Head.—This is distinctly wedge-shaped and large in proportion to the size of the animal. Jaws strong.
Nose.—Black or Dudley (flesh) coloured. A red dog may have a black nose.
Eyes.—Well apart, with brown or black iris.
Ears.—These ought to be long, thin, covered by silky short hair and free from scales.
Neck.—Short and thick.
Chest.—Wide and deep, almost touching ground.
Shoulders.—The shoulders are very prominent and heavily clad with muscle, giving the dog a square appearance in front. A long body and well-rounded ribs are essentials.
Legs, Feet and Toes.—Most important. The forearm should be short and thick, running inwards so as to form almost right angles with the parts below. At the wrists or knees the parts touch each other and almost immediately bend outwards (splay-feet), as long, flat paws. These latter ought to be large and shovel-shaped, bearing long, strong, slightly-hooked claws of a black or brown colour, a white claw (as in Pugs) being objectionable. The more the "crook" the better. This, with well-rounded ribs and a long body, constitutes one of the chief points in a Dachshund, giving it a well-let-down appearance, but not too low.
Hind-quarters.—Strength in this region is of great importance, the croup being well-rounded and the thighs strong. The loins must be well arched. The tail thick and tapering, and carried like that of the Foxhound under excitement. It must not curl over the back, this being one of the worst faults a Dachshund can have.
From 17 to 22 lbs. is the average weight of dogs in fair condition.