# Dachshund (*Canis lupus familiaris*) A Dachshund is a long‑bodied, short‑legged dog that loves to dig. It was bred to follow tunnels after burrowing animals. - **Category:** [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/mammal) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Homes with soft beds and fenced yards for safe sniffing - **Also known as:** Doxie, Sausage Dog, Wiener Dog ![Dachshund](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426756/objects/4409.jpg) ## Appearance The Dachshund is a small dog known for its distinctively long body and short legs. It has a sleek head and comes in smooth, longhaired, or wirehaired coats, available in various colors like black and tan, red, or dappled patterns. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Mammalia - **Order:** Carnivora - **Family:** Canidae - **Genus:** Canis ## Interesting facts - Dachshunds were originally bred over 300 years ago in Germany to hunt badgers. - Despite their small size, their bark can be surprisingly deep and loud! - Their name "Dachshund" means "badger dog" in German! - They come in three sizes: standard, miniature, and the tiny kaninchen (rabbit). ## Special abilities - **Scent Tracking Sprint:** Dachshund can follow faint smells quickly because of their powerful nose that helps them locate hidden targets. - **Burrowing Prowess:** Dachshund has strong, paddle-like paws and a low body that helps them dig into tunnels with surprising speed. - **Agile Tunnel Navigation:** Dachshund can maneuver through narrow spaces due to its long, flexible spine that helps them chase prey underground. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 30-45 cm - **Weight:** 4.5-14.5 kg - **Lifespan:** 12-16 years - **Speed:** 30 km/h - **Litter Size:** 4-8 - **Gestation:** 60-64 days ## Diet & Feeding Dachshunds are typically omnivores, eating dog food and various human-provided snacks. - **Primary Foods:** dry dog food, wet dog food, meat scraps, vegetables, fruits ## Ecological connections - **Hunts:** [European Badger](https://www.snappit.app/explore/european-badger) (*Meles meles*) — Historically bred to hunt them. - **Parasitizes:** Cat Flea (*Ctenocephalides felis*) — A common ectoparasite that feeds on their blood. - **Symbiotic with:** [Human](https://www.snappit.app/explore/human) (*Homo sapiens*) — Provides companionship and care for shelter. ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Furry](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/furry): Furry describes animals possessing a dense covering of soft hair or fur. - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Omnivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/omnivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter. - [Burrowing](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/burrowing): Burrowing animals dig tunnels and chambers in the ground, using these subterranean structures for shelter, hunting, or breeding. - [Domesticated](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/domesticated): Domesticated refers to species that have been selectively bred and tamed by humans for specific purposes. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. ## Collections - [Mammals](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/mammals) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Keep stairs and jumps gentle to protect the long back; lift with two hands. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Dachshund? Compare ears, muzzle, tail, feet and coat markings. Size is hard to judge without something nearby for scale, and young mammals may not have adult coloring yet. Mammal Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Dachshund? 30-45 cm ### How much does Dachshund weigh? 4.5-14.5 kg ### How long does Dachshund live? 12-16 years ### How fast can Dachshund move? 30 km/h ### What does Dachshund eat? Dachshunds are typically omnivores, eating dog food and various human-provided snacks. ### Where is Dachshund usually found? Homes with soft beds and fenced yards for safe sniffing ### How many babies does Dachshund usually have? 4-8 ## More Mammals - [Eastern Fox Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-fox-squirrel) (*Sciurus niger*) - [Eastern Cottontail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-cottontail) (*Sylvilagus floridanus*) - [Eastern Chipmunk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-chipmunk) (*Tamias striatus*) - [California Ground Squirrel](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-ground-squirrel) (*Otospermophilus beecheyi*) --- Source: [Dachshund: Characteristics, Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/dachshund)