Learning DCOM

Colophon

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The animals on the cover of Learning DCOM are dachshunds. Dachshunds are easily identified by their long bodies, short legs, and long, hanging ears. Dachshund coats can be shorthaired, longhaired, or wirehaired. The American Kennel Club recognizes two sizes of dachshund: miniature (those weighing less than 10 pounds) and standard (those weighing 11 to 25 pounds). In Europe three sizes of dachshund, determined by chest circumference when the dogs are 15 months old, are recognized. The sizes are: standard (chest circumference of more than 35 cm), dwarf (30-35 cm), and miniature (less than 30 cm).

The word “dachshund” means “badger dog” in German, and this peculiarly shaped dog was first bred in Germany to hunt badgers and other burrowing animals. They are fearless and independent dogs who can follow a badger into its burrow, put up a fierce fight, and retrieve the badger. Their independence is an important trait for badger hunting, as dachshunds need to be able to decide what to do without guidance from their masters when they are deep inside a badger hole. This same independence, however, can make them difficult dogs to train. Despite this, they are extremely loyal to their owners, and as of 1996 the AKC listed them as the sixth most ...