The dachshund, also known as the wiener dog, is a short-legged, long-bodied, hound-type dog breed. They can be smooth-haired, wire-haired, or long-haired, and come in a variety of colors. They have a life expentancy of 12 to 16 years. Dachshunds are playful, but as hunting dogs can be quite stubborn and are known for chasing small animals, birds, and tennis balls with great determination and ferocity. Dachshunds were originally used as badger hunters.