The Dachshund's ancestors may date back to the dwarf dogs. The Smooth Standard is perhaps the oldest of the Dachshunds. Their name comes from the word "Dachs", which is the word for Badger. This dog was originally bred to hunt hare and stoat. Ancient Egyptian sculptures have shown these dogs seated with a pharaoh several times.

Some have theorized that the early roots of the dachshund go back to Ancient Egypt, where engravings were made featuring short-legged hunting dogs. But in its modern incarnation, the dachshund is a creation of European breeders, and includes elements of German, French, and English hounds and terriers. Dachshunds have been kept by royal courts all over Europe, including that of Queen Victoria, who was particularly enamored of the breed.