Dachshund
In German, "Dachs" means "badger" and "Hund" means "hound" (or "dog") so if you come to the conclusion that the Dachshund was bred to hunt badgers, you are correct. Their long bodies and short legs are just right for burrowing down to where the badgers hide. Modern Doxies like to burrow too, which almost cost Courtney and Gus their lives. They were breeder's dogs, but when they dug out of the fenced yard, the breeder decided she didn't want them any more and left them to die at the county pound. If they aren't digging in your yard, they will happily burrow under the warm covers of your bed. While all Dachshunds are relatively small, they come in three distinct sizes: Standard, or full size weigh up to 30 lbs, Minis are between 6 and 12 lbs, and "Tweenies" (inbetween standards and minis) weigh up to 20 lbs. As is that weren't enough, they have three different kinds of coats: smooth (like Rosco, Bunnie, Courtney and Gus) long-haired (like Potter), and wire-haired. Some say that the long-haired Doxies are mellow, the smooth-coated Doxies outgoing, and the wire-haired Doxies show their terrier heritage. Common colors are solid red (like Rosco), solid cream, "two-tone" black-and-tan (like Potter and Bunnie) or brown-and-tan). Actually, just about any color or color pattern is allowed. Currently there is some controversy over what should be considered the "right" color for Doxies. However, piebalds and tricolors like Courtney and Gus are still allowed. With Dachshunds, you almost have several breeds within a breed.
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| "Rosco" (male) courtesy of Happy Hills Animal Foundation Status: verified, Age: 6 yrs Size: small Weight: 15 lbs
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"Potter" (male) courtesy of Mighty Mutts Status: verified, Age: 5 yrs Size: small Weight: unknown
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"Bunnie" (female) courtesy of Happy Hills Animal Foundation Status: verified, Age: 2 yrs Size: very small Weight: 8 lbs
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"Courtney" (female) courtesy of Happy Hills Animal Foundation Status: verified, Age: 4 yrs Size: small Weight: 10 lbs Height 6"
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"Gus" (male) courtesy of Happy Hills Animal Foundation Status: verified, Age: 3 yrs Size: small Weight: 14 lbs Height 8"
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