Facts about the Dachshund Dog Breed

Dachshunds comprise a breed of small dogs of the hound family, the name of which literally translates from German to "badger dog." The breed is thought to have originated from ancient Egypt, and has since been bred from a variety of hounds and terriers in Germany for the purpose of hunting badgers, as their name suggests. The time at which dachshunds were bred for the purpose of hunting badgers is the subject of debate, but they are known to have existed in their modern form by the 18th century.

Dachshunds have long bodies, deep chests, short legs, large paws, and long, thin snouts. Though all dachshunds are known for being low to the ground, they may be divided into either standard or miniature sizes. On average, standard dachshunds weigh 16 to 32 pounds and measure 8-9 inches at the shoulder. Miniature dachshunds tend to weigh fewer than 12 pounds and measure 5 to 6 inches at the shoulder. A toy variety is also recognized by all clubs in the FCI, but is not recognized in the United States or the United Kingdom.

The most common coat color seen in dachshunds is red, with tan and black also being particularly common. However, dachshunds display a wide range of colors, including chocolate, cream, silver, and white, and a wide range of patterns, including brindled, piebald, parti, spotted (called "dappled"), or none at all. A dachshund may have one of three varieties of coats: smooth, or short-haired; long-haired; and wire-haired. They may have a wide range of eye colors, including brown, amber, and green. Dachshunds can also have dappled eye coloration or eyes of a different color each.

Dachshunds are bold, curious, and always up for an adventure. They are playful, lively, and courageous, traits that relate to their hunting instincts and that make them notoriously intent on chasing small animals or objects such as birds and balls. Because of their fearlessness and determination, dachshunds are known to act rashly, and are stubborn and often difficult to train. Dachshunds can form strong bonds with their owners, but tend to dislike strange people and dogs, making them aggressive if improperly socialized. Because of this tendency and their potential to be destructive when bored, dachshunds must be properly trained.

Because of their long bodies, dachshunds may be prone to spinal disorders, in particular degenerative disc disease. Complications such as patellar luxation, an affliction of the kneecaps, and brittle bone disease are also relatively prevalent in dachshunds. Dachsunds are also susceptible to obesity, which is particularly problematic due to their unique body shape and the tendency of obesity to exacerbate or cause other health problems. On average, dachshunds live for about 13 years.