Wire haired Dachshund dog, a small dog breed.

The name "Dachshund" comes from German (dachs) badger (hund) dog but in Germany, its country of origin, the breed is known as the "Teckel." Early German documents from the 16th century refer to predecessors as a little "earth dog", "badger digger." Often hunted in packs, they were bred for hunting ferocious badgers (in Europe) and would follow them right into their underground burrows, drag them out and kill them. The original Dachshunds were smooth coated. Longhaired variety came later, followed by the Wire hair variety near the end of the 18th century. The first Teckel stud book was created in Germany in 1890 and it referred to Smooth, Longhaired and Wirehaired varieties. The working ability of the breed is paramount and thus its size and structure are chiefly functional. Miniature varieties came later.

The Wirehair variety was developed about the end of the 19th century by crossing with some German Wirehaired Pinschers and with some terriers giving the coat a much harsher texture being functional in that it offered better protection in thorny rough brush and when they went underground. Like terriers, the Wire hair coat needs to be stripped of dead hairs, which is easily done with a stripping knife.

Dachshunds are clever, lively and courageous even to the point of rashness, definitely not shy. They make fun-loving active pets needing at least some daily physical and mental exercise. A puppy or adult, on an unrestricted diet, and not enough exercise will become fat. Long backs are prone to disc problems, known as the Dachshund back problem, thus overweight dogs are at risk. They are happy in the country where they can hunt, but adapt well to urban life. They are often vocal. Leaving them unattended outdoors is not neighborly. A Wirehaired Dachshund puppy is trainable, becoming a lovable, loyal family member, an exceptional watchdog.