The Dachshund is a short-legged, elongated breed of the hound family. And because of its long body, it is sometimes known as a wiener dog or a sausage dog. Other nicknames include Doxie, Weenie Dog and Dackel. The breed’s name is German and it literally mean badger dog. Standard Dachshunds was developed to scent, chase and flush out badgers and other burrow-dwelling animals. The miniature was developed to hunt smaller animals, like the rabbits. Many Dachshunds also show signs of behaviours that are similar to that of the terrier group, with a steadfast and persistent personality and love for digging. The Dachshund is the only certified dog that hunts above and below ground.

Dachshunds are characteristically long-bodied and muscular. They are also known for their short and stumpy legs, with extraordinarily large and paddle-shaped paws, which are essential for efficient digging. Their skin is loose so that it will not tear as the dog burrows into tight holes to chase its prey. One important part of their anatomy is the deep chest to allow enough lung capacity to keep going when hunting. Dachshunds are categorized by their coats as short-haired, long-haired and wire-haired.

Dachshunds are playful, known for their propensity for chasing small animals and tennis balls with great determination and ferocity. They are stubborn which makes training a major challenge. They have a loud back which makes them a good watchdog or a nuisance barker, without proper training. Dachshunds are known for their devotion and loyalty to their owners, but unapproachable to strangers. Some Dachshunds are prone to separation anxiety and will whine till they have companionship. In some cases, Dachshund demonstrates above-average intelligence, being able to break out of improperly made cages or figuring out how to get toys out of the basket.