Don't Call Me Weiner Dog!

Dachshunds are hounds long and full of fun. They originated in Germany where they were bred to flush out badgers and other burrowing beasts. Their long narrow bodies were perfect for fitting into burrows. They are also excellent diggers. The name Dachshund is from the German meaning badger dog.
The typical Dachshund's body is long and muscular with short stubby legs. They have large front paws that allow for digging. Dachshunds love to dig and do it very well. If they don't have dirt to dig in a blanket will do. They also like to lie in wait taking they "prey" by surprise. They have an excellent sense of smell. They have a long snout that is designed to absorb odors. They come in three types, short haired or smooth, long haired and wired haired. The wire haired is the least common. They also come in 3 sizes standard, miniature and "tweenie" which is  most usual in household pets.

Dachshunds are playful and have lots of energy and love to chase things birds, tennis balls, cats are a favorite. They are also extremely stubborn and very difficult to train. They are generally good natured with their owners but can become very aggressive with other dogs and strangers, notably postmen, UPS and FedEx people. They may be little but they don't either know or care. Don't mess with their turf, they are very protective. They love their home turf and prefer to stay on it. They are homebodies.
Because of their long bodies they are prone to spine problems as well as hip problems especially if they are fat. If give the choice Dachshunds would choose to be fat. They love to eat. Eating is one other thing they excel at. Never come between a Dachshund and its food dish!
Over the years Dachshunds have become very popular pets. They rank seventh in the American Kennel Clubs listing of popular dogs. Queen Victoria as well as President Grover Cleveland had Dachshunds. There is a town in Russia called Zelenogorsk that has a monument erected to the Dachshund and there is a parade of Dachshunds that passes every year on July 25th. Both Andy Warhol and David Hockney owned Dachshunds and immortalized them on canvas.