Called by many different names: weiner dogs, hot dogs, dachsies, mini or just doxie, the Dachshund is one hound dog breed that's small in stature but big in heart and devotion.

Dachshunds are a popular breed for a variety of reasons. They are typically very loyal dogs, and they have a great sense of adventure. Dachshunds were bred to be badger hunters, and for this reason, they love to follow the trail of small animals.

The dachshund is a short-legged, elongated dog breed of the hound family. The breed's name is German and literally means "badger dog. Dachshunds can be short-haired or long-haired. Their coats can be one of several colors, including red, sable, cream, black and tan, gray and tan, or brindle.

Male dachshunds can sometimes become overly aggressive even with members of their own family, and while they typically adore children, their aggressiveness may cause them to snap at or bite a child. Female dachshunds should not be bred more than once a year. Dachshunds can live from twelve to fifteen years if they are taken care of properly.

In the United States, there are, in total, six types of Dachshund. They come in two sizes: miniature (less than 10-11 pounds) and standard (all the rest, but usually above 18-20 pounds).

Dachshunds are a very clownish breed and can be very mischievous at times. A very intuitive dog, the Dachshund is now most commonly seen as a companion rather than a hunter. Anyone who meets a Dachshund has no doubt about who's dog it is. They are often one-person dogs, meaning they bond very closely with their master.

Some people train and enter their Dachshunds to compete in Dachshund racing, such as the Wiener Nationals. Several races across the country routinely draw several thousand attendees.