The Ultimate Guide to Naming Your Wiener Dog
Dachshunds are something else, aren’t they? These little sausage dogs with their elongated bodies and stubby legs somehow manage to pack more personality per square inch than dogs twice their size. They’re fearless (sometimes to a fault), playful, and have this unmistakable look that makes people smile on the street. But here’s the thing – with such a distinctive personality and appearance, your dachshund deserves a name that’s just as special.
Choosing the right name isn’t just about what sounds cute (though that matters too). It’s about finding something that captures your dog’s essence, something you’ll be comfortable yelling across the dog park, and something that fits their unique dachshund swagger. In this guide, we’ve compiled 250 names organized by different themes and styles, so whether you’re drawn to classic choices or something completely off the wall, you’ll find inspiration here.
Short Names Perfect for Training
Lets start with the practical stuff. Short names – typically one or two syllables – are easier for dogs to recognize and respond to. When you’re trying to teach “sit” or “stay,” you don’t want to be fumbling with a four-syllable name. Plus, dachshunds are smart cookies, and they’ll pick up on shorter names faster.
For Male Dachshunds:
Max, Rex, Leo, Sam, Gus, Ace, Bo, Pip, Zed, Kai
For Female Dachshunds:
Mia, Zoe, Luna, Pip, Belle, Dot, Rue, Ivy, Faye, Wren
These names roll off the tongue easily and have that crisp sound that cuts through background noise – essential when your dachshund decides to chase a squirrel halfway across the park.
Classic and Popular Dachshund Names
Some names just work. They’ve been popular for decades because they capture something timeless about dogs in general and dachshunds in particular. These are the names you’ll hear at every dog park, but there’s a reason they’re classics.
Traditional Favorites:
Charlie, Buddy, Cooper, Oscar, Tucker, Bella, Daisy, Lucy, Molly, Sophie, Oliver, Jack, Duke, Bear, Rocky, Sadie, Maggie, Penny, Ruby, Rosie
These names have staying power because they’re friendly, approachable, and somehow just feel right when you’re talking to a dog. They’re the equivalent of a good pair of jeans – they never really go out of style.
Funny and Playful Names
Here’s where things get interesting. Dachshunds have this inherently amusing appearance – let’s be honest, they look like someone stretched a regular dog through a pasta machine. Many owners lean into this with names that are either outright funny or playfully reference their unique proportions.
Humorous Options:
Slinky, Hotdog, Bratwurst, Pickle, Noodle, Stretch, Zigzag, Pretzel, Biscuit, Peanut, Wiggles, Bandit, Rascal, Mischief, Trouble, Gizmo, Pogo, Boomerang, Squirt, Tater
These names celebrate the joy and humor that dachshunds bring to our lives. Fair warning: you might get some strange looks at the vet’s office when they call out “Bratwurst” for his appointment.
Names for Long-Haired vs. Smooth-Haired Dachshunds
The texture and length of your dachshund’s coat can actually inspire some great name choices. Long-haired dachshunds have this elegant, flowing look that might call for something more sophisticated, while smooth-haired varieties have that sleek, streamlined appearance.
For Long-Haired Beauties:
Silky, Velvet, Cashmere, Feather, Whisper, Duchess, Rapunzel, Godiva, Luxe, Merida
For Smooth-Haired Sleekness:
Slick, Jet, Chrome, Steel, Onyx, Marble, Gloss, Sheen, Satin, Smooth
The coat type doesn’t determine personality, but it can definitely influence the vibe you’re going for with the name.
German Names (Honoring Their Heritage)
Dachshunds originated in Germany, where they were bred to hunt badgers in their dens. The name “dachshund” literally means “badger dog” in German. Choosing a German name is a nice way to honor their heritage and often sounds distinguished and strong.
Traditional German Options:
Fritz, Hans, Klaus, Otto, Wolfgang, Greta, Heidi, Liesel, Brunhilde, Ingrid, Gunther, Heinrich, Rolf, Dieter, Helmut, Ursula, Astrid, Katarina, Marlene, Wilhelmina
These names have a certain gravitas to them. Your dachshund might be small, but with a name like Wolfgang, they’ll command respect at the dog park.
Color-Inspired Names
Dachshunds come in a beautiful variety of colors – from classic black and tan to rich chocolate, cream, and red. Their coat color can be a great starting point for name inspiration.
For Dark-Coated Dachshunds:
Shadow, Midnight, Onyx, Coal, Pepper, Espresso, Mocha, Raven, Storm, Smokey
For Light or Red-Coated Dachshunds:
Copper, Rusty, Ginger, Amber, Honey, Caramel, Butterscotch, Sunny, Golden, Blaze
Color-based names have this immediate visual connection that makes perfect sense when people meet your dog for the first time.
Food and Drink Inspired Names
This might be the most fun category. There’s something endearing about naming your dog after food, especially when they’re as adorable and bite-sized as a dachshund. Plus, food names often have that warm, comforting feeling that matches a dog’s place in the family.
Tasty Options:
Mochi, Biscotti, Cannoli, Truffle, Waffles, Pancake, Muffin, Cookie, Brownie, Latte, Cappuccino, Mocha, Whiskey, Brandy, Sherry, Sake, Tequila, Bourbon, Cider, Chai
These names are conversation starters and often reflect the owner’s personality as much as the dog’s. Just be prepared for people to ask if your dog is as sweet as their name suggests.
Names from Movies, Books, and Pop Culture
Dachshunds have appeared in countless movies, books, and TV shows, often as scene-stealers. Pop culture references can make for memorable names, especially if they connect to characters that share your dachshund’s personality traits.
Pop Culture Picks:
- Slinky (Toy Story)
- Buddy (Air Bud)
- Beethoven
- Marley
- Lassie
- Scooby
- Yoda
- Gizmo
- Dobby
- Frodo
- Gandalf
- Hermione
- Arya
- Tyrion
- Simba
- Nemo
- Dory
- Wall-E
- Pixar
- Marvel
These names work especially well if you’re a fan of the source material. Plus, they’re usually recognizable enough that other people will get the reference.
Names Reflecting Owner Hobbies and Interests
Your dachshund is going to be part of your life for 12-16 years, so why not choose a name that reflects something you’re passionate about? Whether you’re into music, sports, cars, or crafting, there’s probably a name that connects to your interests.
Music-Inspired:
Jazz, Blues, Rhythm, Melody, Harmony, Chord, Tempo, Lyric, Banjo, Viola, Hendrix, Bowie, Elvis, Aretha
Sports-Related:
Ace, Striker, Rookie, Champ, MVP, Puck, Spike, Dash, Sprint, Marathon
Car Enthusiasts:
Turbo, Diesel, Axle, Piston, Clutch, Gear, Mustang, Camaro, Bentley, Tesla
Art and Literature:
Sketch, Canvas, Palette, Novel, Sonnet, Haiku, Prose, Verse, Chapter, Story
This approach creates a personal connection between your name choice and your own identity, making the name even more meaningful.
Artist and Art-Inspired Names
For the creatively inclined, naming your dachshund after famous artists or art movements can be both sophisticated and fun. These names often have interesting sounds and carry cultural weight.
Classic Artists:
Monet, Picasso, Van Gogh (or just Vincent), Dali, Frida, Georgia, Andy (Warhol), Jackson (Pollock), Leonardo, Michelangelo
Art Movements and Terms:
Dada, Pixel, Sketch, Easel, Brush, Canvas, Palette, Prism, Shade, Hue, Tint, Sepia, Indigo, Crimson, Ochre, Sienna
Modern and Contemporary:
Banksy, Basquiat, Kusama, Koons, Hirst, Ai (Weiwei), Yves, Christo, Ansel, Annie
These names tend to age well and often spark interesting conversations about art and culture. Plus, they sound sophisticated without being pretentious.
Famous Dachshunds and Their Owners
Throughout history, many notable figures have been dachshund owners, and some dachshunds have achieved fame in their own right. These names come with built-in stories and historical connections.
Historical Figures’ Dachshunds:
Napoleon had dachshunds, as did Queen Victoria. Pablo Picasso owned a dachshund named Lump who appeared in several of his paintings. Andy Warhol had Archie and Amos. John F. Kennedy had a dachshund named Dunker.
Famous Dachshund Names:
Lump, Archie, Amos, Dunker, Crusoe (from the famous Instagram dachshund), Oakley, Watson, Sherlock, Einstein, Darwin, Tesla, Edison, Galileo
Celebrity-Inspired:
Adele, Bowie, Elvis, Madonna, Cher, Prince, Sinatra, Monroe, Audrey, Grace, Cary, Bogart, Brando, Dean
These names carry stories and give your dachshund a connection to something larger than themselves.
Unique Names That Stand Out
Sometimes you want a name that’s completely different from what everyone else is choosing. These names are conversation starters and help your dachshund stand out in a crowd of Bellas and Maxes.
Uncommon Choices:
Zephyr, Quasar, Nebula, Cosmos, Echo, Phoenix, Sage, River, Storm, Ocean, Atlas, Orion, Luna, Nova, Vega, Sirius, Comet, Stellar, Galaxy, Zenith
Invented or Unusual:
Bixby, Koda, Zara, Nyx, Kai, Zuri, Enzo, Milo, Arlo, Juno, Cleo, Iris, Sage, Wren, Finn, Rowan, Quinn, Blake, Sage, River
These names often have interesting meanings or sounds that make them memorable. Just make sure you’re comfortable with the uniqueness – you’ll be saying this name thousands of times over your dog’s lifetime.
How to Choose the Perfect Name
After looking at all these options, you might feel overwhelmed. Here’s the thing – the perfect name for your dachshund is the one that feels right to you. Consider your dog’s personality (even if they’re still a puppy, you’ll start to see traits emerge), their appearance, and what resonates with you personally.
Try saying potential names out loud. Does it feel natural? Can you imagine calling it across a park? Does it fit your dog’s energy level? A high-energy name like “Rocket” might not suit a laid-back dachshund, while “Sleepy” might not work for a hyperactive pup.
Remember, you can always use nicknames. Many dogs end up with several variations of their original name anyway. The most important thing is that both you and your dachshund are happy with the choice. After all, this little sausage dog is going to be your companion for many years to come, and their name will become part of countless happy memories.
Whatever name you choose, your dachshund will make it their own through their unique personality and the bond you build together. Here’s to finding the perfect name for your perfect pup.
