Dachshund Dog Breed Information & Characteristics (2025)

The Dachshund, often called the “wiener dog”, is a small but fearless hunting breed. Developed in Germany in the 1600s, these dogs were bred using Basset Hounds and Pinschers to create a long-bodied, short-legged breed capable of hunting badgers, foxes, and rabbits. Their name, Dachshund, means “badger dog” in German.

Dachshunds come in three coat types—smooth, long-haired, and wire-haired—each with unique grooming needs. They also have two sizes, miniature and standard, making them adaptable to different homes. Despite their small size, Dachshunds are known for their big personalities, often described as bold, intelligent, and incredibly loyal.

💡 Quick Facts About Dachshunds

🔍 Did You Know? The first Olympic mascot was a Dachshund named Waldi at the 1972 Munich Olympics, symbolizing determination and endurance.

According to Dr. Manal Rakrak, "Dachshunds are lively, intelligent, and affectionate. However, their long spine makes them prone to back issues, so careful handling and weight management are essential." 

👉 Dachshunds may be small, but their care needs are big! Learn how to keep them happy, healthy, and full of energy.

Dachshunds are one of the most unique-looking dog breeds, but their personality and hunting instincts also set them apart.

What Makes Them Special?

• Elongated body and short legs – Designed for digging and chasing prey underground.
• Fearless and determined – Despite their size, they are bold and independent hunters.
• Deep, loud bark – They have a surprisingly powerful bark for their size.
• Highly intelligent yet stubborn – Training requires patience and consistency.

🔍 Did You Know? Dachshunds were so effective at hunting badgers that German hunters favored them over terriers for underground work.

Dr Scott Miller notes, "Dachshunds were bred to be independent problem-solvers, which makes them smart but sometimes stubborn when training." 

Dachshunds come in two main sizes, each with different weight and height ranges.

Dachshund Size Chart

Growth Considerations for Dachshunds:

• Dachshunds reach their full height by 12 months, but muscle development continues until 18 months.
• Miniature Dachshunds are better suited for small apartments, while Standard Dachshunds require more space to move.
• Excess weight increases the risk of spinal problems, especially intervertebral disc disease (IVDD).

💡 Fun Fact: The largest recorded Dachshund weighed over 18 kg—but this was due to obesity! Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial.

Yes, Dachshunds are loyal, affectionate, and playful, making them great companions for the right families.

Pros:

✅ Devoted and affectionate – They bond deeply with their owners.
✅ Good watchdogs – Alert and protective despite their small size.
✅ Entertaining personalities – Full of quirks, humor, and playful energy.

Considerations:

Not always ideal for small children – Their long back is delicate, and rough handling can cause injuries.
Independent nature – Training requires patience and consistency.

💡 Pro Tip: Start early socialization to help Dachshunds get along with kids and other pets.

Dachshunds may be small, but they have high energy levels and require regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. Their hunting background means they enjoy chasing, digging, and exploring, making them more active than many toy breeds.

Dachshund Exercise Needs:

Daily Walks: At least 30–60 minutes of walking per day.
Interactive Playtime: Games like fetch, tug-of-war, or scent-tracking keep them engaged.
Mental Stimulation: Puzzle toys and obedience training help prevent boredom.

Avoid High-Impact Activities:

Dachshunds have long backs and short legs, making them prone to spinal injuries. Avoid:

🚫 Jumping on/off furniture – Use pet ramps to prevent back strain.
🚫 Excessive stair climbing – It can cause long-term spinal stress.
🚫 Rough play with larger dogs – Their delicate spine makes them vulnerable to injury.

Dachshunds require a high-protein, well-balanced diet to maintain their muscle strength and energy levels. Their long body and small legs put extra strain on their spine, making proper nutrition essential for weight control and joint health.

Best Diet for a Dachshund:

✔ Protein (30-40%) – Supports muscle strength (chicken, turkey, fish, beef).
✔ Healthy Fats (15-20%) – Boosts brain function and coat health (salmon oil, flaxseed).
✔ Complex Carbohydrates (20-30%) – Provides steady energy (sweet potatoes, brown rice).
✔ Joint Supplements – Prevents IVDD and arthritis (glucosamine, chondroitin).

Dr. Rachel Siu states, "Dachshunds are prone to weight gain, which can worsen their risk of intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). A high-protein diet with controlled portions is essential for maintaining a healthy spine and joints." 

Foods to Avoid:

❌ Fatty or greasy foods – Can lead to pancreatitis and obesity.
❌ Grapes, chocolate, onions, and garlic – Toxic to dogs and can cause serious health issues.
❌ Excessive treats – Should make up no more than 10% of daily calories.

Dachshunds are low-maintenance dogs, but their grooming needs vary depending on coat type. Regular grooming keeps their coat healthy, reduces shedding, and prevents skin issues.

Dachshund Grooming Guide by Coat Type:

Smooth-Coated Dachshunds:

• Require weekly brushing with a soft-bristle brush or grooming mitt to remove loose hair.
• Bathing every 6–8 weeks is enough unless they get particularly dirty.
• Their thin coat makes them prone to cold, so they may need a sweater in winter.

Long-Haired Dachshunds:

• Need brushing 3–4 times per week to prevent mats and tangles.
• Use a pin brush or slicker brush to maintain their silky coat.
• Bathing every 4–6 weeks keeps their coat clean without stripping natural oils.

Wire-Haired Dachshunds:

• Their rough coat needs hand-stripping every 6 months to maintain texture.
• Regular brushing twice a week prevents excessive shedding.
• They may need occasional trimming around the face and paws.

Additional Grooming Needs for Dachshunds:

✔ Nail Trimming: Every 3–4 weeks to prevent cracking and discomfort.
✔ Ear Cleaning: Weekly checks to remove wax buildup and prevent infections.
✔ Dental Care: Brush their teeth 2–3 times a week to avoid gum disease.

💡 Pro Tip: Dachshunds have sensitive skin, so always use mild, hypoallergenic dog shampoo to avoid irritation.

Dachshunds are prone to specific genetic and structural health problems due to their long back and short legs.

Common Health Issues in Dachshunds

🔍 Did You Know? 1 in 4 Dachshunds will develop IVDD at some point in their life.

1. Are Dachshunds aggressive?
Not usually, but poor training can lead to stubborn behavior.

2. Do Dachshunds shed a lot?
Shedding depends on the coat type. Smooth coats shed moderately, long-haired shed more, and wire-haired shed least.

3. Are Dachshunds easy to train?
They are intelligent but stubborn, requiring consistent training and positive reinforcement.

4. Do Dachshunds bark a lot?
Yes, They have a deep, loud bark for their size. Training helps control excessive barking.

5. How long do Dachshunds live?
They live 12–16 years, with some reaching 18 years with proper care.
 

The Dachshund is a small but mighty breed, known for its unique body, playful personality, and loyalty. Its hunting background, bold nature, and affectionate temperament make it a great companion for the right owner.

Why Choose a Dachshund?

• Loyal and affectionate companion.
• Great for apartments or houses.
• Low-maintenance grooming needs.

While they require proper training, back care, and weight control, they reward their owners with years of love, entertainment, and devotion. Whether you prefer the miniature or standard size, Dachshunds bring joy, companionship, and a bit of sass to any household.

👉 Dachshunds are loyal, playful, and full of personality - care for them right, and they’ll be your best friend for life!