Building Wireless Sensor Networks

Colophon

The animals on the cover of Building Wireless Sensor Networks are dachshunds. The short-legged, elongated dogs were first bred for hunting in the 17th century in Germany; in fact, the name literally means “badger dog.” Dachshunds are officially classified as members of the hound family in the United States, though there are some that argue that many varieties, especially wire-haired types, look and behave more like members of the terrier group. The World Canine Organization, which boasts 86 member countries, takes a middle road and specifies a separate group for dachshunds apart from both terriers and other scent hounds.

Further disagreement has arisen involving the official varieties of the dachshund breed. The World Canine Organization defines three sizes: standard, miniature, and rabbit. The American Kennel Club, on the other hand, recognizes only the standard and miniature sizes, arguing that so-called “rabbit” dachshunds are just comparatively smaller miniature varieties. Three coat types are universally recognized, however: smooth-haired, long-haired, and wire-haired.

Though dachshunds are popular pets in the United States, the dogs are perhaps most strongly prized in and associated with Germany. While dachshunds there are generally called Dackel, worthy specimens that are able to pass blood-tracking tests earn the moniker Teckel and are held in higher regard. Furthermore, the animal is so popular that a dachshund, named Waldi, was chosen as the official mascot of the ...