dachshund

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noun dachs·hund \ˈdäks-ˌhu̇nt, -ˌhu̇nd; ˈdäk-sənt; especially British ˈdak-sənd\

Definition of dachshund

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

See dachshund defined for English-language learners

Recent Examples of dachshund from the Web

No, it’s Rocco the dog, who had to be rescued by firefighters when the small dachshund got stuck inside a tree trunk.

— the associated press, The Seattle Times, "Cat in a tree? No, it’s a dog — who had to be rescued", 2 June 2017
After trying to determine the source of the yelps, the officers discovered Rocco, a dachshund, stuck in a tree trunk.

— CBS News, "Off-duty troopers rescue dog stuck in tree trunk", 2 June 2017
A dachshund hunting for groundhogs ended up getting stuck in a tree.

— ajc homepage, ajc, "Troopers rescue dog stuck in tree", 2 June 2017
A couple of Kentucky State Police troopers and a firefighter have proved that man can be dog’s best friend by coming to the rescue of a dachshund trapped inside a tree trunk.

— associated press, Washington Post, "Cat in a tree? No, it’s a dog — who had to be rescued", 2 June 2017
The event begins at 9:30 a.m. with registration and activities to follow at 10 a.m. Start off by casting a vote for your favorite Dachshund in the costume contest.

— michelle jenkins, idahostatesman, "Get a long little doggie at the Doxie Stroll and Show", 29 May 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'dachshund'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Illustration of dachshund

Origin and Etymology of dachshund

German, from Dachs badger + Hund dog

First Known Use: 1878

Other Mammals Terms

dormouse, dugong, gibbon, grimalkin, sable, stoat, ungulate, vole

DACHSHUND Defined for English Language Learners

dachshund

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noun

Definition of dachshund for English Language Learners

: a small type of dog that has a long body, very short legs, and long ears

DACHSHUND Defined for Kids

dachshund

play

noun dachs·hund \ˈdäks-ˌhu̇nt, ˈdäk-sənt\

Definition of dachshund for Students

: a small dog of German origin with a long body, short legs, and long drooping ears

History for dachshund

Several centuries ago, the Germans developed a dog with short legs and a long body. These dogs were used to hunt burrowing animals such as badgers. Because of their shape, the dogs could follow a badger right down its hole. The Germans gave these dogs the name Dachshund, a compound word formed from Dachs, “badger,” and Hund, “dog.” The English word dachshund came from this German name.