Dachshunds are a popular small dog breed which originated in Germany centuries ago.  According to the American Kennel Club, its origins can be traced as far back as the 15th century.  In contrast, the American Dachshund Club states that foresters bred the dogs in the 18th or 19th century. Because of their appearance they have many nicknames including “wiener dog”, “sausage dog”, “hole dog”, and “badger dog”.  The name Dachshund actually translates from German to English as “badger dog”.  This is because the breed was developed to hunt badgers.  Many times, they would even fight them to the death.   In terms of the American Kennel Club (AKC) classifications they belong to the “Hound Group”. The definition of hound is a breed of dog used for hunting, especially one able to track by scent.   They are also used to hunt tunneling animals, such as rabbits, mice, and foxes. 

The Dachshund’s incredible sense of smell, paired with their short legs and long bodies, made them the perfect little exterminators of burrowing critters.  Their front legs are disproportionally large, and paddle-shaped particularly suitable for digging.  In addition, their body skin is a bit loose to avoid injury while tunneling in tight burrows to chase prey.  The curved tail is dual-purposed: to be seen more easily in long grass and, in the case of burrowing dachshunds, to help haul the dog out if it becomes stuck in a burrow.  Hunters even use packs of Dachshunds to trail wild boar.  In the Western United States, the breed has been used to track wounded deer and hunt prairie dogs.  Their versatility makes them excellent family companions, show dogs, and small game hunters. Many experts believe they probably descended from the Saint Hubert Hound like many modern scent hound breeds such as the Blood Hound and Basset Hound.  This is the most popular belief but the argument can be made that wire-haired Dachshunds may exhibit behavior (digging) and appearance that are similar to the Terrier.  From what I have read in my research of the Dachshund, German breeders included elements of German, French and English hounds and terriers. 

According to AKC breed registrations in 2019, the Dachshund ranked #11 in popularity.  They moved up one rank from #12 in 2018.  According to the AKC standards for the breed, “scars from honorable wounds shall not be considered a fault” because the dachshund is a hunting dog.

Size

There are three sizes of Dachshunds.  The standard, miniature, and kaninchen.  Kaninchen is German for “rabbit”.  The standard and miniature are recognized almost worldwide, but the rabbit size is not recognized by clubs in the United States and Great Britain.  The rabbit size is however recognized in the World Canine Federation (FCI) Federation Cynologique Internationale, which contains kennel clubs from 83 countries all over the world.  According to kennel club standards, the miniature and kanichen (where recognized), differ from the standard and miniature only in weight and size.  Therefore, offspring from miniature must never exceed miniature weight to also be considered a miniature. 

Breed Standards 

Weight 

Standard –       16 – 32 lbs. 

Miniature –      less than 12 lbs. 

Kaninchen –     8 – 11lbs. 

Height 

Male –       15 – 19 inches 

Female –    14 – 18 inches 

Temperament –    Clever, stubborn, devoted, lively, playful, very courageous 

Coats –    Smooth-haired, long-haired, wire-haired 

Colors –    Red, black, black & tan, chocolate & tan, chocolate & cream, tan,  blue & tan, isabella & tan            

Wire-haired Dachshunds are the least common coat variety in the United States, but the most common in Germany.  Furthermore, the wire-haired coat is the most recent coat to appear in breeding standards.  The most common color is red, followed by black & tan.  Colors and patterns (ex: dapple, sable, brindle) can get very involved because of the multitude of combinations that are possible.  Sable/Wild Boar is a good example -the sable pattern consists of a uniform dark overlay on red dogs. The overlay hairs are double-pigmented, with the tip of each hair much darker than the base color. The pattern usually displays a widow’s peak on the head.  Nose, nails and eye rims are black. 

Health Considerations

The breed is prone to back issues due to their long spinal column and short rib cage.  The most common condition is intervertebral disk disease.  The risk of it developing can increase due to obesity, jumping, and rough handling.  About 20-25% of Dachshunds develop this disease.   

In addition to back problems, the Dachshund can be prone to patellar luxation where the kneecap can become dislodged.  The breed may also be affected by osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease). This disease seems to be mainly limited to wire-haired Dachshunds. 

All dogs are prone to health conditions that are more common to their particular breed.  Most dogs love to walk AND it’s great for their health. Always check with your vet about walking and your pet’s current health

Dachshund Fun Facts

Traditionally, Dachshunds have been viewed as a symbol of Germany.  This caused a temporary decline in popularity of the Dachshund in the United States during both World Wars.  Kaiser Wilhelm II and German Field Marshall Erwin Rommel were known for having Dachshunds.  Due to the association of the breed with Germany, the first official mascot for the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich was a Dachshund named Waldi. 

Famous people that owned Dachshunds include:  JFK (until having allergic reaction), Andy Warhol, Grover Cleveland, Queen Victoria, William Randolph Hearst, Donald Rumsfeld, E.B. White, Jack Ruby, Edgar J. Kaufmann, Carol Lombard and Clark Gable 

Many cities in the United States hold anual Dachshund races.  One of the most well-known is the Wiener Nationals, held in California.  Another is the Wiener 100, held at an amusement park (Kennywood) outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  They usually run approximately 50 yards.  The Dachshund Club of America is not a fan of this, fearing injuries and claiming the races are held for purely promotional reasons.