dachshund

noun

dachs·​hund ˈdäks-ˌhu̇nt How to pronounce dachshund (audio) -ˌhu̇nd How to pronounce dachshund (audio)
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

Illustration of dachshund

Examples of dachshund in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Sitting on top of the bottom tier was a peekaboo puppy, a figurine of the couple's English cream dachshund named Tony. Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 3 Apr. 2025 But roughly a year after Valerie went missing, reports started coming in of a small dachshund on Kangaroo Island, wearing a pink collar. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Apr. 2025 Most events are centered in Carolyn Crayton Park, with concerts, rides, games and a dachshund race. Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025 Volunteers and wildlife experts are trying to lure in a miniature dachshund named Valerie on Kangaroo Island, a 1,700-square-mile outpost off the coast of South Australia. Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 1 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for dachshund

Word History

Etymology

German, from Dachs badger + Hund dog

First Known Use

1878, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dachshund was in 1878

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Cite this Entry

“Dachshund.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dachshund. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

dachshund

noun
: 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.

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