The dachshund, also known as the wiener dog or sausage dog, is a short-legged, long-bodied, hound-type dog breed. They may be smooth-haired, wire-haired, or long-haired.The standard-size dachshund was developed to scent, chase, and flush out badgers and other burrow-dwelling animals, while the miniature dachshund was bred to hunt smaller prey such as rabbits. In the Western United States, they have also been used to track wounded deer and hunt prairie dogs.
According to the AKC, the dachshund is ranked 13th in popularity among dog breeds in the United States. A typical dachshund is long-bodied and muscular with short stubby legs. Its front paws are disproportionately large, being paddle-shaped and particularly suitable for digging. Its skin is loose enough not to tear while tunneling in tight burrows to chase prey.
Dachshund (n)
An emotionally unstable pint-sized dictator with the uncanny ability to know exactly how far to push you to utter insanity before reverting to a lovable creature.
-A Dachshund Parent
Temperament- The Dachshund Club of America describes these dogs as intelligent, courageous and full of life, they can also be rather stubborn at times.
Family life- Dachshunds are not typically good with strangers and are known for barking at unfamiliar people or animals. However, since they like being in a pack, they get along with children and do well as family dogs. They will most certainly let their family know when something is approaching their home, whether it’s a person, animal, or car.
Size- Dachshunds come in 2 sizes Mini, and standard. The mini dachshund is 11 pounds and under, and 5 to 6 inches to the shoulder. The standard dachshund is 16 to 32 pounds and 8 or 9 inches to the shoulder.
Life Span- A dachshunds average life span is 12 to 15 years, but there are many cases where some dachshunds live up to and past 20 years old!