Dachshund birth rate dwindling

BERLIN, March 8 (UPI) -- The trusty Dachshund, a long-time national favorite in Germany, is in the midst of a dwindling birth rate, a report said.

The short-legged, long-bodied animal, sometimes called a "sausage dog," is still popular but only 7,300 puppies were born in Germany last year, down 40 percent from a decade ago, Der Spiegel said.

Observers told Der Spiegel that dog lovers now have "an endless variety" to choose from and often opt for dogs from Eastern Europe because they're cheaper than a pure-bred Dachshund, which can cost up to about $650.