Smooth Haired Dachshund

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History/Origin
The Smooth Haired Dachshund is an elongated and short-legged dog breed, which belongs to the hound family. It's German name literally means "badger dog." True to its name, the breed was, indeed, developed in order to smell, chase, and search for badgers. Some say that the Smooth Haired Dachshund has its origins back to the ancient Egypt. But its modern form is said to be a blend of European breeders, including the German, English, and French terriers and hounds.

For the most part, the Smooth Haired Dachshund has been a popular pet among the royal members, including Queen Victoria. The earliest writings about this breed, which name was originally "Tachs Krieger" (badger catcher) or "Tachs Kriecher" (badger crawler), date back to the early 1700's. There were references to "hole dogs" and "badger dogs" prior to that period. The original German Dachshund, which was either crook-legged or straight-legged in form, was said to weigh between 30 to 40 pounds, thus bigger and heavier than the modern breed. Aside from hunting and eliminating badgers, it is also used for hunting foxes and rabbits or locating wounded deer.

Description
The modern breed of Dachshund is characterized by its barrel-like chest (that protects its significantly big lungs), loose skin, and crooked legs. With its huge lungs, the breed then
makes a sonorous sound whenever it barks. All these features were added to the development of the Dachshund in order to improve their ability to go inside small holes. Meanwhile, the long tail of the Smooth Haired Dachshund is used to extract the dog in case it cannot get out of it after catching its prey.

The average weight of a full grown Smooth Haired Dachshund is between nine to twelve pounds. However, the Smooth Haired Dachshund, especially the female, is identified to grow approximately 10.4 kilograms. This dog exhibits a wide range of colors, though red, tan, and black are the most common hues. Also, since this dog is known for its hunting ability, it naturally bears sharp teeth that are usually described having closely-fit structure, which makes them very powerful in biting or holding the target. Indeed, this breed not only makes good hunter, but a reliable catcher as well.

Temperament
The Smooth Haired Dachshund is characterized as playful and loyal. In fact, the breed is known for its tendencies to chase smaller animals, such as birds, with ferocity and great determination. There are smooth-haired Dachshunds though that are strong-headed and therefore more difficult to train. The American Kennel Club's standards describe the breed as lively, clever, persevering in above or underground tasks, and courageous. The body language or temperament of the Smooth Haired Dachshund can serve as an indication if it does not care or does not know something. Meanwhile, it may become snappy if it is allowed to indulge. It is also known for its deep and soulful eyes, as well as complex and revealing facial expressions. Usually, its coat type is linked with its characteristic temperaments.