Delightful Stories That Celebrate Determination, Friendship, and Little Dogs with Big Attitudes
With their long bodies, tiny legs, and playful spirits, dachshunds—also known as “wiener dogs”—are impossible not to love. Whether they’re burrowing under blankets or leading silly adventures, these pups are full of courage and charm. Books featuring dachshunds are perfect for kids who love dogs with big personalities and even bigger hearts.
In this post, I’m sharing my favorite dachshund books for kids, organized by age group. I’ve also included creative activities and thoughtful questions to help children connect with these brave, bouncy dogs. Let me know which long little pup wins your reader’s heart!
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Table of Content
- Why Read Books About Dachshunds?
- The Role of Books in Teaching Kids about Dachshunds
- Dachshund Books For Children
- What Dachshund Book(s) Are You Going To Read Later?
Why Read Books About Dachshunds?
Dachshund books are packed with fun, friendship, and important life lessons in small packages.
These dogs are known for being stubborn yet sweet, bold yet snuggly—just like some kids! Stories about dachshunds teach children about being themselves, sticking with things, and showing love in their own unique way.
Reading about dachshunds builds empathy, encourages perseverance, and brings lots of giggles too.
The Role of Books in Teaching Kids about Dachshunds
Books featuring dachshunds offer more than cute adventures—they help kids see that being different can be a strength.
Many dachshund stories show characters overcoming challenges (like being too short to reach or too long to fit), making new friends, or standing up for themselves. These pups are great role models for determination, kindness, and thinking outside the box (or the dog bed!).
Dachshund books also help young readers learn about pet care, responsibility, and embracing who they are.
How to Use Books about Dachshunds with Children
Here are a few playful ways to wag more fun into your reading routine:
- 🌭 Ask Open-Ended Questions: After reading, ask: What made this dachshund special? or What challenge did the dachshund face, and how did they solve it? Turn and Talk works great for comparing dog personalities or dog daydreams!
- 🎨 Engage in Dachshund-Themed Activities: Draw a super-long dachshund and decorate each body section with fun patterns, create a dachshund paper puppet, or write a story called “The Daring Adventures of Duke the Dachshund.”
- 📚 Refer Back to the Books: When discussing perseverance, friendship, or pet care, tie in your favorite dachshund characters. Say: Remember how the dachshund kept trying even when it was hard? That’s a great lesson for us too!
- 👨👩👧 Involve Other Caregivers: Share a dachshund book for bedtime, then go on a “wiener dog walk” or draw your dream dog together. Families with pets can write stories about their dogs or do a “dog show and tell.”
11 Dachshund Books For Children
Younger Children (Ages 3-6)
#1 10 Little Hot Dogs by John Himmelman
🔗 View on Amazon
One by one, ten little hot dogs find themselves in a silly pile-up in this rhythmic counting story.
Activity Suggestion: Act out the story with stuffed animals or finger puppets!
Discussion Questions:
- What happens when more hot dogs join in?
- What other things could be in a silly pile?
- How can you count backward from 10?
#2 Hot Dog, Cold Dog by Frann Preston-Gannon
🔗 View on Amazon
A joyful romp of opposites featuring adorable dachshunds doing all sorts of silly things.
Activity Suggestion: Make a mini “opposites book” with your own dog illustrations.
Discussion Questions:
- What were some of the opposites in the book?
- What’s your favorite kind of weather?
- Can you think of more doggy opposites?
#3 Jellycat Otto The Loyal Long Dog (Plush + Story)
🔗 View on Amazon
This sweet, squishy dachshund plush comes with a heartwarming story about friendship and loyalty.
Activity Suggestion: Write your own adventure story starring Otto!
Discussion Questions:
- What makes Otto a good friend?
- What would you do on a walk with Otto?
- How do you show loyalty to your friends?
Lower Elementary Children (Ages 7-9)
#4 Pretzel by Margret Rey
🔗 View on Amazon
Meet Pretzel, the longest dachshund around! This classic tale of love, bravery, and tail-wagging charm is a winner.
Activity Suggestion: Measure how long Pretzel is using string or blocks!
Discussion Questions:
- How did Pretzel help Greta?
- What does it mean to be brave?
- Why is being kind better than just looking fancy?
#5 Dozens of Dachshunds by Stephanie Calmenson
🔗 View on Amazon
A rhyming celebration of a dachshund parade that will have dog-lovers giggling.
Activity Suggestion: Host your own stuffed animal “dog parade.”
Discussion Questions:
- What kinds of dachshunds were in the parade?
- Which one was your favorite?
- What would your dog wear in a parade?
#6 The Hallo-Wiener by Dav Pilkey
🔗 View on Amazon
Oscar the dachshund gets teased for his hot dog costume, but he proves that courage always wins.
Activity Suggestion: Design your own Halloween costume for a pup!
Discussion Questions:
- How did Oscar feel at first?
- What brave thing did he do?
- Why should we never judge by appearance?
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#7 Hot Dog by Doug Salati
🔗 View on Amazon
An award-winning book about an overheated city pup who finds peace and coolness at the beach.
Activity Suggestion: Make a sensory “beach in a box” with sand and seashells.
Discussion Questions:
- What made the city feel so hot?
- How did the beach help the dog feel better?
- What helps you cool off on hot days?
Upper Elementary Children (Ages 9-11)
#8 The Pickle Tails by Cassidy Pietrick
🔗 View on Amazon
Pickle-themed dachshunds bring laughs and whimsy in this uniquely silly story.
Activity Suggestion: Design your own “Pickle Tail” pup with markers or clay!
Discussion Questions:
- What made the Pickle Tails special?
- Would you want a tail like theirs?
- What’s your favorite silly food idea?
#9 The Everything Dachshund Book by Joan Hustace Walker
🔗 View on Amazon
A comprehensive guide to caring for, understanding, and loving your dachshund. Great for older readers or dog families.
Activity Suggestion: Create a care chart for your dream dog.
Discussion Questions:
- What are some things dachshunds need?
- What makes them unique as a breed?
- Would you want to own a dachshund?
#10 David Dixon’s Day as a Dachshund by Kathryn Holmes
🔗 View on Amazon
David wakes up one day as a dachshund and must learn to navigate school as a pup!
Activity Suggestion: Imagine and draw yourself as an animal at school.
Discussion Questions:
- How did David’s perspective change?
- What did he learn from being a dog?
- How would you feel if that happened to you?
#11 Rex’s Winning Day by Mary Neville
🔗 View on Amazon
Rex, a determined little dachshund, trains hard for a big competition—and shows us that effort pays off.
Activity Suggestion: Set up your own mini obstacle course!
Discussion Questions:
- What goals did Rex have?
- How did he prepare?
- What helps you feel proud after trying hard?
Grab these free resources to make your teaching life easier!
What Dachshund Book(s) Are You Going To Read Later?
Dachshund books for kids are full of heart, humor, and heroics—all from a pup who’s just a little closer to the ground. Whether your child loves dogs or is meeting a dachshund in a book for the first time, these stories offer joy, lessons, and plenty of tail-wagging fun.
Which dachshund tale will you dig into next? Tag me on Instagram @LittleYellowStarTeaches and share your favorite books, drawings, or long-dog crafts!
Happy reading!
Prima at LittleYellowStar
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