Dachshund/Miniature (Smooth-Haired)

There are three varieties of Dachshund: the short-haired, the wired-haired, and the long-haired. With each of these varieties there are two sizes. The Dachshund is an elongated, vigorous, muscular dog with short legs. It carries itself proudly and has an intelligent expression. Solid-colour Dachshunds may be tan or yellow. Bi-colour Dachshunds may be deep black, brown, or grey with areas of bright chestnut.

The modern name Dachshund simply means badger (dachs) dog (hund) in German. These tenacious hunters would follow their quarry, enter its burrow, pull it out and kill it. The Dachshund comes in three coat varieties and two sizes. The original Dachshunds were smooth-coated. It is also possible that smooth Dachshunds were later crossed with spaniels and the German Stoberhund (a gun dog) to produce the long-haired variety. Mention is made of wire-coated Dachshunds as early as 1797, but most modern wires were created around the end of the 19th century by crossing smooth Dachshunds with German Wirehaired Pinschers and the Dandie Dinmont Terrier. The Dachshund has since found its real niche as a family pet, steadily rising in popularity.

The Dachshund is bold, curious and always up for adventure. It likes to hunt and dig, tracking by scent and going to ground after game. It is independent but will join in its family's activities whenever given a chance. It is good with children in its own family, but some may snap at strange children. Most are reserved with strangers. The long-haired variety may be quieter, and the wires may be more outgoing.

Long-haired require daily combing and brushing; wire-haired need regular hand stripping, and smooth-haired require regular rubdown with a damp cloth. This breed is an average shedder.