 
'Dachshund' is a German word meaning 'badger dog', and the breed's German history goes back some 600 years. The Dachshund was developed to enthusiastically dig his way into a badger den and dispatch its occupant. The Dachshund's long, low body was ideal for this dirty subterranean work.Dachshunds stand 23 centimetres at the shoulder and have an average weight of 11 kilograms; miniature dachshunds are even shorter at just 15 cm and weigh on average a mere 5 kg. With a life expectancy of as much as 16 years, these dogs have become affectionate pets, good with both young children and other dogs Their colouration includes black & tan (above right), red, chocolate, cream, and black, with smooth, wirehaired, and longhaired versions. Dachshunds have been described as having a playful personality and unwavering loyalty. Smart and vigilant, they make fine watchdogs. Bred to be an independent hunter of dangerous prey, they can be brave to the point of rashness, and a bit stubborn, but their endearing nature and unique look has won millions of hearts the world over. The little dog's surprisingly loud, 'houndy' bark is also a throwback to his working roots: it allowed the Dachshund's above-ground human hunting partner to mark his hound's underground location.  
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