12 Surprising Dachshund Facts: From Badger Hunters to Beloved Pets

Dachshunds are small dogs with big personalities. These adorable pups have captured hearts around the world with their unique looks and charming attitudes. You might think you know everything about these wiener dogs, but there’s more to learn.

Get ready to discover some surprising facts about these dogs. These clever canines have a rich history and many hidden talents that will amaze you. From their hunting roots to their impressive intelligence, Weiner dogs, as they are colloquially called, are full of surprises. You’ll gain a new appreciation for these lovable pups after learning these fascinating tidbits.

1. Dachshunds were originally bred for hunting badgers

Dachshunds have a fascinating history as hunting dogs. These small but mighty pups were bred in Germany specifically for hunting badgers. Their name even reflects this purpose, as “Dachshund” translates to “badger dog” in German.

You might wonder how such a small dog could take on a badger. The answer lies in their unique body shape. Weiner dogs have long, low bodies that allow them to easily navigate through tight burrows. Their short legs help them dig and maneuver underground.

2. Dachshunds come in three coat types: smooth, wirehaired, and longhaired

You might be surprised to learn that Dachshunds have three distinct coat types. These coat varieties are smooth, wirehaired, and longhaired. Each type gives Weiner dogs a unique look and feel.

• Smooth-coated Dachshunds have short, shiny fur that’s easy to care for.
• Wirehaired Dachshunds sport a rough, bristly coat with a softer undercoat.
• Longhaired Dachshunds have silky, flowing fur that can be straight or slightly wavy.

3. The name ‘Dachshund’ means ‘badger dog’ in German

Did you know that the name of this beloved breed has a special meaning? Dachshunds got their name from their original purpose. In German, “Dachs” means badger, and “Hund” means dog.

When you put these words together, you get “badger dog.” This name perfectly describes what these dogs were bred to do. Dachshunds were created to hunt badgers and other burrowing animals.

4. Dachshunds have three sizes: standard, miniature, and kaninchen (rabbit)

You might be surprised to learn that these dogs come in three distinct sizes. These are standard, miniature, and kaninchen, which means “rabbit” in German.

• The standard Dachshund is the largest of the three — weighing between 16 and 32 pounds and standing about 8 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder.
• Miniature Dachshunds are smaller than their standard counterparts — weighing less than 11 pounds and are about 5 to 6 inches tall at the shoulder.
• The kaninchen or rabbit Dachshund is the smallest of all, weighing less than 8 pounds. This size is not recognized by all kennel clubs but is popular in some European countries.

5. They can have a wide variety of coat colors and patterns

Dachshunds sport an impressive array of coat colors and patterns. You might be surprised to learn that these little dogs come in 12 main coat colors.

• Red is a common and classic Dachshund color.
• Some Dachshunds have more unique colors like chocolate, fawn, or even blue.
• Patterns add even more variety to Dachshund coats.
• Cream markings can appear on the face, chest, and feet of some of these dogs, adding a lovely contrast to their base color.

6. A Dachshund’s long back makes them prone to spinal problems

Dachshunds are known for their unique body shape, but this can lead to health issues. Their long backs and short legs put them at risk for spinal problems. The most common back problem in these dogs is Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD). This condition affects the disks that cushion the vertebrae in their spine.

7. The oldest recorded Dachshund lived to be 21 years old

Dachshunds are known for their longevity, but some have lived exceptionally long lives. The oldest recorded Dachshund reached an impressive age of 21 years. This remarkable pup was named Chanel. She was born on May 6, 1988, and lived until August 28, 2009. Chanel’s extraordinary lifespan lasted 21 years and 114 days.

8. Dachshunds are known for their brave and independent nature

Dachshunds may be small, but they have big personalities. These dogs are known for their independent thinking, which can make them both charming and challenging to train. You’ll find that Weiner dogs are fearless little dogs. Their bravery stems from their hunting background, as they were originally bred to chase badgers into their dens.

9. They have an excellent sense of smell, second only to the Bloodhound

Dachshunds have an amazing sense of smell that will impress you. Their noses are incredibly powerful, making them great at tracking scents. You might be surprised to learn that Weiner dogs have over 200 million scent receptors. This gives them an exceptional ability to detect and follow scents.

10. Dachshunds were popularized in the United States by artists like Andy Warhol

You might be surprised to learn that these dogs gained popularity in the US thanks to famous artists. Andy Warhol, the iconic pop artist, played a big role in this trend. Warhol owned two Dachshunds named Amos and Archie. He often featured Archie in his artwork and public appearances, which brought a lot of attention to the breed.

11. The breed is very playful and loves toys

Dachshunds are known for their playful and energetic personalities. These little dogs have a big love for fun and games. You’ll often find your Weiner dog happily playing with toys. Moreover, they enjoy a variety of playthings, from squeaky toys to balls and rope toys.

12. Dachshunds are known to be stubborn but intelligent

Dachshunds have a reputation for being stubborn, but don’t let that fool you. These little dogs are actually quite smart and their intelligence is often overlooked due to their independent nature. Moreover, you might find your Weiner dog challenging to train at times. This isn’t because they don’t understand what you want. It’s because they’re deciding if they want to do it or not.