The Dachshund is a short-legged, elongated dog breed of
the hound family. From German, Dachshund (literally: "badger
dog"), referring to their utility in hunting badgers
and other hole-dwelling animals. A full-sized Dachshund
averages 12 to 24 lb (5 to 10 kg), while the Miniature
variety typically weighs less than 12 lb (5 kg). Colloquially
referred to as "wiener dogs" or "sausage
dogs" (German Wursthunds), Dachshunds are loyal,
playful dogs, known for their propensity to chase small
animals and birds. Modern Dachshunds are characterized
by their crooked-legs, loose skin and barrel chest, attributes
that were deliberately added to the breed to increase
their ability to burrow into tight spaces. They come in
three coat varieties: Smooth, Longhaired and Wirehaired.
H. L. Mencken said that "A dachshund is a half-dog
high and a dog-and-a-half long," which is their main
claim to fame.
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