Few dogs in the world are as instantly recognisable as the Dachshund. With its elongated body, short legs, and expressive eyes, this little dog has earned a place in popular culture as the “sausage dog” or “wiener dog.” But behind the comical silhouette lies a breed with a remarkable history, shaped by function, courage, and resilience. The Long and Short of It: 10 Fascinating Facts About the Dachshund invites listeners to look beyond appearances and discover the true character of this iconic dog.

From the forests of Germany to royal palaces, the Dachshund’s journey is as unlikely as it is fascinating. Originally bred as the ultimate badger-hunting dog, every aspect of its form was created for purpose. Its long body and short legs were not quirks of chance, but deliberate adaptations that allowed it to dig into burrows and face fierce quarry underground. Even its loud, resonant bark was a tool, guiding hunters to its location in the dark earth. That bravery, independence, and determination survive today in modern Dachshunds, whose stubbornness and fearlessness are legendary.

This book explores ten captivating aspects of the breed, each revealing a different facet of its story. You’ll discover how its very name, “Dachshund,” literally means “badger dog,” a reminder of its original role. You’ll learn that there is no single Dachshund but a diversity of sizes and coats—Standard, Miniature, and the rare Kaninchen in Germany, with smooth, long-haired, and wire-haired varieties shaped by crossbreeding with spaniels and terriers. You’ll understand how their distinctive spine, while essential for their hunting work, makes them especially prone to back problems such as Intervertebral Disc Disease, and why responsible owners take steps to protect them.

Along the way, the book uncovers lesser-known but fascinating chapters of Dachshund history. Did you know that their famously deep bark once served as a lifeline for hunters above ground? Or that their stubborn intelligence reflects the independence they needed when working out of sight underground? In 1972, they even stepped into the global spotlight when Waldi, a colourful Dachshund, became the very first official Olympic mascot for the Munich Games, symbolising resistance, tenacity, and cheer.

The Dachshund’s story has not always been easy. During both World Wars, their strong German identity led to anti-Dachshund sentiment in Allied countries, with attempts to rebrand them as “liberty hounds.” Yet their charm was too powerful to suppress, and their popularity rebounded after each conflict. Today, they are consistently among the most beloved dogs worldwide, cherished as much for their companionship as for their comical looks.

Their instincts remain strong: a Dachshund will dig furiously in gardens and blankets, chase squirrels with single-minded passion, and sometimes ignore recall in favour of a fascinating scent. Their prey drive, their stubbornness, and their courage all stem directly from their history. Yet these same dogs will burrow under your duvet, press close to their chosen person, and follow them from room to room with a loyalty that borders on devotion. It is this duality—fearless hunter and affectionate lapdog—that makes them so endlessly appealing.

Royalty and artists alike have fallen under their spell. Queen Victoria adored them, helping spread their popularity across Britain in the nineteenth century. Queen Margrethe II of Denmark continues the tradition today. Writers and painters, from Colette to Toulouse-Lautrec, have included them in their works, captivated by their presence. And in homes around the world, they continue to reign as rulers of the household, small in stature but grand in self-belief.