4 October 2021

Dachshund. The dog breed only owners can spell.

Perhaps that’s the reason they have so many nicknames, especially wiener or sausage dog! The name Dachshund is German, meaning “badger dog,” because they were originally bred to hunt badgers in the 15th century. They are eager and cute and affectionate. Who can resist that long body and funny short legs? These days they are one of the world’s most loved dog breeds. You certainly can’t ignore them, with their extremely loud bark.

The Dachshund is so widely associated with Germany that it has become an official symbol of this country. Germans are very proud of this association, even having a Dachshund named Waldi as the first official mascot for the 1972 Olympics in Munich. As a breed there has been much argument about how to classify them. Most dog organizations fit them in to the hound category, because they were originally bred for hunting. While others argue that proper place for them is in the terrier or earth dog group, due to their digging and burrowing skills. However, countries belonging to the World Canine Federation put them in their very own category.

Dachshunds are surprisingly fast. Perhaps that’s why they have Dachshund races in some countries. Or the Wiener Nationals, as they call them in the US. The Dachshund Club of America is opposed to this because of concerns that such races could injure Dachshunds’ backs. Something they are prone to in later life.

Dachshund. The dog breed only owners can spell.