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Dachshund
The long-bodied, short-legged "sausage dog" — bold, clever and a burrowing hunter at heart.
How to spot it
Unmistakable: a long body on very short legs, a deep chest and a long muzzle. Standards weigh up to about 9 kg and miniatures under 5 kg. Coats come in three types — smooth, long-haired and wire-haired — in many colours.
Temperament
Lively, brave and often strong-willed — it was bred to go to ground after badgers and foxes, so it is fearless and determined. Devoted to its family and a keen little watchdog, with a surprisingly deep bark.
Exercise & training
Needs moderate exercise but should not be allowed to jump from heights or climb a lot of stairs, to protect its long back. Clever but stubborn, so training needs patience and rewards.
Grooming & care
Grooming depends on the coat — smooth is easy, long-haired needs brushing, wire-haired needs occasional hand-stripping. Keep it lean, as extra weight strains the spine.
Health & lifespan
Around 12–16 years. The long back makes it prone to intervertebral disc disease (a slipped disc) — avoid jumping and obesity to lower the risk.
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