The dachshund breed originates in Germany. They were bread to hunt badgers and were larger than the ones we see today. Smaller, miniature dachshund sizes were needed to hunt other animals such as fox and rabbits. Because of their lineage, these dogs are adamant diggers and will take advantage of a fresh lawn or garden. Perhaps they are looking for badgers. Regardless, dachshunds make brilliant pets for many types of people and situations.

There are two main sizes of dachshunds available today. A standard size adult dachshund weighs between 16-32 pounds, while the miniature dachshund weighs less than eleven pounds. Either size dog is available in three different coat types: smooth, wire-haired, and long-haired. Unlike some breeds, dachshunds come in a variety of colors. Red, black and tan, chocolate and tan, cream, grey, and dapple are the most common. Dachshunds are short, but very long due to their long backbones. This can make it somewhat difficult for them to maneuver stairs and can lead to back problems down the line. Be kind to your dog and feed him/her the recommended amounts and types of dog food. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight will curtail possible health concerns.

Dachshunds make wonderful companion dogs and do well in agility and tracking competitions. They are commonly known as “wiener dogs” or “hot dogs” today. Curious and playful, they prefer to be around adults and older children who will respect their space. They are smart animals that tend not to be shy and love to bark - it makes them feel important to be watchdogs. Just a little extra training will calm them down and lessen their barking frequency. Standard size and miniature dachshunds are comfortable living anywhere from a small apartment in a large city to a farm in the country.

As with all dogs, dachshunds need care from their owners. If you want a dog that’s easy to groom, go with a smooth coat. They don’t need to be brushed or bathed as often. Long-haired versions need more brushing, and professional grooming is recommended for wire-haired dachshunds. The smaller the dog, the more gently he/she should be treated. Take special care with puppies and miniature dachshunds. Although this small breed doesn’t require a lot of exercise like large dogs, dachshunds love to be active. Take him/her to a dog park to play fetch and socialize with other dogs. They are easy to train if you spend time with them every day!