Queen Victoria’s Role in Making Dachshunds Famous

There’s a direct line between the dachshunds we see lounging in cafés across Sydney and the ones that once roamed the halls of Buckingham Palace. Dachshunds weren’t always seen as fashionable pets — they were German hunting dogs built for function, not style. But that changed when Queen Victoria became one of the breed’s most dedicated admirers.

Victoria’s love for animals is well-documented, but her relationship with dachshunds was something special. She kept several throughout her lifetime — most famously a red smooth dachshund named Waldman IV, given to her by Prince Albert, who also shared her enthusiasm for the breed. In a time when the preferences of royals could shape entire cultural trends, her affection for these long-bodied hounds elevated them from the hunting fields of Germany to the drawing rooms of Europe.

When Harvey and I go out for our walks, I sometimes think about this strange, full-circle moment in history. A breed once defined by its underground grit is now just as much a status symbol as it is a companion. And Queen Victoria had everything to do with that shift.

“Nothing will turn a dog into a royal favorite faster than a monarch’s affection for it. Queen Victoria’s fondness for dachshunds turned a rugged hunting dog into a fashionable companion across Britain and Europe.”
— History of Royal Pets, 19th Century Archives

Image Reference 

Historians believe Queen Victoria first saw dachshunds during visits to her husband Prince Albert’s native Germany, where the breed was already well established as a hunter’s companion. Victoria was known for her fascination with German customs and culture — so it’s no surprise she fell in love with these small but courageous dogs.

She quickly began adding dachshunds to her household, not just as pets but as symbols of loyalty and courage. Her public fondness for them meant the breed’s popularity soared in England during the mid-to-late 19th century. Royals across Europe followed suit, and demand for dachshunds with softer temperaments (more suited to family life) grew rapidly.

Queen Victoria wasn’t just a queen — she was an influencer before the word existed. Her love of dachshunds turned them from functional German hunting dogs into status symbols for the British elite. Owning a dachshund became a statement of refinement, loyalty, and a quiet nod to German craftsmanship, which the queen admired.

From Hunters to Lap Dogs

Before Victoria, dachshunds were known for their work ethic and underground hunting abilities. They weren’t the type of dog you’d expect to see in royal portraits. But once Victoria welcomed them into her homes at Windsor and Balmoral, their image transformed almost overnight.

The queen often gifted dachshunds to close friends and visiting dignitaries. These royal connections helped spread the breed’s popularity across England, France, and beyond. In a sense, Victoria’s endorsement softened the breed’s rugged reputation, shifting demand toward smaller, more companionable dachshunds — the early precursors of today’s miniature dachshunds.

During the Victorian era, dachshund breeding began to emphasize personality and aesthetics as much as function. Breeders focused on producing softer temperaments suited to domestic life while maintaining the breed’s distinctive look — long backs, short legs, and that unmistakable boldness.

This pivot didn’t erase their hunting DNA, but it introduced the idea that dachshunds could be just as at home in a parlor as in a forest.

The legacy of these royal dachshunds lives on. Their association with elegance and loyalty is part of why they remain so popular worldwide. Even now, the dachshund is one of the most photographed and beloved small breeds, with a presence in art, fashion, and social media. The cultural connection started with Victoria — and we’re still living in its shadow.

Queen Victoria wasn’t the first monarch to shape public opinion about pets, but her approach was different. She treated her dogs as companions rather than status objects, which resonated with the public. Her devotion to animals extended beyond dachshunds — she also kept Pomeranians, collies, and spaniels — but the dachshund stood out for its German heritage and unique appearance.

“Victoria’s devotion to her animals set a standard for how dogs were viewed — not just as working animals, but as members of the household.”
— Royal Collection Trust

This personal connection between monarch and dog helped pave the way for the modern concept of pets as family members.

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Queen Victoria’s love of animals was well known, but her dachshunds held a special place in her royal household. Among them, Waldman IV, a smooth red dachshund, is perhaps the most famous. Waldman IV was gifted to her by Prince Albert, who shared her admiration for German breeds. This single gift kickstarted a trend that elevated the breed’s profile across Britain and beyond.

At Windsor Castle and Balmoral, Victoria’s dachshunds were treated as part of the family. They were known to accompany her on walks, attend social gatherings, and even feature in royal portraits and engravings. These appearances turned dachshunds into something more than just hunting dogs — they became symbols of loyalty and affection, tied to the monarchy itself.

The way Victoria integrated dachshunds into her life mirrored their broader evolution:

• From working-class hunters (as detailed in Where Do Dachshunds Come From? Unpacking Their German Origins)
• To aristocratic companions, and eventually,
• To the beloved family pets we recognize today.

The royal household influenced breeding trends in ways that are still evident today. Breeders began prioritizing traits that fit the Victorian lifestyle — a calmer temperament, a slightly smaller size, and coats that looked as good in a royal portrait as they did in the countryside. These shifts laid the groundwork for modern miniature dachshunds and the diverse coat types we celebrate now. (See The Evolution of Dachshund Breeding Standards Over the Centuries for more on these changes.)

A Royal Trend That Stuck

It’s no coincidence that dachshunds remain popular in the U.K. and across Europe. Their association with royalty added prestige, but it’s their character — loyal, clever, and just a little stubborn — that ensured they remained a favorite for generations.

When Queen Victoria welcomed her first dachshund into the royal household, she wasn’t just adding another pet to her collection — she was reshaping the image of the entire breed. Before this, dachshunds were known as rugged German hunting dogs, admired for their tenacity but not for their elegance. They belonged to hunters and foresters, not parlors and palaces. Victoria’s fascination changed that narrative entirely.

Dachshunds had been bred for one purpose: hunting burrowing animals. Their reputation was that of a fearless, hardworking, and slightly stubborn dog. They were practical, reliable, and valued in Germany for their ability to chase down badgers or rabbits. But when Queen Victoria began keeping them at Windsor Castle and Balmoral, the dachshund took on a new identity.

In the public eye, these dogs were no longer just functional hunting companions — they became symbols of loyalty and sophistication. Victoria’s visible affection for her dachshunds (and her dogs in general) made them highly desirable among Britain’s upper class. Owning a dachshund became as much a social statement as it was a choice of pet.

There was something unique about Queen Victoria’s relationship with animals. Unlike many royals of her time, she didn’t treat them purely as ornaments or status symbols — she adored them as companions. This authenticity made her affection for dachshunds contagious. When she was photographed or painted with her red smooth dachshunds, including the well-known Waldman IV, it gave the breed a visibility they had never experienced before.

Her passion for the breed also aligned with her personal connection to Germany, through her husband Prince Albert. Dachshunds became a symbol of that cultural link, merging German practicality with British elegance.

In many ways, Queen Victoria’s influence on the dachshund’s popularity can be compared to modern influencer culture. Royal endorsement carried massive weight in the 19th century. When the public saw Victoria’s devotion to her dachshunds, demand soared. Breeders began refining dachshunds to be not just capable hunters but also companionable pets, with slightly smaller sizes and softer temperaments that made them better suited for domestic life.

The Victorian era also marked the beginning of formal breed standards. Kennel clubs started defining what a dachshund should look like — its proportions, coat types, and temperament — and this standardization made the breed more appealing for show purposes as well as companionship. We dive deeper into this shift in The Evolution of Dachshund Breeding Standards Over the Centuries.

Queen Victoria’s dachshunds were frequently captured in royal portraits, sketches, and even early photographs. These images weren’t just keepsakes; they became public symbols of the queen’s personality. The presence of her dachshunds in such formal depictions signaled that these dogs were more than hunting companions — they were trusted family members.

The influence of these royal pets can still be seen in art and media today. Dachshunds remain a favorite subject for painters, illustrators, and advertisers, celebrated for their distinctive silhouette and spirited character. (See Dachshunds in Art and Literature: From Muse to Icon for more on this cultural legacy.)

Prior to Victoria’s era, dachshunds were virtually unknown in Britain and were rarely seen outside German-speaking regions. By the mid-19th century, they had become one of the most fashionable breeds among Britain’s aristocracy and middle class. This was due to two key factors:

1. Visibility: Victoria’s public love for the breed created awareness and interest.
   
   
2. Practical Size: Compared to larger hunting dogs, dachshunds were small enough to thrive in urban and suburban households.
   
   

Their transformation from hunting dogs to household pets wasn’t instant, but Victoria’s endorsement accelerated the process. Breeders began to shift their focus toward producing dachshunds that were not only capable but also companionable and visually appealing. This emphasis on refinement helped the breed move away from being seen solely as a working dog.

The dachshund’s German roots, which once enhanced its appeal in royal circles, became a liability during wartime. In World War I, the breed’s popularity in the U.K. and U.S. dropped dramatically. Public sentiment toward anything German turned hostile, and dachshunds were even targeted in propaganda campaigns. Some owners went so far as to refer to their dogs as “liberty hounds” to avoid confrontation.

Despite this setback, the breed’s popularity endured. After the war, their association with Queen Victoria’s legacy and their reputation as affectionate companions helped them recover. (We explore this turbulent period in Dachshunds in Wartime: A Complex History.)

What Queen Victoria accomplished — unintentionally — was the creation of a cultural template for dachshunds that still exists today. Her endorsement gave the breed a dual identity:

• The functional dog: A reminder of its heritage as a fearless hunter.
  
  
• The companion dog: A trusted family member, capable of charm and loyalty in equal measure.
  
  

This dual identity is one of the reasons dachshunds have remained relevant for over 150 years. They’re not just pets; they’re part of a cultural story that connects German engineering, British royalty, and modern pet ownership.

Modern Reflections on a Royal Legacy

When I watch Harvey chase after his ball at Wanda Beach or curl up under a blanket on the sofa, I see the blend of history in him — a dog that’s both stubbornly independent and fiercely affectionate. That balance is part of what made Queen Victoria fall in love with the breed, and why so many of us are still drawn to dachshunds today.

Their cultural influence is everywhere — from fashion and advertising to art and social media. But it all started with a queen who recognized something special in a small, determined dog.

Explore more of the Dachshund History & Origin

• Where Do Dachshunds Come From? Unpacking Their German Origins
  
  
• Dachshund History: From German Hunters to Modern Companions
  
  
• 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.