Dachsunds
The first breed that we will discuss is the DACHSHUND! Originating in Germany, the dachshund (DAK-sind) also known as the Doxie, hot dog, or wiener dog has been a recognized breed of the AKC since 1885. A member of the hound group, they come in two sizes: standard, 8-9 inches tall at the shoulder, 16-32 lbs, and miniature, 5-6 inches tall and under 11 lbs. Doxies can have a smooth, wire haired or long coat and come in a variety of colors. The average lifespan is 12-16 years.
These dogs are short legged and long bodied with big personalities. This is probably due to the fact that they were originally bred to hunt badgers. The name dachshund is actually German for badger dog (Dachs – badger) (hund – hound or dog).
Dachshunds make great family pets. With proper training and socialization, they are great with children and other family pets. They are loyal and smart, and love to play, but like many hounds can sometimes be hard to train. were bred to hunt independently and follow a scent persistently, so they sometimes have a one-track mind. They also tend to like to do things their own way.
Because of their elongated spine, back problems can sometimes be an issue in this breed. Keeping their weight under control with daily walks and exercise can help alleviate this. If you are looking for a small dog with a lot of spunk and a playful personality, this might be the breed for you.
