Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

What’s the Difference Between a Dachshund, Dotson, and Doxin?

cream long haired dachshund outside

Several dog breeds have a few nicknames to describe them. So many have nicknames that it can get a bit confusing when you try to figure out what breed is what.

The Dachshund breed is one of those dogs. Or is it the Dotson or a Doxin? Is it the same dog breed? The answer is yes. A Dachshund, Dotson, and Doxin are the same breed. Believe it or not, these aren’t the only three nicknames this little wiener dog has.

The Dachshund is a bubbly, adorable, cute-as-a-button breed that makes a great canine companion. However, it does get confusing with the many names the Dachshund breed has to carry around.

We’ll talk about the breed’s history, exactly how many nicknames it has, and more below, so you’ll go away a bit less confused than you were when you got here.

divider dog paws oct 2024

What Is the History of the Dachshund, Dotson, and Doxin Breed?

Believe it or not, Dachshunds were bred to hunt badgers in Germany. Afterward, they were trained to flush badgers out of their homes or habitats. It’s thought that the Dachshund was first created in the 15th century, but no concrete proof exists. The first verified account of the dogs in Germany occurred in the 17th century.

red long haired dachshund dog outdoors
Image Credit: Kristina Chizhmar, Shutterstock

Has the Dachshund Breed Evolved?

All dog breeds evolve, and this breed is no exception. While you can still see a few hints of their hunting background, Dachshunds are smaller than they were in the 17th century. However, the breed is still funny, gorgeous, energetic, loving, and laid back, just as their ancestors were before them.

Is Your Dachshund a Crossbreed?

Yes, Dachshunds are a crossbreed. They were bred by breeding the dwarf gene into a larger hunting dog, and your little wiener dog was the result. It’s thought that the breeding was selective and may have included Hanover Hounds, Terriers, Pincers, Bloodhounds, and even the German Bibarhund. This, however, isn’t known to be a fact; it’s only an assumption.

red dachshund dog in the autumn forest
Image Credit: Anna_Bondarenko, Shutterstock

How Many Nicknames Are There for the Dachshund Dog Breed?

Here are some of the most common nicknames for the Dachshund:
  • Hot Dog
  • Wiener Dog
  • Doxin
  • Dotson
  • Dachel
  • Dexel
  • Doxy
  • Doxie
  • Daxen
  • Doxen
  • Techel
  • Doxhund
  • Sausage Dog
  • Weiner Dog (Spelled with “ei” instead of “ie”)

What Is a Doxin or a Dotson?

A Doxin and a Dotson are the same exact thing as a Dachshund, just called by a different name. It’s thought that this name change came about because many pet owners couldn’t pronounce Dachshund the right way, and Doxin or Dotson was easier to pronounce.

mini dachshund standing on log
Image Credit: Shedara Weinsberg, Shutterstock

divider dog paws oct 2024

A Few Fun Facts About Your Little Weiner Dog

Now that you know most of the nicknames for this dog breed, we’ll give you a few facts that you might not have known.

1. Dachshunds Come in Many Colors

The Dachshund dog breed comes in a variety of colors. The colors recognized by the AKC include the following:

  • Fawn & Tan
  • Fawn
  • Red
  • Wheaten
  • Wild Boar
  • Blue & Cream
  • Blue & Tan
  • Black & Cream
  • Black & Tan
  • Cream
  • Chocolate & Cream
  • Chocolate & Tan
  • Fawn & Cream

Miniature Blue and Tan Dachshund
Image By: Adam Lovelace, Shutterstock

2. Hot Dogs Named After This Dog

You would think that the Dachshund got its name from the food, but in reality, the food got its name from the wiener dog instead. It’s thought that since these puppies were favorites with German butchers, they first sold hot dogs in the dog’s shape and called them Dachshund sausages. It wasn’t until later that the name was changed to the hot dog instead.


3. Dachshunds Are a Favorite of Celebrities

Not only are they popular with average pet owners, but they are also cherished by many celebrities. They are also popular with artists and authors and end up in many paintings and books. Some of the celebrities who have owned Dachshunds include:

  • David Bowie
  • Clint Eastwood
  • Jack Black
  • Adele
  • Kirsten Dunst
  • Fergie
  • Andy Warhol
  • Leonard Nimoy

a red dachshund puppy looks at the camera while outdoors
Image Credit: Olga Murzina, Shutterstock

divider dog paws oct 2024

Final Thoughts

Now that you know there is no difference between the Dachshund, Dotson, and Doxin, you are free to go out and adopt one of these adorable animals. No matter how many nicknames or colors this little dog comes in, the fact remains that they are a pleasure to own and are fun to be around. Once you’ve decided to give this wiener dog a forever home, you can decide which nickname to give your pet.


Featured Image Credit: Valeria Head, Shutterstock

Want content like this delivered to you?

Sign Up For Our Newsletter

News, insights, expert advice, and everything dog

* By submitting, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy & Cookies Policy.

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Chipit (Pitbull & Chihuahua Mix) Dog Breed: Info, Pictures & Care

The Pitbull Chihuahua mix, also known as the Chipit or the Pithuahua, is an active and fun-loving pup. They’re the result of breeding...

National Train Your Dog Month 2025: When It Is & How to Celebrate

When January arrives, people will often work harder to maintain their New Year’s resolutions. Interestingly, January is also National Train Your Dog Month,...

Can Dogs Eat Relish? Vet-Reviewed Facts & FAQ

Most dogs are not picky when it comes to what they are eating. They’ll scarf down almost anything that a human companion offers...

Parti Labradoodle: Info, Pictures, History & Origin

A Parti Labradoodle is much like any other Labradoodle. However, it has a parti-color coat pattern, which is a coat that’s mostly white...

More related

Maltipoo vs Shih Tzu: The Differences (With Pictures)

Both the Maltipoo and the Shih Tzu are adorable, affectionate, and loyal little dogs. They are small breeds with bubbly personalities, big smiles,...

What Breed of Dogs Are the Paw Patrol? Famous TV Character Facts

Paw Patrol is one of the most popular children’s shows. If you have a child (or even know a child!), you’ve probably heard...

6 Off-Leash Dog Parks in North Port, FL (2025 Update)

If you’re in North Port, Florida, for the day or the week, or if you’ve recently moved to the area, you might be...

62 Dog Breeds That Start With C: Info, Pictures, Facts & History

Many dog breeds begin with the letter C, and you’ll see quite a variety! From small to giant and from curly coats to...

Keep reading

Petaluma Dog Food Review 2025: Our Expert’s Opinion

Petaluma is changing the pet food industry by producing 100% vegan dog food that also contains high-quality ingredients. This Oakland-based company is mission-driven and works diligently towards building a more environmentally friendly and sustainable model for pet food production. Petaluma...

Dogster_Petaluma Dog Food Review

What to Feed a Dog With Arthritis: Comprehensive Guide

An estimated 20% of dogs over 1 year of age have osteoarthritis, or degenerative joint disease (DJD), which is a progressive and complicated disorder. It can profoundly impact an animal’s quality of life and, sadly, has no cure. Instead, pet...

Disabled Senior Dachshund Dog Eating Pet Food At Home

10 Best Foods for English Bulldog Puppies in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Full of charm, humor, and personality, English Bulldogs are among the most popular and well-known dog breeds in the world. All puppies are hard to resist, but the wrinkly skin and smooshed noses of baby Bulldogs make them even more...

feeding english bulldog puppy

9 Best Foods for Rottweiler Puppies in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

If you’re getting a Rottweiler puppy, it’s vital to know the right kind of food to feed them. Because your Rottie will grow up to be a pretty hefty dog, you’ll need to find a specially formulated food for large...

rottweiler puppy done eating

Cat Food vs Dog Food: The Main Differences

Many people have both dogs and cats in their homes. With the high cost of pet food, some owners are starting to wonder what the differences are between dog and cat food and if both animals can eat the same...

Cat Food VS Dog Food

Can Dogs Eat Chicken Nuggets? Vet Approved Facts & FAQ

We’ve all run by our favorite drive-thru on a busy day to grab food we shouldn’t be eating. There are even times we buy frozen foods at the grocery store so we don’t have to cook when we’re tired. One...

Can Dogs Eat Chicken Nuggets

Is Wet or Dry Dog Food Better? Vet-Approved In-Depth Comparison

Ah, the age-old question—should you serve your dog wet or dry food? Both dry kibble and wet food certainly have their perks, but both have their downfalls. Ultimately, the diet you select for your dog should be nutritious and match...

Wet vs Dry Dog Food

Can Dogs Eat Pork? Vet-Approved Nutrition Facts & FAQ

There is always a time for pork, whether it’s crispy bacon to accompany your waffles, pork sausages for lunch, or a pork roast with all the trimmings for a special occasion. There are many opportunities where pork can get your...

Can Dogs Eat Pork