June 21st is a special date for us at DEF, not only is it Dachshund Day it is also our organization's birthday! As of June 21st, 2021 we were officially classified a non-profit, so we consider it our birthday! To celebrate this awesome day with us our friends from the Dachshund Fanciers of Central Virginia created this fun guest blog. Enjoy!!
NATIONAL DACHSHUND DAY - JUNE 21ST
The Dachshund may rank 10th on the American Kennel Club’s annual list of most popular dogs, but these small dogs with larger-than-life personalities hold the number one spot in the heart of anyone who has been fortunate enough to have welcomed a dachshund into their life.
WHY THE 21ST?
June 21st is celebrated as the National Dachshund Day because it’s the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Since Dachshunds are the longest dog breed proportional to its size, it stands to reason that we’d celebrate these dogs on June 21st.
HERE ARE SOME FUN DACHSHUND FACTS!
“Dachshund” is the German word for “badger dog” from Dachs (“badger”) and Hund (“hound, dog”). The tiny but mighty standard Dachshund was notoriously good at catching badgers burrowed in their holes. But badgers aren't the only animals Dachshunds are good at hunting. Groups of Dachshunds have taken down larger adversaries like wild boar too. The miniature Dachshund’s small size doesn't stop them from catching small game like rabbits and squirrels.
The breed garnered popularity in early 19th century Europe after Queen Victoria expressed them as her favorite breed. To quote the queen, "Nothing will turn a man's home into a castle more quickly and effectively than a Dachshund."
A breed standard was written in 1879, and the German Dachshund Club was founded nine years later, in 1888. By 1885, Dachshunds had made it to America, and 11 were registered with the American Kennel Club that year.
The AKC officially registered the first Dachshund in 1885. Dachshunds were one of the first 14 breeds recognized by the AKC.
During WW I and WW II the popularity of Dachshunds decline in the United States. In an effort to keep the breed in the country, the AKC temporarily rebranded the dogs and called them “liberty pups.” Their reputation and popularity slowly bounced back.
The first Olympic mascot was a dachshund! Waldi was a symbol for the 1972 Olympic Games in Munich. The marathon route that year was even designed to be in the shape of a dog.
The world’s first museum dedicated solely to the Dachshund is located in Passau, Germany. The Deckelmuseum displays over 4,500 breed-themed items! (https://www.dackelmuseum.de/)
HOW CAN YOU CELEBRATE NATIONAL DACHSHUND DAY?
If you’re to ask your Dachshund, the answer would be “With treats, of course!” And that’s certainly a way to go. After that have an extra-long day at home with a new toy for your Dachshund, some extra ear scratches or belly rubs, and a nice cuddle on the couch.
For more information about the Dachshund Fanciers of Central Virginia (An AKC sanctioned specialty club and a member of the Dachshund Club of America.) visit their website: https://dachshundva.org/