfortune he died at an early age in 1960. It always brings me great joy as I walk through my dining room to see a silver tray Challenge Trophy offered in his memory. “Lance” made for himself a show record of which any Dachshund could well be proud. He wrote a new chapter in the history of this diminutive division of the breed.
After another two-year period came the third male – Ch. Garner’s Wee Hans M (Garner’s Little Conquestor ex Garner’s Little Tena May). Mary Garner bred Hans and sold him to Jim and Billie Ruffell at ten weeks of age. This male probably did more for the Smooths in the western part of the U.S. than any one stud dog. Hans lived a long and happy life in Bellevue, Washington. His name can be found in at least 13 Smooth champion’s pedigrees, and who could even try to guess the “get” with points? Jim Ruffell was the National Director of AMDA for many years. Mr. and Mrs. Ruffell have driven thousands of miles to support the cause of Miniatures.
The same year, 1960, Ch. Johannis Strauss (Colgo’s Black Gamin ex Ch. Geam’s Wee Trudina MS) was the fourth male to finish. He was owned, handled and loved dearly by the late Frank Hardy. If ever 8 ¾ – pounds could melt over 200 pounds it happened whenever these two saw each other. Miss Carolyn Strauss of St. Louis owned Johannis and his mother, Ch. Geam’s Wee Trudina. Miss Strauss gave the four-month-old puppy to the Hardys as a Christmas gift. After he had made his American championship, he became a Canadian and Bermuda champion. It was fortunate that he was widely used at stud – and today there are many of his descendants around and their owners appreciate the great gift this dog gave to his progeny.
Six years since the first Smooth champion and only six bitches had finished and now the fifth male – Ch. Groff-Nix Tiny Tim M. Tim is the oldest living Smooth male champion. He was whelped April 25, 1961 from Ch. Lo-Dachs Wee Cover Girl M and sired by Lo-Dachs Mr. Lucky M. When my husband saw him at three months of age, he knew that was the dog for him. He was right, as for years, we, like many many others, were trying all the things that novice dog people do. Tim was our foundation, with a bitch, Lo-Dachs Miss Fabulous M.
Ch. Groff-Nix Little Shotgun (Lo-Dachs Mr. Lucky M ex Groff-Nix Me Jane M), bred by Grace M. Lindberg, was number six. He was a red champion, the first red since “Lancelot.” Number seven went back to black and tans – Ch. Muriel’s Semper Fidelis-M. It was our thought that perhaps we could bring together the best of the East (Johannis Strauss) and Muriel’s Timalee M (Lo-Dachs). The combining of the Eastern and Western bloodlines gave us “Charlie” on January 18, 1964. Through this breeding, was set the type to be known as the Newhauser Miniatures.
When Ch. Muriel’s Semper Fidelis-M was bred to Ch. Hubertus Teddina (Geam’s Wee Reddy Teddy ex Geam’s Wee Copper Gleam) owned by Vera Falco, they produced the 13th male champion – Verdon’s Vici M. In 1968 he was the top-winning Smooth male Miniature. Mr. and Mrs. Tom Curtis (Dachs-Haven Kennel) never felt the number 13 was unlucky, as in 1968 “Tooter” was the top Smooth Miniature male in the Thomas System of the Top 100 Dachshunds. “Tooter” began his show career on the Florida circuit in January 1968 and was finished by October that year. In 1970 he was the only Smooth Miniature to make No. 76 in the Thomas System of the Top 100 Dachshunds. Kathryn Curtis is the present editor of the “NMDC Digest” and an untiring worker for Miniatures.
In 1965, CH. Tallavast Frank M, owned by Dr. Walter Gene Thomas of Bradenton, Florida, started out with four points from the puppy class under Judge Peter Knoop and was the 7th male to finish. He, too, has proven his worth in his fine get.
I am afraid that I have gotten carried away in my thinking about the males! The very first Smooth Miniature champion was Ch. Aldwin’s Jewell. In April of 1956 this “Jewell” achieved her place in Dachshund history and so did her breeder-owners, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Farnham. This sound yet elegant black and tan bitch was whelped August 9, 1952; sired by Jeetzel von Osterholz ex Chota Strange Interlude. She was shown sixty-one times in the Open Miniature class with 52 first places. When Judge McCandless finished her she had 22 points. That last major seemed almost impossible to obtain.
The second bitch champion carried the famous kennel name of De Sangpur – Ch. De Sangpur Wee Memmy (Jeetzel v Osterholtz ex De Sangpur Wee Remberence). She was a red, the first red Smooth Miniature champion. She was bred by Mrs. Hill and owned by Mrs. James Bell, Jr. She was handled by Bill Ake, who now lives in Southern California.
Ch. Geam’s Wee Trudina (Geam’s Wee Black Teddy ex Geam’s Aurelien) was bred and owned by Carolyn Strauss. Ch. Geam’s Miss Ting Tang was a red bitch from Ch. De Sangpur Wee Lancelot ex Geam’s Teddina, owned by Mrs. Willard K. Denton. Ch. Mays’ Creole Baby was a B&T bred by Ch.arlie Mays from Ch. Garner’s Wee Josh MW ex Mays’ Shawnee and owned by Neville Stephens.
In Creole Baby’s pedigree was Garner’s Slow Poke (a Ch. Dach’s Dens Eric-M son). Her first show was the Ventura County DFA show in 1961 (dedicated to the memory of Mike Greenburg). She won the Senior Puppy class. Next day at Santa Barbara, under Mrs. Dwight Garner, she was a 5-point winner over 44 bitches, from the Puppy class. There were 14 in the Open Miniature Bitch class! Mrs. Garner was so much impressed with the quality of just this Open Miniature class that she called for the photographer to take a picture before she placed the class. So Creole Baby must have really impressed her for her to place a puppy WB.
I well remember the show – the Miniature breeders were really on the right track, as the specimens there were an outstanding sight. When it comes to outstanding memories of Smooth Miniature bitches, my greatest thrill was at the DCA Specialty in Cleveland, 1967. Herman and I flew back with three class bitches. There were ten entered in the Open Class, eight were pointed bitches, within a year three of them were champions. The judge was George Spradling. Herman said many times that if George ever gave a Smooth Miniature points it would be like a BIS. His placements were: 1st, Muriel’s Miss BAM, handled by myself; 2nd, Muriel’s Fabulous Timette M, handled by Dorothy Dorward; 3rd, Muriel’s Esprit de Corps, handled by Herman; 4th, Dandy M Of The Loughs, handled by Peggy Westphal. Since “Candy” was sired by our Ch. Muriel’s Semper Fidelis M, we felt we had made a clean sweep. Little did I realize when we walked in with the other eight that Miss BAM was to be moved with each one. It didn’t take long for me to realize that we were seriously being considered. Wish I could end this tale with the announcement that we were WB, but I can’t even report that we were Reserve. Many months later George told me that we were being considered, but Miss BAM “let down.” When I reminded him that she was gaited more than everyone in the ring, without a second of rest, he admitted that his aim was to wear her down. Since he did put up Remanded’s Julie Flare, owned by Ellen Koeper, a lovely Standard, I really could not be angry with him. Strange that the outstanding memory of showing was not a win? As our primary interest was in breeding, the points were not as important as those four Open Miniature Class placements.
Our dogs were named from our Marine Corps experiences. That training had prepared us for the discipline needed to stay with Miniatures. Ch. Muriel’s Esprit de Corps M (Ch. Muriel’s Semper Fidelis M ex Lo-Dach’s Miss Fabulous M) won all of her points from breeder-judges and two of her three majors were at Specialty shows. My husband always felt she was the finest Dachshund he ever bred. She finished so fast, and died at 14 months, that very few got to see and appreciate her. She was Number 5 in 1967 in the Top 30 Miniatures, all coats. Her kennel mate (and competition), Miss BAM, was Number 11 and their father, Semper Fidelis, Number 2.
To my knowledge, there have been just two shows where three miniatures walked into the Hound Group ring together. The first was the Rio Grande KC in 1965. The line-up was – Wire, Ch. Mays’ Tallyrand, HG-2; Smooth, Ch. Mays’ Palette, HG-4; and the Long Ch. Taunuswald Wee Sakura ML. The second show was the KC of Pasadena in 1968 and the line-up there was – Wire, GAR’s Klua of Running D Ranch; Smooth, Ch. Muriel’s Miss BAM M; and the Longhair Ch. Taunuswald Wee Sakura ML, who placed HG-4.
There [have] been only [three] Best In Show Miniature Dachshund team[s] and they were bred, owned, and handled by Mrs. Raymond [Ada] McCord. The first was at the Hoosier KC in 1966 and was a team of reds. In 1968 the BIS team was b&t, then reds again in 1970. Adding to the fun of the win was the achievement of breeding the “team” thing – to put together uniform size, type and color. All were children and grandchildren of Kordachs’ Wee Red Pepper. From these teams there were also some nice wins in Braces from 1966 to 1970. Also from the Kordachs’ Kennel was Ch. Kordachs’ Wee Copper Candi, in the 1969 Thomas System she was the top winning Smooth Miniature, and Ch. Kordachs’ Wee Pinocchio in 1972. Ada compiled the Top 30 Miniature listings for several years and was the editor of the NMDC Digest. Here is another Miniature breeder that never turns her back to a responsibility for the breed.
Lo-Dach’s Little Pillar MS (Garner’s Wee Hans M ex Black Forest Fan Tan), the Ruffell’s first home-bred champion, finished in a year. This may sound as if it is not much to brag about, but in the far Northwest there were not many shows. She had several group placings.
She was bred to Lo-Dachs Wee Hansie and produced Ch. Lo-Dachs Little Palila M. Her first win was 5 points from the Open Standard class of 11 (8 had points) at 7 months old in 1966. By the time she was fifteen months she was a champion. Ch. Lo-Dachs Little Angel M was a “Hans” granddaughter. She finished in 1964 at two years of age. Probably the greatest thrill for Billie Ruffell was her win at the Sierra Dachshund Breeders Club Specialty. She and Lillian Bell had driven down to Long Beach from Washington with little sleep, to walk in the ring wearing a white dress accented by an orchid lei brought over from Hawaii by Mr. & Mrs. B. H. Beams. There were thirteen in the Open Miniature class. Angel was 1st and her daughter, Angela, was 2nd. But the real joy was to come when she was WB with 37 bitches present. This 5-point win finished Angel – and almost Billie.
It was several years later that Herman was the presenter of the Gaines’ Good Sportsmanship Award to Jim & Billie Ruffell. Everything that this award represents is imbued in this couple.
More from the Sixties
Ch. De Sangpur Wee Ebony Doll, the 5th bitch champion, made her title in only 18 shows, which is excellent for most any Dachshund. Her owner, Mrs. Willard K. Denton (Ardencaple Kennel), did a great deal to make judges conscious of the Miniatures.
In 1965, Marie and Bud Lough’s Ch. Tanana’s Candice v Bayard was the 14th bitch champion.
Show Record of Am. & Can. Ch.. Tanana’s Candice von Bayard
“Candy”, the name she knows best, was whelped August 7, 1960. Her mother, Erica von Bayard, was owned by Paula B. McKay, an Army nurse stationed at Andrews AF Base, and her father was Mary Howell’s Bayard Licorice M.
Her show carer started April 8, 1961 at the Cascade Dachshund Club Specialty when she won a very strong puppy class and was subsequently shown twice more that year going Reserve Winners Bitch at the Olympic KC show, her first time in the Open Miniature class. She wasn’t shown then until 1963, when she started off with a bang at the Mt. Baker KC show by winning in succession WB for 3 points, Best of Winners and Best of Variety and 1st in the Hound Group on her way to her championship. She completed her championship July 26, 1964 and went on to what I consider an excellent career for a Miniature at that time. She was retired from active competition after her appearance at the Westminster Kennel Club show in 1966 and was shown occasionally for a time thereafter. She has been retired for a number of years.
In August of 1965, she started her Canadian career by winning the Hound Group and, shown once that year in Canada, she was the top winning Smooth Miniature and the second top winning Dachshund. In August, 1966, Bud and Marie Lough returned with her to Canada and in order to get her Championship she had to be shown at least three times. She was entered in four shows on Vancouver Island and won four more Bests of Variety and four Group placings, which left her undefeated in Canada, where Miniatures are shown separately from Standards. She was again Top-winning Smooth Miniature in Canada in 1966 for the second consecutive year.
There were a number of high points in her show career – one was her win in the Open Miniature class at the Parent Club Specialty held at Pebble Beach in 1963, and the other was winning the Variety at the AMDA Miniature Rally held at Medford, Oregon, September 4, 1966, where her daughter, Ch. Muriel’s Miss Bam M was Winners Bitch. These would be in addition to the times “Candy” won Best of Variety and placed in the Group. Her record of wins in this country and Canada stands at four Group Firsts, two Group Seconds, four Group Thirds, three Group Fourths, 18 Bests of Variety and nine Bests of Opposite Sex.
“Candy’s” offspring have done quite well also. Her first litter produced one male who went back to Mrs. McKay and won a 5-point major and was not shown enough to finish. Two of her daughters, Candy M Of The Loughs, owned by Peggy Westphal and Ch. Muriel’s Miss Bam M, won Best Miniature in class at the DALI Specialty two consecutive years and a granddaughter of hers was Best Miniature at the 75th Anniversary Dachshund Club of America Specialty held in New York. A litter sister to the above two bitches is Ch. Candy Stick M Of The Loughs, so two out of a litter of three made their championship.
“Candy” did much, along with many other Miniatures, to make judges aware of the Miniatures.
The decade of the 70’s is before us. What will this period be for Miniature champions? Perhaps this chart will show our start.
| Standard | Miniature | ||
| 1970 | Long | 75 | 13 |
| 1971 | Long | 68 | 25 |
| 1972 | Long | 87 | 29 |
| 1970 | Smooth | 78 | 7 |
| 1971 | Smooth | 76 | 6 |
| 1972 | Smooth | 108 | 7 |
| 1970 | Wire | 64 | 13 |
| 1971 | Wire | 74 | 26 |
| 1972 | Wire | 84 | 13 |
These champions are as published in the Gazette from January to December of each year. Obviously others had completed championships prior to the December issue, but the processing of show reports prevented them being reported until the next year. The first Hound Group ONE win for a Smooth was CH. Dach’s Den Eric-M in the fifties; second was a bitch, Little Lady of Dachsy Dell, who never finished. The third was Ch. Tanana’s Candice v Bayard in the 60’s. In the 70’s the second Smooth Miniature male to place HG-1 was Muriel’s Mr. Guam M, who only needed a major to finish as this was written. He also was the only Smooth Miniature to make Beatrice Medes’ top 20 Smooth dogs tabulation and the 1971 Top 100 in all coats. Another first was the first Miniature champion for Hawaii in 1970 – Ch. Little Guy of Aiealani, breeder Betty Ling. He was the first and only Miniature to finish in the history of the Hawaiian Kennel Club. His first points were earned at nine months – he finished at almost five years of age. With only three shows a year in Hawaii, it seemed he would be on Social Security before he was finished, but with the determination of B. H. Beams he made it.
Dapples
Dapple Miniatures seem to be on the increase. Ed & Debbie McCollum of Newnan, GA and Capt. Barbara Lehr of Farr West, Utah, (She has Cumtru Longhaired dapples, Silvae Wires, and Madame Suzanne de Bernes’ Wire dapple stock.) are dapple fanciers.
Irene Casto (Von Dachsheider Kennel – 8 champions) has all 3 coats and has included silver-dapples in her breeding program.
Mr. and Mrs. David Bartlett of Dewitt, NE, have Long and Smooth dapples. They have exhibited their dapple Standard Brace to the enviable record of 10 Bests in Show.
Ruth Porter of Welcome, Maryland has all three coats – and colors.
Stan Orne has a Miniature Wire dapple bitch – Ch. Calpreta Print of Cumtru, CD.
Perhaps the first Smooth Miniature dapple champion will be Midachs Penthouse Joker MS, owned by Howard Atlee [and bred by Sharon M. Michael].
Who can say who has played the most important role in the Miniatures – the breeder, the exhibitor, the handler or the judges? I – seems that most breeders showed their own dogs. This has a twofold reason – they showed a great pride in going in with their own “blood, sweat and tears” and not having the expense of a handler. Most Miniatures needed to be shown in twice as many shows as their peer group.
Since there must be the breeder first –second, the buyer-exhibitor – and third the handler, then where does the judge come in? The other three areas are important, but none would be where they are today without the judge. Some of the earliest were: Aldrich, Cline, Hall, Harriman, Houchin, Houpt, Kruger, Perry, Peterman, Rosenberg, Seiver, Silvernail, Trudgian, Van Courts, Wallaces, Walsh and many others.
I have not mentioned the handlers, and they, too, were important in the history of Miniatures. Evonne Chashoudian was best known in Wires, Dottie Metzger was closely identified with Mays and Mary German. Frank and Dorothy Hardy with Hubertus and Tallavast, Woodie and Dorothy Dorward, Howard Nygood, Howard Atlee, Bobby Fowler, Roy Murray, Hannelore Heller, Mary Lou Hatcher Harris, Leon Warren, Richard Vaughn, and again many others. I guess that all were of equal importance – none of the Miniatures would be where they are today without the other.
I have tried to give my impression of the early years and up to today’s breeders, to show it took years of enthusiastic breeding to establish a breed which today is still the most challenging of the six varieties of Dachshunds. Breeding a good Miniature is a rewarding, heartbreaking, happy, backbreaking, agony-and-ecstasy type of experience. And the same goes for exhibiting a Miniature. Anyone having enjoyed this sport and hobby for any length of time knows that along the road to “breeding a better Miniature” and “showing a better Miniature” are sometimes insurmountable problems. Yes, there are still difficulties, but the standard has improved from the early days, so that the majority of today’s Miniatures would be superior in quality to those of yesteryear but without the efforts of the few who persisted in their breeding and showing I wonder what would have been the position of the Miniatures today!
To write a history of Miniatures is really an almost impossible job. I have made an attempt to get a small start. There is so much left untold. Many great dogs have not been discussed – the unsung heroes, the breeders have not all been registered here. Nor the exhibitors or handlers all catalogued. The roll call of the greats is a consuming subject. Present day Mini Smooth breeders – Edith & Tom Knox and Jean & Gordon Carvill and many, many others have not been purposely omitted – but space limitations may never permit a writer to include all.
May I urge those of you who can to contribute to this beginning, to make corrections and fill in the gaps? I may be easing myself out of the fancy. In 1955 Grayce Greenburg wrote it was fast approaching that the Miniature would have equal rights to place in the Hound Group.
In 1973, this writer will give the opinion that the Miniature Wires and Longs are ready for a separate Variety. I seriously question whether the Smooths have reached this point of perfection.