Bred in 17th-century Germany to dig out badgers (Dachs = badger, Hund = dog), the Dachshund's elongated body and fearless personality come straight from the job. Bold, vocal, and stubborn enough to ignore commands, they bond fiercely to one or two people and dislike strangers. Their distinctive shape comes with a major caveat: 1 in 4 will suffer intervertebral disc disease, so stairs, sofa jumps, and obesity are all serious risks.
