The dachshund (German: "badger dog"), also known as the wiener dog, badger dog, and sausage dog, is a short-legged, long-bodied, hound-type dog breed. The dog may be smooth-haired, wire-haired, or long-haired.
The standard-sized dachshund was developed to scent, chase, and flush out badgers and other burrow-dwelling animals. The miniature dachshund was bred to hunt small animals such as rabbits.
According to the American Kennel Club, the dachshund was ranked 12th in popularity among dog breeds in the United States in 2018.
The name dachshund is of German origin and literally means "badger dog," from Dachs ("badger") and Hund ("hound, dog"). The German word is pronounced [ˈdaks.hʊnt]. The pronunciation varies in English: variations of the first and second syllables include /ˈdɑːks-/, /ˈdæks-/ and /-hʊnt/, /-hʊnd/, /-ənd/. It may be pronounced as /ˈdæʃ-/hound by some English speakers. Although Dachshund is a German word, in modern German they are more commonly known by the short name Dackel or Teckel.
Because of their long, narrow build, they are often nicknamed wiener dog or sausage dog.
There are three dachshund coat varieties: smooth coat (short hair), long-haired, and wire-haired. Long haired dachshunds have a silky coat and short featherings on legs and ears. Wire-haired dachshunds are the least common coat variety in the United States (although it is the most common in Germany) and the most recent coat to appear in breeding standards. Dachshunds have a wide variety of colors and patterns, the most common one being red. Their base coloration can be single-colored (either red or cream), tan pointed (black and tan, chocolate and tan, blue and tan, or isabella and tan), and in wire-haired dogs, a color referred to as wild boar. Patterns such as dapple (merle), sable, brindle and piebald also can occur on any of the base colors. Dachshunds in the same litter may be born in different coat colors depending on the genetic makeup of the parents.
Dachshunds are playful, but as hunting dogs can be quite stubborn, and are known for their propensity for chasing small animals, birds, and tennis balls with great determination and ferocity. As dachshunds were originally used as badger hunters they have a keen sense for chasing smaller animals. Dachshunds are often stubborn, making them a challenge to train.
The dachshund is a creation of German breeders and includes elements of German, French, and English hounds and terriers. Dachshunds have been kept by royal courts all over Europe, including that of Queen Victoria, who was particularly enamored of the breed.
The first verifiable references to the dachshund, originally named the "Dachs Kriecher" ("badger crawler") or "Dachs Krieger" ("badger warrior"), came from books written in the early 18th century. Prior to that, there exist references to "badger dogs" and "hole dogs", but these likely refer to purposes rather than to specific breeds. The original German dachshunds were larger than the modern full-size variety, weighing between 31 and 40 lb, and originally came in straight-legged and crook-legged varieties (the modern dachshund is descended from the latter). Though the breed is famous for its use in exterminating badgers and badger-baiting, dachshunds were also commonly used for rabbit and fox hunting, for locating wounded deer, and in packs were known to hunt game as large as wild boar and as fierce as the wolverine.
Growing up I had a couple of doxies..... first one was Scuffy Ann ...
and the second one was Heidi...
What do you get when you pair BBQ-smothered, juicy chicken thighs with homemade coleslaw, and place it between the buns of a crusty roll? Just the most incredible Carolina Shredded Chicken Sandwich you've ever tasted! This sandwich is summer spectacular!
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 (16-ounce) package coleslaw mix
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 kaiser or potato rolls, cut in half and toasted
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook chicken and onion 12 to 15 minutes, or until onion begins to brown. Stir in barbecue sauce, water, and brown sugar, cover, and cook 8 to 10 minutes, or until no pink remains in the chicken.
- Remove chicken to a cutting board. Using 2 forks, shred chicken by pulling it apart. Return chicken to skillet and stir until evenly coated with sauce. Over medium heat, cook 2 to 3 minutes, or until heated through.
- Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, combine coleslaw, oil, vinegar, granulated sugar, salt, and pepper; mix well.
- Divide chicken mixture evenly over rolls, top with coleslaw, and serve.
***Wanna give this a rich, smoky flavor? Cook it or reheat it in a cast iron skillet on the grill. It's perfect for summer entertaining!
1956 – Dorothy Hamill, American figure skater
1964 – Sandra Bullock, American actress
