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This editable Main Article is under development and subject to a disclaimer.

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The dachshund is a long dog with very short legs. A small dog with a big bark, it was originally bred as a hunter of badgers. Its name means "badger dog" in German. Badgers are a formidable opponent for their size, and the dachshund, perhaps accordingly, has earned a reputation for "extraordinary courage and endurance as a hunter". (reference The Reader's Digest Illustrated Book of Dogs page 120)

## Contents

* 1 Hound or terrier?
* 2 Breed standards
* 2.1 UK
* 2.2 USA
* 2.3 AKC
* 2.4 UKC
* 2.5 Germany
* 3 Appearance
* 3.1 Sizes
* 3.2 Coat
* 3.3 Colors and color patterns
* 4 Known health problems with this breed
* 5 References
* 6 External links
* 7 Further reading

## Hound or terrier?[edit]

The 'hund" in the word Dachshund is derived from the original German, and does not signify that this breed is a hound. Instead, dachshunds are sometimes considered terriers, specifically, an earthdog that is willing to "go to ground" and hunt its quarry in tunnels. Hound or terrier, the dachshund makes a good hunting dog, in or out of a tunnel, and will bay while it follows the tracks of the hunter's prey.

## Breed standards[edit]

#### UK[edit]

Kennel Club

#### USA[edit]

#### AKC[edit]

#### UKC[edit]

#### Germany[edit]

## Appearance[edit]

Dachshunds are very muscular dogs. No matter which variety of dachshund, their shapes are relatively the same: short legs on a long body - crowned with a head sporting a long nose. Their chests protrude slightly, and in specimens of a healthy weight, their stomachs are somewhat defined and tucked up. Most have black-rimmed eyes and black noses, but their noses can sometimes be brown or a shade closer to their coat color.

### Sizes[edit]

There are two sizes that all dachshunds can be categorized into: miniature (or toy) and standard. A standard dachshund is considered to be 16 lbs and above in weight and 8"-9" in height. A miniature would weigh 11 lbs and under and be 5"-6" tall. Both males and females are sized similarly.

### Coat[edit]

There are three coat types, all of which can be found on standard and miniature dachshunds.

* Smooth: This is the most common in the US- short, shiny and smooth
* Long hair: The long hair variety is also shiny and soft. It is often wavy.
* Wire hair: The hair is typically rough, short and tight on top with a softer undercoat.

A short hair dachshund

### Colors and color patterns[edit]

All six varieties of dachshunds come in a wide variety of colors and color patterns. The colors vary from black, dark brown, light brown, tan, red, grey, cream. The color patterns can either be a solid of one of these colors or a mixture of many of them with two-colored and dappled patterns.

## Known health problems with this breed[edit]

Obesity is a failing of the breed, said to occur because this relatively small dog has a relatively voracious appetite. It is a well known fear of dachshund owners that allowing their dogs to gain too much weight can mean paralysis due to the dogs natural form.

## References[edit]

## External links[edit]

## Further reading[edit]