The German Dachshund's body type is very interesting compared to that of your average hound dog. The short legs are for a specific reason. When first bred in Germany, they were designed for hunting badgers. The following are some other equally interesting Dachshund facts regarding this unique breed:

The Dachshund's defining feature is its long body and short legs. This breed comes in three varieties, including wirehaired, shorthaired and long haired, and dogs of each variety come in three different sizes. Dachshunds belong to the AKC hound group.

The German Dachshund has an elongated, muscular body and short legs. It has an elongated head, convex skull and eyebrows that stick out. His jaws are pronounced and muscular. He has a friendly and active expression, with dark oval eyes (eyes can be brown, black or even appear red). His long ears flop down. The upright tail is aligned with his back.

The AKC determines Dachshund facts when it comes to height and weight. Standard size is defined as 14-18 inches, and the average weight is set at 20 pounds. Dwarf or miniature size is 14 inches or less, and average weight is about 9 pounds. The toy version is under a foot in height, and weighs approximately 8 pounds.

Dachshunds are found in single color or bi-color. Single color appears in yellow or tan. Bi-color includes bright chestnut color with black, brown or gray markings. Other varieties include harlequin and piebald.

Dachshunds are lovable and loyal, but because of their headstrong nature they are difficult to teach. They are a little naughty and are very enthusiastic about digging holes in your courtyard. Some people consider the long-haired as a quiet one and the wire-haired one as the extrovert and entertainer.

As Dachshunds mature, they may become more inactive and gain weight, which is not good for their health. Common health problems include heart disease, diabetes, problems with their back and urinary tract infections.

The shedding rate of German Dachshunds is about average, as compared to other breeds. The shorthaired variety is the easiest to care for in this regard, as it generally only needs rubbing with a chamois or soft cloth. Longhaired varieties will need to be brushed every day. It's a well known Dachshund fact that the wirehaired Dachshund's grooming is a little more complicated, and will probably need to be seen by a professional dog groomer every six months or so.