Dachshunds are usually red, tan, or black and tan, and their coats vary in length and texture. The short-haired, or smooth-coated, dachshund is the most common variety. Other varieties include the long-haired dachshund, which has long, silky, usually wavy hair, and the wirehaired dachshund, which has a short, rough coat of wavy hair.
Although the breed is commonly believed to have originated in Germany, and its name is a compound of the German words Dachs ("badger") and Hund ("dog"), the dachshund was probably developed in France from terriers and French basset hounds. Because it is an alert, affectionate dog, the dachshund has become one of the ten most popular pet dogs in the United States.
