Surprising Dachshund facts you never knew about this legendary breed
A loyal legacy - The origin and purpose of the Dachshund
Bred to dig - A hunter’s best friend
Amongst the most fascinating Dachshund facts is these short-legged dogs were purpose-built to go underground chasing badgers, foxes and rabbits hence the meaning of the Dachshund is “badger dog”. These brave little dogs could tunnel with ease thanks to their narrow chests and paddle-like paws! They were ideal hunting companions.
Royal roots and rising fame
Dachshunds were favoured by European nobility and even Queen Victoria adored them! Originating in Germany they soon gained popularity across Europe and America celebrated for their loyalty and courage.
A breed with many names and shapes
A quirky but fun fact about Dachshunds is their nickname, sausage dog, isn’t just about their appearance – it’s part of their global identity! How many times have you heard children shout out “It’s a sausage dog!!” when you are out and about with your beloved companion? We have all been there and just love it when people notice our daxies! The word “Dackel” is a short form of the word Dachshund in Germany and is personally a word I use a lot for my Dachshunds. But whether you use Dachshund, sausage dog, Dackel, or Dachshie to describe your dog one thing is for sure, we all love them very much!
The Dachshund comes in two sizes, miniature and standard and we have found with the dogs that come to the charity for re-homing the actual size can vary greatly. They come in three coat types, smooth, long and wire and a variety of colours, the most familiar being black and tan, chocolate and tan, red, shaded red and dapple.
Dachshunds in the spotlight - From work to worldwide fame
From fields to families
As working dogs transitioned to companion dogs, interesting dog breeds like the Dachshund stood out. Their affection, cleverness and expressive, albeit stubborn sometimes, personalities made them a popular pet for households around the world. They are inquisitive little souls who love company and definitely have a mind of their own! They adore being with their humans and enjoy the challenges of play, adventures of walks and outings yet also love being snuggled up on the sofa with their special people!
Pop icons in fur coats
Dachshunds have strutted their stuff in movies, art, fashion and memes as well as the popular Vitality advert which has featured Stanley the Dachshund who has been the brand’s mascot since 2015.
Why Dachshunds need our help more than ever
Health challenges faced by the breed
One of the most important Dachshund facts for potential owners is that their long spine makes them prone to Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). Responsible care, diet and exercise will reduce the risk. More detailed and current information can be found here.
As a registered charity each dog we re-home goes to its new home with 4 weeks free insurance and all adopters are strongly encouraged to take out further insurance for their Dachshund when this expires.
Our role in education
Success stories
Dogs of all ages are sadly given up for many reasons and they all deserve a second chance. Our social media pages feature success stories and updates about Dachshunds that are in their wonderful new homes. So, pop across and have a read!
How you can help protect the legacy of the sausage dog
Become part of the pack
Every adoption changes a life, not just that of the Dachshund but the new owner too. It may take a while for the Dachshund to settle in the new home sometimes but the rewards of loving, working with the dog and helping it give us such a sense of purpose and fulfilment that the Dachshund repays with unconditional love, loyalty and happiness. Every new owner becomes part of the Suloti Family and has the opportunity to join our associated walking groups if there is one in their area.
Donate to make a difference to a Dachshund’s life
If you are unable to adopt but wish to help, please consider making a donation.
Your donation will help towards vet fees, provide transport, essential equipment and food for a Dachshund.
Volunteering and fundraising
Our volunteer page tells you all about volunteering with the charity.
If you can organise an event to raise funds for the charity we would all be very grateful. What about a dog walk in the summer where you can spend quality time with your dog and other owners? Every little bit helps a short-legged friend in need.
Share what you’ve learned
If you enjoyed these Dachshund facts? Share this page on social media to help spread the history of the breed and the wonderful world of Dachshunds!
