When I first got a Dachshund, I knew nothing about them.
Now some people would call me a “fanatic” I suppose.
Photo Credit: Depositphotos/db_rus
Between doing research for my blog, and via my friends in the Dachshund club that I run, I have probably learned most of what there is to know about wiener dogs.
I thought I’d share a few fun facts and things that surprise most people when I tell them.
1) Dachshunds Are Hunting Dogs
When most people think of hunting dogs, big dogs like Labrador Retrievers, Shorthaired Pointers, and Coonhounds come to mind. There are several smaller dogs that were bred for hunting too though.
According to Wikipedia, “The standard size Dachshund was developed to scent, chase, and flush out badgers and other burrow-dwelling animals, while the miniature Dachshund was bred to hunt smaller prey such as rabbits. In the United States, they have also been used to track wounded deer and hunt prairie dogs.”
The name “Dachshund” literally means “badger dog,” from Dachs (“badger”) and Hund (“hound, dog”) in Germany, where they originated. If you want to be proper, the name should be pronounced with a German accent – DAKS-huunt (or hoont).
2) There Are Over 500 Dachshund “Flavors”
In the US, Dachshunds come in 2 official sizes – miniature Dachshunds and standard Dachshunds. Miniatures are defined a dog that is 11 lbs or under at 1 year of age. Standard Dachshunds are 16 lbs and over (the max usually being around 40 lbs.)
There are Dachshunds that don’t fall neatly into those size categories.
For example, of course, there are Dachshunds that weigh between 12 and 15 lbs. Some breed registries consider anything 12 lbs and over to be a standard. The average Dachshund owner usually refers dogs in this middle range as “tweenies”.
Anything 11 lbs and under is a miniature so don’t be fooled buy people claiming they raise “toy” or “teacup” Dachshunds. There is no such thing.
There are 3 coat types: smooth (short haired), long haired, and wire haired.
There are approximately 15 different color combinations: black & cream, black & tan, blue & cream, blue & tan, chocolate & cream, chocolate & tan, cream, fawn (also called Isabella) & cream, fawn & tan, red, wheaten, wild boar, black, chocolate, and fawn.
There are at least 6 marking combinations: brindle, dapple, sable, brindle piebald, dapple piebald, and piebald.
Doing the math reveals that there are 540 color/coat/pattern possibilities.
Photo Credit: Depositphotos/Brusnikaphoto
Of course, genetics control what is possible so there might be less than that in reality. Still, it’s crazy how many different Dachshund “flavors” there are.
3) The Dachshund Has Over 10 Different Names
The official, breed specific, names for these long and narrow dogs are Dachshund (Us and Germany), Teckel (Germany) and Dackel (Germany).
Here in the US, there are over 15 different names people call Dachshunds derived from shortening the name, misspellings of the name, and “cute” name references. These include wIEner dog, wEIner dog, sausage dog, weenie, Doxie, weens, and many more Dachshund nicknames.
4) Dachshunds Are Athletes, Not Lapdogs
People often assume that small dogs don’t need much exercise. Or, in fact, they aren’t capable of much exercise.
When it comes to Dachshunds, that would be an incorrect assumption.
A dog’s athleticism is a product of both nature and nurture.
As I said above, Dachshund are hunting dogs. They were bred to have energy and stamina.
However, if you life a sedentary life and don’t take them out much, they probably won’t be fit and may get used to lazing around. If you are active though, and slowly increase activity to build their fitness (just like people should), they will probably shock you with what they can do.
Both of the Dachshunds I’ve owned were great hikers and could go at least 10 miles on steep, rough terrain before even staring to get tired. Many people compete in agility with their Dachshunds. Although certainly not typical of Dachshunds, TruMan the Doxie ran a whole marathon (over 26 miles!) with his ultrarunner Mom.
5) The First Olympic Mascot Was a Dachshund
The first official mascot in the history of the Olympic Summer Games – the 1972 Munich Olympic Games – was Waldi the Dachshund (Olympic.org)
Image Credit: Olympic.org
The course of the marathon was designed to incorporate the Waldi design, and during the construction phase of the 1972 Olympic stadium and village, Waldi was used in unofficial satirical posters. (source)
6) Dachshunds Live a Long Time
Dachshunds live to be 15-16 years old on average. However, not all make it that long and some live longer.
Based on my observations, and experience through my Dachshund club members, it seems that there are 3 main “age” categories for Dachshunds – those that only make it to 11 or 12, those that live to be 15 or 16, and those that live to be 18 or older.
There is some debate about the oldest age of a Dachshund, but the oldest Dachshund in the world might be Rocky, who lived to be at least 25.
7) Dachshunds Are Prone to Back Issues
The Dachshund breed is prone to a hereditary disease called Intervertebral Disk Disease, or IVDD, which can cause disks in a dog’s neck or back to rupture.
Less frequently, a Dachshund can have back problems from acute injury, like being hit by a car, or degeneration from old age. However, 1 in 4 Dachshunds will have back issues between the ages of 4 and 7 because they have IVDD.
Chester in the L’il Back Bracer Dachshund back support.
If a Dachshund’s spinal disks crack or bulge, the result can be anything ranging from severe pain to paralysis.
Treatment can range from medication and 6-10 weeks of strict crate rest to surgery followed by crate rest.
Complimentary treatments like acupuncture, cold laser therapy, hydrotherapy, dog conditioning exercises, and supplements can help in the recovery process and prevent future flare-ups.
Owning a Dachshund is kind of like roulette in regard to back issues. The best thing you can do is learn as much as you can about the signs and symptoms of IVDD-related back pain in Dachshunds so you can catch it early.
8) They Have a Big Dog Bark
Like people, dogs can have different “voices”. However, most Dachshunds have a bigger bark than you would expect to come from a small dog.
I can attest that at least one pizza delivery person thought there was Rotweiler inside when they knocked on our door.
Since they also like to hear themselves bark, this can cause problems in apartments, condos, and other close living quarters. In fact, trying to teach a Dachshund to stop barking is one of an owners “favorite pasttimes”.
9) Dachshunds Will Steal Your Heart
Most Dachshund owners will claim that they are like potato chips – you can’t have just one – and many people who claim to not like Dachshunds change their mind after spending some quality time with one.
Their spunky little spirits, clownish antics, and silly looks will definitely steal your heart.
Many people have at least two and the “once a dachshund owner, always a dachshund owner” mentality leads people to get several over their lifetime.
10) The Hot Dog Was Named After the Dog
Well, this one might not be a 100% proven fact but it’s a fun thought.
Some historians believe hot dogs were first known as Dachshund sausages, after the long round dogs, which were favorite companions of German butchers.
Some suggest that the name was changed to “Wiener” dog after one cartoonist had trouble spelling “Dachshund” and shortened it.
Unfortunately, no one has been able to find this comic so the truthfulness of this theory is seriously doubted.
If you own a Dachshund, or are thinking of getting one, I hope you learned something you didn’t know about them. Do you have any other fun facts to share?
Debby says
Dachshunds are also stubborn, but so cute and sweet you can’t get mad at them. I love my Dixie, first doxie I’ve ever had.
Rose says
That’s so true Debby, I love my Doxie, Penelope, but boy, she never stops barking…….
David Mann says
I really enjoyed the hot dog naming fact. I guessed it before though.
Blue says
Dachsie parents often talk about their “Frito feet” — many Dachshunds have feet with an irresistible corn chip smell, especially when they’re warm from cuddling or napping. Similar to human new-baby smell, Frito feet can make you yearn to adopt more Dachsies. The scent is in-Doxie-cating. 😉
Jessica Rhae says
Yes, frito feet is very common in Dachshunds. It’s not usually harmful but it’s actually caused by bacteria with a “yeasty” smell https://www.thesprucepets.com/dog-paws-smell-like-corn-chips-3385624
Toby says
My Dashshund name is Toby and he stole my heart when I first saw him. He is the long hair version and he is a very tough guy. Thanks for this article, I learn a lot more of him.
Jessica Rhae says
Dachshunds are the best. There are several long haired Dachshunds in my club. They’re pretty/handsome.
Drew says
We have a 2 y.o. long-haired Dachshund named Tobias which we shorten to Toby. Like all doxies he’s a natural clown and a real love bug. He’s our 4th – we have been owned by doxies since 1991.
Jean Brackett says
Had to put my 16 year old dachshund down yesterday. His name was Guinness. The best companion I could ask for. He was a hunter and tough. Survived a coyote attack. He will be missed Dearly. Best Breed!
Jessica Rhae says
I’m very sorry for your loss
Don says
I’m so sorry. It’s so hard to lose one, because they show so much love back to the owner. I rescued a 9 yr old. I lost my Molly a year ago. She was 14. I haven’t been able too let her go.
Eleana Oldenburg says
We’re so sorry for your loss. We lost our mini Tinker almost 3 months ago and we’re still mourning her. She fought multiple myeloma for over a year and taught us about resilience, determination and most of all, love. Saying goodbye was the hardest thing we have done. Yes, we’ll get another mini eventually.
Sylvia says
How can you prevent a dachshund from jumping off of couches? We have steps that do go up to the couch but it is very difficult to catch them before they jump they move very fast. My Heidi had been treated in the past for her neck but exrays show no separation of her disk and she had to be crated for about of month. Need some advice
Thanks
Jessica Rhae says
Hi Sylvia. There are really only three ways to completely prevent jumping off of the couch. 1) don’t allow Heidi on the couch at all (blocked off when not being sat on and not allowed up on it when you are) 2) block the couch off so she can’t get up on it when you are not there. If you want to let her on it when you are, put a harness on her and keep your hands on it at all times so she has to chance of jumping off. 3) What I did was use pet gates to surround the couch so they could still get on and off it when I wasn’t there but only by using the stairs. The dogs are allowed on the couch when we have pulled the gate away and are sitting there but we pay keen attention and lift them off the couch, or guide them to the stairs with our hands, when they want to get off. I understand that neither of the 3 options are ideal but that is what would work. Good luck.
Patricia Randall says
We adopted our black and tan girl Chica 4 years ago. She is so sweet, a great mole hunter and caught a rabbit once (poor bunny). She and her pack brother Charlie (coincidentally a black and tan terrier mix) are both very athletic and fun. I would love to adopt more dachsunds, they are the BEST. I wanted one ever since childhood after reading a book about some adventurous doxies!
Denise says
Dachshunds are prone to get bladder stones. Too much protein causes this. My Doxie is on a strict dry food and wet food. Also gets strict doggie treats. Found this out after she had 16 large stones removed and over 300 mini stones. Surgery was Very very expensive. No food other than what was prescribed. That means NO people food. If you see blood in urine see vet right away. This is my second Weiner dog. First one lived til 27 years old human years. Enjoy your Dachshund. They are wonderful.
Jessica Rhae says
Wow… 27 years old? That’s amazing. I think my friend’s Dachshund had bladder stones and has to be on a special diet. She’s the only one I know though so I didn’t know it was common in the breed. Thanks for the info.
mira sanders says
My Dutchhound-Stanley whom I rescued about 5 yeatrs ago. He was left in the cage on the parking lot recently suffers from the broken jaw.He attacted my pit-bull and that what hapenned.Surgery is about 3 0 00.00$ And I don’t have that kind of money.Stanley is a wonderful and very stubborn dog.We love him very much and hope that we will be able to get some help for him.
Jessica Rhae says
I’m sorry to hear this Mira. If it were me, I would ask the veterinarian if it’s possible to make payments over time. You can also contact a rescue to see if they can help.
Donna Stassel says
I just adopted a mix from the shelter not knowing what to expect. He looks dach/terrier. Wow! I never expected such a funny, athletic, affectionate dog.
Jessica Rhae says
Thank you for rescuing. I hope (and expect you will) have a wonderful life together 🙂
Shannon Lancaster says
Good luck I have 3 dashounds Bobbygene Frankie and Missy Maymay . I have to laugh about them sitting anyplace else except couch and them taking turns sneaking in my chair when I catch them I think their more tickled than I am. My oldest dashound Elvis died 2 1/2 years ago he was Frankie’s dad. My husband died in 2009 and of course I was still grieving over him but when Elvis died I some how dealt with my husband dying because I still am grieving over Elvis. I always say Elvis was the best boyfriend I ever had he was with me longer than anyone he was 19 when he passed He was largely in charge around this house. BIGGEST SHOW OFF YOU EVER MET.LORDY DO I MISS HIM.
Jessica Rhae says
Hi Shannon. I saw your other comment – “I filled them out what else you want” – and I assume that was made because your comment did not appear immediately. Because of the spam/junk/irrelevant comments I often get on my blog, I screen all comments from people who haven’t commented before. You did it all right. Your comment can’t appear until I have time to manually approve it myself though. So now it’s done 🙂
I’m sorry you for your losses. Having lost a lot of important people in my life too, I know how painful it is and can be even years later. Pets are often like family members to us to the grieving can be the same.
Thanks for sharing about your current Dachshunds. They sound very comical and fun.
Teresa says
I had to let my Spotty cross the rainbow bridge just last Monday. He had developed diabetes and then suffered complications due to the diabetes. I had had him from 5 weeks and he was 11 years old. My heart broke as I held him and still cry terribly. He was my best friend and was such a funny character!! I love and miss him terribly and I have another one.
Jessica Rhae says
I’m sorry for your loss. When your heart is ready, I’m sure the perfect new buddy will come along.
Karen Johnson says
Hello great stories and education on doxies I have Jake he is a mix of begala and Dixie I rescued him from an empty house 13 yrs ago he was 3 then do he is now 16 yrs old I have had others dogs through my life and loved them.all bu TV Jake has a special place in my heart he has been nothing but pure joy! He even opens up his own Christmas gifts .he had a cancer surgery 3 yrs ago and still with us he takes doggy chemo every other day and is doing great just a bit slower than in his younger years I think everyone who loves animals should have one
Jessica Rhae says
Thank you for taking such good care of him and giving him such a loving home.
Jim Vogel says
About three years back I lost my best friend, a street dog we rescued from Puerto Rico 15 years earlier. After a sad dog-less year I was introduced to a beautiful five year old long-haired mini-doxi who had just lost his owner. Wow, what a character, he just stole my heart. Now it seems everyone I run into who has ever had a dochshund just lights up and regales me with fond memories of their own little weiner-pals. What a wonderful breed!
Jessica Rhae says
Indeed people do! Dachshunds are a very lovable and memorable breed so I also get a lot of people coming up to me to say hi to mine and reminiscing about one they had, their friend had, or a family member had 🙂
SUNNY says
People who are dachshund lovers will do anything for their dogs . We just came from Charlotte NC where our 17 year old dachshund had $2000 worth of preventive dental surgery by one of the top veterinary dental surgeons in the area .
My husband loves that little dog !
He picked her out at the shelter .
She has been an absolute pleasure to own .