Where Are Dachshunds From?
The Dachshund is a German breed that dates back roughly 600 years. The English translation of the name is “badger dog,” though it’s often mistranslated as “badger hound.” It is for this reason that the Dachshund was incorrectly placed in the hound category of the 1874 English stud book, rather than the terrier category.
Regardless of the translation, the Dachshund is a vivacious and hardy dog bred to hunt and follow badgers into their underground burrows. The long body and short legs of the Dachshund are perfect for digging into tunnels after prey, and their loud barks are able to alert handlers once prey has been located.
The original Doxies were heavier (30 – 35 lbs), which gave them an advantage against fearsome badgers and wild boar. Smaller varieties were bred to accommodate hunting of various game animals like foxes, weasels, and rabbits.
In the 20th Century, Dachshund popularity sunk after WWI, due to their German heritage. Thanks to the efforts of Americans in the postwar years, the Dachshund population made a rebound and has remained one of the most popular breeds ever since.