Dachshunds, or “wiener dogs,” are unmistakable with their short legs and elongated, almost tubular appearance. These fierce little hunters make great watchdogs and loyal pets. Here are 10 Dachshunds facts you must know!
10. Dachshunds’ Appearance Was by Design
The elongated “wiener dog” look of Dachshunds was a shape purposely bred for performing a specific function – tunneling into burrows hunting badgers. Their long, floppy ears were a trait bred for protecting Dachshunds’ ear canals against dirt and bugs. Their long, curved tail served the purpose of helping to haul the dogs out if they became stuck in a burrow.
9. Dachshunds Were Bred to Be Hunters
Dachshunds were bred for their ferocious hunting skills, to scent, chase, and flush out badgers and other borrow-dwelling animals. These tough little dogs have been known to hunt in packs to take on wild boar and even wolverines. One study showed 20 percent of dachshunds bit strangers, as well as high rates of attacks on other dogs and their owners.
8. There Are Three Sizes of Dachshunds
Internationally, Dachshunds are recognized in three sizes: Standard, miniature, and kaninchen (German for “rabbit”). The AKC recognizes only standard (8-9 inches, 16-32 pounds) and miniature (5-6 inches, 11 pounds and under). The rabbit size is recognized in 83 kennel clubs around the world. It falls in between the miniature and standard size (8-11 pounds).
7. Dachshunds Have a Variety of Coats and Colors
Dachshund coat varieties can either be a smooth coat (short-haired), a silky coat (long-haired), or wire-haired, which is the least common in the US, but most common in Germany. Dachshund colors can be single colors or combinations of colors including black, cream, tan, blue, chocolate, fawn, red, wheaten, or wild boar.
6. The Surprising Lineage of Dachshunds
History says Dachshunds are a creation of German breeders, combining elements of German, French, and English hounds and terriers. The smooth-haired variety is said to be derived from the German shorthaired Pointer, a pincher (where Dobermans and other pinchers derive from), and a Bracke (a type of bloodhound). Others believe it came from a miniature French pointer and a pincher.
5. Dachshunds Have Existed for More Than 500 Years
Dachshunds first emerged as a breed in the early 1500s. However, they weren’t known by the name “dachshund” until the 1600s, according to the AKC. Others argue the breed, as we know it, didn’t emerge until the 1700s. Dachshunds are among the first 14 breeds recognized by the AKC, first registered in 1885, one year after the organization’s founding.
4. Dachshunds Excel at a Sport Called “Earthdog”
There’s a sport called Earthdog test or Earthdog trial in which dogs run through holes dug in the ground to track a scent. Because of their breeding to pursue burrow-dwelling animals, Dachshunds naturally excel at this sport. They are one of the most common breeds used in these competitions, where they most often compete against short-legged terriers.
3. Dachshunds Were Once Chosen as Olympic Mascots
Traditionally, Dachshunds were viewed as a symbol of Germany. As you can imagine, during World War I the popularity of Dachshunds plummeted because of this association. This negative stigma was revived during World War II. The AKC nicknamed them “liberty pups” to help overcome the stereotype. Dachshunds were chosen as the official mascot for the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich.
Read More: 10 Common Dog Names and What They Mean
2. Dachshunds Are a Favorite Breed of Queens
In early 19th century Europe Dachshunds became popular after Queen Victoria expressed that they were her favorite dog breed. Queen Victoria said, “Nothing will turn a man’s home into a castle more quickly and effectively than a Dachshund.” Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II (serving 1972-2024) was one of several Danish royals to keep dachshunds.
Read More: 9 Low-Maintenance Dog Breeds for Busy or First-Time Owners
1. There’s a Food Named After Dachshunds
You’ve undoubtedly heard Dachshunds referred to as “wiener dogs.” Most people believe that phrase came about because Dachshunds look similar to a wiener or frankfurter. According to the legend, hot dogs were originally called “hot Dachshunds.” A sports cartoonist named “Tad” Dorgan had a hard time spelling it. So Tad coined the phrase “hot dogs,” and it stuck.
Read More: 10 Best Dog Breeds for People Who Travel
