Dachshunds are known for their long, sausage-like bodies; short legs; and bold, lovable personalities. Dachshunds were first recognized as a breed in 1885 by the American Kennel Club (AKC). Since then, they have consistently been one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S. Known for being brave, affectionate, and often vocal companions, these little dogs make wonderful pets.
Here is what you need to know about Dachshunds.
Physical Characteristics of Dachshunds
Dachshunds have an average life span of about 12 to 16 years. They come in two different sizes: standard and miniature. A standard adult Dachshund weighs between 16 and 32 pounds and stands between 8 and 9 inches tall at the shoulders. The miniature Dachshund weighs less than 11 pounds and has a shoulder height of just 5 or 6 inches.
Dachshund fur can vary in type and length. There are three different coat varieties that the AKC recognizes for Dachshunds:
- Smooth coats: Smooth-coated Dachshunds have short fur that isn’t too thick or long.
- Wirehaired coats: These coats have thicker, rougher hairs on the top with softer, shorter hairs underneath.
- Longhaired coats: Dogs with these coats have long, sleek, wavy hair that covers the neck, chest, ears, and underside of the legs, body, and tail.
Dachshund fur also comes in a great variety of colors, including:
- Cream
- Black
- Red
- Chocolate
- Blue
- Fawn
These colors also come in several combinations, such as blue and tan or chocolate and cream. Dachshund coats can also have patterns or markings like brindle, piebald, and dapple. Wirehaired Dachshunds can also have “wild boar” coats that are a mix of gray, black, and brown with varying colored undercoats.
Dachshund Personality Traits
Often affectionately called wiener dogs due to their long, sausage-like shape and short legs, Dachshunds have big personalities that contradict their small stature. They are brave, clever, and vocal canines who make excellent watchdogs.
Dachshunds consistently rank among the 10 most popular dog breeds, and their playfulness, adaptability, and moderate energy levels make them wonderful family dogs. They are good with children and often get along well with other dogs.
Dachshunds can be somewhat stubborn and independent, so their training might come as a challenge. Their affectionate nature can counterbalance that stubbornness, and most Dachshunds will respond well to training that focuses on rewards and positive reinforcement.
Dachshund Care and Grooming
Dachshunds have relatively simple care and grooming needs. Like other dogs, they should have regular baths, and their nails should be trimmed monthly. Since Dachshunds aren’t excessive shedders, they generally don’t require much coat maintenance.
Dachshunds with short coats can be gently wiped clean with a wet towel in between baths. Longhaired and wirehaired Dachshunds require a little more care. Longhaired dogs benefit from being brushed a few times each week, and wirehaired dogs should have their coats plucked or stripped throughout the year. They both might also require beard and eyebrow trimmings in between grooming sessions.
Dachshunds’ small size and adaptability make them appealing for apartment and city life, but they do tend to bark. They’ll also still require regular exercise that is appropriate for their age. It will help them burn off some of their energy, help keep them at a healthy weight, and help them maintain the muscle strength they need to support their long backs. A moderate walk twice a day can go a long way toward keeping your Dachshund happy and healthy.
Like with all dogs, regularly check your Dachshund for fleas, ticks, and worms, especially if they spend a lot of time outside. Using preventive treatments will safeguard your dog from potential diseases that parasites carry.
Regular veterinary visits will also play an important role in preventive care for your Dachshund. To help your dog live a long and healthy life, make sure they see their veterinarian at least once a year for a full-body exam and dental cleaning.
Health Problems to Watch for With Dachshunds
Overall, Dachshunds are considered to be a relatively healthy breed, but their unique physical characteristics put them at a higher risk for some potentially serious health problems.
Allergies. Skin and food allergies are relatively common in many dog breeds, including Dachshunds. Dogs with allergies might scratch often, have skin rashes or inflammation, have watery eyes, and frequently sneeze or lick themselves. They might also vomit, have diarrhea, and get ear infections often.
Diabetes. While it's common in many dog breeds, Dachshunds have an increased chance of having diabetes. Diabetic dogs are unable to process sugar appropriately and are at a greater risk of developing other health issues. Common diabetes side effects include frequent urination, weight loss, and eating or drinking more than normal.
Vision problems. Dachshunds can have an increased likelihood of eye and vision problems like glaucoma, cataracts, and dry eye. All of these conditions can make it difficult for your dog to see clearly, and potentially cause blindness. Appropriate veterinary care can help lessen symptoms and preserve your dog’s vision.
Dental disease. An estimated 80% of dogs develop dental disease before their second birthday, and the Dachshund is no exception. Keeping their teeth and gums healthy can prevent lost teeth and other serious health issues such as kidney, liver, heart, and joint problems.
Seizures. Seizures can be caused by low blood sugar, toxic substances, tumors, strokes, or other problems with your dog’s organs. They can also be caused by certain inherited genetic traits or even idiopathically, which means that they happen without any known reason. Dachshunds have a greater risk of idiopathic seizures than some other dog breeds.
Deafness. Some Dachshunds can be prone to deafness, so it’s important to have your dog’s hearing checked. This is especially important for double-dapple Dachshunds, because the genes for pigmentation are associated with congenital deafness.
Intervertebral disc disease. Their long backs put Dachshunds at a greater risk for intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). IVDD happens when the disc between your dog’s vertebrae moves or ruptures. The disc provides a cushion between the bones. When the disc is not placed or functioning as it should, it can cause severe pain and even paralysis. IVDD symptoms include:
- Whimpering in pain
- Refusal to eat or relieve themselves
- Unwillingness to move around often
- Inability to jump or climb stairs
- Hunched back
- Dragging their hind legs
There are a few treatment options depending on the severity of your dog's IVDD. Less severe IVDD is sometimes treatable with rest and pain management medication. More severe IVDD cases should be treated as medical emergencies, and surgery might be necessary to remove the ruptured discs.
To help prevent IVDD, keep your Dachshund at a healthy weight, and provide steps or ramps to stop your dog from jumping onto and off tall furniture.
Joint conditions. Dachshunds are also at risk for joint problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia. Dogs with dysplasia have joints that didn’t form properly, which often results in arthritis. This can cause stiffness, pain, difficulty moving, and eventually lameness. Early treatment is key, and proper management can help keep your dog moving normally, pain-free.
Endocrine disorders. Some Dachshunds experience hypothyroidism and other endocrine disorders. Hypothyroidism happens when your dog’s thyroid produces too few hormones. Side effects can include weight gain, a lack of energy, and changes in your dog’s coat or skin.
Another type of endocrine disorder is hyperadrenocorticism, also called Cushing’s syndrome. Cushing’s syndrome happens when your dog’s adrenal gland produces too much of a stress hormone called cortisol. It usually progresses slowly, and early signs of the condition are easy to overlook. Symptoms of Cushing’s disease include:
- Frequent drinking and urination
- Increased appetite
- Lethargy, or reduced energy levels
- Thinning skin
- Hair loss
- Weight gain, or potbelly
Special Considerations for Dachshunds
Dachshunds are known for their playful nature and friendliness with both people and other dogs.
They generally make excellent family dogs, but keep an eye on them around small children or kids who haven’t spent much time with dogs. They might snap or become aggressive if mistreated — however unintentionally.
Dachshunds can adapt well to just about any environment. This may make them a good choice for people who move frequently or live in a small space.
Dachshunds are moderately energetic and need to exercise about twice a day. They are very alert and vocal dogs and will often bark.
Dachshunds are very intelligent, but their stubbornness might sometimes make them a challenge to train. They are generally healthy dogs but are at a greater risk for back, joint, vision, and other health problems.
What Are Dachshunds Bred For?
Today, Dachshunds are mostly bred to be companion dogs, but they were originally bred for hunting.
The name “Dachshund” comes from the German language and, translated, means “badger dog." Dachshunds were first used to find and hunt burrow animals like badgers, foxes, and rabbits. Their short, powerful legs; long bodies that are low to the ground; and bold, often-relentless temperament helped them fearlessly hunt and tunnel for badgers or other prey underground.
History of Dachshunds
While their exact origins are unknown, the history of Dachshunds likely began in Germany around 600 years ago. They were first bred as fierce badger-hunting dogs, which explains the desire to dig that many Dachshunds still have. The surprisingly loud bark Dachshunds often have for such a little dog is another trait they carry over from their hunting days. The sound allowed their human partners to find them easily, even while they were tunneling underground.
Dachshunds were later brought to the U.S. by German immigrants and were recognized as one of the AKC’s six original dog breeds in 1885. Their popularity rose, and by 1914, they were one of the most popular breeds to be represented in the Westminster Kennel Club show.
World War I saw a decline in the Dachshund’s popularity because of the breed’s German heritage. After the war, Dachshunds quickly regained their former popularity as American soldiers brought them back from Germany for pets and show. Dachshunds are the only breed of dog to win show titles in the sporting, working, and hound groups.
Interesting Facts About Dachshunds
Pablo Picasso owned a Dachshund named Lump, who was featured in more than 40 of the artist’s works.
Queen Victoria, Joan Crawford, Elizabeth Taylor, and Andy Warhol were other famous Dachshund owners.
The Dackel Museum in Passau, Germany, opened in 2018 and features more than 5,000 Dachshund collectibles.
In 1972, a Dachshund named Waldi became the first official mascot for the Summer Olympic Games held in Munich.
