Best described as short but fierce, Miniature Dachshunds are a formidable force on four little legs. Dachshunds were bred to hunt badgers; their long, low bodies made them ideal for tunneling into dens to flush out their prey. Their loud, persistent barks scared badgers, and their tenacious personalities earned the Miniature Dachshund respect and opportunities to hunt larger game. The origin of the breed is unclear. Although some evidence suggests that Dachshunds originated in countries like Greece, China, or Mexico, most experts believe the Miniature Dachshund originated in Germany around the 1400s. Dachshund means “badger dog” in German, but the breed is more commonly known as a “wiener dog,” “hot dog,” or “sausage dog.”