Originating in Germany where he is known as the Teckel (badger dog) the Dachshund, is still used for both tracking wounded game such as deer, and for going to ground after badger or rabbits. In his native country there are three sizes: standard, miniature and Kaninchen (rabbit dog) all defined by measuring the circumference of the chest.
In the UK there are two sizes with miniatures preferably weighing under 5 kilograms.
There are three coat types in each variety: the Smooth haired, the Long haired and the Wirehaired and the six varieties all share the same breed standard, divided by size and coat.
