The Daschund is a breed of dog that was originally developed in Germany to hunt badgers. Daschund means "badger dog" in German. Daschunds are very extreme-looking in appearance as they have very long bodies, tails, ears and muzzles, but very short legs.

Possible Daschund colors include brindle and blue and cream, but black and tan and red are the most common colors seen in Daschunds. Most kennel show clubs don't recognize the solid chocolate brown or solid black varieties and these colors are rare. Red Daschunds may either be light or dark and the red may be rusty or more coppery. Sometimes, red Daschunds have black mixed in with the red and this desirable coloring is called an "overlay" by breeders.

Most Daschunds have smooth coats, but long-haired and wire-haired varieties of the breed also exist. The wire-haired Daschund is actually quite rare. They usually need professional grooming, while the other types of Daschunds have more easy-care coats. Because of their long-bodied shape, Daschunds are called "wiener dogs" in North America and "sausage dogs" in the United Kingdom. "Doxie" and "Daschie" are other American nicknames for the breed, while "Dackel" and "Teckel" are German nicknames given to the breed and refer to the Daschund's scent hound tracking capabilities.

Back injuries are common in Daschunds and it's important to keep their weight proportionate to their size to offer the needed support for their spines. These dogs will often roll on carpeting or grass to keep their spines flexible. When carrying a Daschund, his or her back should always be supported. They should not be allowed to jump from too great a height. Stools in the home are often a good idea to allow the dog access to beds and other furniture.

Daschunds are known to be playful dogs that love chasing games. They are said to be stubborn to train and may like digging holes in the garden. Daschunds have a loud bark for their size and tend to make loyal watch dogs. Most Daschunds don't like to be alone and may whine and/or damage household furnishings if left alone. They need to be around people, but may not be the best choice for homes with children, as they may snap if they become excited.