Standfirst: Germany’s affection for the dachshund is at the centre of a new exhibition at the Kunsthalle Bremen. Featuring around 120 artworks and objects, the show explores how the distinctive breed has inspired artists and popular culture.
Germany’s much-loved dachshund has become the subject of an exhibition unlike any other. At the Kunsthalle Bremen, a new show brings together art, design and cultural history to examine the enduring appeal of the long-bodied, short-legged dog.
“The Dachshund: An Icon off the Leash” is described as the first exhibition devoted entirely to the breed. It is open until 28 March 2027 and includes roughly 120 objects and works by artists including Pablo Picasso and Otto Dix.
A breed with deep German roots
Dachshunds were initially bred around the late 17th century for hunting badgers. Their low-slung build and compact legs allowed them to move through underground burrows, while their determination made them effective hunting companions.
Over time, the breed moved far beyond its original working role. Dachshunds became household pets and cultural symbols, recognised internationally for their distinctive appearance and lively personalities.
The exhibition traces that transformation, presenting the dachshund not only as a domestic animal but also as a recurring motif in visual culture.
From Picasso to popular culture
The Kunsthalle Bremen display brings together a wide range of material to show how the dachshund has been represented by artists across different periods and styles. The objects include work associated with major names such as Pablo Picasso and Otto Dix.
The breed has also been linked to artists including David Hockney and Andy Warhol, whose dachshund companions became part of their creative worlds. Their presence demonstrates how pets can influence an artist’s life, imagery and public identity.
Rather than focusing on one artistic movement, the exhibition examines the dachshund’s broader cultural status. Its recognisable silhouette has made it suitable for portraiture, sculpture, illustration, design and humorous interpretations.
An exhibition designed with dogs in mind
The show is not intended only for human visitors. The exhibition space has been specially adapted to welcome dachshunds and other small dogs, giving the event a playful dimension that reflects its subject.
Visitors with dogs can expect features including:
- Scented surroundings designed with canine visitors in mind
- A dedicated lounge area for dachshunds and other small dogs
- An exhibition environment that treats the breed as both subject and participant
That approach adds an experiential element to the show. The dachshund is not simply depicted in the artworks; living dogs are also part of the atmosphere surrounding the exhibition.
Why the exhibition matters
Animal-themed exhibitions can offer more than an affectionate celebration of pets. They can also reveal how societies understand animals, companionship and the boundary between domestic life and culture.
In this case, the dachshund provides a particularly focused subject. Its history connects working-animal heritage with modern pet ownership, while its unusual shape has made it instantly recognisable in art and design.
The exhibition also highlights Germany’s long-standing relationship with the breed. Although dachshunds are now popular around the world, their origins and cultural associations remain closely connected to Germany.
Visiting the Kunsthalle Bremen
“The Dachshund: An Icon off the Leash” remains on display at the Kunsthalle Bremen until 28 March 2027. The exhibition offers visitors an opportunity to see how one breed has been interpreted through art while also experiencing a gallery setting designed to accommodate small dogs.
Its combination of fine art, cultural history and canine-friendly presentation makes it a distinctive addition to Germany’s exhibition calendar.
The lasting appeal of the dachshund
The Bremen exhibition presents the dachshund as more than a popular pet. Across centuries, the breed has moved from badger hunting to domestic companionship and then into the galleries, studios and visual culture of Europe.
By bringing these strands together, the Kunsthalle Bremen shows why the dachshund continues to attract both affection and artistic attention. For visitors, the central takeaway is simple: this small German breed has left a remarkably large mark on art and culture.