How were dachshunds (wiener dogs) used to hunt badgers?

Dachshunds on the hunt appear in German woodcuts as early as the 1540s. Their name means "badger hound." In hunting, the dogs accompanied the foresters until burrowing prey, such as badgers, were spotted. read more

Dachshunds on the hunt appear in German woodcuts as early as the 1540s. Their name means"badger hound." In hunting, the dogs accompanied the foresters until burrowing prey, such as badgers, were spotted. When the prey went underground, one or more dachshunds were sent in after them, often down the multiple entrances of underground burrows. read more

Though the breed is famous for its use in exterminating badgers and badger-baiting, dachshunds were also commonly used for rabbit and fox hunting, for locating wounded deer, and in packs were known to hunt game as large as wild boar and as fierce as the wolverine. read more

THE DACHSHUND BREED WAS CREATED TO HUNT BADGERS. We all love the wiener dog’s amusing and unique body shape, but the breed wasn’t bred that way just to maximize cuteness. Originally bred to hunt badgers, these hounds are shaped to allow easy access in and out of badger setts, a name given to badger layers. read more