Pterodactyl the Dachshund

Our dachshund skeleton, residing in the Notice Nature Feel Joy gallery, was a red smooth-haired dog called Pterodactyl who lived from 1888 to 1897. Pterodactyl was one of the most successful prize-winning show dogs in England and was in great demand for breeding; he influenced the way dachshunds look today!

Pterodactyl’s skeleton was donated to the museum by his owner Mr Sydney Woodiwiss. The pair were said to have a great friendship, in fact Mr Woodiwiss once went abroad without Pterodactyl who was said to be so agitated that he slept on his master’s old suit every day until he returned.

Award-winning dachshunds “Pterodactyl and Jackdaw"” by Arthur Wardle

Pterodactyl’s skeleton in the Notice Nature Feel Joy gallery