A daschund, which is actually spelled "dachshund," is a breed of dog that has a very long body, tail, ears and muzzle but very short legs. This extreme-looking breed was originally developed in Germany to hunt badgers. In fact, daschund means "badger dog" in German.
Colors
Possible daschund colors include two-color combinations of black and tan, black and cream, brown and tan or blue and tan, but solid red and black and tan are the most common colors. Many kennel show clubs don't recognize the solid chocolate brown or solid black varieties, and these colors are rare. Red daschunds can either be light or dark, and the red might be rusty or more coppery. Sometimes, red daschunds have black mixed in with the red, and breeders call this desirable coloring an overlay.
Coats
Most daschunds have smooth coats, but long-haired and wire-haired varieties of the breed also exist. The wire-haired daschund usually needs professional grooming, but the other types have more easy-care coats.
Nicknames
Their long-bodied shape is why daschunds are sometimes called wiener dogs in North America and sausage dogs in the United Kingdom. "Doxie" and "daschie" are other American nicknames for the breed. "Dackel" and "teckel" are German nicknames given to the breed and refer to the daschund's tracking capabilities as a scent hound.
Concerns
Back injuries are common in daschunds, so it's important for owners to keep the dogs' weight proportionate to their size to make sure that their spines can provide the proper support. These dogs will often roll on carpeting or grass to keep their spines flexible. When a person is carrying a daschund, its back should always be supported. These dogs should not be allowed to jump from a height that is too great. Stools in the home are often a good idea to allow the dog access to beds and other furniture.
Personality Characteristics
Daschunds are known to be playful dogs that love chasing games. They are said to be stubborn to train and might like digging holes in the garden or yard. Daschunds have a loud bark for their size and tend to make loyal watch dogs. Most daschunds don't like to be alone and might whine and/or damage household furnishings if left alone. They need to be around people but might not be the best choice for homes with small children because they might get out of control if they become excited.
