Think dachshunds are just cute little dogs? Some have shaped art, politics and even history. These are the dachshunds that earned a place in the record books and in the hearts of their famous owners.
- Lump (Pablo Picasso). He moved in with Picasso after photographer David Douglas Duncan brought him to the artist’s home, became part of Picasso’s life and appeared in several of his works.
- Archie (Andy Warhol). Warhol’s constant companion. Archie and fellow dachshund Amos were, Warhol said, his alter egos, often featured in interviews and photos.
- Wadl and Hexl (Kaiser Wilhelm II). These two nearly caused a diplomatic incident when one killed a golden pheasant belonging to Archduke Franz Ferdinand.
- Grover Cleveland’s dachshund. Cleveland kept one during his presidency.
- Dunker (John F. Kennedy). A young JFK brought Dunker home from a European trip, though allergies meant he had to leave him behind in Germany.
- Helena (William Randolph Hearst). The media mogul was so devoted that he published a heartfelt eulogy in his newspaper when she died.
- Fred (E. B. White). The Charlotte’s Web author often wrote about Fred, capturing the breed’s stubborn charm.
- Sheba (Jack Ruby). The man who shot Lee Harvey Oswald was known among friends for doting on his dachshunds, once calling one his wife.
- Obie. He made headlines at 77 pounds and inspired owners worldwide with his journey back to a healthy weight.
- Crusoe the Celebrity Dachshund. A miniature dachshund from Ottawa who reached millions through videos, books and TV before retiring from YouTube in 2025.
The takeaway
From royal courts to presidential homes, art studios to viral videos, dachshunds have been companions, muses and unexpected players in world events. Which of these had you heard of?
