- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
The Dachshund, affectionately known as the “Doxie,” was originally bred in the late 17th century in Germany for hunting badgers, a burrowing animal that destroyed crops and damaged land. The Dachshund’s fierce determination, combined with its short legs and long body, equipped it to battle badgers in their tunnels.
The word “Dachshund” (pronounced like “dock-sunned”) literally translates to “badger dog” in English. You might also hear them called “wiener dogs” and “sausage dogs,” thanks to their resemblance to the German bratwurst.
German breeders formed the first Dachshund breed club in 1888, and the Dachshund Club of America (DCA) was formed in 1895. We talked with expert Kathy Lockyer of DCA to learn more about the breed’s history.
How Do Dachshunds Hunt?
The Dachshund possesses an exceptional sense of smell, which allows them to locate badgers within their subterranean dens. The dog’s fearless nature, love of digging, and powerful paws enable them to burrow deeply into a tunnel. Once inside, their loud bark alerts their human partner to their location. The dog then chases or drags the badger out of the den, where the hunter awaits.
Dachshunds also hunt rabbits, squirrels, and other small animals, and they’re skilled at flushing out and tracking foxes, weasels, and deer. Packs of Dachshunds were even used to track wild boar.
Because of their hyper-sensitive snout, Dachshunds have been trained for truffle hunting, search and rescue, and the detection of explosives and mines on the battlefield. During World War I and World War II, the Dachshund was stigmatized due to their association with Germany. The breed eventually regained its popularity in the US, and in 1972 a Dachshund named Waldi became the first Olympic Mascot at the Munich Olympic Summer Games.
Size and Coat
Dachshunds have three types of coats—long hair, wire hair, and smooth, Lockyer explains. Standard Dachshunds are 8 to 9 inches tall and between 16 and 32 pounds, while miniatures are 5 to 6 inches tall and weigh up to 11 pounds.
The original Dachshund had a smooth coat. The smooth coated dog was bred to wire-haired terriers, resulting in the bristly coat, and the long coats were the result of breeding the original Dachshund with the Cocker Spaniel.
“The smooth was used to hunt badgers, but the [wire coat] is more able to get through thorny bushes, and the long hairs can work in water,” explains Lockyer.
Becoming Companion Dogs
Over the years, the Dachshund transitioned from being a working dog to being a beloved pet. Both German and British Dachshunds were imported to the United States beginning in the 1880s.
Dachshunds are very affectionate and outgoing, and Lockyer says they really do want to please—but they can be stubborn.
“They like to think up things for themselves,” she says. “And if somebody doesn’t like a dog digging in their yard, that’s probably not a dog for them because they are diggers.”
Dachshunds are known for being vocal, and due to their feisty nature, training may take some time.
How Long Do Dachshunds Live?
The average lifespan for a Dachshund is between 12 to 15 years. Lockyer says with genetic testing, breeders are able to prevent inherited health issues.
Dachshunds are prone to intervertebral disc disease, a spinal condition that can cause pain and even paralysis, so they require regular activity.
“If they are kept at the correct weight with good food, decent exercise, not allowed to jump off couches and beds, then there really shouldn’t be much of a problem,” says Lockyer.
