Quick Facts #
| Trait | Detail |
|---|---|
| Size | Small (Standard 16–32 lbs / Miniature under 11 lbs) |
| Height | 8–9 inches |
| Lifespan | 12–16 years |
| Coat | Smooth, wirehaired, or longhaired |
| Colors | Red, black & tan, chocolate, cream, dapple |
| Temperament | Curious, brave, stubborn, devoted |
| Energy Level | Moderate |
| Good With Kids | Good (with gentle children) |
| Good With Dogs | Variable — can be feisty |
| Shedding | Low to moderate |
| Barking | High — they’re alert barkers |
| Trainability | Challenging — independent thinkers |
Overview #
Dachshunds — “wiener dogs,” “doxies,” “sausage dogs” — pack more personality per pound than almost any breed. Originally bred to hunt badgers (their name literally means “badger hound” in German), Dachshunds are brave to the point of foolishness, stubborn to the point of frustration, and lovable to the point of obsession.
They come in two sizes (Standard and Miniature) and three coat types (smooth, wirehaired, longhaired), giving you nine possible combinations. All share the breed’s signature long body, short legs, and outsized ego.
History & Origin #
Developed in Germany in the 1600s, Dachshunds were bred to hunt badgers and other burrowing animals. Their short legs let them enter tunnels, their long bodies gave them flexibility underground, and their tenacity meant they wouldn’t back down from a fight with a cornered badger.
The three coat types served different purposes: smooth-coated for dense underbrush, wirehaired for thorny terrain, longhaired for cold weather. Today, smooth-coated is by far the most common.
Appearance & Size #
The Dachshund silhouette is unmistakable — long body, very short legs, prominent chest, and an alert, intelligent expression.
- Standard: 16–32 lbs (the original)
- Miniature: Under 11 lbs (bred down for smaller prey)
Coat types: Smooth (short, shiny), Wirehaired (rough, terrier-like with beard and eyebrows), Longhaired (silky, feathered ears and tail).
Temperament & Personality #
Dachshunds are brave, stubborn comedians. Key traits:
- Fearless — they genuinely believe they’re the size of a Rottweiler
- Independent — bred to work alone underground, they don’t live to please
- Affectionate — with their chosen person, they’re cuddle champions
- Vocal — they’ll alert you to everything: mailman, squirrel, suspicious leaf
- Digging instinct — your garden is their excavation site
Kids & Other Pets #
Better with older, gentle children. Their long backs are easily injured by rough handling, and they won’t tolerate being picked up incorrectly. With other dogs, they can be scrappy — early socialization helps.
Health & Lifespan #
Dachshunds live 12–16 years. Back problems are the #1 concern.
Common Health Problems #
| Condition | Prevalence | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease) | ~25% | THE defining breed issue. Can cause paralysis. |
| Obesity | Common | Extra weight directly increases IVDD risk |
| Patellar Luxation | Moderate | Slipping kneecaps |
| Dental Disease | Common | Small mouths crowd teeth |
Back Protection #
- Keep them LEAN — weight is the #1 controllable IVDD risk factor
- Use ramps for furniture — no jumping on/off couches
- Support chest AND hindquarters when picking up — never lift by chest only
- Limit stair use
Care & Maintenance #
Exercise: 30 minutes daily #
Moderate needs — two short walks with sniffing time (they’re hounds). Avoid high-impact activities that stress their spine.
Grooming #
| Coat Type | Brushing |
|---|---|
| Smooth | Weekly |
| Wirehaired | 2x/week + stripping 2x/year |
| Longhaired | 2–3x/week |
Training #
Dachshunds are brilliant but not biddable. They know exactly what you want — they’re just deciding whether it’s worth their time.
- Food is everything — no treat, no cooperation
- Short, fun sessions — 5 minutes before they’re bored
- Patience — housebreaking can take 6+ months
- No force — they’ll dig in and you’ll lose
Who Is This Breed For? #
Ideal for apartment dwellers who want a big personality in a small package and don’t mind barking. Not for homes with many stairs, people seeking an off-leash hiking companion, or those who want an easy-to-train dog.
Pros & Cons #
Pros: Long lifespan, small-space friendly, endlessly entertaining, three coat choices, low exercise needs. Cons: IVDD risk means lifelong back management, stubborn to train, bark more than expected, dig everything.
Frequently Asked Questions #
How much does a Dachshund cost? $800–$2,000. Wirehaired and longhaired tend toward the higher end.
Are Dachshunds good apartment dogs? Yes — if your neighbors tolerate barking.
Why does my Dachshund burrow under blankets? Badger-hunting instinct. Burrowing is in their DNA.