The Dachshund, developed in Germany three centuries ago, is a perfect example of form following function. With his long, low body, prominent forechest and front legs designed for digging, the dachshund is well equipped for going underground to hunt badger and other den-dwelling animals. A versatile hunter, he has the instincts and intelligence to excel in conformation, earthdog, obedience, agility and tracking events. The clever, affectionate dachshund is an entertaining and devoted pet. The three Varieties - Longhaired, Smooth, and Wirehaired - compete separately in the show ring. Within each variety (coat type) the two sizes, miniature (11 lbs and under at 12 months old) and standard, are shown together. There is a vast difference between a minature and a standard size wise. For those who have not seen what the true standard looks like in person, many people mistankingly state that an oversize miniature (called a tweenie) is a standard. They are not. They are oversized miniatures and lack the structure and conformation of a true standard. 

The miniature and the standard should be identical in conformation, the only exception being size.