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.
📷 Photos: various photographers (CC BY-SA / CC0) · via Wikimedia Commons
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.
Getting portions right is one of the most important things you can do for your Dachshund's long-term health. Use these as starting guidelines and adjust based on your dog's body condition.
Based on a standard quality dry kibble (~350 kcal/cup). Always check the feeding chart on your specific brand and adjust for your dog's activity level and metabolism.
Look for foods where the first ingredient is a named animal protein. The best diets for this breed also address their specific health tendencies:
These common human foods can be toxic — even life-threatening — for your Dachshund. Keep them well out of reach.
Every extra pound on a Dachshund is like 5–6 pounds on a human back — and it dramatically increases their risk of painful spinal disc disease (IVDD). Weigh your Dachshund monthly and consult your vet if they gain even 1–2 pounds.
The purchase price is just the beginning. Here's a realistic breakdown of what it costs to buy and own a Dachshund over their lifetime.
Beyond the purchase price, owning a Dachshund typically costs $80 – $150 per month. Here's where the money goes:
Over their full lifespan, a Dachshund typically costs $12,000 – $22,000 total — depending on health, lifestyle, and the services you use.
Pet insurance is especially important for Dachshunds because of IVDD risk. The $3,000–$8,000 spinal surgery cost catches many owners off-guard. Insure before age 1 and before any symptoms appear.
The Dachshund's unique silhouette and bold personality make it a popular mixing partner. Here are the most loved Dachshund crosses.
One of the most popular small-dog mixes in the US — compact, feisty, and deeply loyal. Chiweenies often inherit the Dachshund's long body and the Chihuahua's bold, sassy personality.
Combines the Dachshund's personality with the Poodle's intelligence and low-shedding coat. Doxiepoos are playful, smart, and often hypoallergenic — great for allergy-prone families.
A royal combination — Queen Elizabeth II famously owned Corgis, and Dorgis became a beloved accidental mix in the royal household. Low to the ground with double the personality.
Combines two of the world's most scent-driven breeds. Doxles are curious, food-motivated, and determined trackers. They need a secure yard and a patient owner who appreciates their independent streak.
Small dog, massive history. Here are some of the most fascinating — and surprising — facts about the beloved Dachshund.