Dachshund

Breed Name:	Dachshund (aka Doxie, Wiener Dog, Sausage Dog)
Country of Origin:	Germany
Average Lifespan:	9 - 15 years
Size:	Miniature and Small
Breed Classification:	Hound
Coat:	- - -	Smooth coat, long coat and wire coat variations of the breed Colours can be cream, blue, wild boar, chocolate brown, fawn, red, tan or black Tan and black is the most common colour combination for coats
Characteristics:	- - - - -	Playful and energetic Stubborn and independent-minded Reserved around strangers Bored or spoiled Dachshunds can become destructive and snappy Intelligent
Breed Standards:	Dachshunds should have a long head that tapers at the end. Their ears should be long and rounded at the bottom. Black skin around the eyes, nose and lips is desirable. Dachshunds should have dark, almond shaped eyes and large feet with strong nails. A deep, broad chest with a prominent breastbone is also considered a breed standard. Dachshunds have characteristic long backs and short legs. Dachshunds with solid black and solid chocolate brown colouring are usually disqualified from conformation competition.
History:	Dachshunds can be directly traced back to the 15th century in Germany. It had been suggested, however, that the breed has early roots that go back to Ancient Egypt, where engravings were made featuring short-legged hunting dogs. The breed's name is German and literally means "Badger Dog", due to their aptitude for hunting badger. The German breed standard for Dachshunds was set in 1879. Dachshunds were exported to Great Britain with Prince Albert and became popular in Britain and America throughout the 19th century.
Fun Facts:	Dachshunds have been identified as one of the possible origins of the name "hot dog". Johann Georghehner, a 17th century butcher from the Bavarian city of Coburg, is said to have invented the "dachshund" or "little-dog" sausage and brought it to Frankfurt.
Recommendations:	The broad chests and narrow heads of Dachshunds make a harness optimal for daily wear as opposed to a dog collar. Bright reds and pinks look fantastic on black and tan Dachshunds while solid tan coats are nicely contrasted with black harnesses. We highly recommend Buddy Belt harnesses for Dachshunds. Buddy Belts were actually invented specifically for Dachshunds.