Dachshund Dog Breed Guide

With their hot-dog-shaped bodies and short legs, weenie dogs — aka dachshunds — are unmistakable. Courageous, lively and intensely loyal to their favorite person, doxies are as adept at hunting garden pests as they are at curling up in laps.¹

Learn more about the dachshund’s history and temperament, along with their health and maintenance needs and what it’s like to live with these funny and endearing little dogs.

About the Dachshund

The dachshund is a German breed whose name translates to "badger dog.”¹ While dogs going by the name of dachshund were used to hunt badgers and other small animals as far back as the 1500s, it wasn’t until the 1700s that the small dogs used for this purpose took on the distinctive look and shape of the modern doxie.²

The dachshund’s form follows their function. They were bred specifically to traverse underground tunnels and dig their way into badger dens, and their deep chests gave them a big dog bark that helped their above-ground human hunting partners keep track of their location. These dogs proved so proficient at hunting that various sizes were developed for pursuing specific types of small game. They were also bred with distinct coat types to suit a variety of hunting environments.¹

Doxies were popular with the German nobility and eventually made their way into British courts and upper-class homes.² This increased their interest with the British public in the 1800s, and they arrived in the United States in the 1880s.² As a national symbol of Germany, their popularity waned during World War 1 when American doxie lovers turned to calling them “liberty hounds” in the face of anti-German prejudice.¹ But it didn’t take long for these delightful little dogs to regain popularity following the war, especially as American soldiers returning from the front brought them home to their families.²

Dachshunds were added to the American Kennel Club registry in 1885, and aside from the war years, they’ve been an enduringly popular breed ever since.¹

Dachshund Appearance

Dachshunds come in two sizes. Both male and female standard dachshunds stand about 8 to 9 inches at the shoulder and weigh anywhere from 16 to 32 pounds. Miniature dachshunds are tiny, standing 5 to 6 inches and weighing up to 11 pounds.¹

The body is much longer than it is tall, and it's low to the ground thanks to short but muscular legs that are built for digging. The doxie’s head tapers to a point at the tip of a long snout, above which sit alert, almond-shaped eyes. The ears are rounded at the ends and hang down, framing the face.³

Both sizes of dachshunds come in three coat varieties: smooth, wirehaired and longhaired. The smooth-coated variety has short, sleek fur all over the body. Wirehaireds are double-coated, with a short, thick and rough outer coat over a softer, shorter undercoat. Longhaired dachshunds have longer hair on the neck, chest and ears, which may or may not be wavy.³

Dachshunds may come in solid red or cream colors, with or without a patch of white on the chest or darker shading on the body. They can also be bicolored, featuring combinations like black, chocolate, gray or fawn, and may also appear in merle or piebald color patterns.³

Dachshund Temperament

As hunters, doxies possess a lot of bravery, willingly facing much larger and more dangerous animals without fear. As companions, they form tight bonds with one favorite human, though they generally get along well with the whole family. However, they tend to follow their chosen person around the house, eagerly trying to help with whatever task is at hand.⁴

Doxies are independent pups with a willful streak. They love to play — on their terms. They have a powerful sense of smell, and their hunting instincts often drive them to dig. Outdoors, this can lead to yard damage, while indoors, they’ll put those digging skills to use on cushions and blankets.⁴

They’re also highly alert and vocal, with a bark much bigger than their size, making them excellent watchdogs. Despite their stubborn streak, these highly intelligent pups learn well with positive training that’s both fun and rewarding. They need a trainer who can be consistent as well as patient. Their powerful sense of smell can be a distraction that trainers will need to work hard to overcome.¹

Living With a Dachshund

Doxies have lots of personality packed into their little bodies. They can make excellent pets and loyal BFFs for the right person or family. Here’s what you need to know about living with and caring for a dachshund.

Who they’re best for

Dachshunds tend to fall head over heels for one person, which makes them an excellent little buddy for single people. But they can also make good family pets, provided the other family members won’t get jealous of the super close bond your doxie forms with their favorite human. In any case, they need someone who can be patient with a little shadow who won’t let them out of their sight.⁴

Doxies can be prone to separation anxiety, so if you need to leave them home for hours at a time, get ready to take steps to help them cope.⁵

Doxies also need an owner who is patient in training and can provide loving yet firm guidance, while also tolerating some of their less desirable habits, such as digging and excessive barking.¹ Plenty of exercise and mental stimulation, along with interactive toys, can help curb these tendencies and prevent boredom.⁶ They're also prone to rolling in smelly things to mask their scent — a trait carried over from their hunting days.⁴

With proper puppy socialization, dachshunds can get along well with children and other pets. But their long bodies make them prone to serious spinal injuries, so their interactions with small kids or bigger dogs should be supervised. The ideal doxie parent will be vigilant about preventing injuries and back problems.⁴

Living space

Dachshunds are versatile pups who can adapt to just about any living situation. Wherever they live, they should be primarily indoors with their people.⁴ Though small, they are relatively active and need space to run and play. Be mindful that fences may need reinforcement to prevent digging, and you might want to section off areas of the garden where digging isn’t welcome or provide designated digging spots to satisfy their natural urge.

Exercise and activity

Dachshunds generally need at least two half-mile walks each day in addition to play.⁴ This will not only help them stay fit and healthy but also build strong muscles that can help guard against back injuries.¹ Because of their hunting instincts, it's not a good idea to let them off leash outside of confined areas.

These little dogs are anything but lazy and thrive in field, tracking and earth dog sports. Some doxies even excel at agility, provided the jumps are low enough not to strain their backs.⁴

Your dachshund will eagerly accompany you wherever you go, but if you’re seeking a hiking buddy, it's safest to stick to easy trails without large obstacles for them to navigate — unless, of course, you plan to carry them.

Grooming

Dachshunds are naturally clean dogs that don’t have a doggie odor, and they’re only moderate shedders across the board. Their grooming needs change according to their coat type. The smooth coat requires the least maintenance, needing just an occasional wipe-down with a towel or grooming glove. Longhaired doxies should be brushed regularly, while the wirehaired variety requires occasional trips to a groomer for hand stripping and beard trimming.¹

Their ears should be checked regularly and cleaned as needed to prevent ear infections.¹ Doxies are prone to dental disease, which daily toothbrushing and annual dental cleanings can help prevent.⁷ And their nails should be trimmed or ground down at least once a month.¹

Dachshund Health and Life Expectancy

The average lifespan of a dachshund is 12 to 16 years, with proper care.¹ Individual genetics, lifestyle and diet will all have an impact on how long your doxie lives. Maintaining a healthy weight and keeping up with routine vet checkups can help your pup live a long, healthy and active life.

Because of their propensity for back issues, it’s of the utmost importance to prevent your dachshund from gaining too much weight, which will put added strain on their spine.¹ Feed them high-quality dog food in measured portions to prevent overfeeding, and avoid giving them table scraps.¹ You can also substitute calorie-dense dog treats with healthy, dog-safe fruits and veggies.

The dachshund is generally a healthy breed. While ethical breeders do their best to screen out hereditary health issues as much as possible, they’re still prone to several possible health issues. These include:

Back issues

Dachshunds are specifically prone to a spinal condition called intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), caused by a slipped or ruptured disc. Symptoms may include reluctance to move, unwillingness to jump or climb, a hunched back, difficulty with going potty and even paralysis. IVDD can usually be treated surgically, though in some cases, rest and medication may be enough to resolve it. However, prevention is the best approach. Providing ramps or steps to reduce jumping off beds or furniture, along with maintaining a healthy weight, can help minimize the likelihood of this condition.⁷

Eye issues

Doxies may develop a few different eye health issues. These include:⁷

• Cataracts. This occurs when a cloudy film develops on the lens of the eye, causing vision impairment and potentially leading to blindness. Cataracts can often be surgically removed.

• Dry eye. Also known as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), this condition results from reduced tear gland fluid production, leading to dry, itchy eyes, infections and discomfort. It’s usually treated with a topical ointment to keep the eyes moist.

• Glaucoma. This painful condition is caused by fluid buildup and pressure inside the eyeball. Glaucoma can result in blindness, and in severe cases, may require removal of the infected eye.

Heart disease

Congestive heart failure is one of the top causes of death in aging dachshunds. Younger doxies may develop a heart murmur that can be detected during annual veterinary checkups, leading to monitoring and early treatment that can help extend your pup’s life.⁷

Hip and joint issues

Doxies are prone to a number of hip and joint issues, which include:⁷

• Dysplasia. Both hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are genetic malformations of the joint socket that prevent the ball from fitting properly. This can lead to joint stiffness and osteoarthritis later in life. While the condition can often be managed via nutrition and lifestyle, severe cases may require surgical correction.

• Legg-Calve-Perthes disease. This is a degenerative condition believed to be caused by reduced blood flow to the hip, causing the hip bone to necrotize and easily fracture. It’s usually treated with surgery.

• Luxating patella. This is a common condition in small dogs that causes the kneecap to slip out of place. While mild cases may not require treatment, it can lead to osteoarthritis later in life. For severe cases, surgery may be required.

Liver disease

Doxies have a higher than average likelihood of developing portosystemic shunt (PSS), a liver disorder that prevents the liver from receiving the blood supply it needs to function properly. Your doxie’s vet may want to do a liver function test as part of their routine checkups to monitor for this condition, which can sometimes be managed with a special diet and medication.⁷

Neurological issues

Doxies also tend to be prone to a couple of non-life-threatening neurological issues, including:⁷

• Idiopathic epilepsy. This refers to seizures with no known cause, meaning they can’t be linked to an injury, toxin or underlying health condition. This hereditary condition is usually managed with medication.

• Narcolepsy. This genetic sleep disorder, typically affecting puppies, causes sudden and uncontrollable sleep episodes. While it’s not inherently dangerous, dogs with this condition should be closely watched to make sure they don’t fall asleep in hazardous places, such as water dishes or bathtubs, or injure themselves by falling.

Systemic illnesses

Dachshunds are also prone to Cushing’s disease and diabetes mellitus, both of which are endocrine disorders that can significantly impact your dog’s overall health. Increased drinking and urination are common symptoms of both conditions, but Cushing’s is characterized by thin skin and hair loss, whereas diabetes is often marked by unexplained sudden weight loss. Once diagnosed, both conditions require lifelong treatment and management.⁷

Buying or Adopting a Dachshund

You can find American Kennel Club-registered dachshund puppies from a reputable breeder ranging from $1,500 to $3,500, depending on factors such as size, coat variety, color patterns, location and whether the parents come from championship lines. The price typically includes early healthcare, vaccinations and genetic testing.⁸

Doxies and doxie mixes of all ages are also available at pet shelters and dachshund rescue organizations. While adoption fees will vary by shelter and location, fees at the Dachshund Rescue of North America range from $350 for a dachshund puppy to $150 for a senior or special needs doxie.⁹ The Dachshund Club of America can also help connect you with local dachshund rescues across the U.S.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dachshunds

Have more questions about dachshunds? Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about this dog breed.

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Author Bio

Jean Marie Bauhaus is a freelance writer and novelist who has been writing pet content since 2013. Her work has appeared on Forbes.com, Hill's Pet, Chewy, AKC.org and more.