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Dachshund Breed Guide

·2471 words
Mark
Author Mark Dog owner and breed researcher. Every guide is cross-checked against AKC standards, veterinary research, and real owner experiences.

At a Glance
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Trait Detail Trait Detail
Size Mini (under 11 lbs) / Standard (16–32 lbs) Height 5–9 inches
Lifespan 12–16 years Coat Smooth, longhaired, or wirehaired
Colors Red, black & tan, chocolate, cream, dapple Temperament Bold, stubborn, devoted, curious
Energy ⚡ Moderate Shedding 🧹 Low to moderate
Good w/ Kids ⚠️ Older children only Good w/ Dogs 🤔 Variable
Barking 📢 High Trainability 🤔 Challenging — famously stubborn

History: The Badger Dog
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Dachshunds were bred to go underground, into dark tunnels, and fight badgers to the death. Read that again. This 11-pound sausage-shaped dog was designed to corner and kill an animal four times its size, in total darkness, alone. Every time your Dachshund refuses to come inside, ignores a command, or squares up to a dog ten times their size — that’s the badger hunter talking.
Dachshund outdoor portrait showing long body profile

The Dachshund’s origins trace back to 15th-century Germany, though the breed as we know it was refined in the 1600s and 1700s. The name is literal: Dachs (badger) + Hund (dog). These dogs were engineered for a very specific, very brutal job — following badgers into their setts, fighting them underground, and dragging them out.

Every physical feature had a purpose. The long, low body fit into tight tunnels. The paddle-shaped paws were efficient digging tools. The loose skin prevented injury from badger bites and claws. The loud, carrying bark let hunters locate the dog underground. The floppy ears kept dirt out of the ear canal while tunneling. Even the tail — slightly curved and carried high — served as a flag visible from the entrance of a burrow.

Two sizes existed: Standard for badgers and larger game, Miniature for rabbits and foxes. The Kaninchen (rabbit) Dachshund, still recognized in Europe, is even smaller. Three coat varieties developed for different terrain: smooth-coated for general work, wirehaired for thorny underbrush (with a terrier cross to add toughness), and longhaired for cold climates.

The Dachshund became Germany’s most popular dog. Goethe owned one. The breed appeared in art, literature, and even political cartoons. During World War I, anti-German sentiment in America nearly killed the breed’s popularity — they were rebranded as “liberty hounds” briefly, like Dachshunds renamed themselves. It didn’t stick.

The AKC recognized the breed in 1885. Today, Dachshunds consistently rank in the top 10 most popular breeds in America.

Did you know? A Dachshund named Waldi was the first official Olympic mascot, created for the 1972 Munich Games. The organizers chose the breed specifically for its determination and agility.

Temperament: Fearless, Stubborn, and Yours
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Dachshunds are not lap dogs. They’re not handbag accessories. They’re tenacious, fearless, independent hunters who happen to look ridiculous. Treat them accordingly.

What defines a Dachshund’s personality:

  • Fearless to the point of recklessness. A Dachshund will challenge a Great Dane, a German Shepherd, or a moving car without a second thought. They don’t understand their size, or more accurately, they don’t care. This gets them into trouble regularly.
  • Independently minded. They were bred to work alone underground, making decisions without human direction. “Come” is always negotiable. “Stay” is a suggestion. They understand what you want — they’re weighing whether it’s worth doing.
  • One-person dogs. Dachshunds bond intensely with their chosen human and tolerate everyone else. Some are affectionate with the whole family, but most have a clear favorite. If you’re not that person, you’ll know.
  • Born alarm systems. They were bred to bark underground so hunters could find them. That instinct is alive and well. Dachshunds bark at strangers, noises, other dogs, the wind, and nothing at all. They’re among the most vocal small breeds.
  • Burrowers. Under blankets, in laundry piles, between couch cushions — Dachshunds are happiest in enclosed spaces. Provide a den-like bed or expect them to make their own under your covers.

With Children and Other Dogs
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Dachshunds are not great with small children. Their long back is easily injured by rough handling, dropping, or being picked up incorrectly. They’re also quick to snap when hurt or cornered — a Dachshund doesn’t endure pain silently. Older, gentle children who understand how to handle a small dog are the right match.

With other dogs: variable. Some Dachshunds live happily with other dogs, especially if raised together. Others are dog-aggressive, particularly with dogs they don’t know. Same-sex aggression is common. They tend to be braver (and more obnoxious) with larger dogs, which can provoke dangerous responses.

Health: Protect the Back Above All Else
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Dachshunds live 12–16 years — a long life for a dog their size. But that beautiful long spine on short legs is a ticking clock. Back disease is the defining health concern, and every Dachshund owner needs to understand it.

Common Health Problems
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Condition Prevalence Notes
**IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease)** ~25% (1 in 4) THE breed health crisis. Surgery $3,000–$8,000. Time-critical.
**Obesity** Very common Extra weight dramatically increases IVDD risk.
**Dental Disease** High (small mouths) Crowded teeth; regular dental care essential.
**Progressive Retinal Atrophy** Genetic risk Progressive blindness; DNA test available.
**Cushing's Disease** Breed predisposition Overproduction of cortisol; manageable with medication.
**Hip Dysplasia** Lower than large breeds Still present; OFA screening recommended for breeding dogs.
**Deafness (Double Dapple)** High in double dapples Avoid double-dapple breeding — causes deafness and blindness.

IVDD — the critical issue:

  • 1 in 4 Dachshunds will experience IVDD in their lifetime. The discs in their spine degenerate and can rupture, pressing on the spinal cord.
  • Signs: hind-leg weakness, dragging paws, reluctance to move, crying when picked up, hunched posture, loss of bladder control.
  • This is an emergency. If you see these signs, get to a vet immediately. Surgery within 24–48 hours dramatically improves outcomes. Delay reduces the chance of recovery.
  • Surgery costs $3,000–$8,000. Some dogs need multiple surgeries over their lifetime.

The five rules every Dachshund owner must follow:

  1. Keep them lean. Every extra pound stresses the spine.
  2. No jumping off furniture. Ramps everywhere — bed, couch, car. No exceptions.
  3. Minimize stairs. Carry them when practical.
  4. Support the entire body when picking up — one hand under chest, one under rear. Always.
  5. No rough play that twists or jars the spine.

Grooming: Depends on the Coat
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Dachshunds come in three coat varieties, each with different grooming needs.

Task How Often
Brushing (smooth coat) Weekly with a soft bristle brush
Brushing (longhaired) Every other day — tangles form easily
Brushing (wirehaired) 2–3 times per week + hand-stripping twice a year
Bathing Every 4–6 weeks
Ear cleaning Weekly (floppy ears trap moisture)
Nail trimming Every 3–4 weeks
Teeth brushing Daily if possible (small mouths = crowded teeth)

Smooth-coated Dachshunds are the lowest maintenance — a quick weekly brush keeps them looking good. Longhaired Dachshunds need regular attention to prevent mats, especially behind the ears and along the chest. Wirehaired Dachshunds have a distinctive rough coat that needs professional hand-stripping twice a year to maintain texture; clipping softens it. All three varieties are low-shedding compared to many breeds.

Exercise & Training: Patience Required
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Dachshunds need 30–45 minutes of daily exercise. Two walks plus some sniffing time is the baseline. They’re not high-energy dogs, but they’re not couch potatoes either — they were bred to work all day in the field.

What they love:

  • Walks with lots of sniffing time — let them follow their nose
  • Scent work and nose games — hide treats around the house and let them hunt
  • Digging (provide a designated sandbox if you want to save your garden)
  • Short bursts of play — they’re sprinters, not marathon runners

The training challenge: Dachshunds are intelligent but stubborn — a combination that makes training genuinely difficult. They understand commands quickly. They just don’t see why they should comply. This isn’t defiance for its own sake — it’s independence bred over centuries of working alone underground.

What works:

  • Positive reinforcement only. Food motivation is your best friend. Dachshunds will do almost anything for a treat.
  • Keep sessions short (5–10 minutes). They get bored and shut down.
  • Be more stubborn than they are. Consistency wins, but it takes months, not weeks.
  • Start early and never stop. Training a Dachshund is a lifelong activity.

Housebreaking: the elephant in the room. Dachshunds are one of the hardest breeds to potty train. Expect 4–8 months of consistent effort. Crate training is essential — not punishment, but structure. Many Dachshund owners use indoor potty pads as a backup, especially in apartments or during bad weather. Some never achieve 100% reliability. This is normal for the breed.

Diet: Small Dog, Big Appetite
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Adult Dachshunds need ½–1½ cups of high-quality kibble daily, depending on size (Mini vs. Standard) and activity level. Split into two meals.

Key dietary needs:

  • High-quality protein as the first ingredient
  • Portion control is critical — Dachshunds gain weight easily, and every extra pound stresses their spine
  • Measured meals, no free-feeding
  • Treats should be tiny and accounted for in daily calories
  • Joint supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin) are a smart preventive, even in young dogs

Foods to never feed: Chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (sugar-free gum), macadamia nuts, cooked bones. Dachshunds are resourceful scavengers — keep counters clean and trash secured.

Who Should Get a Dachshund
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Get a Dachshund if you want a portable, devoted companion with an outsized personality. You don’t mind barking — and you mean it, because they bark a lot. You can commit to back protection: ramps, weight management, no jumping, proper handling. You find stubbornness charming rather than frustrating. You have older children who understand how to handle a small dog. You’re patient enough to spend 4–8 months on housebreaking.

Skip the Dachshund if you have toddlers or small children — the back injury risk and the breed’s quick temper are a bad combination. If you want a dog who obeys instantly. If you need reliable housebreaking within the first few months. If barking drives you crazy. If you can’t commit to the lifestyle changes that protect their spine — ramps, no jumping, no stairs. If you want a dog who loves everyone equally.

Cost: $800–$2,000 from a reputable breeder. Dapple and rare colors cost more but come with higher health risks — double-dapple breeding produces dogs that can be born deaf, blind, or both. Avoid breeders who prioritize color over health.

The Quick Summary
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What’s incredible about Dachshunds:

  • Devoted to their person — the loyalty is intense and genuine
  • Big personality in a small package — brave, funny, endlessly entertaining
  • Long lifespan (12–16 years) compared to larger breeds
  • Low-shedding, relatively low-maintenance grooming (smooth coat variety)
  • Excellent watchdogs — nothing gets past them without an announcement

What’s hard about Dachshunds:

  • IVDD is terrifying — 1 in 4 affected, and it’s a lifestyle-altering (and expensive) condition
  • Stubbornness makes training a genuine challenge, not just a quirk
  • Housebreaking can take 4–8 months and some never fully master it
  • They bark. A lot. If barking bothers you, this breed will test you daily.
  • Not suitable for homes with small children due to back fragility and quick temper
  • Dog-selective and sometimes dog-aggressive, especially with unfamiliar dogs

Frequently Asked Questions
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Why is my Dachshund so hard to potty train?
Dachshunds were bred to work independently underground, making their own decisions. That independence makes them resistant to human-imposed routines — including where to go to the bathroom. They’re also small dogs with small bladders who can’t hold it as long as larger breeds. Crate training, strict schedules, positive reinforcement, and 4–8 months of consistent effort are normal. Some Dachshund owners use indoor potty pads permanently. It’s not failure — it’s adapting to the breed.
Can Dachshunds do stairs?
Avoid if possible. Every stair-climb stresses the spine, especially going down. Ramps are better for furniture access. Carry them when practical. If you live in a multi-story home, consider baby gates to limit stair access and provide ramps wherever they regularly jump on or off surfaces. Some Dachshunds manage stairs fine for years — but you won’t know the damage until it’s too late.
How much does a Dachshund puppy cost?
$800–$2,000 from a reputable breeder who does health screenings. Dapple and rare-color Dachshunds often cost more ($1,500–$3,000), but be cautious — breeding two dapples together produces double-dapple puppies who can be born deaf, blind, or both. A responsible breeder never breeds dapple to dapple. Avoid puppy mills and pet stores that can’t show you health clearances.
Are Dachshunds good apartment dogs?
Yes, with caveats. Their small size, moderate exercise needs, and love of indoor life make them well-suited to apartments. The barking is the problem — Dachshunds are vocal, and neighbors may not appreciate it. Training can reduce but rarely eliminate barking. Ground-floor apartments are ideal (fewer stairs). Make sure you have room for ramps.
How do I prevent IVDD in my Dachshund?
You can’t guarantee prevention — it’s genetic and structural. But you can dramatically reduce the risk: keep your dog lean (every extra pound stresses the spine), use ramps for all furniture and vehicles, minimize stairs, support the full body when picking them up, avoid rough play that twists the spine, and maintain regular vet checkups. Know the early signs: reluctance to jump, hunched posture, crying when moved. Early detection means better outcomes.
Do Dachshunds get along with other dogs?
It varies. Some Dachshunds live peacefully with other dogs, especially if raised together from puppyhood. Others are dog-aggressive, particularly toward unfamiliar dogs or same-sex dogs. Dachshunds tend to be brash and confrontational with dogs much larger than themselves, which can provoke dangerous responses. Early socialization helps but doesn’t eliminate the breed’s natural dog-selectivity. Supervise all interactions with unfamiliar dogs.
What's the difference between smooth, longhaired, and wirehaired Dachshunds?
All three are the same breed — the coat is the only real difference. Smooth-coated are the most common, lowest-maintenance, and tend to be the most independent and terrier-like. Longhaired are generally calmer and more affectionate — they may have a spaniel influence in their background. Wirehaired are the most clownish and outgoing, with a terrier-like personality (they were crossed with terriers to develop the coat). Grooming needs increase from smooth to longhaired to wirehaired.

Similar Breeds
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If you love Dachshunds, also check out:

Breed Compared to a Dachshund
Basset Hound Larger, lazier, similar stubbornness and long-back concerns
Pembroke Welsh Corgi Similar long-back structure, more herding energy, easier to train
Beagle Similar nose-driven personality, larger, more pack-oriented
Jack Russell Terrier Similar size and tenacity, much higher energy, equally stubborn
Miniature Pinscher Similar size, sleek look, more energetic, less stubborn

Sources
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