dachshund

noun

dachs·​hund ˈdäks-ˌhu̇nt  -ˌhu̇nd 

ˈdäk-sənt;

especially British ˈdak-sənd

: any of a breed of long-bodied, short-legged dogs of German origin that occur in short-haired, long-haired, and wirehaired varieties

Illustration of dachshund

Examples of dachshund in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The dog, a Chiweenie—a hybrid of a dachshund and a Chihuahua—appears calm but alert as the voice continues. —Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026

But dachshunds are increasingly hot dogs. —Dallas Morning News, 18 Mar. 2026

Babygirl, a young dachshund and chihuahua mix with long, golden hair, became homeless during the pandemic. —Blake Nelson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026

Meanwhile, all eight dogs — which included a labradoodle, mini dachshund, mountain dog, Aussie mix, sheepdog, lab mix and two huskies — were all found safe. —Tess Kenny, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

German, from Dachs badger + Hund dog

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

dachshund

noun

dachs·​hund ˈdäks-ˌhu̇nt  ˈdäk-sənt 

: any of a breed of dogs of German origin with a long body, very short legs, and long drooping ears

Etymology

from German Dachshund "dachshund," literally, "badger dog," from Dachs "badger" and Hund dog

Word Origin

The dachshund is a dog with short legs and a long history. The breed was developed in Germany more than a thousand years ago to hunt burrowing animals such as badgers. With its short legs and long, powerful body, the dachshund could follow a badger right down into its hole. It could even fight with the badger underground. The German name for the breed was Dachshund, a compound of Dachs, meaning "badger," and Hund, "dog." This German name was borrowed directly into English.