Brom Isayevich and Khina Markovna: Anton Chekhov’s Favorite Dachshunds

Anton Chekhov had two dachshunds that were a constant source of humor in his life. His sister, Maria, gave them their original names, Brom and Khina, after the popular medicines bromide and quinine. Chekhov later decided to give the dogs more dignity by adding patronymics, turning them into Brom Isayevich and Khina Markovna.

The writer treated his dogs like true members of the family and often discussed their distinct personalities in letters to his friends. Khina was calm and observant, while Brom was constantly restless and getting into trouble. Chekhov jokingly complained that his dogs completely failed to understand his creative crises, yet he never allowed anyone to scold them.

Chekhov believed that dachshunds were the most intelligent creatures on earth because they looked at the world with irony, much like he did. When famous writers or artists visited his country house, Brom and Khina often caused chaos by jumping on the guests’ laps and shamelessly demanding attention. Chekhov would simply laugh and watch his dogs outshine the literary elite.

Whenever he traveled, Chekhov wrote letters specifically to his dachshunds. He sent them his regards, asked if they were chewing on his slippers, and begged them not to forget their papa. This bond was so sincere that even a hundred years later, researchers find more mentions of Brom and Khina in his archives than some of his fellow writers.