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

After taking Hadley inside, the couple, from the United Kingdom, were told about another dachshund who'd been abandoned at the day care by a breeder and was in terrible shape. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 29 Nov. 2024

Peter Alexander’s personal love for dachshunds inspired the use of the dog in campaigns, designs, and even products. —Kate Hardcastle, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024

Adorable dachshunds and their owners take part in the 5th 'Paris Sausage Walk' along the banks of the Seine River in Paris, France on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024. —Joanna Moriello, New York Daily News, 18 Nov. 2024

Like a dachshund or Jack Russell terrier, the A110 was purpose-built to fight well above its weight. —Robert Ross, Robb Report, 1 Nov. 2024

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.