Dachshund History is uncertain due to lack of good record keeping, revolutionary wars and breeding just about anything together. Some have professed Dachshund shave been in existence since the time of the pharaoh's. While others claim Dachshund's have just turned up into existence in the 1600's. History gives credit to the German Forrester's of the 1600's.

What we do know is all dogs are descended from wolves. All hounds are descended from the original hunting dogs of Germany known as Bracken. All pure Bracken dogs have the finest nose for following ground scent and trail. They have been well developed to follow a difficult trail.

It is theorized the Bracken, were in fact primitive Dachshund's: If the dog had long legs = Dachsbracke; If short legs = Dachshund. The founders of the breed could have bred two short legged Bracken to produce the same.

Then to distinguish the dachshund from other bracken, they could have bred it to French Bracke (now called Pyranese) and Pinscher mix to form the primitive Teckel.

To further distinguish the teckel, they could have bred it to a French Basset to develop the smooth dachshund; German Stoberhunt, Pappillon, Smooth Teckel and Spaniel mix for the longhair dachshund; Dandy Dinmont Terrier, German Wirehair Pinscher, Longhair Teckel and Mini Schnauzer mix for the wirehair dachshund.

Of course, these are just possibilities and we may never know for sure.

Starting with the earliest printed records, let's take a trip through the development of our breed with old books, pictures, facts and some video clips. I have also included the formation of the major breed registries so you can see why we have alot of different variations around the world along with the most noteable of breeders and dachshunds that have left their imprint for future breeders...

1561

Jaques du Fouilloux in La Venerie ("The Hunt") illustrated earthdogs at work.

These show little resemblance to the Dachshund; in many features they rather resemble the primitive Spaniel. It is questionable whether the beaverhound (Bibarhunt), mentioned in the Lex Bajuvarum Dachshund's at work, from "La Venerie du Jaques du Fouilloux" ("Law of the Bavarians"), used to hunt beavers, badgers, etc., was an ancestor of the Dachshund.

On a side note the Bavarian lawbook (5th century A.D.) stated, "whoever kills a dog which hunts under the earth and is called Bibarhunt, has to replace him and, in addition, is fined seven solidis." One Solidus equals to 36 silver pennies, or 36 x 1,3 grams of silver. A healthy cow was 1 solidus, an ox was 2 solidis, a sword was 3 solidis, a usable helmet was 6 solidis and a shield with a lance was 2 solidis.

This demonstrates that for the 16th century, the “Badger Dogs” already had gained an important place within the German society.

1582

Wood cuts by Jost Ammons portray a badger and rabbit hunt. This is probably the earliest reference to the work of the modern Dachshund. It shows the "Dachshund" with a terrier pinscher body and docked tail.

1640's

Johann George II of Anhalt-Dessau at German King yards wanted to bring up German and English Spaniels. He obtained Longhair bracken from unknown forest officials and bred them to his prized Gloss and Gloria.

1671

Ein artig Biichlein von dem Weydwerk and der Falknerey ("A Good Booklet on Hunting and Falconry") was published. Among other things, it discussed a little dog "for tracking after rabbits; some of this type have crooked and some have straight legs; and they chase badgers and foxes."

The first printing of Tantzer's jagdgeheimnissen ("Secrets of the Hunt") appeared. Here we find besides "beaverdogs and otterdogs" (Biber and Otterhunden) the mention of a "badgerhound" (Dachskriecher) with "especially crooked legs." Accordingly one might believe that the Dachshund was then in existence even though it was not identical to today's dog.

The literature of the time also includes such terms as "holedoggie" (Lochhiindlein), "earthdoggie" (Erdhiindle), "creeper hound" (Schliefferlin), "badger hound" (Tachsschliefern), and "dachshund" (Dachseln). These names, however, referred to the utilization of these dogs, rather than to a specific breed, a terminology more helpful to the hunter than the dog breeder.

1680

War broke out between France and England. Many French immigrants fled to Germany, taking with them their beloved companions. It was custom for the French to breed variations of the Chien d'oysel with different breeds. Due to provincial separation, varied physical attributes emerged. The resulting dogs took the name of the province they were in: Braque de Avergne, Braque du Puis, Braque St. Germaine, Braque du Bourbonais etc.

1700

Holberg's book, Georgica Curiosa, provides some of the first reliable information about the ancestors of our modern Dachshund. In the section on "Badger , Otter , and Beaverdogs" (Dachsen , Otter and Biberhunden), Holberg states, "These three varieties have about the same hunting accomplishments, but the first variety is especially suited to go after badgers.

The French call these particular dogs Bassets, because of their low structure, their long slender body and their low, somewhat turned in little legs, they have various colors, but mostly brown, gray and otter colored, sometimes also black." They weighed up to 40 pounds and were bred smaller.

1716

The book, Neue lustigeundvollstiindige jagdkunst ("New Merry and Complete Huntmanship") was published. It contained the following, "The badger is being hunted with little hounds .... As soon as the fox smells these little dogs he sneaks out of the den, with the exception of a vixen with cubs. Nevertheless foxes can sometimes be surprised and caught inside the den by keen little hounds."

1719

Von Flemming published his book Der vollkommene teutsche ,lager ("The Complete German Hunter") in which he showed pictures of "Tachs Kriecher"(badger crawler) and "Tachs Krieger." (badger catcher)These two dogs are, without doubt, the equivalent of our modern Dachshund. Von Flemming wrote that these dogs "trail and chase and track their game, give tongue and point with such diligence and zeal, as any of the others would, to show to the hunter where the game is hidden.

This miniature type is most often red or black with dropped ears,practically similar to the Pointer (Jagdhund), only smaller like miniatures.

In another passage, "To make the young dogs more eager he gets encouragement with cheerful words and blood to get the taste. These Dachshund's are also often used by some people as tracking dogs to search out rabbits and foxes, or to locate weasels and other destructive animals and to exterminate them."

1734

Von Parson mentions,"small, short legged, compact and very snappy dogs, which enjoy entering underground passages."

The famous print of Ridingex also dates from around this time. It shows "Tacks Schlieffer, Tachs Wurger;" which resembles of our Dachshund's.

1751

Von Happe remarks that some Dachshund's are high and others are low to the ground and that some have straight and others have crooked legs like those of the hounds (Leithunde).

1786

In the book Jagerpraktika ("Hunting Practice") by Dobel, demands keen Dachshund's for fox and badger hunting, "It happens that if the dogs are not really keen, the badger sits in a chamber in his den and waits until he is discovered. Then he moves away and rests at a different place; in this way all the initial effort has been in vain."

1789

The French lost interest in their own breeds and changed the trend for English breeds.

1793

Buffon wrote in his Histoire Naturelle ("Natural History") ,"the crooked legged and straight legged Dachshund's" he describes their color as black, fawn, white, or dappled. He reports that Dachshund's are very snappy and chase badgers out of holes.

The illustrations by Buffon show that the crooked legged Dachshund's, even then, tended to knuckle over more than the straight legged ones. They also showed that the Dachshund's were built low, but not at all in an exaggerated way, had rather long bodies, and were somewhat overdeveloped, like most hunting dogs of those days.

1812

Dr. Walther said of Dachshund's, "They are snappy, often pugnacious, brave, but often quarrelsome animals, who are tenacious of life. They tend to start fights with any dog, no matter how large he is."

Dr. Walther also mentioned the wirehaired Dachshund and referred to it as a very good worker which is generally "not as low legged or crooked as the smooth variety." These are characteristics which are still attributed to the wirehair.

1825

Later in life, Napoleon acquired a taste for smooth-hair Dachshund's, like the one included in this later portrait, a female named Faussete, which was probably tan or red in color.

Napoleon loved these dogs passionately, and kept Dachshund's with him his entire life. Although he was a fierce warrior general, and he respected the strength and tenacity of his dogs, Napoleon refused to take his Dachshund's into battle, for he loved them so and could not bear the thought of losing them to the hand of an enemy. Having owned several Dachshund's over his life, Napoleon was known to weep for days when they died.

The modern conception of the "Napoleon complex" (a short man with too much to prove) actually derived not from Napoleon the man, but from one of the last Dachshund's he owned. This dog, which, in a stroke of narcissistic vanity, he named "Napoleon," like many Dachshund's was oblivious to its tiny stature. The dog was known throughout the Mediterranean Island of Corsica, where Napoleon spent his waning years in exile, for its fierce un-provoked attacks on large dogs, and its unwillingness to stand down in any battle.

When Napoleon the man died in 1821 as an old man on the island Corsica in the Mediterranean Sea, Napoleon left clear instructions that his surviving Dachshund's, when they too passed on, should be entombed with him, and they were. They lie at rest within the pedestal feet of the sarcophagus.

1836

Dr. Reichenbach was the first one to list all varieties. This is of special interest because only in more recent times did some varieties receive a fresh impetus through more knowledgeable dog breeding. In his illustrations we see smooth, longhaired, and wirehaired Dachshund's. Their colors are black, fawn and brown, as well as, dappled, and brindled.They are shown with crooked and straight legs.

1839

Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom received an adorable, playful Dachshund puppy as a gift from her husband, Prince Albert while they were courting. She named him "Dachsy" and he was the United Kingdom's first royal Dachshund. After the Royal Couple married they acquired more Dachshund's.The Queen's favorites were Deckel, Dacko, Boy and Waldmann.

They appear in many paintings, sketches, and photos in the Royal Collection and the queen often wrote about them in her journal. When Dacko died, Queen Victoria wrote: "The dear old dog was so attached to me and had such funny amusing ways, with large melancholy expressive eyes, and was quite part of my daily life, always in my room, and I and all will miss him much." When Waldmann died she wrote: "Such a dear kind little dog - and kept all the others in order." Queen Victoria erected various monuments and statues in memory of these and other dogs upon their deaths. "Dacko" (1859-1871) is immortalized in bronze at Windsor Castle.

1840

First Dachshund's came in England-54 Dachs registered in the German all breed studbook, the Deutscher Hunde-Stammbuch.

Prince Consort brought smooths to UK from Prince Edward of Saxeweimar which were kept at Windsor for pheasant shoots in the Windsor Forest.

1850

Dachshund's were bred here and there without any uniformity among breeder's. Yet this breeding was sufficient enough to act as a springboard for later extensive and purposeful breeding.

German Forrester Willhelm Von Daacke, was dissatisfied with the tracking ability of his dogs and bred in small "Schweisshunde" into his smooth Dachshund's. The Schweisshunde he used were believed to be close to what the modern Bernese Mountain Dogs look like.

There is where the solid red color of the smooth dachshund came from. These Foresters' smooth Dachshunds had superior blood tracking abilities and were used quite a lot in breeding

1859

The first organised dog show was held in the Town Hall, Newcastle-on-Tyne on the 28th and 29th of June. The Show was organised by Messrs. Shorthouse and Page at the suggestion of Mr R Brailsford and there were sixty entries of Pointers and Setters.

Only one class was held for each breed at these early shows and the dogs were unidentified except for their kennel names. Reference to the old catalogues reveals Mr Murrel's 'Spot', competing against Mr Brown's 'Venus' for a prize of 22 shillings.

1860

Dachshund's are recognized in England as "German Badger Hounds"

1869

Red Piebalds are imported to England- Josef Rangger changed the skin structure to the longhair and changed the head by crossing spaniel's to teckeldamme "Waldi of Emporarhouse" The great Dachs race begins to develop the most superior hunter.

August Willhelm Leopold Wopke contributed by making the body easier and more beautiful. Two distinct Dachshund breeding lines emerges - Wopke line and the Rangger line.

1870

English peaked interest in the Basset Artesien Normand. English and German immigrant families bring their Dachshund's with them to the US.

1873

It was decided that a controlling body was necessary to legislate in canine matters and a Mr S E Shirley, MP, from Warwickshire, called together the National Dog Club Committee and a discussion ensued which resulted in twelve gentlemen meeting at No 2 Albert Mansions, Victoria Street, London, on April 4th. This meeting marked the founding of The Kennel Club.

One of the earliest undertakings of the newly formed Kennel Club was the compilation of a Stud Book. The Editor, Mr Frank C S Pearce, was the son of Revd. Thomas Pearce, of the well-known 'Idstone' kennel and contributor to 'The Field' publication.

The first volume of the Stud Book contained the records of shows from 1859-73. The Kennel Club Calendar was also compiled in the same year and lists two shows each year for the next ten years.

It was also obvious that some system of distinctive naming would have to be introduced to overcome the confusion arising out of `quantities of Spots, Bobs, Bangs, Jets, Nettles, Vics, most of them insufficiently described and none of them being well-known dogs'.

1874

The Dachshund was first entered in English studbook.

1875

First show at Crystal Palace. King Edward the VII entered 4 Dachshund's. One of them was bred in Queen Victoria's kennel. The legs were shorter, backs longer and the fore chest was bigger.

The Germans rendered the English incapable of breeding Dachshunds for the work they were designed for.

1876

Westminster Breeding Association was formed. The Association helped to put on a show in Philadelphia in celebration of the U.S. Centennial. After the show they changed their name to the Westminster Kennel Club.

1877

Westminster Kennel Club gave its 1st annual NY Bench Show of dogs.

1878

The AKC started to form. They had no official studbook, Dr. N. Rowe donated his records.

Thus the first date a dog entered the American Kennel Club's studbook was 1878, six years before the actual formation of the club. The first dog was an English Setter named Adonis and he was owned by George Delano of New Bedford, Massachusetts.

1879

This year was of great importance, since this was when the breed characteristics, essentially as they are today, were first standardized. At that time, however, the standard was not as rigid as it is today.

The first German studbook contained 54 entries; among these were names of owners who, in the opinion of experts, enjoyed an especially high reputation. Among these were: G. Barnewitz, W. v. Daacke, and Baron v. Knigge.

In the book Shooting Adventures, Canine Lore, and Sea Fishing Trips Vol. I by Snapshot Wildflower (Lewis Clements):

"A black and tan or red Basset a Jambes Torses cannot by any possible use of one's eyes be distinguished from a Dachshund of the same color, although some German writers assert that the breeds are quite distinct."

Dogs of Great Britain, America and other countries by John Henry Walsh Mr Walsh writes, "The dachshund is perhaps one of the most ancient forms of the domesticated dog. The fact is that he has for centuries represented an isolated class between the hound and the terrier, without being more nearly connected with the one than the other." He then describes the breed characteristics and temperament.

1880

English dachshunds were bred to be smaller by ten pounds and became a popular household pet.

The Kennel Club Committee introduced a system of `universal registration' which was strongly opposed at first, but the advantage of reserving the use of a name for a dog was quickly seen and accepted.

Registration was nothing more than the registration of a name to avoid duplication in the Stud Book, the pedigree was of little importance and only came as an aid to identification at a later stage.

The Kennel Club Committee introduced many new rules and regulations and after a few years a sound system of government was developed which was adopted by many overseas Kennel Clubs.

First AKC Studbook The page on dachshunds was taken out but within the index one can see the first recognized studs were on page 23.

1881

The first Veterinary Surgeons Act was passed. The Army Veterinary Department was formed. And the British Veterinary Association was born. Until this time anyone could call themselves a veterinarian.

Courses in veterinary medicine and surgery were offered by two main colleges; William Dick’s Edinburgh Veterinary College and the Royal Veterinary College in London. Graduates of each were granted a diploma, but the Scottish credential was validated by the Highland and Agricultural Society (HAS) while Royal Veterinary College students sat for the diploma of the RCVS. The Scottish diploma was not generally accepted in London and there were in effect two cadres of ‘qualified’ vets, Scottish and English.

One of the first initiatives of The Kennel Club, was the implementation of what is now an extremely strong relationship with the British Veterinary Association (BVA)

Crown Prince Rudolph of Habsburg made gamekeepers from Murzsteg and Isschl to include Alpine Dachsbracken on hunts from Turkey to Egypt.

The Dachshund club of England is now formed.

THE ILLUSTRATED BOOK OF THE DOG by Vero Kembell Shaw was first published. He was assisted by the Leading Breeders of the Day. It is pointed out the two distinct types of dachshund: Terrier Type (preferred in the North) and the Hound Type (preferred in the South)

The Dachshund Club in the UK was founded on January 17th, making it the oldest breed club for Dachshund's in the world, and one of the first clubs for any individual breed. Original British breed standard drawn up, based on the German Standard, this was revised jointly with the Northern Dachshund Assn in 1907. Originally only catering for Smooths, the only variety known in Britain at the time, the other 5 recognized British varieties were taken under the Club's wing as they came into the country.

The Dachshund Club was founded on January 17th making it the oldest breed club for Dachshunds in the world, and one of the first clubs for any breed.

Originally only catering for Smooths, the only variety known in Britain at the time, the other 5 recognised British varieties were taken under the Club’s wing as they came into the country.

1883

The exhibition in Berlin was a great event. Von Knigge's Dachshund's received the highest awards of the show and the gold medal of Kaiser William I.

The Dachshund's of von Knigge were a major influence on the breed, He is the oldest pillar of the breed and is considered the "Great Grandfather of all Dachshund's. Their names would appear in most pedigree's of today, if one would or could trace them back far enough.

South African Kennel Club of Port Elizabeth is formed.

1884

In the rooms of the Philadelphia Kennel Club on September 17, twelve delegates from dog clubs across the nation met to start a regulatory "Club of Clubs" that would oversee the minor clubs which held benched dog shows or field trials. This new club was to become what we know today as,The American Kennel Club (AKC)

Firm interest in purebred dogs in Canada was indicated by a proliferation of dog shows held in Saint John, Montreal, Toronto, London and in Manitoba. These shows were held under AKC rules, and purebred dogs were registered with that club.

Kennel Club Calendar and Studbook 65 Dachshunds are entered

Little Folks This is a story written in a children's publication Titled, "Buried Alive". The story is told through the eyes of a dachshund mother

1885

The first book solely about Dachshund's appeared. The title of this book was "The dachshund, his history, breeding, training and use, also an essay about earth dens". The author was R. Corneli.

On page two of this book is found a dilly of a statement: "It was cultured too much to good form and too little to hunting activity". It is amazing how this matter is as true today.

Corneli was one of the first advocates for hunting with Dachshund's. He very clearly tells of the situation in the 19th century. After some successes in the beginning, the breed was rather down in the years after 1848.

Possibly, the only traditional breed successes were had by Wilhelm von Daacke. Corneli displayed enormous foreknowledge when he wrote in his book, on page 45: "Each hunter who has a hunting area ought to have a pair of Dachshund's. They will be helpful assistants as well as acceptable companions."

1886

Charles Cruft, who worked as general manager for a dog biscuit manufacturer, traveling to dog shows both in the United Kingdom and internationally, which allowed him to establish contacts and understand the need for higher standards for dog shows put on his first dog show, billed as the "First Great Terrier Show", had 57 classes and 600 entries.

1887

Until now the AKC had a simple desk set aside for use in the offices of the Westminster Kennel Club although meetings were held in Boston, Newark, New Jersey, Cincinnati as well as New York.

A room was rented at 44 Broadway and in 1888, August Belmont, Jr. became the AKC's fourth president. Mr. Belmont remained at the helm of the American Kennel Club well into the Twentieth Century.

According to the DCA this is the year the first Dachshund's were brought to America : Caesar and Minka

1888

The German Dachshund Club was formed - Deutscher Teckelklub.to standardize the conformation of the breed. The aim was to produce a dog whose beauty is commensurate with his intelligence.

The Dachshund currently on record as the first of the breed known to have been in South Africa, was a dog named "Fritz". He was exhibited in Cape Town by the wife of the Acting Governor General of the Cape Colony, Lt-Gen. H.M. Smyth CMG. He was presumably a Smooth-haired, but no further information is available.

A national Canadian club was needed and the following year, at a general meeting held at Tecumseh House in London, Ontario, The Canadian Kennel Club was formed (CKC). The purposes of the club were to promote the breeding and exhibiting of "thoroughbred" dogs in Canada, to formulate rules for the governing of dog shows, to recommend suitable judges, and to open a registry for purebred dogs.

1889

The first Field Trial under CKC rules was held near Chatham with a total of twenty-three entries, six coming from Michigan. Listing fees for shows were adopted, and the members were to receive the Gazette and Stud Book as part of their membership fee.

1890

Wirehair Dachshund's are accepted. Dachshund's are now exhibited in the US.

The first studbook devoted solely to Dachshund's was published in 1890 with 394 Dachshund's registered and it referred to Smooth, Longhaired and Wirehaired varieties.

One could trace present-day pedigree's back to famous foreign kennels whose dogs were imported into the United States: von Lichtenstein, von Luitpoldsheim, Asbeck, Flottenberg, Lindenbuhl, Falltor and Holtzgarten.

AKC Studbook Five dachshunds are entered.

1891

The American Book of Dog DOG by Various Authors - William Leoffler wrote the dachshund section. He starts with the breed history as known conveying how longhairs and wirehair dachshunds came to be. He then goes over the value of the dachshund for Europe and how they prize thier dachshunds above all else. He then observes how Americans can use dachshunds as hunters as well as loyal pets. He illustrates the dachshund breed to the "T" as it was then which still rings true today.

What can be agreed on, however, is that the short haired dachshund gave rise to both the long-haired and the wire-haired varieties.

The first show named "Crufts Greatest Dog Show" was held at the Royal Agricultural Hall, Islington. It was the first at which all breeds were invited to compete, with around 2,000 dogs and almost 2,500 entries. It has been put on annually ever since hosted by The Kennel Club.

1893

From the New York Times, September 26:

Three young Dachshund's arrived at the White House this morning, after a journey over land and sea of 4,000 miles. They were sent to Mrs. Cleveland by Mr. Merritt, the United States Consul at Bremen, Germany.

1894

A news story about President Cleveland from the February 12th edition of the Chicago Daily Tribune reads:

"Scattered through the broad demesne belonging to the Chief Magistrate are myriads of hares running wild in the grounds and furnishing rare sport for the foxhounds and Dachshund's belonging to Mrs. Cleveland. "A bowlegged, squat-figured dachshund, with long flapping ears, is a great pet with the occupants of the White House, being a recent importation from Germany."

A close relationship developed between the AKC and CKC. The American Kennel Club agreed to allow dogs to be exhibited on both sides of the border without requiring registration in both national stud books. Both clubs would uphold suspensions and expulsions of members. The AKC cancelled the first part of this arrangement, but continued to recognize CKC suspensions and expulsions.

1895

The Dachshund Club of America is now established and recognizes two sizes: Standard and Miniature

1897

In the book, A History and Description of the Modern Dogs of Great Britain and Ireland, author Rawdon Briggs Lee said:

"The German import, the Dachshund certainly appeared to be two animals rolled into one - a hound and a terrier" Perhaps he is the connecting link between the two breeds.

In the same book, Lee goes on to describe the Dachshunds work style with the badger and fox in this way, "All the Dachshund professes to do is to find the fox or badger in his earth and remain there until you can dig him out. He makes no attempt to fight or attack the "varmint," but simply barks at it incessantly. Then if the game does turn his back upon his plucky little opponent, the latter immediately proceeds to business by a fierce attack in the rear, which is discontinued when the fox or badger turns again and faces the hound.

This description of work, of course, enables the hunters to dig with great accuracy in the direction of the fox or badger, and the wary Dachshund is rarely badly hurt, whereas the terrier that gets too close quarters with a badger, in his natural earth, will, as a rule, get terribly mauled."

Another passage reads, "Whether we shall ever get another dog from the Continent that, within so few years, has spread, multiplied, and become so much one of ourselves as the Dachshund is an open question. His disposition was genial, his habits were of the best, but he was quaint in look, and, if not so autocratic in appearance as the Borzoi, he trotted behind his master or mistress, with all the airs that follow high life, conveying an impression that he alone had the right to be where he was.

Then again, he was not a fighting dog, and, though excellent as a "watch and guard," he was not ill-natured, and his skin felt so soft and velvety that it became pleasanter to pat and stroke him than to do the same with a Dandie Dinmont terrier or another pet terrier that was said to be brought from the Isle of Skye."

1896

The CKC By-Laws, Constitution, and Dog Show Rules had been refined. At this time numbered armbands for exhibitors were introduced to identify dogs to the judges. Championships were awarded somewhat differently from today. A dog had to win four Winners classes two of which were at shows having 400 or more entries, or failing that, had to have won $500 in cash prizes. The regions of British Columbia and Manitoba were allowed lower limits of 200 entries or $300 in prizes. The previous system had been modelled on the Challenge Certificate system, which was then in use in the States. Provisions were made for those dogs which had already acquired certificates to be credited towards their championship.

1898

The Prince of Wales was a staunch supporter of the movement to prevent the cropping of dogs' ears, and from April 9th on, such dogs have been ineligible for competition under Kennel Club Rules.

The United Kennel Club (UKC) is formed. Today, it is the largest all-breed performance-dog registry in the world, registering dogs from all 50 states and 25 foreign countries. More than 60 percent of its 13,000 annually licensed events are tests of hunting ability, training and instinct.

1900

Nearly thirty Championship Shows were held and the smaller informal shows were becoming more and more popular. The policy of The Kennel Club Committee was to keep rules and restrictions to a minimum and shows were 'recognised', 'licensed', or 'sanctioned' provided that the executive of the show agreed to adopt the Kennel Club show regulations.

The guarantors of a show signed an undertaking (and still do) to hold and conduct the show under and in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the Kennel Club.

England separates dachshund into separate classes for whites, dapples and piebalds. Breeder's chose to emphasize the solid colors so they can be clearly distinguished from Bassets.

1901

Tad Dorgan, a newspaper cartoonist went to a baseball game at the New York Polo Grounds. When he saw sellers with dachshund sausages, with vendor's voices ringing in his ears, "Get your Dachshund Sausages!" and "Red Hot Dachshund's." Mr. Dorgan made an unsuccessful stab at spelling Dachshund before simply applying the moniker hot dog. He got an idea for a cartoon.

The next day he drew a bun with a dachshund inside.Since Dorgan didn't know how to spell dachshund, he wrote "Get your hot dogs" under the cartoon. The cartoon was a sensation and so was the new name.

After joining the ranks of Dachshund enthusiasts, a Mr A.C. de Boinville of Bowden became acquainted with fanciers of the breed in the Northern part of the UK. He was intrigued by the fact that, although they were numerous, they did not seem to take more interest than that of spectating. The reason for this has reverberated down the years and is with us at the present time, in that the commonplace grievance was that the breed was largely formed of "cliques" which, in the consistent winning of major awards, tended to inhibit the novice exhibitor.

At the request therefore of a dozen or so interested people, Mr de Boinville formulated the rules and regulations for an Association based in the North whose main aims would be: Improvement of the breed, better classifications at shows and to offer certain advantages to be enjoyed by members only.

1899

The Northern Dachshund Association came into being and was formally registered with the Kennel Club on November 21st.

The original founder members numbered just six, These were Mrs Scheerbart, Miss Pigott, Messrs Claude Woodhead, Speechly, Ingram, Scott and of course Mr de Boinville.

Forthcoming shows were helped by guaranteeing classes with interesting specials and within two years of its existence, although unable to get the desired unity with the Dachshund Club, the N.D.A. was recognized by most leading show committees.

1900

No less that seven Champions and other winners were bred by members of the N.D.A. who lived in the North. These were Ch's Wirral Hollybranch, Hollyberry, Lenchen, Reinish, Brandesburton Judith, Mimosa and Delves Lady. In addition to this, ten other Champions were owned by members of the N.D.A. nationwide

1901

Chairman Mr Claude Woodhead was voted a special association judge as well as being elected by the N.D.A. to represent the Club on the Kennel Club Council. As well as officiating on the Club's behalf, he also campaigned at that time the outstanding Red Smooth Brandsburton Maximus who won most consistently, so that it was necessary to pass a resolution concerning the replacement of the original N.D.A. cup which he has won outright.

AKC Studbook Over 1 hundred dachshunds are entered.

Pedigree's

1902

The Scottish Dachshund Club is founded. The Kennel Club is thier parent Club.

Capt and Mrs Barry of the Dachshund Club were proposed as members of the N.D.A, which helped consolidate liaison between the two clubs.

Dog Shows and Dog People by Charles Henry Lane was first published. The writer chronicles the best contributor's by breed. For the dachshund, it was A.O. Mudie. His two top ranking dachshunds are featured: Wolferl and Schlem. The writer illustrates how successful Mr. Mudie was with dachshunds from 1880 to 1895. He also points out that Mr. Mudie tried several other breeds: Scottish Terriers, Bloodhounds, Bassets, Pointers, Setters, and Bedlington and Manchester Terriers.

1903

Women members of the CKC were allowed to speak at meetings. That same year saw the first dog show with 1000 entries held at Toronto.

Herbert Compton writes in, The Twentieth Century Dog volume 2 Sporting, "Dachshunds are an "acquired taste" and probably "caviare to the general" it is a taste that lingers long". Despite some of his personal opinions, he gives his readers excellent points to ponder and includes several letters from the great dachshund fanciers of the time. He also includes pictures of Champions: Sloan, Snakes Prince, Hollyberry and Wiral Hollybranch. He also included a picture of a dachshund named Waldman from 1878.

1904

W. D. Drury writes in, British Dogs, Their Points, Selection, And Show Preparation, "Bewick says that the Kibble-hound of his day was a cross between the old English Hound and the Beagle, which would give a low hound, but not a swift one; indeed, lowness and swiftness are incompatible. Whether the Dachshund is a Kibble-hound, or even what a Kibble-hound exactly was, is not very clear, for kennel terms vary greatly in meaning in course of time "

He also notes,"I do not propose in any way to deal with the ancient history of the Dachshund, but simply to write about Dachshunds as we have known them in England since they have been exhibited at our dog shows. Strange as it may appear, a separate class for this breed was given at the Crystal Palace Show in 1873, five years before the earliest record of a separate class being given for Dachshunds at a dog show in their native country - viz. at Berlin in 1878"

He goes on to say, "In January, 1881, the Dachshund Club was formed, and before the end of the year a description of the Dachshund with a scale of points was published. It has often been stated that the Dachshund Club when it published the description of the variety did so in direct opposition to the acknowledged German type; but the writers who make these statements surely overlook the fact that this standard was compiled in England and published ten years before any standard or scale of points were published by any acknowledged German authority - viz. the Teckel-Klub in 189" and one last noteable comment he made in the dachshund chapter: In the volumes referred to, which should be in the possession of every one interested in the Dachshund, occur of course the names of those fanciers who have done most to place the variety upon the pinnacle of fame it now enjoys. Already some of these have been mentioned, but there are some few others who, having espoused the cause of the variety on its introduction, have retained at least their affection for it up to the present day - Mr. A. O. Mudie, Mr. A. W. Byron, Mr. Montague Wootten, Mr. E. S. Woodiwiss, Miss Pigott, Mr. W. Arkwright, Captain and Mrs. Barry, and a few others; while the lady who at the outset was largely responsible for the dog's introduction here was Mrs. Merrick-Hoare.

1906

The CKC revised its organization to bring it closer to today's standards.

There was a President, First and Second Vice President, and one Vice President from each province in the same year, the revision of the Dog Show Rules introduced the "ten points under the two judges system" for awarding championships. At the same time, Canada was divided into two regions at Port Arthur, with the number of dogs needed for point wins fewer in the west. Points were decided on the total number of dogs benched in the show rather than entered in the breed.

1907

The NY Times published an article on the top canines for the time:

2,000 DOGS of HIGH DEGREE Largest and Most Valuable Collection ever Brought together in America on Exhibition at the Westminster Kennel Club Bench Slow at Madison Square Garden this Week

The revised standard of points were drawn up by a joint committee of the NDA and The Dachshund Club aided by the most notable Dachshund fancier and member of K.C. Council Mr J F Sayer.

1909

Everyman's Book of the dog by Croxton Smith was first published. The writer goes over the breed standard with references to JF Sayers publications

1910

The N.D.A and the Dachshund Club were working together in amicable communication on breed interests and their joint support at various shows proved the good feeling between the two.

Red longhair became popular- Stricter criteria was adopted for type.

On January 10th, changes were made in the prerequisite for championship titles. The new rules required the dog to acquire fifteen points under a minimum of three different judges with three of the points being awarded at one show. These three point or better shows are now termed "majors".

1911

The FCI was founded by Germany, Austria, Belgium, France and the Netherlands

The aims of the F.C.I. are to encourage and promote breeding and use of purebred dogs whose functional health and physical features meet the standard set for each respective breed and which are capable of working and accomplishing functions in accordance with the specific characteristics of their breed

to protect the use, keeping and breeding of dogs in the member countries; to support free exchange of dogs and cynological information between member countries and initiate the organization of exhibitions and tests.

Dachshunds are in their own group and are number 4 in the FCI list.

John Sayer writes in, The New book of the dog, Vol 2 "During the past five-and-twenty years the names of two particular Dachshunds stand out head and shoulders above those of their competitors. I refer to Champions Jackdaw and Pterodactyl.

Jackdaw had a wonderful record, having, during a long show career, never been beaten in his class from start to finish, and having won many valuable prizes. He was credited with being the most perfect Dachshund that had ever been seen in England, and probably as good as anything in Germany.

Ch. Jackdaw was a black and tan dog, bred and owned by Mr. Harry Jones, of Ipswich. He was sired by Ch. Charkow, out of Wagtail, and born 20th July, 1886. Through his dam, he was descended from a famous bitch, Thusnelda, who was imported by Mr. Mudie in the early 'eighties. She was a winner of high honours in Hanover. The name of Jackdaw figures in all the best pedigree's of today.

Ch. Pterodactyl was born in 1888, and bred by Mr. Willink. He was in a measure an outcross from the standard type of the day, and his dam, whose pedigree is in dispute, was thought to have been imported.

After passing through one or two hands he was purchased by Mr. Harry Jones, and in his kennel speedily made a great name in the show ring and at the stud, and was eventually sold for a high price to Mr. Sidney Woodiwiss, who at that period had the largest kennel of Dachshunds in England.

"Ptero," as he was called, was a big, light red dog, with wonderful forequarters and great muscular development. He also possessed what is called a " punishing jaw " and rather short ears, and looked a thorough "business" dog. He had an almost unbroken series of successes at shows in England, and, being taken to Germany (in the days before the quarantine regulations), he took the highest honours in the heavyweight class, and, I think, a special prize for the best Dachshund of all classes. This dog became the favourite sire of his day and the fashionable colour."

Mr. Sayer continues with the chapter going over the German Standards of Points with his own explanations and drawings of proper dachshund structure.

One of the important persons of the Deutsche Teckelklub, Dr Fritz Engelmann, wrote in the German hunting newspaper: "Dachshund breeding is breeding for hunting, must always be breeding for performance, otherwise it is not dachshund breeding". He also said,"Put hunting away from the dachshund and you take from him the roots of his life".

1912

A third division in dachshund sizes are determined. The new size is Rabbit size: under 8 lbs with a chest of under 30 cm.

1913

An exerpt from from The Chicago Defender, April 19, Winsted, Conn - Friends of Eugene McCaskey have placed the "no admittance" bar on his dachshund whenever he goes to their homes for an evening at cards, because the canine has been taught to watch the floor and seats about a table while a game is in progress.

Not only will he pick up a coin or card which finds its way to the floor and carry it to his master, but the dachshund watches players who are in the habit of concealing a card between their legs or on a seat beneath their legs for future playing. One of Mr. McCaskey's friends was bitten in the leg after concealing a card, hence the edict.

The dog has other sporting activities. When his master goes fishing along the shore of a lake, he will grab up the pole when the bob disappears in the water and run along with it until the fish is on land.

1914

Dachshunds became among the 10 most popular breed entries in Westminster Kennel Club show.

Start of WWI - Anything German was hated. Dachshund owners were "traitors". If one was found with a dachshund they were stoned.

1915

The “Deutscher Teckel Klub” defined the initials that they would identify to the different types from coat in the Dachshund:

“K” for the “Kurzhaar” or short hair, “R” for the “Rauhaar” or hard hair, and “L” for the “Langhaar” or long hair; initials that would become components basic of the record numbers of the Teckel Klub. Later, the “Z” like initial was gotten up to identify so much to the “Zwerg” or miniature, like the “Kaninchen” or size rabbit.

In April, the CKC was incorporated under the Live Stock Pedigree Act. This made it clear clear that The Canadian Kennel Club would survive and prosper.

1918

WWI ended.

Due to high tensions of the war - only the most dedicated and bravest of heart persisted in owning and/or breeding Dachshunds.

In Germany many breeders found they had to give up their dogs and kennels because their fortunes had been depleted. Soldiers returning from the war brought Dachshunds home with them, but because of the confusion over their German registration status, many could not be AKC registered.

Through the intervention and encouragement of Gustav Alisch, many of the top winning Dachshunds and finest breeding stock with verified pedigrees were exported from Germany to other countries, including the United States.

1919

The American Kennel Club even temporarily renamed the breed to “Badger Dog” until 1923.

The dogs of Great Britain, America and other countries by Stonehenge was first published. In the book, he describes the dachshund structure and temperament. He also states his own views about dachshund type, "The desire for " hound-like type" in dachshunds would never have originated if the natural vocation of this breed (underground work) had not been overlooked. The consequence of this erroneous idea will be that well-bred dachshunds will be regarded as a " terrier cross," and that it will be next to impossible for many dog fanciers to get a clear idea of the real type of the dachshund."

1921

The Complete Dog Book by Dr. William A. Bruette was first published. Within the section on dachshunds he notes some key points in the breed standard and what to look for in a dachshund puppy. He starts the section by saying, "They are classified with the hounds, but in reality are terriers, as their work is almost entirely underground." He also gives an opinion of the breed, "There is nothing aristocratic about the Dachshund's appearance, and they have never become popular in America.

1922

Albert Frederick Hochwalt writes in, Dogs as home companions; A book for all dog lovers, Everyone, even he who is only remotely interested in dogs, knows the Badger Dog, if not under this name, at least under his old appellation of dachshund, by which he was known up to World War when his Teutonic origin was expediently disguised under the name he now bears. The writer continues to describe the dachshund as having terrier characteristics as well as an excellent hunter. He also notes, " As a house companion he is intelligent and cleanly; his short, satiny coat fitting him eminently for a ladies dog." He includes a picture of infamous Bitch, Bertha Von Stromberg.

1923

The AKC instigated the system of judging dogs in groups. Five groups were recognized: Sporting, Working, Toy breeds, Terriers and Non-Sporting breeds

Dachshunds were placed in the Sporting dogs group

Longhair Dachshund's started to become popular when the first one won the best in show at Crufts.

1924

Click to watch....DUBLIN'S GREAT DOG SHOW

1925

AKC removed dachshunds from the Sporting group and moved them to the Working dogs group.

Forrester Rene Hoare mainly used dachshunds to exterminate rabbits from the lands he took care of. He had a huge map hung on the wall of his office and anywhere a rabbit was spotted, he put in a pin. The pin was not to be removed until the rabbit was caught.

1927

Morris and Essex Kennel Club if Founded by Mrs. Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge

Mrs. Dodge felt that there was a need for a new venue which would lead to better breeding techniques by bringing together the world’s top breeders and the finest dogs. In order to accomplish this she encouraged novice exhibitors and one-dog owners as well as the experienced exhibitors; she provided plenty of prize money and sterling silver trophies for each Best of Breed; she provided a judge for nearly every breed, and she provided a dream world setting for the shows

Mr. Dodge gave his wife an annual wedding present” of $40,000, which is the equivalent of more than $560,000 a year in today's economy, and it was with this money that she founded the Morris and Essex Kennel Club to hold dog shows for the benefit of charities. The shows were held for the next 30 years, with the exception of the war years 1942-1945. The show became known internationally as the world’s largest and most prestigious, even more so than Crufts in England. Crowds of exhibitors and spectators were very large. Invited to officiate were some of the world's finest judges, many of them being from the country of origin of each breed.

Edward Ash (a great historian) commented that a Dachshund is, in fact, a terrier with very crooked legs, but possessing in a very great degree both the appearance and fine nose of the beagle. Some say that the best way to settle the hound-versus-terrier argument is to say that the Dachshund is a hound that became a terrier, and that it displays the best qualities of both.

1929

Mrs. Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge established the Seeing Eye Dog Foundation in Morristown

1930

Dachshund's rank back in the top 10 most desired dogs according to AKC records.

Click to watch.....LADIES AND GENTLEMEN OF DOGDOM

1931

AKC removed dachshunds from the Working dogs group and are now placed in the hound group where they remain today. Dachshunds are the only breed to produce Winners in 3 different groups.

Dachshund's rank back in the top 10 most desired dogs according to AKC records.

The first longhair Dachshund is registered with the AKC. Her name was Beauty.

1934

The DCA was presented its first single breed specialty show, held in New York City. The judge was Mrs. C. Davies Tainter and there were 204 Dachshund's entered.

Kobald V Fechenstein was the first longhair champion. He competed against all the smooth coat dachshunds.

1935

The first official AKC Dachshund Standard was adopted by the DCA translated directly from the German Standard.

Click to watch......PUPS - PETS - AND THEIR 'POINTS'

The Miniature Dachshund Club is formed as a result of a meeting called by Dr. E. Hindle and held at the Dog Owners Club, St. Ermins, London SW1 which was attended by Lt. Col Spurrier D.S.O., Mrs. Millicent Howard and six other Miniature Dachshund breeders. It was registered with the Kennel Club on July 4th

1936

The first official rules and regulations for AKC's "Obedience Test Field Trials" were adopted.

1937

A young John F. Kennedy purchased "a Dachshund of great beauty" in Germany during a trip to Europe in the summer as a gift for Olive Cawley. He named the dog "Offie". Although Offie never made it to the White House, John F. Kennedy did.

Click to watch.....IRISH KENNEL CLUB SHOW

The original text on the back of the photo read:

CANDID CAMERA SIDELIGHTS OF WESTMINSTER DOG SHOW

NEW YORK CITY - On Feb 10, 11, and 12 thousands of dog lovers jammed into Madison Square Garden to witness the sixty-first annual exhibition of the Westminster Kennel Club. The 3,144 dogs entered, representing 96 breeds from all parts of the world set a record. The Wide World Service has already brought you general views of the show and its champions. In this set of pictures, made by a staff photographer working with a candid camera, Wide World now brings you some of the scenes visitors saw in the judging ring and at the benches of the blue ribbon event of the canine world.A dignified Englishman takes his judging seriously, getting down on his hands and knees to evaluate a Dachshund, one of the most popular breeds in the show.

Click to watch......DOGGIE WILL YOU EAT

1938

Dachshunds ranked fourth in the AKC's registrations, with 3,213 registered.

The Dachshund Club of America, Inc., had invited Herr Gustav Alisch of Hanover Germany to judge its 1938 Specialty. Herr Alisch's reputation as an expert on Dachshunds the world over drew a record entry of 311 Dachshunds, which represented almost 10% of the Dachshunds registered with AKC.

In New York, after the show Herr Alisch devoted three sessions to editing the transcriptions of his 251 ring notes, signing the certificates, and preparing general comments from which the following paragraphs are quoted:

My general impression of the black-and-tan and of the red dogs and bitches was by far more favorable than at any show I have ever judged. There is only one point I take the liberty to criticise: The Dachshund being primarily a hunting breed, he should not exhibit evidence of over-feeding, but the animation and physical vitality for such forceful purpose. Too many dogs showed lack of systematic exercise necessary to develop well-muscled and closely knit forequarters and (literally)�iron-hard" level backs, and to keep the feet properly compact. American Dachshund fanciers should pay more attention to the encouragement of true Dachshund character: A Dachshund should be self-reliant and bold, not timid or retiring. In his small body, he should suggest the courage and capacity of a giant.

Teeth, heads, and eye-color in most cases were very good. It is important that backs be firm and level, this being the most important part of the body in all breeds. Chests must not extend too close to the ground, too great depth is a hindrance to freedom of action. The ribs should extend well back, and the breastbone must not stop abruptly at the deepest part of the chest, interrupting the smooth line under the chest and reducing space for lungs and heart. Most of the fronts were good. A few dogs showed skin excessively wrinkled on the forefeet and over the shoulders, and dewlaps – faults which are transmissible in breeding and should be avoided. Hindquarters were generally good, and some animals which had rather narrow stance appeared better when in motion.

In addition to the excellence of the smooth entries, I was very favorably impressed by the quality of the longhairs. I was less satisfied with the wirehairs, whose coats were of better than average texture, but whose conformation and animation did not achieve the general level of the other two coat varieties.

In judging, I have attempted to give the rating Gut only too animals worthy of being used as breeding stock. The rating Sehr Gut has been awarded only to animals whose conformation is free from serious faults and which give evidence of proper disposition. The highest rating Vorzuglich signifies a Dachshund free from significant faults of structure, condition or temperament, and such a rating should be conferred only after the most exhausting examination and appraisal. Only by most conscientious, rigorous, and just criticism can service be rendered to a breed, and I ask the exhibitors to accept my ratings from this point of view.

�It would have been impossible for me to rate and judge the great number of dogs in so short a time without the efficient help of my assistant Mr. Horswell, my steward Mr. Ebeling and my ring secretary Miss Lustig. 311 Dachshunds entries is a record figure of which the American Dachshund Club has every right to be proud. The kind reception I received from the American Dachshund fanciers, and the beautiful show grounds placed at our disposal by the generous patroness of the Morris and Essex club, Mrs. M. Hartley Dodge, have rendered my work an unforgettable pleasure, for which I express my sincerest thanks. (Signed) Gustav Alisch.

Champion Herman Rinkton, gained worldwide attention with his record setting 14 Best in Shows.

Herman didn't start out in life to be a show dog. In fact it appears that he was just a companion dog who was allowed to wander at will, visiting the local eateries whenever he pleased. Just like most Dachshunds, he was a great con artist when it came to getting a free meal by using his wiles on an unsuspecting human. He had that attitude of here I am world and you had better take notice�.just the attitude we want our dogs to have in the show ring!

One day Victor Moench, who was an active importer and exhibitor of Dachshunds, happened to catch sight of Herman on one of his outings and was very pleased with the conformation of the dog and arranged to purchase the dog from his owner. After doing so he took the dog to his breeder, Mr. Heller, who was just as pleased with Herman's appearance and took ownership of Herman.

Hans H. Sachers, whose kennel name was Lakelands, was an outstanding handler in those days. He was in the Philippines when World War II broke out and spent the rest of the war as a Japanese prisoner of war. When he returned, he first built his kennel in Dallas, Texas, and then moved to San Antonio, Texas. It was Hans Sachers who piloted Herman to his American Championship in 1937 and also to his Canadian Championship. C. Hyland Jones of South Orange, New Jersey, then purchased Herman for a reported sum that would be the equivalent of more than $15,000 in today's economy, and retained Hans Sachers as the dog's handler. Herman accumulated more than 100 Best of Variety wins, 66 Hound Group First placements, and 14 Best in Show awards. His most spectacular win was Best of Breed at Westminster Kennel Club in 1939.

According to Herman Cox, this outstanding record of wins was of secondary importance when we evaluate its effect on the breed during these formative years. The promotion and publicity generated by Herman Rinkton's sensational career was responsible for improving the image and public acceptance of the Dachshund in America.” It also opened judges' eyes, and they began to give serious consideration to the Dachshund in the Group and beyond.

Click to watch....DACHSHUNDS (issue title - EVERY LITTLE YELPS)

1939

Mrs. Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge founded St. Hubert's at Giralda on her estate as a refuge for lost and injured animals.

WWII started. A week after World War II was declared, the Dachshund Club of America received reports that dachshunds were being stoned in the streets and kicked and that many were having tin cans tied to their tails. Determined that their breed should not again suffer as it had during the first world war, the breeders' club successfully carried on a vigorous public relations campaign directed at editors and cartoonists in particular.

Their efforts were aided considerably by such dachshunds as John Chaff's Zep v Waldbach which, as a war dog in the Italian and North African campaigns, reached hero status after uncovering, along with another dachshund, over 600 enemy mines.

The part of the pet dog of Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, was originally scripted for a miniature dachshund named Otto. But there was still a great deal of hostility toward the Germans. So the studio insisted upon the substitution of a Norwich terrier to be called Toto, a breed then more politically correct.

The South African Dachshund club was founded. They based their "Constitution of Rules" based on the rules of the Scottish Dachshund Club but adjusted to suit South African conditions.

John F Sayer developed The Illustrated Standard of Points of the Dachshund of all varieties. It was developed to help beginners to breeding in the art of breeding to type. He stated that all varieties are governed by the same anatomical rules of construction, though differing in the texture of their coats. He also said that it is possible to breed a good show dog that with proper training may become an accomplished worker.

John F Sayer’s book has become the Bible for Dachshund breeders from the point of view of its very good illustrations and text and will be found in every Dachshund breeder’s library.

It is true that each standard is based on the requirements of a standard smooth haired Dachshund but over time each standard has become slightly different in various criteria. Today, we refer to this standard as the "Pre-1987" standard.

1940

The first longhair in America to win Best in Show was CH Antonio of Gypsy Barn

Click to watch.....CANBERRA - DOG SHOW

1941

Click to watch....A DOGGIE AFFAIR

1942

General George Patton and President Dwight Eisenhower shared a great love for dachshunds. They first met in 1918 at Camp Colt in Pennsylvania. The two met again at Camp Meade [Maryland] in 1919. When Patton was transferred to Meade he moved next door to where Eisenhower and his wife, Mamie, lived. During this time, Eisenhower encountered Patton's beliefs and ideas. Patton's rank was higher than Eisenhower's, however, this never affected their relationship.

Patton and Eisenhower's next meeting came in April. Prior to this meeting, both men competing for the same position as commander of the European campaign, a position which Eisenhower later received. Before he received this position Eisenhower wanted to do something different. He wanted to join his old friend, who was to go to war while Eisenhower was sitting in a desk job. Eisenhower wrote to Patton, "Maybe I'll finally get out of this slave seat, so I can let loose a little with you. By that time you'll be the 'black jack' of the damn war." Eisenhower wanted to join Patton on the front lines. He was hoping he would be sent there by Army Chief of Staff, George Marshall (1880-1959), however, he was given the rank of Major General and the position of the United States Commander of the European front.

1945

WWII ended. Although, many of Germany's Dachshunds survived the two world wars, the separation of East and West Germany after World War II caused devastation among the Wirehairs.

Breeder's fled East Germany, which was long famous for its hunting grounds, and kept only a few outstanding specimens. Under the watchful eye of the Deutscher Teckelklub, the strong hunting and tracking ability of these few surviving Wirehair's was preserved, and it is their descendants that hunt Germany's forests today.

1946

AKC registrations has jumped to 6,598 !

The Dachshund Club held its first Championship show shortly followed by a second one.

The Dachshund Club published its first Handbook and is eagerly awaited and held in the highest regard world wide every 3 years.

The Dachshund Club also distributes a newsletter annually, and holds the copyright to ‘Sayers Standard of Points’ considered the definitive extended breed standard.

1947

Click to watch.....IN THE DOG HOUSE

The Minature Dachshund Club prepared a “Standard of Points” in which a most important factor was the weight limit stipulation of not more than 11 lbs. (5 kilos). The Kennel Club rules stated that scales must always be provided for Miniature Classes, and dogs must be weighed when entering the ring for their class, and if they are overweight this should be considered a most serious fault. (This rule still applies at the present day and is most rigidly observed).

1949

The Modern Dog Encyclopedia was published. The following is exerpted from the book on dachshunds:

"It has been no easy matter to maintain the popularity of the breed in this country, or in England. During World War I there were only about six breeders in England who continued their breeding programs. In this country antipathy to anything German during that period reflected against the chipper little dog that had won many friends here, and owners who appeared in public with their pets were often subject to contemptuous remarks and accusations of being "pro-German." During the years between the great wars, however, the Dachshund had regained his place in the hearts of many American dog fanciers and the general public took a saner view of him during World War II."

"The successful badger dog was heavier, coarser, larger, and more houndy in appearance. ... The badger makes a formidable opponent when brought to bay and although the Dachshund is a fearless fellow, he would now have a rough time of dispatching this prey in a fair fight."

"The American Kennel Club classifies the Dachshund as a sporting dog in the hound class, but it has been argued that he is not a hound and he is certainly not generally considered a gun dog. Nevertheless, he possesses a hunting instinct in a high degree and if given the chance can give his owner some pleasure on small ground game."

"Some early writers maintained that they evolved from the old Turnspits, the dogs that did such fine yoeman work in the kitchen service. Certainly the dogs used for this purpose were long of body and low of leg."

"In this country, the dogs of Dr. C. Motschenbacher, of New York City, and Mr. and Mrs. Karl A. Keller or Wellesley, Mass., were the most prominent winners around the turn of the century. Dr Motschenbacker's Champion Young Phoenomen, Jr. was in great demand, as was the Keller's Champion Parsifal."

"Among some of the prominent American breeders are: Donia Bussey's Crespi Kennels, Sherman Oaks, Cal., Rock Manor Kennels, Alderwood Manor, Wash., Heying-Teckel Kennels, Pacoima, Cal., Grayce Greenburg's Teckelheim Dachshunds, Camarillo, Cal., Mr. and Mrs. F. J. Doody, Dayton, Ohio, Mrs. Wm. M. Thomas, Shreveport, La., Gipsy Barn Kennel, Wilmette, Ill., Starkrest Kennels, Elmhurst, Ill., Mrs. William Burr Hill, Jr., Massapequa, Long Island, Harborvale Kennels, Daphne, Ala., Mr. and Mrs. J. Mehrer, West Hempstead, Long Island, N. Y., Derbydachs Kennels, Oconomowoc, Wis."

The Kennel club approved separate breeds for Mini Smooth and Mini Long after the Miniature Dachshund club petitioned the year before.

1950

The first Championship Show held by the N.D.A. was recorded as being held at the Sun Colinade, Harrogate. The Secretary at that time was Mrs E Shepherd of Blackpool. This lady was on the prestigious Dachshund Club judges list and was of course a successful breeder/exhibitor. In the early 60's the Club had four sets of Challenge Certificates and from that time to the present day, the N.D.A. has held two shows per year: the Championship Show being held in the spring and an Open Show in late Autumn. 11 sets of C.C.'s were allocated to Mini Dachshund's

1951

Click to watch.....DOG ON WHEELS

1952

DCA sent a letter to AKC to try and separate the Miniatures from the Standards in the U.S. AKC denied the petition.

Click to watch.....TAIL WAGGERS (aka DOG SHOW)

1953

Miniature Dachshund Club made itself responsible for the Miniatures and applied to The Kennel Club to hold a Championship show for Miniatures for 1954 and was denied.

1955

The first show confined to Miniatures was held on April 16th

1956

Click to watch.....DOG CHASES ANIMALS AT ZOO

1957

Click to watch.....THE DACHSHUND VILLAGE

Click to watch.....MINIATURE DACHSHUND PUPS

April 19,the day that Lump met Picasso. Mr. Duncan, who had first photographed Picasso a year earlier, brought Lump along for the ride, largely because he did not get along well with Mr. Duncan's other pet, an Afghan hound called Kublai Khan.

Lump immediately decided that this would be his new home, Mr. Duncan recalled in an interview on a visit to Paris, noting pointedly that "lump" means "rascal" in German. He more or less said, "Duncan, that's it, I'm staying here." And he did, for the next six years.

1958

The Australian Kennel Club is formed to promote co-operation between States. On September 25th, the name was slightly changed to "The Australian National Kennel Council" (ANKC). It was agreed at this meeting that a National Stud Register be introduced. A further vital resolution was added - “That the Australian National Kennel Council be constituted so that it is empowered to act only as a co-ordinating and recommendatory body” The motion expressed the general attitude of member bodies at that time.

The Kennel Club granted separate register and championship status for Miniature Wire-haired Dachshunds in January

A formal Constitution was approved. One of the major difficulties in drawing up a Constitution of this nature was to provide a set of rules which could serve the National Kennel Council but at the same time provide the flexibility essential in a recommendatory body, as distinct from an overall controlling body.

1960

Click to watch.....DACHSHUND DETHRONES THE POODLE & POLICE DOG TRAINING SCHOOL

1961

No one in Dachshunds is not familiar with the name of Mrs Bettie Farrand and her Wire Dachshunds, the most well know being Ch Gisbourne Inca (1961) the top winning showdog of his time, later overtaken by his kennelmate Ch Krystona Augustus

1962

The Miniature Dachshund Club was allocated C.C.’s for Miniature Smooths

1965

The British Veterinary Association (BVA) introduced the Canine Hip Dysplasia Program. The Kennel Club is responsible for publishing hip dysplasia results for all pedigree dogs in the Kennel Club Breed Records Supplement and on progeny registration certificates.

The range of schemes developed and in December, the KC/BVA announced the start of the eye scheme which was initiated for the control of progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) in Elkhounds

1966

The Ugly Dachshund was first filmed: stars Dean Jones at the height of his comedic powers and a very young Suzanne Pleshette. Mark (Jones) adopts Brutus, a lovable oaf of a Great Dane, who, try as he might, can't fit in with Fran's (Pleshette) spoiled prize Dachshund's (think Lady and the Tramp's evil Siamese cats). The film is full of sight gags and slapstick from director Norman Tokar (The Cat from Outer Space, M*A*S*H). In true Disney fashion, the underdog wins out and saves the day.

1967

AKC approved DCA to divide the open mini classes at specialty shows for red, black/tan and any color except red.

1968

Th Dachshund Club is one of the first breed clubs to introduce judges training with the judging trials, now developed into a formal Dachshund Breed Judge Assessment Scheme.

1969

The National Kennel Club (NKC) was formed. They have operated to help dog owners register any purebred dog. As the name implies, National Kennel Club is National in scope in that registrations, rules, shows, awards, etc. are uniform in all states of the United States.

1971

Weight for Miniatures was changed to 10 lbs.

1972

The Dachshund Club was instrumental in setting up Dachshund Rescue with the Long Haired Club

The DCA tried again to petition AKC to divide the Standards and Miniatures and was denied.

Summer Olympic games in Germany. Waldi the Dachshund was the official mascot. - The Dachshund became their official mascot.

1974

The DCA wrote the Miniature Breed Standard - it was approved

1975

The Miniature Dachshund Club held its first show in C.C.'s for all 3 dachshund types.

AKC denied approval of the breed standard weight stipulation for Miniatures.

1981

A computer was installed to process registrations and the system has been developed to handle other Kennel Club services. The database now contains over 6 million dog names.

In February the Miniature Dachshund Club held its first show with C.C.’s for each of its three breeds.

1982

As the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC) gradually moved in character from an “advisory” towards a “co-ordinating” body, many changes have been made to rules and procedures. At the ANKC Meeting held in Melbourne on September 22nd, it was resolved that a Subcommittee be set up to prepare a Standard Constitution with a view to making the ANKC a Co-ordinating Body. The new Constitution was adopted on the 22.9.82.

This change of Constitution enabled many decisions to be made which would previously have been rejected. It also led to wide discussion on various issues and areas where the ANKC might take control or take over the improvement of certain activities.

1983

The Herding Group" was developed and all herding dogs such as Collies, Shetland Sheepdogs, Corgis and such were transferred to there.

1984

AKC Earthdog tests began

1985

The Young Kennel Club was established through The Kennel Club, catering for those between the ages of 6 and 24 was established

The Kennel Club Charitable Trust was also founded. The Trust gives numerous donations to projects such as canine rescue and dogs for the disabled, and supports research into canine diseases.

AKC hunting tests began.

AKC grants separate Standard and Miniature classes for only Annual DCA Specialty shows from 12 mo. - 18 mo. and above up to winners.

Dachshund's began running under their own field trial rules and procedures. Prior to this dachshund field trials were run under the AKC Field Trial Rules and Standard Procedures for Pointing Breeds, Dachshunds, Retrievers and Spaniels.

1986

AKC announces new judging guidelines.

AKC Rules for registering litters conceived by artificial insemination are adopted.

1987

the Kennel Club (England) urged all English Breed Clubs to revise their Standards. This wasn't completed until 1994.

DCA set up a field trial advisory council or committee (TAC) to promote dachshund field events and to make field trial policy recommendations to DCA's Board of Directors.

The American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog opened its doors in St. Louis, Missouri.

1988

The Canine Code was first published by The Kennel Club. The aim of this booklet is to highlight the responsibilities of dog ownership and to give both owners and prospective owners guidance in developing an enjoyable and rewarding relationship with their dog.

1989

The Dachshund Club received CCs for all 6 varieties were allocated to the Club, a situation that remains today, making the Dachshund Club the only breed club to run an individual show with CCs available for all 6 varieties.

1990

The first Cream Dachshunds entered the U.S. with Parsonage's Dachshunds.

1991

The Continental Kennel Club is formed. The basic initials CKC has long been attributed to the Canadian Kennel Club until now. It is a little confusing and many will ask to differentiate between the two- Canadian or Continental?

George O. Fontenot saw a need for this this new registry.

The first registered canine was an American Eskimo, and the first kennel to begin using CKC for registration services was a small kennel in Picayune, Mississippi. Following those initial registrations, CKC’s goals and objectives have been realized resulting in the establishment of a large registry for purebred, developmental, and miscellaneous breed dogs; the creation of a system of performance events to evaluate, train, and award dogs of merit in various CKC competitive events; and the publication of valuable printed and electronic media relevant to dog owners and breeders. Many who dislike the AKC in the U.S. will register thier dogs with the Continental Kennel Club. Some will dual register thier dachshunds with both organizations.

1992

The Good Citizen Dog Scheme, aimed at education towards responsible dog ownership, was set up by The Kennel Club.

AKC revised its Dachshund Standard for Miniatures weight limit up to 11 lbs.

1995

The revised 1994 Kennel Club (England) standard brought all six varieties under the one Standard and very similar in description to the Pre-1987 Standard and J.F. Sayer’s excellent book.

The AKC standard of the Dachshund was revised. White was dropped as a base color, but the following key sentence was added to the beginning of the color section: "Although base color is immaterial, certain patterns and basic colors predominate." Additionally, "all colors are admissible" remained under the wirehaired description. This was the standard under which the first smooth and wire piebald Dachshunds were shown in the U.S. and finished their championships.

Duchwood's Cornerstone MS (Corrie) is credited to be the first US Champion Piebald Dachshund, finishing her AKC Championship in September. Other piebald champions have followed her example over the years - 44 Piebald Champions To-Date! (6 Championships completed after the Breed Standard Revision!)

The ANKC agreed to allow Australian Breed Clubs to choose between the Pre-1987 Standards, the revised 1994 Kennel Club (England) Standards, the FCI Standards or the Country of Origin/Development Standards.

1995

1996

The National Dachshund Council (Australia) member clubs voted on which Standard they would prefer. The choices were between a Proposed Australian Standard, the Pre-1987 Standard, the revised 1994 Kennel Club (England) Standard or the FCI Standard.

The ANKC subsequently, notified the National Dachshund Council (Australia) that a Proposed Australian Standard was not an option. Therefore the revised 1994 Kennel Club (England) Standard automatically became the Australian member club’s Standard of choice.

The ANKC procedure for changing from the Pre-1987 Standard to the revised 1994 Kennel Club (England) Standard was never completed until June 30, 2009

1997

Undefeated lifetime in Championship racing -

Baron Wins Wiener Nationals Championship Baron charged through a field of 64 Dachshund finalists to win the Wienerschnitzel Wiener Nationals at Los Alamitos Race Course! There were 255 entries, with 64 qualifying for the finals. His "booty" included a $500 cash prize to buy lot's of dog snacks, a beautiful etched glass trophy, and a media tour for Wienershnitzel. He was fast qualifier, and "crushed the field with a powerful run" according to the track announcer. Baron ripped his saddle cloth partially off during the race, and then ran hard despite having his legs tangled in it for most of the race. Film of the event was featured on various Los Angeles television stations and Hard Copy on Monday June 16th. Baron subsequently appeared on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno on Thursday June 19th, where he won the Tonight Show race on stage.

1998

The KC/BVA added the elbow dysplasia scheme to their official screening programmes.

The Kennel Club, the Kennel Club Charitable Trust and many breed clubs have been instrumental in the funding of DNA tests. These tests are used by breeders to help assess the fitness of their dogs and reduce the prevalence of inherited diseases in future generations.

The Kennel Club appointed a Canine Genetics Co-ordinator, Dr Jeff Sampson

1999

The DCA added drawings of the piebald pattern to its "Illustrated Standard of the Dachshund" and piebalds were invited by some members of the DCA Judges' Education Committee to the judges? seminars, so that potential Dachshund judges would recognize this pattern as acceptable. No serious attempts were made to revise the AKC standard to either include or exclude piebalds

Baron returned to California's Los Alamitos Race Course on June 12th 1999, and successfully defended his 1998 Champion of Champions title by winning the 1999 "Ultimate Match Race". After Baron won the 1997 Wienernationals by a wide margin, track officials changed the rules. In 1998, Baron was excluded from Wienernationals eliminations and competed instead in a "Champion of Champions" race that matched him against prior champions and the Wienernationals eliminations winner that night. This year that format was refined to match Baron heads-up against Jesse, the 1999 Wienernationals Champion. To earn the right to face Baron, Jesse had to defeat a 64 dog field consisting of 8 dogs in 8 elimination races. In an excellent race, Baron started slightly behind, caught the quick Jesse by mid-race, then used long, powerful strides to stretch his winning margin to 4 lengths at the finish.

2000

The North American Teckel Club (NATC) is formed. The NATC was initiated by a small group of people who used their Dachshunds for hunting. These people wished to have access to the broader range of hunting tests of the sort offered by the Deutscher Teckelklub (DTK). They also believed that the conformation standard of the DTK was best suited for dachshunds which are called upon to work long and hard above and below ground. There is only one Zuchtschau (conformation shows) a year, all of which are judged by FCI judges.

2001

The National Dachshund Races was formed by Toni Gossard shortly after being diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease. Her inspiration came from seeing a televised dachshund race on the show "The best of the breed" while recuperating at her sister's home. Using her beloved Dachshunds for inspiration, the races grow bigger each year.

2003

Ten years after the first piebald Dachshund entered the breed ring a few DCA board members decided to specifically exclude piebalds from the standard. Despite a "yes" recommendation from the DCA Board, this amendment failed to pass.

2004

The Kennel Club issued 3,926 licenses for the various canine activities of which 1,048 were for Companion Dog Shows.

The Kennel Club created an educational resource at the Animal Health Trust to aid education of breeders and owners on the genetic health of dogs.

Wiener takes all is the award winning documentary about the surprisingly cutthroat world of competitive Dachshunds. Follow the worlds of wiener dog races, show doxies, and the "underground" of earthdog trials

2005

Fifteen amendments to the standard were proposed by the DCA board. Among them, a detailed description of the piebald pattern. At the September board meeting, a motion was made for the board to recommend a "no" vote to the description on the ballot. It passed by only one vote.

2006

The average number of dogs registered with The Kennel Club has been about 280,000 annually.

The registration system has been altered during the past few years and it has been shown that the requirement is for a simple system easily understood by all.

2007

All 19 UK Dachshund Breed Clubs agreed to form a Breed Council and work together for the good of the breed.

It is a Kennel Club registered organisation and as such has to comply with the Kennel Club rules and regulations for Breed Councils. There are no individual members of a Breed Council, its members are the 19 Dachshund Breed Clubs who all pay a membership subscription to finance the Breed Council. Membership is open to all registered breed clubs for the breed.Any items to be discussed at Breed Council meetings have to be proposed by a member club or The Kennel Club.

In January, the AKC board approved the revised Dachshund standard so the wording is less confusing. The approved standard was effective on March 1

The DCA sent out a publication to Judges in thier newsletter reminding them:"Judges are urged by the parent club to judge Dachshunds in adherence to the breed standard, which does not include piebald as an acceptable pattern" and "Dapple and Doble dapple whixh displays areas of white are acceptable patterns according to the breed standard.

In May, a wire piebald Dachshund finished her Championship.

In June, four DCA board members wrote another letter(two pages) that was mailed to AKC judges. This letter instructed judges to excuse piebald and double dapple Dachshunds. They cited the revised AKC guidelines for writing breed standards.

In July, Patricia Taylor, a very well known and respected dachshund breeder, exhibitor and judge wrote a letter to the AKC in response to the publication in the judges newsletter regarding the piebald pattern. She pointed out the many mistakes that were made in the publication and why they should not have allowed the publication to take place.

The DCA membership voted to approve all amendments to the standard but one - the vote failed to pass the piebald description.

Save The Piebalds petition was created in the hopes to obtain enough signatures and reasons why the piebald pattern should not be excluded from the standard to petition the AKC and DCA. After all, it's a commonly seen pattern in other hound breeds: greyhounds, beagles and basset hounds.

2008

The National Dachshund Council notified the ANKC of member clubs request to change to the current Kennel Club (England) Dachshund Standard.

The FCI and AKC come to an understanding for classification and judging

2009

The ANKC procedure for changing from the Pre-1987 Standard to the revised 1994 Kennel Club (England) Standard was never completed until June 30th. Before this they followed the Pre-1987 Standard. The Pre-1987 Standard which has been the reference for many experienced breeders in Australia with additional references from J F Sayers book and lecture notes documented by Mrs. J Reading.

In July, The Kennel Club has adopted a new revision of the 1994 Standard which has additional guidelines to help improve the Health & Welfare of the Dachshund breed.

Because the new Standard is still only a written description of the breed the National Dachshund Council has developed a Breed Standard Extension which documents the 2009 Kennel Club (England) Dachshund Standard and additionally contains the pictorial diagrams from J F Sayer’s book, Mrs J Reading’s lecture notes, The Show Dachshund & History of Correct Movement by Robert Cole & Dr Sylvia Kershaw and Back to Basics Article by Jeffrey Crawford.

This Breed Standard Extension will serve as a curriculum for Judges Training Programs, and will be an invaluable reference for Dachshund Breeders and Dachshund Judges in Australia for many years to come.

The FCI, KC and CKC (Canadian) come to an understanding for dog classification and judging.

2010