The Dachshund, also known as the "hot dog" or "wiener dog," dates back to the fifteenth century. Many accept the theory that the breed originated in Germany, although there is evidence that suggests that the breed may also have been present in Greece, Egypt, China and Mexico.
The Dachshund was originally developed to hunt badgers, but they are also well-suited for hunting larger game. In 1888 the German Dachshund Club was founded and a breed standard was developed in an effort to promote a dog that was as beautiful as it was intelligent.
Three different coats are associated with the breed, including the smooth coat, long coat and wirehaired coat. Dachshunds also come in different sizes including standard, medium and miniature.
The breed was introduced to the United States in 1885 and received American Kennel Club recognition in 1992.
