Dachshund - A tough little number that's more dog than sausage.

The Dachshund, affectionately referred to as the 'weiner' or 'sausage' dog is short on leg but long on personality. Don't let this breed fool you, as this small, drop-eared scent hound is tough enough to take on a badger. In fact, that's what he was bred for and how he got his name (Dachs meaning badger; hund meaning dog). Dachshunds are a wonderful addition to any family, with his curious, persistent and fun-loving nature. He loves being involved in family activities. Usually Dachshunds bond closely with a single family member. This means they have a tendency to get jealous of their owner's attention and become snappy if not trained and socialized properly. They appear to possess seemingly boundless energy, and certainly have the ability to keep you well entertained. Because he likes to vocalize readily when strangers approach, the breed can be a good watchdog. However, if you have close neighbors this might mean they get annoyed rather than amused by his. If introduced at an early age, the Dachshund can bond well with children. The breed is intelligent and willing to learn.  However, they can be somewhat stubborn and independent. This trait can make their training challenging, but nonetheless fun.