The Dachshund is popularly known as a dog of German origin although they can be traced throughout Western Europe back to the 15th century. Some speculate that the sculptured dog on Egyptian tombs are ancestors of this breed. The word Dachshund stands for "dachs" meaning badger and "hund" meaning dog. The Dachshund's long, low shape is well-suited physically and temperamentally to pursue prey above and under ground, especially the tunnel residing badger. Not only did their shape make it easy for them to burrow into a badger hole, the dogs were also bred for their tenacity and strength, essential if one is planning to engage in a fight with so notoriously stubborn an animal as a badger.

In addition:

• Dachshunds have been used to hunt other animals such as foxes, rabbits, and even wild boars
  
• As most dachshund owners will attest, the dogs retain their feistiness today and may get in quarrels with dogs much larger than they are
• They are generally chipper, curious, and companionable
• The first dachshunds were brought to the US in 1887. By 1914, they were in the top 10 most popular entries in the Westminster Kennel Club Show
• After World War 1, however, people were suspicious of anything German, and this included dachshunds and dachshund owners. Some dogs were even the victims of stonings. After the War, people came to their senses, fortunately, and the dogs have grown in popularity ever since
• Dachshunds require more patience and perserverence when housetraining due to their stubborn nature - more info and tips on housetraining your dachshund
  
  

Behavioral Traits

• Extremely intelligent
• Lively
• Comical
• Confident
• Courageous to the point of rashness
• Obedient
• Persevering hunters and trackers
• Faithful
• Versatile
• Good-tempered
• Stubborn
• Adorable
• Irresistable
• Can be difficult to housebreak
• Possesses a tendency to be barkers

Physical Traits

• Long and low, but with compact, well muscled bodies
• Especially suited to going to ground because of low build, very strong forequarters and forelegs, long strong jaw, and immense power of bite and hold
  
• The mini dachshunds have a long compact well muscled body with prominent fore chest showing the strength and power needed to hunt above and below ground. In spite of his short legs compared to the length of his body his movement should be free and well balanced not showing any awkwardness.
• This dog has solid strong legs, useful for digging. Hind Paws consist of four toes if the dewclaws are removed, pads are tough with black nails. Front paws are larger than hind with five toes as dewclaws are not usually removed.
• The head is tapered with finely formed muzzle the black nose with open nostrils, sets off the eyes that are oval, medium sized and dark rimmed, showing a pleasant expression. The large floppy ears are set near the top of the head. The tail is set high and is long and tapered,this was often used to pull the dachshund out of a tunnel.
• The dachshund’s skin does not usually have excessive wrinkling and is elastic and pliable helpful in wriggling through tight spaces
• There are smooth haired, long haired and wire haired miniature dachshunds, sometimes the personality of the dog can be different depending on the type of coat, but often it just depends on the dog.

• Cushings Disease
  
• Degenerative Disc Disease
  
• Epilepsy
• Hearing Problems - more common in Dapple coats
  
• Microphthalmia Eye Disorder - more common in Dapple Coats
• Thyroid
• Weight

• Smooth
• Longhaired
• Wirehaired

• Standard - Weighs 16 to 32 pounds (7-14 kgs)
  Height 8 – 9 inches (20cm - 23cm)
  Chest measurement -over 14 inches (used to assess size in Germany and some other countries)
  These measurements are for a mature, adult dog (12months old and over)
  


• Miniature -Weighs under 11 pounds (5 kgs)
  Height 5 – 6ins (13cm – 15cm)
  Chest measurement in the range of 12 to 14ins (used to assess size in Germany and some other countries). These measurements are as at maturity (12months old)
  This small, lighter dog was bred mainly to hunt rabbits that were destroying crops. Their size enabled them to access rabbit burrows.

*The Tweenie has become known as the unofficial, yet popular term to describe the dog that falls into the gray area of 11 to 16 pounds.

The following features are applicable for each variety:

• Two-colored Dachshunds - black, chocolate, wild boar, gray (blue) and fawn (Isabella), each with tan markings


• Dappled Dachshunds - The "single" dapple pattern is expressed as lighter-colored areas contrasting with the darker base color


• Double" Dapple - has varying amounts of white coloring that occur over the body in addition to the dapple pattern. Health defects are more
  prevalent in double dapples


• The Brindle - a pattern (as opposed to a color) in which black or dark stripes occur over the entire body although in some dogs the pattern may be visible only in the tan areas.

Smooth Dachshund
The coat is short, smooth and shiny.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Longhaired Dachshund
The coat of a longhair is sleek, glistening, and slightly wavy at the ends. The fur is longer - especially under the body - from the ears, and the tail. These types of dachshunds are generally considered to be more docile.

Resources
AKC
The South African Dachshund Club
The Dachshund Network
Dachshund Club of America
Dachshund.org
Canine-epilepsy.com