The Long and Short of Dachshund History

Welcome to our Dachshund history page!

Dachshund history is very interesting because you may hear different versions of it depending on who you talk to.

We will try to give you the version we believe to be the most accurate and also discuss some of the more interesting theories that have been discussed over the years.

Early History

One such theory is that Dachshunds may have originated in Ancient Egypt and therefore have been in existence for over 4000 years! An inscription on the ancient monument of an Egyptian pharaoh has an inscription that reads "teka". This would lead some to believe that this is the root of the German word "Teckel" another name for our beloved hound dog. I personally don't think ancient Egyptians used Latin or German in their monuments, but you never know. We don't subscribe to this theory, but we would love to hear more information from Dachshund experts on this topic.

In fact, Dachshund means "badger dog" in German. Bred to hunt small game, such as badgers and rabbits, the Dachshund body type would have been quite ideal for hunting. With its short legs, and long body the Dachshund's nose would be low to the ground allowing the dog to more easily follow its prey. The Dachshund could also fit through thick brush and squeeze or dig into the burrows of small animals that larger breeds of dogs had no chance of reaching.

According to early documents from the 1600's and 1700's these low, long dogs were referred to as "Teckels" or "erdhundles" (earth dogs). One seventeenth century volume describes the Teckel as a "peculiear low-crooked breed". The documents of the time described these little dogs as more resembling terriers, pincshers, and even bassett hounds. One theory even states that Dachshunds may have been derived from the same lines as the Basset hound.

Throughout the Dachshunds early history, its appearance would have been somewhat diverse. They were bred to hunt in different terrain and different types of prey.

Size differences resulted in larger Dachshunds (over 30lbs) primarily hunting larger game such as badgers, hares and foxes. Hunting in packs, Dachshunds could even track deer. Smaller Dachshunds (under 20 pounds) would hunt rabbits and be able to follow their prey into the smallest of burrows.

The Modern Dachshund (post 1800)

The breed standard was established in the 19th century in the "Deutscher Hund-Stammbuch" (the German Hound stud book-circa 1840) which included over 50 Dachshunds. Hunting clubs also kept stud books which recorded dogs of outstanding hunting ability. The breed standard was further established by the German Dachshund Club (Deutscher Teckelklub) founded in 1888.

In 1915, German breeders starting designated Dachshunds based on coat types. K for Kurzhaar (Smooth), R for Rauhhaar (Wirehaired) and Z for Zwerg (Miniature).

Dachshund History in the United States

Dachshunds were first introduced into the United States in the late 19th century and were an instant hit. The Dachshund Club of America (DCA) was started in 1895 and helped grow the breeds popularity which was at an all time high just before World War I. World War I was a dark time in Dachshund history as the dog breed suffered great persecution due to its German heritage. Dachshund owners were not seen as patriotic Americans and their dogs were sometimes even killed.

Luckily, the Dachshund regained its status as one of America's favorite family dog after World War II and has never looked back. Dachshund history continues to unfold as Dachshund of all coat types and sizes compete in the largest dog shows and continue to be winners.

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