History of the Dachshund Dog Breed

Read a historical account of the dachshund breed.

When one looks at a dachshund, it’s easy to understand why this cute and friendly dog with the interesting body makes such a popular pet. What could be somewhat hard to understand is that the history of this loving and faithful dog breed is one of a fearless hunting dog. In fact, it is the only dog recognized by the American Kennel Club for its hunting both above and below ground
 
The discovery of mummified remains of dachshund-like dogs has caused experts to theorize the breed’s origins may date back to Egypt at the time of the pharaohs. Period engravings, featuring hunting dogs with short legs, contribute to this belief.
 
However, more substantial evidence trace the roots of today’s dachshund back to 15th century Germany, when dogs with short legs and long bodies were used to hunt badgers.  In fact, the word dachshund derives from the German word Dachs, meaning badger, and hund, for dog. This badger dog weighed between 30 and 40 pounds.  The breed was bred to be slender enough to burrow to the badger, and fierce enough to fight its prey.
 
Up through the 1700’s, hunting badgers remained the primary function of the breed, which was also known in Germany as Dachs Kriecher meaning Badger Crawler, or Dachs Krieger meaning Badger Warrior. The breed was also used in packs to hunt wild boar, and even wolverines.
 
The breed also became popular in England, France, and other European nations, and was considered a prized possession in various royal courts, such as Queen Victoria’s. Queen Victoria was enamored of dogs and raised puppies from fifteen different breeds, including Dachshunds and Pomeranians. Through the 1800’s, the breed incorporated French and English influences.  The British especially bred the Dachshund to weigh more, have a longer body, and shorter legs.  German breeders were not pleased with English adaptations to the bred, believing these made the Dachshund unable to perform its original hunting functions.
 
It is true the English began using dachshunds less to pursue badgers, but more to hunt foxes and hare, or to find wounded deer.  As the 1880’s arrived, English dachshunds were now bred to be smaller by approximately 10 pounds and left the hunting days behind as they became more popular as household pets.
 
The introduction of Dachshunds to America can be traced to the 1870’s and the immigration of English and German families.  The American Kennel Club officially registered dachshunds as a breed in 1885, describing the dog as "courageous to the point of rashness."
 
In 1895 the Dachshund Club of America was formed, which now recognizes two sizes of Dachshund:  the miniature, which weighs up to 11 pounds; and the Standard, which ranges between 16 and 32 pounds.
 
 
A third variety of Dachshund is recognized in Germany, known as Kaninchenteckel, which is translated as rabbit badger dog.  This variety weighs up to eight pounds with a chest circumference of 12 inches.  Generally, all dachshunds in Germany are referred to by as either Teckel or Deckel.
 
Upon their American introduction, the breed became quite popular.  However, because Dachshunds are considered the symbol of Germany, its popularity decreased significantly during World War I, but surprisingly did remain popular during World War II.  But by the 1930, its popularity once again increased, and it now consistently is among the top 10 most desired dogs in the US, according to the American Kennel Club.
 
Described by the writer H.L. Mencken  as “a half dog high and a dog and a half long,”  the Dachshund is affectionately known as a “wiener dog”, “sausage dog”, and “hot dog” to millions. Although such descriptions aptly describe its shape, its history is that of a dog whose heart is fearless and courageous.

Written by Andy Leheny