Dachshunds in Wartime: A Complex History

The first time I read about dachshunds during World War I, I was struck by how public perception can flip almost overnight. These dogs — once celebrated by Queen Victoria and the British upper class — suddenly became a symbol of the enemy simply because of their German roots. It’s one of the most complicated chapters in dachshund history.

During WWI and WWII, dachshunds became unintentional casualties of propaganda. Anti-German sentiment ran so deep that the breed’s popularity plummeted in the U.S. and U.K. Owners were mocked or harassed for walking their dogs, and many resorted to renaming them “liberty hounds” to avoid confrontation (Smithsonian Magazine).

“Dachshunds faced hostility during wartime, not because of their nature, but because of their nationality.”
— Kennel Club Historical Archives

It’s strange to think about now, watching Harvey chase his ball at our local dog park in Heathcote , but dachshunds were once entangled in world politics, reduced to symbols of a country at war. Their survival through those decades is a story of resilience, loyalty, and cultural recovery.

Before WWI, dachshunds were enjoying peak popularity in Britain, thanks to Queen Victoria’s endorsement (see Queen Victoria’s Role in Making Dachshunds Famous). But when war broke out in 1914, their image shifted almost overnight. Dachshunds became collateral damage in anti-German propaganda campaigns.

In the U.S., newspapers warned citizens to avoid anything “German,” including dogs. Some owners reported being harassed or having their dachshunds attacked in public. According to research cited by Smithsonian Magazine, one New York Times article even referred to dachshunds as “the most hated dogs in America” during this period (Smithsonian Article).

To protect their dogs, many owners temporarily rebranded dachshunds as “liberty hounds,” much like German shepherds were sometimes called “Alsatians” in Britain. The name change was an attempt to distance the breed from its homeland.

Several factors made dachshunds an easy target:

• Distinct Appearance: Their long bodies and short legs were instantly recognizable and easy to caricature in propaganda posters.
  
  
• German Identity: Unlike some other German breeds, the dachshund’s name directly referenced its origin, making it impossible to separate from its nationality.
  
  

Royal Connection: Ironically, their link to Queen Victoria’s German heritage added fuel to the perception that dachshunds were tied to Germany’s image.

Image Reference

By the late 1930s, dachshunds were still trying to recover from their WWI reputation. Unfortunately, history repeated itself when World War II erupted. Once again, their German origin overshadowed their lovable nature. Dachshunds became an easy target for propaganda campaigns that mocked and vilified anything connected to Germany.

While WWII propaganda was more focused on demonizing political leaders, caricatures of dachshunds often appeared alongside satirical illustrations of German soldiers and officers. Newspapers and wartime leaflets portrayed them as the “enemy’s dog,” and their instantly recognizable shape made them a symbolic stand-in for Germany’s image — long, low, and stubborn.

A striking example of this can be found in early 1940s U.S. newspapers, where dachshunds were used in editorial cartoons to represent German aggression, with exaggerated features like spiked helmets and fierce expressions (Smithsonian Magazine). Though often satirical, this imagery reinforced the public’s association of the breed with the enemy.

Reports from Britain and America describe how owners were harassed for walking dachshunds in public, similar to the treatment seen in WWI. In some cases, families were advised to avoid displaying their dachshunds in public spaces to prevent abuse. Kennel Club records from the 1940s show a notable decline in dachshund registrations during the war years, as owning one was considered politically tone-deaf or risky.

In Britain, some owners went as far as calling their pets “liberty hounds” — a name borrowed from WWI — to deflect hostility and avoid having their dogs targeted.

The war also caused a significant drop in breeding numbers. Many kennels shut down or limited operations due to resource shortages, rationing, and a lack of public demand. Breeders who continued to raise dachshunds often kept their activities quiet, focusing on maintaining bloodlines rather than selling puppies.

According to the American Kennel Club’s historical data, the breed saw some of its lowest registration numbers during the early 1940s, especially in the U.S. The impact was temporary but severe, with the breed only beginning to rebound after the war ended.

As WWII drew to a close, attitudes toward dachshunds began to shift. Soldiers returning from Europe brought home stories — and sometimes dogs — that changed public perception. Dachshunds were no longer seen as the “enemy’s dog” but as loyal companions with big personalities.

American and British soldiers stationed in Germany encountered dachshunds as family pets in rural towns. Many were charmed by the breed’s loyal nature and comedic character. Some soldiers adopted dachshunds from local families or brought them home, introducing the breed to new households. This played a huge role in rehabilitating their image.

Britain’s royal association with the breed, stemming from Queen Victoria’s love of dachshunds (see Queen Victoria’s Role in Making Dachshunds Famous), also helped shift public opinion. The breed’s link to British history — rather than just its German origin — softened its image and reminded people that dachshunds had once been celebrated as symbols of loyalty and refinement.

The post-war years marked a slow but steady revival for dachshunds. With their reputation repaired, breeders worked to rebuild bloodlines and emphasize qualities that suited post-war families:

• Smaller sizes that fit better in urban environments.
  
  
• Friendly, companion-oriented temperaments for homes rather than hunting fields.
  
  
• Coat variety (smooth, long, and wire) that appealed to different aesthetic preferences.
  
  

By the 1950s, dachshunds had made a complete comeback. Their quirky shape and charming personality made them stars in advertisements, films, and even household décor. They began appearing in mid-century art and became a favorite for illustrators and product designers. This cultural resurgence is explored further in Famous Dachshunds in Pop Culture and History.

Lessons from Wartime

The dachshund’s wartime story is more than a historical curiosity. It’s a reminder of how breeds can become political symbols without any choice of their own. Yet, the breed’s survival through such hostility speaks to its enduring appeal and the loyalty of its owners.

The wartime history of dachshunds is as layered as the breed itself. These dogs weren’t just innocent bystanders; they became unintended cultural symbols, caught in a tide of politics, nationalism, and public opinion. While they endured hostility during WWI and WWII, their resilience — and the loyalty of their owners — ensured they remained one of the world’s most beloved companion breeds.

Looking back, there’s a lot that modern dachshund owners can learn from this period.

Before WWI, dachshunds were enjoying a golden age of popularity across Britain and much of Europe. This was largely thanks to their royal connections — Queen Victoria’s affection for dachshunds had made them symbols of refinement and loyalty (see Queen Victoria’s Role in Making Dachshunds Famous). But when the war began, their German origin was enough to turn public sentiment against them almost overnight.

Dachshunds — once celebrated in royal portraits — were suddenly branded “enemy dogs.” Anti-German propaganda mocked their appearance, with their long bodies and short legs caricatured in posters and political cartoons.

This rapid shift highlights how fragile public perception can be, even for a breed as lovable and iconic as the dachshund.

Not everyone abandoned the breed. Some owners quietly continued caring for their dachshunds despite the hostility. There were even breeders who kept bloodlines alive behind the scenes, focusing on preserving the breed’s health rather than selling puppies.

Without this quiet determination, the breed’s numbers might have dwindled beyond recovery. This persistence mirrors the efforts of modern breeders who prioritize health, temperament, and ethical practices over the “designer trends” that dominate some markets today (explored further in The Evolution of Dachshund Breeding Standards Over the Centuries).

Dachshunds were bred to take on fierce underground prey like badgers — animals that outweigh and outmuscle them. That kind of breeding creates tenacity, courage, and persistence, traits that have carried the breed through cultural challenges as well.

Even when their reputation suffered during wartime, those who knew dachshunds personally saw their true nature: clever, loving, and fiercely loyal. This resilience is part of why the breed remains so popular today.

When Harvey digs himself into a determined frenzy at Wanda Beach, I can’t help but think, this stubbornness isn’t just personality — it’s heritage.

The dachshund’s experience during both World Wars proves that dogs are often seen through the lens of culture and politics. In peacetime, they were symbols of loyalty and companionship; in wartime, they became scapegoats for anti-German sentiment.

This duality still resonates today. Certain breeds carry stereotypes (think “guard dogs” or “lap dogs”) that often ignore their true history and personality. The dachshund’s journey is a reminder that a breed’s story is bigger than its image at any given time.

One of the most fascinating parts of dachshund history is how soldiers returning from WWII helped reshape the breed’s image. Many met dachshunds in German towns — not as symbols of war, but as family pets. They brought these dogs, and their stories, back home, which helped the public see dachshunds as what they truly were: affectionate, quirky companions.

This post-war rehabilitation was crucial. By the late 1940s, the breed’s popularity began to rise again, paving the way for its cultural comeback in the 1950s and beyond (explored further in Famous Dachshunds in Pop Culture and History).

Understanding this wartime history gives modern owners a deeper appreciation for the breed’s roots and resilience. Dachshunds are not just cute companions — they’re survivors. Their hunting heritage, German craftsmanship, and royal endorsements all form part of a story that’s both complex and inspiring.

If you’ve ever wondered why your dachshund is stubborn, vocal, or obsessed with burrowing under blankets, those traits trace back to a lineage that endured centuries of both hard work and cultural challenges (see Where Do Dachshunds Come From? Unpacking Their German Origins).

The dachshund’s identity today is split between its working past and its modern role as a companion. During wartime, it was treated as a symbol of German practicality and stubbornness; after the wars, it was celebrated for its personality and charm. This duality is one of the reasons the breed has remained so versatile and beloved across cultures.

Modern dachshund owners can take a few key lessons from this period:

• Protect the breed’s legacy: Support ethical breeders who focus on health and temperament rather than purely aesthetics.
  
  
• Embrace their personality: Traits like digging, barking, and stubborn independence are not flaws — they’re the result of hundreds of years of careful breeding.
  
  
• Appreciate their resilience: Dachshunds are not fragile or purely ornamental. They are small but tough — a reflection of their survival through centuries of cultural shifts.
  
  

The story of dachshunds during WWI and WWII isn’t just historical trivia — it’s a powerful reminder that breeds can be misunderstood. Public narratives, often shaped by politics or media, can distort the perception of even the most lovable dogs.

By understanding this history, we ensure that dachshunds are celebrated not just for their cuteness, but for their spirit, resilience, and enduring character.

While trends come and go, the dachshund has endured. From the royal courts of 19th-century England to the advertising campaigns of the 20th century, they’ve consistently found ways to capture public attention. Their wartime story simply adds another layer to their rich and remarkable history.

• Continue exploring the Dachshund History & Origin
  
• • Where Do Dachshunds Come From? Unpacking Their German Origins
    
    
  • Queen Victoria’s Role in Making Dachshunds Famous
    
    
  • Dachshund History: From German Hunters to Modern Companions
    
    
  • 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.