Where Do Dachshunds Come From? Unpacking Their German Origins

The first time Harvey and I went to a dachshund meet-up at Centennial Park in Sydney, I overheard someone ask, “Where do dachshunds actually come from?” It’s a simple question with a deep history. These dogs — with their bold personalities and unmistakable long bodies — didn’t just appear overnight. They were engineered in Germany hundreds of years ago, built with purpose by hunters who needed a fearless, low-to-the-ground companion that could follow prey into burrows.

The name says it all: “Dachshund” translates to “badger dog” in German (Dachs = badger, Hund = dog). Their elongated bodies weren’t a design quirk — they were essential. It let them slip into tight tunnels, while their fearless temperament ensured they wouldn’t back down from a badger, rabbit, or fox. The American Kennel Club traces dachshund-like dogs as far back as the 15th century, with the modern breed standard taking shape in the 17th century through careful selective breeding.

When I watch Harvey trotting along Cronulla Esplanade, it’s hard to imagine that this cheeky little dog was bred to confront aggressive animals underground. But the way he digs in the sand, tracks scents, and refuses to give up on a half-buried ball? It’s proof those instincts are still there. Dachshunds were divided early on by size and coat type — larger “standards” for badgers and boars, smaller “miniatures” for rabbits. Their coats — smooth, long, or wire-haired — weren’t about looks; they were adapted to different climates and hunting conditions.

“The dachshund was bred for stamina and courage, enabling it to chase and confront prey underground, a task few other breeds could manage.”
— The Kennel Club UK

The origin of dachshunds is tied to German practicality and craftsmanship. Hunters valued them for their ability to work hard in the field but also to settle into family life at home. That mix of utility and loyalty shaped the dog we know today — a breed that’s as comfortable curled up on the couch as it once was digging out badgers.

This guide will unpack their roots, their hunting background, and the milestones that turned them into one of the most recognized companion breeds in the world. If you’ve got a dachshund curled at your feet right now, understanding their origin story will make you appreciate every stubborn, playful, fearless moment they bring to your life.

The dachshund’s origin is a masterclass in purpose-driven breeding. In medieval Germany, hunters needed a dog that could do something most other breeds couldn’t: go underground, flush out stubborn prey, and hold its own against animals that were bigger, meaner, and armed with claws. Badgers were the primary target — tough, aggressive, and dangerous — so these dogs needed courage that bordered on reckless.

By the 15th and 16th centuries, “badger dogs” were starting to appear in German hunting records. They were stockier and heavier than the dachshunds we know today — some weighing 13–18 kg (28–40 lbs). These early versions were bred to:

• Dig relentlessly with strong, paddle-like paws.
  
  
• Bark loudly underground so hunters could locate them.
  
  
• Tackle prey directly if needed, something very few dogs were willing (or able) to do.
  
  

“Dachshunds are fearless to the point of audacity, a trait rooted in their history as badger hunters.” — American Kennel Club

Function Over Form

When you strip away the “cute factor,” every part of a dachshund’s body tells you it was engineered for work:

• Short legs: Perfect for staying close to the ground while digging or pursuing prey through tunnels.
  
  
• Long, muscular body: Designed for navigating underground without getting stuck.
  
  
• Deep chest: Built for stamina, with space for powerful lungs to fuel hours of digging and barking.
  
  

Even their bark — that deep, surprisingly loud voice — was intentional. Hunters relied on it to track their dogs below the surface. What we sometimes call “excessive barking” today was once a critical survival tool.

• The earliest known illustrations of dachshund-like dogs appear in 16th-century German woodcuts and hunting books.
  
  
• Smooth-coated dachshunds are believed to be the “original” type, developed from short-legged hounds and terriers.
  
  
• Long-haired dachshunds likely came from crosses with spaniels, while wire-haired varieties were influenced by terriers to add toughness and weather resistance.
  
  
• By the 17th century, selective breeding had refined the dachshund into a distinct breed — one that could hunt but also serve as a loyal household companion.
  
  

Dachshunds weren’t just pets. They were tools of the trade for foresters and hunters. A good dachshund could track, dig, and hold its ground in ways that made the difference between a successful hunt and going home empty-handed. Miniature dachshunds were later introduced as rabbit hunters, with the smaller size making them ideal for pursuing small game in tighter spaces.

This working dog legacy explains a lot about the breed’s personality today. That stubborn streak? It’s independence. The relentless digging in your garden? It’s instinct. Even Harvey’s determination when chasing a ball down the sand at Wanda Beach reminds me: he’s not being stubborn — he’s being exactly what he was bred to be.

Here’s the next section: “Dachshunds as German Hunting Dogs” in James’ founder tone, tying in how their working role, coat types, and temperament were shaped by centuries of functional breeding.

To understand dachshunds, you have to strip away the modern image of them as quirky apartment dogs in cute sweaters. Their story starts in the German forests, fields, and burrows — as serious hunting dogs built for underground combat.

Hunters needed a dog that was small enough to navigate narrow tunnels but tough enough to face prey head-on. Dachshunds fit that role perfectly. They were trained to:

• Track scent trails with precision, even when prey doubled back.
   
• Dig fast and deep, using their powerful front legs to create a path.
   
• Bark with a sharp, deep tone so hunters could follow their location underground.
   
• Flush or hold prey, meaning they could either drive animals out of their dens or hold them in place until the hunter arrived.
   

This wasn’t a job for just any dog. It required fearlessness, stubborn determination, and resilience, traits that still define the breed today. When Harvey refuses to give up on digging a hole in the backyard, I see the same focus that once made dachshunds so valuable in the field.

One of the most interesting things about the dachshund’s evolution is how coat types were tailored to hunting conditions:

• Smooth-Coated Dachshunds: The original form, best suited for mild climates and open fields. Their short, glossy coats were easy to clean after a muddy day.
   
• Wire-Haired Dachshunds: Developed by crossing with terriers, these dogs had rough coats that protected them from thorns and harsh weather. They were ideal for denser, thorny terrain.
   
• Long-Haired Dachshunds: Influenced by spaniel crosses, they were bred for colder climates where their thicker coat helped them stay warm while hunting in damp or snowy conditions.
   

The coat wasn’t about looks — it was about functionality. Every variation was a response to a real-world hunting need.

Early dachshunds were prized for their trainable independence. Hunters needed dogs that could make decisions underground, out of sight, without waiting for human cues. This is where the dachshund’s famous stubborn streak comes from. It’s not disobedience — it’s self-sufficiency.

Modern owners sometimes find this challenging, but when you know the history, it makes sense. A dachshund’s refusal to “just drop the ball” isn’t a flaw — it’s a built-in mindset that says, “I can handle this on my own.”

Germany has always taken dog breeding seriously, with a focus on function over fashion. In the 17th and 18th centuries, dachshunds became a fixture of German hunting culture, not just because of their skill, but because of their adaptability. Standard dachshunds worked larger prey; smaller versions worked rabbits. Their versatility — above and below ground — set them apart from other hound breeds of the time.

“Dachshunds are courageous and persistent, traits that made them indispensable to hunters in Europe’s forests and fields.”
— American Kennel Club

The dachshund’s journey from German forests to family sofas is filled with practical breeding decisions, cultural shifts, and moments of reinvention. These dogs weren’t bred for looks or trends — they were built to do a job, and everything about their design tells that story. Over time, they’ve transitioned from underground hunters to royal companions and, now, global icons. Here’s a deeper look at the key moments that shaped the breed.

The name “dachshund” doesn’t need a marketing spin. It’s blunt and functional — literally meaning “badger dog” in German (Dachs = badger, Hund = dog). Unlike breeds named for regions or roles, dachshunds were named for exactly what they were created to do. Their long, low build and fearless temperament were no accident — every detail, from their compact legs to their powerful bark, was intentionally bred for badger hunting.

“Form follows function. The dachshund’s build, bark, and bravery all come from its working history.” — The Kennel Club UK

Even today, Harvey’s determination to dig through a pile of blankets at home is a reminder of that functional engineering. It’s not a quirk; it’s instinct, refined over centuries.

Dachshunds started as working-class hunting dogs in Germany, but their rise to fame was boosted by royalty. Queen Victoria’s love for dachshunds during the 19th century helped propel them from rural hunting fields into elite circles across Europe. Her fascination with the breed played a massive role in transforming the dachshund into a fashionable companion.

This royal endorsement didn’t just make them popular — it influenced how they were bred, with more emphasis on temperament and looks suitable for domestic life. We cover this pivotal moment in detail in Queen Victoria’s Role in Making Dachshunds Famous.

Despite their charm, dachshunds faced challenges during World War I and II. Anything linked to Germany was met with hostility, and dachshunds, unfortunately, became part of that narrative. Some countries even pushed propaganda that turned these dogs into symbols of the enemy. Popularity declined sharply during these periods — particularly in the U.S. — but the breed’s resilience and loyal fan base helped it recover post-war.

This chapter in their history is fascinating and bittersweet — explored further in Dachshunds in Wartime: A Complex History.

By the late 19th century, dachshunds were officially recognized by kennel clubs, and breed standards began to formalize. These standards outlined everything from their body proportions to acceptable coat colors and patterns. What started as a hunting dog gradually became a show dog, with traits like longer, sleeker lines and polished coats becoming prized in competitions.

We’ll break down how these changes shaped today’s dachshund in The Evolution of Dachshund Breeding Standards Over the Centuries.

By the late 1800s, dachshunds had made their way to the United States. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognized the breed in 1885, and they quickly became favorites among hunters and pet owners alike. Even with their temporary wartime dip in popularity, they’ve remained one of the top hound breeds in the U.S. ever since.

What’s interesting is how they adapted — their hunting instincts remained intact, but their role as companions took center stage. This shift helped solidify the dachshund’s place in modern households.

Over the last century, dachshunds have become icons in art, literature, and pop culture. From appearing in royal portraits to being featured in novels and even as mascots, their distinct shape and bold attitude make them instantly recognizable. They’re not just pets; they’re cultural symbols.

For more on this, check out Dachshunds in Art and Literature: From Muse to Icon and Famous Dachshunds in Pop Culture and History.

There are plenty of little-known facts about the breed’s history:

• Dachshunds were often celebrated in German folklore as symbols of courage and persistence.
  
  
• The breed’s popularity soared after Queen Victoria’s reign but dipped during wartime propaganda campaigns.
  
  
• They were among the first breeds with distinct size categories (standard vs. miniature) to suit different types of prey.
  
  
• Some historians believe smooth-coated dachshunds are the original type, with long-haired and wire-haired versions appearing later through crossbreeding.
  
  

If you’re interested in more unusual facts, we’ll explore them in depth in 10 Surprising Historical Facts About Dachshunds.

Image Reference 

Dachshunds started as local specialists — bred by German foresters and hunters who valued a dog that could tackle badgers and other burrowing animals. But their utility and personality were too good to stay hidden in the forests. By the 18th and 19th centuries, these “badger dogs” had begun their journey beyond Germany, evolving from working tools to cultural exports.

From the German Woods to European Estates

The first major leap came when dachshunds caught the attention of European nobility. Their bold character and distinctive shape made them stand out from other hunting breeds. Royals, particularly in England, saw potential beyond their working background — they were small, loyal, and surprisingly charming companions.

This is where Queen Victoria’s love of the breed (explored in Queen Victoria’s Role in Making Dachshunds Famous) changed everything. She kept multiple dachshunds, not just as companions but as part of her royal identity. This royal endorsement gave the breed a stamp of elegance and social status that rippled across Europe.

By the late 1800s, dachshunds had made their way to America. Immigrants from Germany brought them across the Atlantic, and their hunting ability was quickly recognized by U.S. sportsmen. In 1885, the American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized the breed, listing it as one of the earliest members of its hound group.

Their popularity in the United States grew — until World War I, when anything associated with Germany was viewed with suspicion. Dachshunds, unfortunately, became a casualty of wartime propaganda. Their numbers dropped sharply, and some owners even referred to them as “liberty hounds” to avoid backlash. We take a deeper look at this complicated chapter in Dachshunds in Wartime: A Complex History.

What’s remarkable is how well dachshunds adapted to their new roles. By the 20th century, they were no longer just working dogs; they were companions, show dogs, and family pets. Their size, personality, and intelligence made them perfect for urban living — a sharp contrast to their original hunting purpose.

Even today, you can trace their hunting instincts back to these origins. When Harvey gets fixated on a scent at the park or digs furiously in the sand at Wanda Beach, it’s a modern echo of centuries-old DNA.

Dachshunds are now ranked among the most popular breeds worldwide, consistently appearing in the AKC’s top 10 hound breeds. They’re celebrated not only for their distinctive look but also for their personality — a combination of loyalty, stubborn humor, and fearless energy. This global love has also led to variations in breeding standards from country to country, something we explore further in The Evolution of Dachshund Breeding Standards Over the Centuries.

Dachshunds started as no-nonsense workers. Their only job was to track, dig, and face down animals that would send most dogs running. But as hunting declined in Europe and city living took over, the dachshund evolved — not just in purpose, but in form. What we see today is a breed that’s part companion, part stubborn reminder of its working past.

The earliest dachshunds were heavier and stockier, built to withstand rough terrain and take on badgers, boars, and foxes. Over time, as demand for companion dogs grew, breeders refined their size and temperament.

• Miniature dachshunds became more common, bred down from standards to chase smaller prey like rabbits but also to fit into domestic life.
  
  
• Their temperaments were softened slightly, making them better suited to life indoors, but their instincts — digging, chasing, stubborn problem-solving — remained untouched.
  
  

Even Harvey, who’s more likely to dig up a beach towel than a badger, has moments where his heritage is obvious. The way he tracks scents on the Cronulla Esplanade or stubbornly refuses to leave the park feels like history playing out in real-time.

Coat types also evolved as the breed spread:

• Smooth-coated dachshunds were the foundation. Their short hair made them easy to clean after a day in the field.
  
  
• Long-haired dachshunds came later, through selective breeding with spaniels, adding elegance and cold-weather adaptability.
  
  
• Wire-haired dachshunds, influenced by terriers, were bred to handle tougher, thorny terrain — a rugged, all-weather variant still loved by hunters today.
  
  

These coats weren’t just aesthetic choices. They were functional adaptations, each designed to serve a purpose before style was even considered.

The split between standard and miniature dachshunds is another sign of evolution. Standards, typically weighing 16–32 pounds, were the traditional hunters. Miniatures, usually under 11 pounds, became popular as both rabbit hunters and household companions. Today, there’s also the “Tweenie” size (not quite mini, not quite standard), which often happens naturally when breeders aim for healthy, balanced proportions rather than sticking strictly to size categories.

While they’re still known for their independence, modern dachshunds are bred as loyal, affectionate companions as much as workers. But make no mistake — their hunting DNA hasn’t gone anywhere. The digging, the vocal alerts, the fearless attitude toward larger dogs — it’s all rooted in centuries of badger-chasing determination.

“Even as companions, dachshunds remain clever, courageous, and stubborn — traits inherited from generations of working dogs.”
— American Kennel Club

Dachshunds have a cultural footprint far larger than their small bodies suggest. What started as a breed known for its underground grit and determination became a symbol of loyalty, boldness, and individuality — traits that resonated with people far beyond the German forests where they originated.

By the 18th and 19th centuries, dachshunds were no longer just the dogs of hunters and foresters. As their reputation for intelligence and loyalty spread, they found their way into the homes of European aristocracy. Queen Victoria played a pivotal role in this shift. Her love for dachshunds didn’t just elevate their social standing — it changed the trajectory of the breed.

In Victorian England, they were no longer viewed purely as hunters but as companions that could fit seamlessly into family life. Royal endorsement often sets trends, and this was no exception. The Queen’s fondness for her dachshunds led to a surge of interest across Britain, where the breed quickly became associated with refinement, charm, and loyalty.

We explore this turning point in detail in Queen Victoria’s Role in Making Dachshunds Famous, which looks at how her influence helped shape global perceptions of the breed.

The early 20th century tested the dachshund’s popularity. During World War I, anything tied to Germany came under scrutiny, and dachshunds became a visible symbol of that association. In the U.S. and U.K., some owners even stopped walking their dogs for fear of harassment. Others rebranded them with nicknames like “liberty hounds” to avoid the stigma.

This backlash briefly slowed their rise, but by the post-war years, the dachshund’s charm and unique look proved too powerful to ignore. After World War II, returning soldiers often brought dachshunds home as family pets, having encountered them during their time in Europe. Their popularity began to rebound sharply.

We dive deeper into these challenging chapters in Dachshunds in Wartime: A Complex History, including how propaganda both harmed and, ironically, later boosted their image.

By the mid-20th century, dachshunds were no longer just dogs — they had become visual icons. Their long bodies and short legs made them instantly recognizable, leading to countless appearances in:

• Advertising campaigns: Dachshunds were used by brands as symbols of playfulness and reliability.
  
  
• Art and design: From mid-century modern prints to contemporary paintings, dachshunds became muses for artists who loved their silhouette and personality.
  
  
• Film and television: These dogs have featured in everything from classic films to animated series, often stealing scenes with their quirky, bold nature.
  
  

Today, they’re Instagram celebrities, meme darlings, and fashion muses. It’s hard to scroll through social media without spotting at least one dachshund in a jumper, living its best life. This ongoing presence in pop culture is why we’ve dedicated an entire article to Famous Dachshunds in Pop Culture and History.

Dachshunds often symbolize traits like determination, courage, and individuality. In German culture, they represent tenacity and loyalty, while in modern contexts they’ve become symbols of understated confidence. It’s no coincidence that their silhouette — simple yet instantly identifiable — is often used in logos, decor, and branding.

In fact, the dachshund has been described as “the breed that never compromises” — a fitting reflection of both its working history and its modern personality.

Today, dachshunds rank among the most popular breeds in the world, consistently appearing in the top 10 hound breeds according to the American Kennel Club. What makes them so appealing? It’s the mix of:

• Compact size: Perfect for city living.
  
  
• Big personality: Equal parts affectionate, stubborn, and entertaining.
  
  
• Heritage: Owners love knowing their little companion comes from a line of dogs that once hunted badgers and boars with fearless energy.
  
  

Even as companions, they retain that “working dog mindset.” When Harvey digs furiously at the sand in Cronulla or alerts us to the sound of a delivery driver long before the doorbell rings, I’m reminded that these instincts are not just quirks. They’re remnants of centuries-old design.

• Continue exploring the Dachshund History & Origin 
  
• • Dachshund History: From German Hunters to Modern Companions
    
    
  • Queen Victoria’s Role in Making Dachshunds Famous
    
    
  • Dachshunds in Wartime: A Complex History
    
    
  • The Evolution of Dachshund Breeding Standards Over the Centuries
    
    
  • Famous Dachshunds in Pop Culture and History
    
    
  • Dachshunds in Art and Literature: From Muse to Icon
    
    
  • 10 Surprising Historical Facts About Dachshunds

This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered veterinary advice. Always consult with a licensed veterinarian regarding your dog’s health and wellbeing.