Which breed of dog originally gave the name to the hot dog? - briefly
The term "hot dog" originated from the Dachshund breed. This association began at a baseball game in 1901, where vendors sold hot dogs and were compared to the shape of the Dachshund, leading to the popular name.
Which breed of dog originally gave the name to the hot dog? - in detail
The origin of the term "hot dog" is a fascinating piece of culinary history that involves a breed of dog and a cartoon. The story begins in the late 19th century, during the heyday of German immigration to the United States. Among the many contributions German immigrants brought to American culture was the frankfurter, a type of sausage that was popular in Germany. These sausages were often sold by street vendors and were a common sight at baseball games and other public events.
The breed of dog that indirectly gave its name to the hot dog is the dachshund. Dachshunds, known for their long bodies and short legs, were a popular breed in Germany and were often depicted in cartoons and illustrations. The connection between the dachshund and the hot dog was made during a baseball game at the Polo Grounds in New York City in 1901. A cartoonist named Tad Dorgan was at the game and noticed that vendors were selling hot sausages in long rolls of bread. The vendors, who were German immigrants, called these sausages "little-dog sausages," or "dachshund sausages."
Dorgan, who did not speak German, overheard the vendors shouting "Get your dachshund sausages while they're red hot!" He sketched a cartoon of a dachshund in a long roll of bread, with the caption "Get your hot dachshunds here!" However, Dorgan misspelled "dachshund" as "hot dog," and the name stuck. The cartoon was published in the New York World, and the term "hot dog" quickly caught on, becoming the popular name for the sausage in a bun that we know today.
The popularity of the hot dog grew rapidly, and by the early 20th century, it had become a staple at baseball games, fairs, and other public events. The term "hot dog" also became a part of American slang, referring to a person who is enthusiastic or showy. The connection between the dachshund and the hot dog is a testament to the influence of immigration and popular culture on American cuisine and language. The next time you enjoy a hot dog, remember that its name comes from a breed of dog and a cartoonist's mistake.