It is doubtless that this dog had its functional origin as a hunter. In German the word dachs means badger and the word hund means dog. So, a Dachshund is a badger dog. Badgers weigh between 25 and 50 pounds and so, these little dogs required much strength, stamina, keenness, and courage for the hunt. Dachshunds have also been used in pack hunting for wild boar, foxes, and deer.
Dachshunds have elegant streamlined proportions.
They have smooth or long haired coats. There are also some with wirehair coats for protection against briar patches and thorn bushes. Coat types each remain distinctive as there is no benefit in cross breeding different coat types. Sizes vary from 16-22 pounds, twelve pounds, and under five pounds. Even the under five pounders have plenty of natural hunting spirit.