Dachshund
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
The dachshund is a long dog with very short legs. A small dog with a big bark, it was originally bred as a hunter of badgers. Its name means "badger dog" in German. Badgers are a formidible opponent for their size, and the dachshund, perhaps accordingly, has earned a reputation for "extraordinary courage and endurance as a hunter". (reference The Reader's Digest Illustrated Book of Dogs page 120)
Hound or terrier?
The 'hund" in the word Dachshund is derived from the original German, and does not signify that this breed is a hound. Instead, dachshunds are often considered terriers, specifically, an earth dog that is willing to "go to ground" and hunt its quarry in tunnels.
