The German Dachshund has the most unique shape of all the hound group. The short legs are aptly suited to this breed that was once used for hunting badgers in Germany. Here are some intriguing Dachshund facts:

German Dachshund Facts

The American Kennel Club classifies the Dachshund as a hound. It has extremely short legs attached to a long body, and comes in three varieties: wirehaired, shorthaired, and longhaired. Each variety also comes in three sizes.

The German Dachshund is powerfully built with short legs and lengthened body. It also has a long head with a convex skull and eyebrows which stick out. Its jaws are powerful and strong. Its oval shaped dark eye can be brown, black or red. It has a very happy and lively expression. The long ears hang down and the tail is held in straight line with the body.

One of the Dachshund facts set by the AKC is the standards for height and weight. A standard size dachshund is typically 14 to 18 inches in height with a weight averaging 20 pounds. Dwarf or miniature size dachshunds can be up to 14 inches in height and weigh 9 pounds, while the toy size, the smallest variety, weighs approximately 8 pounds and stands up to 12 inches high. Dachshund life spans range from 12 to 15 years.

Dachshunds come in two major color varieties: solid and bi-color. Solid colored animals will be yellow or tan. Bi-colors include chestnut with black, brown, or gray markings, or can be harlequin or piebald marked.

Loyal and affectionate by nature, dachshunds can also be a bit mischievous as well as somewhat willful which can make them difficult to train. They also love to dig so you'll have to watch out for holes in your yard. The wire haired dachshund is considered by some to be the more clownish and outgoing variety with the long-haired thought to be a bit calmer.

Dachshunds are known to be a little lazy and can easily gain weight, both of which put them at risk for a number of health problems, including infections of their urinary tracts, diabetes, heart disease, and difficulties with the discs in their spines.

German Dachshunds are average shedders. The shorthaired variety are almost maintenance free, only needing occasional attention with a grooming cloth. The long-haired types require daily brushing and wirehaired dachshunds need an appointment with a professional groomer twice a year for a cut.