Dachshund
Hound Group · Also Called "Wiener Dog" · Big Personality in a Long Body
8–32 lbsWeight
5–9"Height
12–16 yrsLifespan
Many colorsColors
★★★★☆Apartment
Hound Group · Also Called "Wiener Dog" · Big Personality in a Long Body
Watch this video for a quick overview of the Dachshund — perfect if you want to see the breed in action before diving into the details.
Don't let the silly nickname fool you — the Dachshund is a bold, tenacious, and surprisingly feisty hunting dog packed into a long, low body. Originally bred in Germany in the 1600s to hunt badgers (Dachs = badger, Hund = dog), their unique physique was purpose-built for digging into burrows and confronting prey underground. Those short legs, long spine, and oversized paws were engineering, not comedy.
Today Dachshunds are one of the world's most popular companion dogs. They come in two sizes (standard and miniature) and three coat types (smooth, long, and wire-haired), giving them enormous variety. What stays constant across all types is that big, courageous personality — Dachshunds truly believe they are much larger dogs than they are.
Real Dachshunds — smooth, long-haired, and wire-haired in red, black & tan, and dapple patterns.
Dachshunds are clever, curious, and devoted — often choosing one person as their absolute favorite and following them everywhere. They have a reputation for stubbornness that's well-earned; they're not defiant so much as strongly opinionated. They know what they want and pursue it with determination.
Despite their small size, Dachshunds are alert watchdogs with a surprisingly deep, loud bark. They can be wary of strangers and sometimes snappy if not properly socialized. Their hunting instincts mean they have high prey drive and love to dig — any garden is at risk.
Dachshunds need moderate daily exercise — two 20–30 minute walks per day is ideal for adults. Despite their short legs, they are energetic dogs who enjoy exploring on leash. However, protecting their spine is paramount: jumping on and off furniture, using stairs excessively, and rough play can all lead to IVDD (intervertebral disc disease), their most serious health risk.
Grooming needs vary significantly by coat type. Smooth Dachshunds are the easiest — a quick wipe-down is often all they need. Long-haired Dachshunds need regular brushing to prevent tangles. Wire-haired Dachshunds need occasional hand-stripping or trimming.
Dachshunds are intelligent but have an independent streak that can make training feel like negotiation. They respond best to positive reinforcement with high-value food rewards. Harsh corrections cause them to shut down or become resistant. Short, fun, consistent sessions work best.
House training can be a particular challenge with Dachshunds — they are notorious for being difficult to fully house-train. Patience, consistency, and crate training are essential. Many Dachshund owners use puppy pads long-term in cold or wet weather.
The Dachshund's elongated spine is their greatest liability. Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) affects up to 25% of Dachshunds at some point in their lives. This can range from mild pain to full paralysis requiring emergency surgery. Every Dachshund owner should know the warning signs: reluctance to move, crying when picked up, dragging back legs, loss of bladder/bowel control.
Dachshunds are ideal for people who want a loyal, entertaining companion and are committed to protecting their back health. They're great apartment dogs and wonderful for people with smaller living spaces. They're not ideal for homes with lots of stairs, very young children who might handle them roughly, or owners who can't resist the puppy eyes begging for extra food.