History

• The dachshund was first breed in the 1600s in Germany as a hunting dog. The term "dachshund" means "badger dog" in German. The dogs were used to go into the burrow of a badger and drag it out. The long and low profile of the dog was a perfect fit for this type of hunting. In fact, the dachshund is considered one of the smallest hunting dogs.
  
  

Senses

• The miniature dachshund has the senses of a skilled hunter. The dog's nose is able to pick up scents that are up to a week old to track and follow. The hearing of the miniature dachshund is four times as sensitive as that of a human. The tongue has no taste buds and the dog is likely to eat a wide variety of items, some of which are not food. The dachshund's eyesight has strengths and weakness: A dachshund's eyes can detect movement at great distances and see well in low light, but it has trouble focusing on close items and it sees in very limited colors.
  
  

The Secret of Short Legs

• The condition of hypochondroplasia in humans is a condition where the limbs of the individual are abnormally short. This is a genetic mutation of a certain gene. All dachshunds, along with corgis, basset hounds and Pekingese owe the shortness of their legs to a single genetic mutation that occurred thousands of years ago, according to the Times Online website. This mutation creates an extra gene, which interferes with normal bone development in embryonic development.
  
  

Famous Dachshund Owners

• A number of famous individuals have owned dachshunds at one time or another. Politicians that have owned the dog breed include former French prime minister Maurice Couve De Murville, Queen Victoria of England and Adlai Stevenson, former governor of Illinois and candidate for US presidency. Many famous actors and actresses, including John Wayne, James Dean, David Hasselhoff and Joan Crawford, have all owned dachshunds. Artists who have owned dachshunds include Pablo Picasso, EB White and Dorothy Parker.