The dachshund was originally used to hunt badgers, wild boar,foxes, and rabbits. The name "dachshund" means "badger dog" inGerman, where these dogs were first bred. Woodcuts and paintingsfrom the fifteenth century show badgers being hunted by dogs withshort legs, long bodies, and hound-like ears. To this day, the dachshund'sshort muscular legs are well suited for burrowing into tunnels andunderground lairs, although the breed has never been active as ahunting dog in the United States. As pets, dachshunds are lively,loyal, and assertive watchdogs.