6. Dachshund: The Fearless Badger Hunter

Do not let their comical, sausage-like appearance fool you; the Dachshund is a rugged, courageous hound bred to dig into tight tunnels and fight angry badgers. Whether you choose a miniature (under 11 pounds) or a standard (16 to 32 pounds), you are getting a stubborn, clever, and profoundly loyal companion.

Dachshunds live between 12 and 16 years and come in three distinct coat varieties: smooth, wirehaired, and longhaired. They are notoriously strong-willed, meaning potty training and basic obedience work require extreme patience and consistency. They bond deeply with their owners and love nothing more than burrowing under thick blankets on the couch.

Because of their elongated spines, you must take special physical precautions to protect their backs. Install ramps near your furniture, never let them jump off the bed, and keep them at a strict, healthy weight to prevent Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), a paralyzing spinal condition common to the breed.