Classifying the Dachshund Breed

Back in 2002, Mike Loftus founded Illinois-based middle market company MLE Merchandising & Sign Solutions with $40,000 of capital. By 2015, MLE had already reached the $25-million revenue mark. One of Mike Loftus’ other interests outside of work include pets. He and his family have a horse and several dogs, including a Dachshund.

The Dachshund is an interesting dog breed which was fittingly described by journalist H.L. Mencken as "half a dog high and a dog and a half long," a physical description which makes it distinct from other breeds. Despite its rather miniature size, it is also known for its tough personality. In fact, its name literally translates to "badger dog," as it has been known to be able to hunt badgers.

As with other breeds, the Dachshund breed also features different varieties. One way to categorize Dachshunds are based on their hair; they are either smooth (shorthaired), wirehaired, or longhaired. Different countries also have different ways of identifying varieties. In the United States, for example, Dachshunds can either be miniature (when they are under 11 pounds as an adult) or standard (when their adult weight falls between 16 and 32 pounds). Meanwhile, in Germany, the breed's country of origin, Dachshunds have their chest measurements taken at the age of fifteen months in order to be classified as either Standard, Miniature, or Kaninchenteckel.