Dachshunds are one of the top ten most popular dog breeds in the United States, according the American Kennel Club. Their popularity can be attributed to an array of different factors. This article will give a brief history of the dachshund, as well as describe some of the traits that have made them a popular breed for many years.

Some reports suggest that Dachshund-like dogs go back as far as ancient Egyptian times, where remains of the animals have been found in Egyptian tombs. The name Dachshund literally translates into “Badger Dog” in German, where the breed was given its name. They were given this name because they were used as a rodent hunting dog, often being sent down into badger holes to drag the creature out of its lair and kill it. For this reason, many Dachshunds have retained their tenacious nature, and are known for taking off to chase after wild animals.

Dachshunds are popular because many consider them to be very cute, they come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and they have long life spans. They also can make for an effective alert system for intruders, as they are typically wary of strangers. They don’t need much exercise and they can be very humorous and fun.

Dachshunds have a few drawbacks, however. They are notoriously hard to house break, and they are often very stubborn. They don’t do well off of leashes, and they are not usually very friendly towards other dogs. Also, they might not be the best breed of dog to choose if you have small children. They are also known for being one of the most aggressive of the small breed dogs.

If the positive traits of a Dachshund outweigh their potential negative ones, then a Dachshund can make a great and long lasting companion for you.