Description:  There are three varieties of dachshund: the short haired, the wired haired, and the long haired.  With each of these varieties there are three sizes.  The dachshund is an elongated, vigorous, muscular dog with short legs.  It carries itself proudly and has an intelligent expression.  It has an elongated head and a slight convex skull, arched and protruding eyebrows, a long muzzle, robust jaws with non pendent lips, and a pinchers or scissors bite with extremely strong canine teeth (Dachshunds usually have 42 teeth).  Its eyes are oval, dark red or brown black with an energetic and friendly expression.  Its ears are mobile and hanging long on its cheeks.  Its body should have a strong protruding sternum and a moderately retracted abdomen.  Its tail is carried in line with its back.  The short haired dachshund's coat should be shiny, sleek and uniform.  Solid colored dachshunds may be tan or yellow.  Bi-color dachshunds may be deep black, brown, or gray with areas of b right chestnut.  There are also speckle-streaked, or harlequin varieties. 

Temperament:  Lively and affectionate; proud and bold, almost rash.  Tenacious.  Can be willful and clownish.  Curious and mischievous, they are very clever and may attempt to train the owner rather than allow the opposite.  Devoted to his family, some fanciers feel the long haired variety is calmer than the other two types.  The wore haired variety is more outgoing and clown like.  All are slightly difficult to train.  Dachshunds are good dogs to travel with.  They are best with older, considerate children and are moderately protective.  These little dogs like to bark and are compulsive diggers.  They are generally okay with other pets, however, they can be jealous, irritable, and obstinate. They should not be overfed, for this breed tends to gain weight quickly.  

Height:  Normal (standard): 14-18 inches, Miniature (dwarf): up to 14 inches, Toy (rabbit): up to 12 inches

Weight:  Normal (standard): 20 lbs, Miniature (dwarf): 9 lbs, Toy (rabbit): 8 lbs.

Health Problems:  Prone to spinal disc problems and can develop heart disease, urinary tract problems, and diabetes. Dachshunds have a tendency to  become overweight and lazy.  This is a serious health risk, putting added strain on the back.

Living Conditions:  Good for apartment living.  They are fairly active indoors and will do okay without a yard.

Exercise:  These are active dogs with surprising stamina and they love a regular walk or session of play in the park.  Be careful, however, when pedestrians are about because dachshunds are more likely to be stepped on than more visible dogs.  They should be discouraged from jumping, as they are prone to spinal damage.  

Life Expectancy:  About 12-15 years.

Grooming:  Long haired require daily combing and brushing; wire haired need professional trimming twice a year, and smooth haired require regular rubdowns with a damp cloth.  This breed does shed slightly.

Origin:  The dachshund (pronounced dak sund) originated in Germany many hundreds of years ago.  "Dachs" is the word for badger.  The dachshund was bred to hunt and to dig the prey out and go down inside the burrows.  Smaller dachshunds were bred to hunt hare.  Dachshunds have many "terrier" characteristics.  They are versatile and courageous dogs and have been known to take on foxes and otters, besides badgers.

Group:  Hound, AKC Hound

Recognition:  APR, CKC, AKC, UKC, NKC