HISTORY OF THE DACHSHUND

As the German name implies, the Dachshund (translated “badger dog”) originated in Germany over 400 years ago.  Some debate still exists regarding such origins, with many believing the breed is much older than this.  Stone etchings and statues, thousands of years old and bearing a striking resemblance to the contemporary Dachshund, have been found in and about Egypt, Central America, South America and China.  In addition, remains of Dachshund-like canines have been found among ancient Roman settlements in Germany.  There is no doubt  that a dog closely resembling the Dachshund existed on earth in millennia past; but the dog that we know and love today is the result of selective crossbreeding by German hunters in sixteen-century Europe.  These hunters were looking for a dog that would “go to earth” against a popular quarry of that day, the badger.  Owing to the fierce and fiery disposition of the badger, the dog chosen to follow such a quarry into its burrow had to possess a pugnacious and fearless spirit, as well as the anatomical build to perform the task with efficiency.  In the Dachshund, these Teutonic hunters got this and a whole lot more.  Not only was this dog used to root badgers, fox and rabbits out of their dens and subsequently subdue them-their low center of gravity was ideal for stability during the fight-but used in packs they could even chase and track larger quarry, such as deer and boar, over vast distances, despite their shortened appendages.  They proved to be excellent watchdogs at home as well , equipped with a keen sense of hearing and loud, shrill bark that served as an efficient alarm system.