The Untold History of the Dachshund Breed

Have you ever caught yourself asking about the history of the Dachshund, like where they come from and how they became so iconic? This page is going to give you the answer. There’s a lot that’s truly interesting about their origins, and it’s more than just a fun question for dog lovers — it’s a story worth knowing.

Let’s sit back and begin. The Dachshund didn’t just appear out of nowhere. Their roots trace back to early hunting dogs, shaped by purpose and perseverance. If you’ve ever wondered about the breed’s past, you’re in the right place — this is where it all begins.

The Untold History of the Dachshund Breed – Short Answer

The Untold History of the Dachshund Breed reveals that these iconic dogs were originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers. Their long bodies and bold nature made them perfect for digging into burrows. Over time, they evolved from skilled hunters to beloved family companions, carrying with them a rich and fascinating legacy.

Ancient Origins and Early Development

The official origin of the Dachshund can be traced back to Germany in the 15th Century, where two sizes of dachshunds were bred primarily for hunting. The Standard Dachshund excelled at sniffing and flushing out badgers and other burrow-dwelling mammals, while the Miniature Dachshund specialized in chasing rabbits—highlighting the key differences in their classification across size groups like this breed comparison.

In the United States, they were even used to hunt prairie dogs and track deer, proving their versatility across continents. The name Dachshund literally means “badger dog” in German, deriving from the words “Dachs” and “Hund”. 

In modern Germany, they’re often called Dackel or Teckel, with Teckel still used among hunters. Elsewhere, they’ve earned nicknames like wiener dogs or sausage dogs, thanks to their long, slender, sausage-like body and build that’s impossible to miss.

Purpose-Bred for Badger and Rabbit Hunting

Their front paws are paddle-shaped, helping them with extreme digging—an essential trait when chasing prey like badgers and rabbits. A deep chest gives them increased lung capacity, especially valuable when working underground for long periods during hunts.

If you look at an example from the 1800s, you’ll see early Dachshunds were the result of dwarf mutations of taller hunting hounds like the Schweisshund and Bibarhund. Through selective breeding, hunters gradually shortened their legs with a desire to perfect the breed for going down holes after Rabbits and Badgers.

Physical Evolution Through Selective Breeding

Diversity in Coats and Roots

It’s fascinating how varied the Dachshund is among purebred dogs—so much so that the Fédération Internationale Cynologique assigns it a separate group. With three coat types, the smooths are believed to be the original variation. 

Theories suggest a long list of possible ancestors, including pointers, terriers, Bloodhounds, and Basset Hounds, each contributing to the breed’s keen sense of scent.

The longhairs came through selective breeding of smooths with varying coat lengths. Later, in the 1800s, the addition of rough-coated terriers gave rise to the wirehairs. Many speculate that the Wirehaired Dachshund’s occasionally softer expression and temperament are likely attributable to this infusion of terrier blood.

Size Variations Across Time and Place

Size is yet another area where Dachshunds diverge. A boom in Germany’s rabbit population during the 1800s led to the development of the miniature Dachshund. Beyond standards and minis, Europe’s FCI acknowledges a third category known as the “Teckel”, short for Rabbit Dachshund, which falls between the two. 

In the United States, only standard and miniature Dachshunds are officially recognized, with miniatures defined by weight. Interestingly, there’s also an informal middle ground—the “tweenie”, a shortened form of “in betweenie.”

Coat Colors, Patterns, and Eye Variations

The Dachshund’s coat is a distinct identifier of the breed, coming in three textures: Longhaired with a double coat that’s sleek, soft, and glistening, falling in straight or slightly wavy outercoat; smooth, which is short, dense, shiny, and smooth fitting; and wirehaired, featuring a uniform, thick, harsh outercoat with a finer, shorter-haired undercoat—often finished with a signature beard.

When it comes to colors, Dachshunds can be one-colored like red or cream, or two-colored, including shades such as black, chocolate, wild boar, gray, and fawn, all with tan or cream markings (as per AKC).

In the UKC, additional variants include red-yellow, yellow, deep black, brown, and white with brown or yellow markingss—patterns like dapples and those featuring white spotting can even be explored further in resources covering rare coat types.

With dappled patterns present in both standards. Some unique eye colors—like green, blue, or wall-eye—may appear in dapple variants, though they are common, they are generally not desirable according to breed standards

Sizes and Global Classification

There are three different sizes of Dachshund: standard, miniature, and kaninchen (or Rabbit in German). While standard and miniature Dachshunds are recognised universally, the Rabbit-sized variety isn’t acknowledged by clubs in the United Kingdom or the USA. 

However, the World Canine Federation (also known as the Fédération Cynologique Internationale or FCI) officially recognizes the kaninchen, with support from kennel clubs across 83 countries around the world.

A fully grown standard Dachshund typically weighs between 16lb (7.3kg) and 32lb (15kg). The miniature variety averages less than 12lb (5.4kg), while the kaninchen falls in the smallest bracket, between 8lb (3.6kg) and 11lb (5.0kg).

Role in German Culture and Politics

The Dachshund has traditionally been seen as a symbol of Germany, often used by political cartoonists who employed the image of the breed to ridicule the country. As a result of its strong association with Germany, the breed’s popularity plummeted greatly in the USA during World War 1. 

That same stigma was revived in World War 2, though to a lesser, more short-lived extent. To distance the beloved pets from the tensions of war, American owners began calling them “liberty hounds”, mirroring the patriotic rebranding of food items like “liberty cabbage” instead of sauerkraut in North America.

Rise in Popularity and Celebrity Owners

Royal Favor and Historic Figures

Queen Victoria was a prominent owner of dachshunds, deeply enamoured by the breed—especially the lighter-shaded varieties often highlighted in articles on elegant color variations.

She played a major role in its spread, having imported several and being credited with introducing them to the British Isles, where they soon cemented their place in the UK. 

Even today, dachshunds thrive in the Royal Family, especially with Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, who, like her great-great-grandmother, was also fond of them. Notable figures beyond royalty include Kaiser Wilhelm II and German Field Marshal Erwin Rommel, both of whom were known owners. 

Kaiser Wilhelm II’s dogs—Wadl and Hexl—once caused quite a stir by killing a priceless golden pheasant at Archduke Franz Ferdinand’s country seat, nearly triggering an international incident. Another dachshund, Senta, is even buried at the Manor Huis Doorn in the Netherlands.

Famous Admirers & Modern Popularity

A number of famous people have also owned a Dachshund. Andy Warhol had two, Archie and Amos, both featured in his paintings and diaries. John F. Kennedy once bought a dachshund puppy for his girlfriend Olivia, though it remained in Germany due to his allergies. 

Other admirers included Grover Cleveland, the 22nd and 24th President, and General Claire Lee Chennault, commander of the Flying Tigers and later the China Air Task Force of the US Army Air Force.

In modern times, the breed has enjoyed a resurgence in popularity, appearing in countless advertisements, from newspapers and websites to TV ads. A standout of modern social trends is the rise of celebrity animals like Crusoe the Celebrity Dachshund, who has brought global attention back to the breed in the digital age.

Personality Traits Rooted in History

The Dachshund is known for a playful yet stubborn temperament, which can make them a challenge to train. Despite their small size, their body language often shows boldness. As a breed, they’re deeply loyal and devoted to their owners.

Their burrowing behaviour comes from a history of digging for badgers, and you’ll still find them burrowing into blankets when bored or tired. 

Dachshunds are also highly intelligent, independent, and creative—turning simple things like mopping the floor into a game. Many owners proudly testify to their puzzle-solving talents and their knack for spotting any opportunity afforded to them.

Health Legacy From Historical Build

The average litter size of a dachshund typically ranges between 4 and 8, and they usually live anywhere from 12 years old up to 17 years old, giving them a respectable lifespan for small dogs. Like any breed of dog, dachshunds can be prone to health problems. 

One of the most common is intervertebral disk disease (IVDD), a spinal problem linked to their short rib cage and long spinal column. They can also suffer from patellar luxation, where the kneecap may become dislodged, and Osteogenesis imperfecta, also known as brittle bone disease. 

Even simple things like obesity, intense exercise, rough handling, or jumping can worsen spinal injuries. Some double dapples are especially at risk for vision and hearing loss. Additional ailments include Cushing’s Syndrome, hereditary epilepsy, and various eye problems like cataract, glaucoma, and cherry eye.

Dachshunds in Modern Times

The Dachshund holds a strong position in today’s dog world, with an AKC popularity rank placing it among the Top 10 breeds in the U.S. as of 2022. Much of its modern appeal has been boosted by social media popularity, thanks to icons like Crusoe the Celebrity Dachshund and other popular influencers.

Beyond the spotlight, Dachshunds are increasingly being recognized for their value in therapy and emotional support roles, a testament to their loyalty and sensitivity. Alongside this, there’s a growing awareness of the breed’s health needs, leading to more focused selective breeding efforts aimed at promoting better spinal health.

Final Thoughts

The Untold History of the Dachshund Breed reveals a fascinating journey that spans centuries, continents, and cultures. From their purposeful origins as fearless burrowers to their roles in royal households and pop culture, they’ve even been featured in fun roundups celebrating their quirks and history.

War-time propaganda, and modern-day stardom, Dachshunds have proven to be much more than just a charming silhouette. 

Their story is one of resilience, adaptability, and deep loyalty — qualities that continue to win hearts across generations. As both beloved companions and cultural icons, their legacy is as long and enduring as their famously low profile.

FAQ’s

What were Dachshunds originally bred for?

Dachshunds were originally bred in Germany for hunting badgers, which is why their name translates to “badger dog” in German. They were specifically developed to pursue and flush out burrowing animals like rabbits and foxes. With short legs, long bodies, and tenacious personalities, they were well-suited for navigating underground tunnels and dens.

What is the lineage of the dachshund?

The history of the dachshund reflects its creation by German breeders, blending elements of German, French, and English hounds and terriers, resulting in the unique and tenacious breed we know today.

What is the original dachshund?

It is believed that Dachshunds were developed from dwarf mutations of larger hunting hounds such as the Schweisshund and Bibarhund. Through selective breeding, hunters shortened the dogs’ legs to help them efficiently enter burrows and chase rabbits and badgers, refining the breed’s unique structure and hunting abilities.

Why are Dachshunds so special?

Smart and alert with a surprisingly loud bark, Dachshunds excel as watchdogs. Originally bred to face dangerous prey alone, they’re brave—sometimes overly so—and can be quite stubborn. Yet their charming personality and distinct appearance have captured the hearts of dog lovers worldwide.