Think back. Did your car, truck, or motorhome ever feature a wackeldackel?
The German word wackeldackel translates to “wobbling dachshund.” This vehicle accessory originally featured a small dachshund pup with a cheerfully bobbing head.
Nodders, wackeldackels, and bobbleheads
The wackeldackel is linked to a much older idea. Versions of “nodder” figures go back centuries and have been linked to different cultures. In 17th-century Asia, for example, “temple nodders” featured Buddha and other religious figures. Germany produced bobbleheads as early as the 1920s and exported many to the U.S. By the 1950s, the popularity of nodders had risen in the States.
In the 1970s, German cars sported a wackeldackel on their car dashboards or rear window shelves. The dachshund dog’s spring-mounted head wobbled with every bump in the road, making it a distinctive accessory—and a great advertising tool.
Again, in the late 1990s, the bobbing heads sparked a major comeback in advertising. One ad campaign reportedly sold hundreds of thousands of the little dogs in a matter of months.
Wackeldackel design
A wackeldackel’s design is quite simple. It consists of a stationary dog base that supports a pup’s head, which is affixed to the base by a spring or hook. This enables the head to move in response to a light touch. Over time, this basic bobbing design has been used for sports giveaways, promotional items, and even novelty figures.
Bobbleheads have become highly collectible and feature sports stars, cartoon and movie icons, school mascots, and even politicians. There are dogs and other animals, as well.
Bobbers today
What started as a novelty has morphed into many different iterations. Manufacturers and artisans worldwide now offer nodding-dog figures, pet-portrait bobbleheads, and other “bobbing” novelties.
Get yours!
If you want your very own wackeldackel, here’s one that closely resembles the original. And, of course, there are a bunch of other designs (and dog breeds), too. Find one that looks like your pup!
Mounting tips
To mount your wackeldackel on the dashboard, follow the manufacturer’s directions. Choose a spot that doesn’t interfere with airbag deployment or sightlines.
Once you’ve decided on placement, clean the area with isopropyl alcohol before applying any adhesive pad. Check the placement from time to time to ensure it remains securely attached.
Do you (or did you ever) have a wackeldackel in your vehicle? Tell us in the comments below.
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RVT1254
Nope, with TPMS, rear camera and GPS, there’s no room on the dashboard for anything else.
Nope. Nothing on the dash, so does a wackadoo riding shotgun count?
Nope, but does a Springer lying between the seats count?
I thought the same, but ours is a pair of German Shepherd dogs!
Absolutely! Grandkids love them. Each one represents each of us. Along with a squirrel and his shotgun. Tastefully done, secured with thick double sided tape. Always get compliments on them.
Growing up in the 60’s and 70’s my dad had a wackeldackel on the dash. I loved watching the head bobble up and down.
Mine is a moose, not a dog. He came from Canada.
Back in the 1960s had one on the rear window deck.
Eventually replaced it with the puppy with brakelight eyes. Of course it had to be wired but in those old rigs, no problem!
I have Bart Simpson on the Dash and Spiderman and Mickey Mouse on the front bumper. Never hear a complaint out of any of them. As my late wife said, we are just along for the ride!
Not on the dashboard, but sitting on the shelf above my computer, I have one! My mom gave me my pup many many years ago. And I love mine!