This breed was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in the early 1900's. This small, easily recognizeable dog is in the top five breeds of dogs. Dachshund's are a member of the hound family and have a long body, small legs and pointed face.

These dogs originate as far back as the 1500's where they were used to flush out badgers. Nowadays, they mainly live the life of a household pet though some compete in Dachshund and Earthdog trials.

Dachshunds are the perfect pet if you are looking for small sized dog, and have retained their instinct to hunt and dig and are home in wooded areas.  They like the attention of humans, but are also independent pets. Also known for being great with children and excellent indoor pets, Dachshunds make great watchdogs. Some are prone barking and can be snappy with strangers, until they get used to these new people.

These are active dogs who need to exercise on a daily basis. However , their small size allows them to release energy indoors by running around your house or apartment. They also enjoy long outdoor walks , mental training challenges and playing games. Sometimes it can be dificult to train Dachshunds because they can be stubborn, but in time they do become obedient pets.

Smooth coats mean they do not need too much grooming. Some long haired Dachshunds exist and grooming one or twice a week is adequate. The short haired version only needs to be brushed once a week.

Healthy dogs can live between 12 and 14 years. The main health risk for this breed of dog is Intervertebral Disk Disease. Other health issues include diabetes, Cushing's disease, patellar luxation, seizures and deafness. Overfeeding can become a problem and it's suggested that owners  get their pet tested for eye problems.

If you are looking for a small and family friendly pet dog, the Dachshund is an ideal choice, and this is reflected by its inclusion in the top five pets list.

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