Everybody loves the wiener dog. Originally bred as one of the most tenacious and courageous hunting dogs of all time, since the early 1900s the dachshund has also become recognized as one of the most popular companion dogs. With its unique physique, athleticism, intelligence, entertaining character, and big-dog-in-a-little-body attitude, the dachshund offers tremendous versatility as both a pet and a performance dog.