If you've ever seen a dachshund in action, you know that the information in the picture above is absolutely correct. In fact, I'd like to discuss each item:
Sherlock sniffer: Yep, a dachshund's nose is his main sensory organ. Although his brain is only 10% the size of humans, 40% of it is devoted to his sense of smell.
Velvety ears: I dearly love to rub my doxie Duke's soft ears. I've always been partial to dogs with long ears as opposed to those with short, pointed ears. NOW BEFORE THE POINTED-EAR CROWD GETS UP IN ARMS, it's merely a personal preference. Geez.
Torpedo body: If you've ever seen a dachshund take off after something, you know exactly
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| Grandson and Duke |
what I'm talking about. My husband Clark primes Duke before Duke goes out into our backyard by stoking the fire: "You better get that kitty cat out there, boy!" When Clark opens the basement door, Duke shoots out like . . . well, a torpedo.
Rat tail: Don't have that much to say about the tail--it's shaped like a rat's, I suppose. I do know that it wags a lot, switching into a windshield wiper tail when food is present.
Chicken drumsticks: The short legs are just cute to me. Duke has some meat on his that I love to pinch (no, not to hurt him, but it must tickle because he tries to "get" my hand when I do).
Back rabbit feet: These feet work equally well for scratching an itch or gripping the ground.
Two front shovels: Now we're talking! I've heard dachshund owners complain about their doxies digging up the yard--and the dawgs are very good at it. Duke doesn't dig--he's more into smelling everything. Along with their penchant for burrowing, they were initially bred to catch badgers. Thus dachshund is German for "badger dog."
Proud chest: Ever seen a doxie prance around with his head held high after receiving praise for an accomplishment? (It could be as mundane as bringing one of his toys to a human or as sublime as rescuing a child.) That proud chest is definitely stuck out there.
