Dachshunds Are Quirky Short Dogs With Rambunctious Personalities And A Fascinating History

Dachshunds are one of the most beloved and fascinating dog breeds around today. You might know Dachshund as “sausage dogs,” as they resemble little sausages on foot, but they are so much more to these little pups that might surprise you!

While they are not the most expensive breed in the marketplace, they are one of the popular. Additionally, their lifespan is generally longer than other dogs. Read on to learn more!

1. They Were Originally Bred To Hunt Badgers

Although Dachshunds’ origins can be traced back to the 15th century, it’s in the 17th century in Western Germany that Dachshunds were specifically bred to sniff out and hunt down badgers and other burrow-dwelling animals like mice and rabbits. Dachshund, in german, actually means Badger-Dog!

While the Dachshund is designed for badger hunting, his tail is used more for expressing emotion than anything else. Unlike some dog breeds that have gone extinct, the wiener dogs have thrived.

2. Your Beloved Hotdog Almost Had Another Name

Can you imagine your hotdog being called Dachshund sausages? Hot dogs, one of the main food groups of the United States’ Independence day celebrations, were almost called Dachshund Sausages. Hot Dog was finally picked, which sounds a lot more appealing!

3. The Dachshund Was The First Ever Olympic Mascot

In 1972, during the first Olympic Games in Munich, Germany, the mascot of the event was a Dachshund dog named Waldi. The Marathon course of that year was even designed to follow the shape of a Dachshund body!

4. The Dachshund Has Three Types of Coat

The Dachshund coat comes in a wide variety of colors, but they only have three different types of coat. There is smooth, long-haired, and wire-haired. The last one is a rougher, thicker coat.

5. Dachshunds Were Famous During WWI

Dachshunds were used as part of communication campaigns during World War I in Germany, which led to a decline in the breed’s popularity in the United States. The American Kennel Association even tried to rebrand the dogs under a new name to try to counter this bad publicity.

They were named “Liberty Pups” or their English translation, “Badger Dog.” The new names didn’t stick and didn’t stop Americans from embracing Dachshunds, still known today under their original name.

6. Three Dachshunds Made It To The Guinness Book Of World Records

Typically, Dachshunds are known to live between 12 and 16 years, but as with every rule, they are the exception, and Dachshunds are no different! Chanel, an American rescue doxie, lived to hit 21 years of age when she died in 2009. She is to this day the oldest Dachshund to have lived!

Otto, a British Dachshund, lived until 20 years old and died in 2010. His owner said he continued to be playful with children in his street until the very end. Scolly is another Dachshund that made it past 20 years old, more exactly 20 years and 33 days. He passed away in July 2013.

7. Dachshunds Come In Two Sizes

Just like Starbucks has different cup sizes, Dachshunds have different sausage sizes too! More specifically, they come in two sizes, both created through breeding. The standard Dachshund can weigh up to 35 lbs and was originally bred to hunt badgers. The miniature Dachshund weighs 11 lbs and under.

8. California Is Home To Dachshund Races

Southern California is home to the Wienerschnitzel Weiners National, a Dachshund race created by the Hot Dog chain Wienerschnitzel. Dachshunds are not your typical athlete dog breed, but seeing those little sausages run around has brought a crowd every year since 1995!

9. The Weirdest Dachshund Mix Is A Pitbull Dachshund

Dachshund-mix, just like other dog breed-mixes, are common. What’s uncommon is what breed Rami, an adorable 6-year-old pup, is mixed with! Rami is a cross between a Dachshund and a Pitbull, making him a very funny and cute-looking dog full of energy! Picture the head of a pitbull with the body of a Dachshund, and you get Rami! Don’t get fooled by his unique appearance, because he will absolutely steal your heart!

Were you surprised by these Dachshund facts? What did you learn, and what surprised you the most? 

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The Dachshund pitbull mix isn’t the only intriguing mix. Here is a list of other Dachshund mix breeds!