dachshund
UK[ˈdæksənd]US[ˈdɑːksənd]
n
A small dog of a breed with a long body and very short legs, originally bred for hunting badgers.
Etymology
The word 'dachshund' is a direct borrowing from German, entering English in the 19th century. In German, it is a transparent compound: 'Dachs' meaning "badger" and 'Hund' meaning "dog," literally describing a "badger dog." This name directly reflects the breed's original purpose, which was to hunt badgers by pursuing them into their burrows, a task for which its long, low-slung body and tenacious character were ideally suited. The English adoption of the intact German term preserved this descriptive origin, even as the word itself functions as an unanalyzed simplex in English.
Analysis
This is a loanword from German. It is a compound noun in its source language, but its components are not transparent morphemes in modern English spelling and usage. For etymological interest: the German word 'Dachshund' is composed of 'Dachs' (badger) + 'Hund' (dog).
Examples
The dachshund eagerly dug at the base of the old tree.
Their family has owned several long-haired dachshunds over the years.
Due to their unique spine, dachshunds require careful handling to avoid injury.