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

Similarly, Zempel’s love of dogs influenced her approach to scenes featuring Burberry, the dachshund owned by Mulligan’s and Isaac’s feuding characters. — Simon Thompson, HollywoodReporter, 17 Aug. 2026

Other breeds that are at risk for pancreatitis include miniature dachshunds, poodles and cocker spaniels. — The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 July 2026

The small gold frame with two dachshunds was a gift from my friend, Liz. — Diana Arterian, Literary Hub, 23 July 2026

Out walking his beagle-dachshund in his Northeast Washington neighborhood last summer, Sam Talley, 15, first heard the distinct call, which sounds a bit like a two-note whistle. — Dana Hedgpeth, Washington Post, 20 July 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.