A Dachshund is a scent-hound dog bred to track badgers, rabbits, and foxes. In some cases, wild boar hunters even used packs of Dachshunds. These dogs are also highly popular show dogs, small-game hunters, and family companions.

Since the 1950s, Dachshunds have consistently ranked near the top of the most popular dog lists, regardless of their size. Dogs of this breed are known affectionately by many names, including wiener dog, hot dog, sausage dog, Doxie, Dashie, and (particularly in Germany) Teckels, Dachels, and Dachsies.