Dachshund

Appearance: Famously known as the 'wiener dog,' the Dachshund is a long-bodied, short-legged marvel of engineering. They come in three coat varieties (smooth, wirehaired, or longhaired) and two sizes (standard or miniature). Despite their low-slung profile, they carry themselves with a surprising amount of dignity and have a deep, barrel-chested bark that belongs to a much larger dog.

Traits & Characteristics: Don't let the short legs fool you; Dachshunds are brave, independent, and occasionally stubborn. They were originally bred to hunt badgers, which requires a significant amount of 'chutzpah.' They are loyal companions who enjoy a good burrow under a blanket as much as a stroll in the park.

Origins: Germany, where they were developed to follow prey into underground burrows.