Dachshund Dog Names
German hunters bred the Dachshund to type by the 18th century for one job: dig into a badger's burrow and fight what it found. The name itself translates to "badger dog." That work shaped the body you see now, a long low frame on short legs, with a back made for tunnels and a bark far bigger than the dog. Standards weigh about 16 to 32 pounds, while miniatures top out near 11 and once chased rabbits underground. Centuries of going to ground left the breed clever, courageous, and stubborn. The coat comes three ways, smooth, longhaired, and wirehaired, in shades from the common red to black-and-tan, chocolate, cream, dapple, and brindle. This is also the dog behind Waldi, the first official Olympic mascot, at the 1972 Munich Games. Names from the German homeland suit the breed, Fritz, Hans, or Heidi, along with picks that nod to the long sausage shape. Scroll for a spread of bold and playful ideas alongside the classics, every one tagged for the breed.
Popular Dachshund Names
More Male Names
More Female Names
Unisex Names
Your shortlist (0)
Temperament and choosing a dog name
Bold, curious, and lively, the Dachshund is a small scent hound with an outsized personality.
A small dog with swagger suits a bold or playful sound. Each name card shows its sound-feel, and what a name's sound really means explains why.
What owners commonly report
Owners commonly report a stubborn streak, big-dog attitude, alert barking, and the need to protect a long back from jumps and stairs.
These are aggregated observations from owner communities, not verified individual claims. Every pet is different and your experience may vary.
Names from Dachshund's Homeland (German)
Dachshund is German for "badger dog." A name in the breed's own language nods to its German origin and bold character.
| Name | Pronunciation | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Bär | BAIR | bear |
| Schatzi | SHOT-see | sweetheart |
| Greta | GREH-tah | pearl |
| Heidi | HY-dee | noble one |
| Bruno | BROO-noh | brown, armored |
| Wolfgang | VOLF-gang | wolf path |
| Liesl | LEE-zel | pledged to God |
| Elsa | EL-sah | noble, God's promise |
| Sieger | ZEE-ger | victor |
| Rex | REKS | king (Latin, common in Germany) |
| Franz | FRANTS | free, Frenchman |
| Ada | AH-dah | noble |
| Ingrid | ING-grid | hero's beauty |
| Lotte | LOT-teh | free |
| Heinz | HYNTS | home ruler |
Names for Two Pets
Bringing home a pair? A few matched sets that sound right together. See the full themed list on the dog names hub.
- Peanut & Butter a sticky, sweet combination
- Zeus & Hera king and queen of the Greek gods
- Bacon & Eggs the breakfast pair
- Thelma & Louise the road-trip film
- Milk & Honey sweet and gentle
- Luna & Sol moon and sun
- Midnight & Ivory deep night and soft white
- Woody & Buzz the Toy Story heroes
- Chip & Dale the mischievous chipmunks
Want more options? Try our Pet Name Generator with custom filters.
Tips for Choosing a Name
- Try saying the name out loud several times to see how it feels.
- Short names (1-2 syllables) are often easier for dogs to recognize.
- Consider names that reflect your dog's breed heritage or personality.
- Some owners choose names from the breed's country of origin.
- Avoid names that sound like common commands (sit, stay, no).
Frequently Asked Questions
Do German names suit a Dachshund?
Dachshund is German for badger dog, from Dachs meaning badger and Hund meaning dog, and the breed was made to dig into badger burrows. German names like Fritz, Greta, and Hans nod straight to that origin. It is a small breed with an outsized personality, so a punchy name fits well.
Are long-and-low jokes good Dachshund names?
Names that play on the breed's long body, like Frank, Pretzel, and Schnitzel, are a long-running favorite for Dachshunds. The shape is the joke, and the dog trains the same regardless. Keep the daily call short and clear of your usual commands.
What should I keep in mind when naming a Dachshund?
Bold, curious, and lively, the Dachshund is a small scent hound with an outsized personality. A name lasts the dog's whole life, so many owners pick one that suits that character, then check it is short, easy to say, and does not echo a cue like sit or stay.
Does a Dachshund's temperament point to a certain kind of name?
It can, as a fun guide and not a rule. A Dachshund tends to be bold, curious, and stubborn. A small dog with swagger suits a bold or playful sound. The name will not change the dog, so choose one that fits the Dachshund in front of you.
What are some popular Dachshund names?
Owners of Dachshunds often reach for names such as Oscar, Frank, Frankie, Weenie, and Schnitzel. The curated list above groups many more so you can match one to your dog's look and character.