Dachshunds have a rich history that spans over 600 years. They originated in Germany in the 16th century as a hunting breed.
Their name, Dachshund, literally translates to "badger dog" in German, which makes sense given their original purpose of hunting badgers and other burrowing animals. They were bred to be small, agile, and brave.
Dachshunds were a favorite of German royalty, who prized them for their unique appearance and hunting skills.
Origin
The Dachshund's origin story is a fascinating one. They were developed in Germany to hunt close to the hunter, much like the Basset Hound in France.
The breed is descended from the German schweisshund, and they're essentially a shorter-legged version of it. The Dachshund was also crossed with terrier and spaniel breeds to gain certain hunting qualities and coat types.
The German word "dachs" means "badger", which is another animal with a sturdy body on short, crooked legs. This tells us a lot about the Dachshund's original purpose.
Dachshunds have been helping hunters and families since the Middle Ages, doing everything from tracking and going to ground for game to protecting the homestead. They were used to hunt badgers and wild boars, and were primarily bred as trackers.
The miniature Dachshund was largely bred down from the standard to hunt rabbits and go to ground. This smaller version was still a valuable hunting companion.
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History and Breed
The Dachshund breed has a rich history that spans centuries. They originated in 15th-century medieval Europe, specifically in Germany.
Their name, "badger dog", translates to their original purpose: hunting badgers. These short hounds excelled at digging beneath dens to disrupt the formidable occupants.
In packs, Dachshunds were skilled at hunting wild boar. Their low bodies and determination made them ideal for this task.
The 1800s saw a shift in Dachshunds' roles, as they became popular house pets in Great Britain. They were favorites in many European royal courts, including Queen Victoria's.
The breed was introduced to the United States in 1885 and recognized by the AKC. However, during World War I, their popularity declined due to their German heritage.
During World War II, a temporary branding change occurred, and they were called "badger dogs" to prevent being ostracized. This change didn't last long, but it shows how the breed has adapted to its surroundings.
Today, Dachshunds are ranked sixth in popularity among dog breeds. Their unique shape, temperament, and loud bark have captured the hearts of many American pet owners.
The Dachshund
The Dachshund originated in Germany as a hunting dog, with its development beginning in the 17th century.
Their unique name, "dachshund", translates to "badger dog" in German, reflecting their original purpose of hunting badgers.
Dachshunds were bred to dig and hunt, with their low bodies and flap-down ears designed to help them navigate underground tunnels and dens.
In packs, Dachshunds were known to excel at hunting wild boar.
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The breed's development led to two main size variations: the standard size, which hunted badgers and wild boar, and the miniature size, which pursued hare and foxes.
Dachshunds were introduced to the United States as early as 1885 and were recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).
During World War II, Dachshunds were temporarily called "badger dogs" in the US to prevent them from being ostracized due to their German heritage.
The breed's popularity declined during World War I due to its German roots, but it has since regained its popularity and is currently ranked sixth for most popular dog breed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What animal were Dachshunds originally bred to fight?
Dachshunds were originally bred to hunt badgers, not fight them. Their unique physical features were designed to track and flush out badgers from underground burrows.
What were Dachshunds used for in WWII?
In World War II, Dachshunds were used for bomb detection and food tracking, serving bravely and selflessly in the war effort. Their unique skills and bravery made them invaluable assets to the armies they served.
What did Dachshunds evolve from?
Dachshunds are believed to have evolved from dwarf mutations of taller hunting hounds, such as the Schweisshund and Bibarhund. Selective breeding shortened their legs for hunting small game like rabbits and badgers.
What breeds make up a Dachshund?
A Dachshund is a mix of the German Schweisshund, Terrier, and Spaniel breeds, combining hunting qualities and unique coat types. This diverse ancestry is what makes the Dachshund a distinctive and beloved breed.
How were Dachshunds selectively bred?
Dachshunds were selectively bred by crossing different coats to enhance their hunting ability and adapt to local terrain. Breeders established a list of desirable characteristics by 1879, marking a significant milestone in the breed's development.
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