Discover the fearless history of dachshunds—originally bred in Germany as badger hunters, these small but mighty dogs have a surprisingly bold origin story. Learn how their unique shape, bark, and coat types helped shape the lovable (and stubborn) wiener dog we know today.
Let’s get one thing straight: dachshunds may look like tiny hot dogs with big eyes and even bigger attitudes, but their origin story? Total badass.
The name “Dachshund” is actually German for “badger dog,” and they were bred to do exactly that—go toe-to-toe with wild badgers. I’m talking about 25- to 40-pound beasts with razor-sharp claws and zero chill. And what did humans send in to handle that? A 16-pound sausage with courage for days.
These little legends have been around for about 600 years, originally designed with long, low bodies built to dive nose-first into badger dens. Their bark? Loud and houndy on purpose—so hunters could hear them underground. I mean, come on. That’s both practical and kind of adorable.
Over time, breeders got creative. Smooth coats were standard, but they developed wire-haired dachshunds for thorny terrain and long-haired ones to brave the cold. Packs of doxies were even used to hunt wild boar—because apparently, one wasn’t fearless enough.
By the late 1800s, things got a bit more refined. Sizes, coat types, and colors started to get standardized, and the dachshund began its transformation from working warrior to (still feisty) couch companion.
Fun fact: dachshunds were so tied to Germany that during World War I, Americans started calling them “Liberty Hounds” to avoid the whole anti-German thing. But even then, we couldn’t quit them—they were officially recognized by the AKC in 1885 and have been winning hearts (and stubbornly refusing commands) ever since.
So next time your doxie is barking at a leaf or refusing to move unless it’s their idea, just remember: they’re not being dramatic—they’re channeling 600 years of battle-hardened, burrow-diving instincts.
And honestly? We wouldn’t have it any other way.
