Dachshund

The Dachshund was built for a fight underground. German foresters wanted a dog that could follow a badger down its tunnel and not back out.

The name says so. Dachs is badger. Hund is dog. Every odd thing about the shape is on purpose. Short legs keep the nose near the ground. The long body fits the burrow. The big bark carries up through the earth.

There are two sizes and three coats. Smooth, long, and wire. Red, cream, black and tan, dapple, and more. Each coat type seems to bring its own temper.

The shape even named a meal. German immigrants sold sausages that looked like the breed. By most tellings, that is how America got the hot dog.

The personality is far larger than the dog. A Dachshund is brave to the point of nonsense, stubborn as a stain, and certain it is in charge. You do not own a Dachshund. You are assigned to one.

Look after that long back. Skip the big jumps and the long stairs. Offer a hand up and a ramp.