There aren’t many dogs in the dog kingdom more iconic than the Dachshund. These friendly, feisty dogs are bold and brave, happy to take on the world (and other dogs) and to act as a faithful protector to their people. Sure, this means they can be a little noisy and quick to stand up for themselves against any perceived threat, including other animals and little humans. But they’re loyal and affectionate to their people and want nothing more than a loving lap to curl up in once their day’s work is done.
Dachshund Facts
Originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers, that’s where Dachshunds get their name: in German, dachs is badger, hund is dog. Designed to dig their way into a badger den and get rid of the badger inside, a Dachshund’s long, low body is well-designed for this work.
- Breed Group: Hound
- Height: Standard: 20-22cm; Miniature: 12-15cm
- Weight: Standard: 7-14kg; Miniature: 5kg and under
- Life Span: 12-16 years
- Coat: 3 types: short and smooth; short and wiry; long and wavy
- Colour: Various including black, chocolate, blue and fawn with tan or cream markings
What Does a Dachshund Look Like?
There’s a reason Dachshunds are also called sausage dogs - they look a lot like sausages! That’s thanks to their long and low bodies, and also their most common colouring: chocolate brown with tan markings.
There are actually 2 sizes of Dachshund and 3 coat types. They’re either standard sized (20-22cm and 7-14kg) or miniature (12-15cm and 5kg and under). Their coat can be sleek and smooth; wiry; or long and wavy. It comes in a wide range of colours with tan or cream markings, including black, chocolate, fawn and blue.
As well as their small size that makes them look adorable, Dachshunds have naturally long floppy ears, a long muzzle, and dark rounded eyes that give them an alert, inquisitive expression.
Dachshund
Dachshund Temperament: Heart of a Warrior
Although a Dachshund won’t be running any marathons, strenuously swimming, or doing the high jump alongside you, these small yet mighty hounds are up for anything else. Happy to jump into the role of protector, smart Dachshunds pack a big bark and make great watch dogs. Dachshunds are brave and loyal to their family, and aren’t afraid to stand up for themselves, especially around larger dogs.
Because they were bred to hunt a fearsome opponent (badgers), Dachshunds can be aggressive towards strangers and other animals, including cats and dogs. They’re also known to be biters, especially when they feel threatened. That’s why early socialisation and training is so important for Dachshunds, to help them curb these tendencies and become well-mannered pups. With their fragile backs and protective tendencies, Dachshunds do best in homes with older children who can learn how to appropriately handle and play with them.
Their small size might make it seem like Dachshunds are well-suited to apartment life. But these confident and self-loving dogs are big barkers. As much as they love a garden to play in, expect a Dachshund to always be on the hunt for critters to chase and dig for.
Two short walks a day will keep a Dachshund healthy and happy. In their ideal home where they’re the only cherished pet, they’ll fill it with joy and laughter - these feisty dogs are affectionate, smart and loving.
Keeping Dachshunds Healthy: 4 Issues to Watch Out For
Dachshunds have a long and healthy life expectancy of up to 16 years but there are some breed-specific issues it’s worth keeping an eye on.
Back Problems
With their long, low backs, Dachshunds are at risk of a range of back problems, especially Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). IVDD causes the discs in a Dachshund’s spine to bulge or burst and then press on the nerves in the spinal cord. This painful disease can cause nerve damage, loss of bladder and bowel control, and paralysis.
Signs of IVDD include any sudden changes in your dog’s movements, including difficulty walking or getting up from bed. It can be treated in a range of ways, including medication, bed rest and surgery. Keep your Dachshund’s back safe by avoiding rough play and jumping, maintaining a healthy weight, and keeping them off high furniture they need to jump on (or use ramps).
Epilepsy
Dachshunds are prone to idiopathic epilepsy, which means there’s no known cure for their seizures. Epilepsy usually starts before they’re 2 years old, but it might not show up until they’re 5 or 6. A dog experiencing a seizure will spasm, paddle their paws, or lose control of their bowel. Take them to the vet who can diagnose epilepsy, which can be managed with medication. Usually, it’s a genetic issue so responsible breeders should screen for it.
Bloat
Like all deep chested dog breeds, Dachshunds are at risk of bloat (also called gastric torsion). This is when their stomach twists on itself, cutting off the blood supply. It can happen quickly and can be fatal, so it’s important to take them to the vet straight away if you notice any symptoms. Signs to look out for are pacing, drooling, trying to vomit, and a painful or sore stomach area.
Eye Issues
Cataracts, glaucoma and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) can all affect Dachshunds and, left untreated, can cause blindness. Although cataracts and glaucoma can be treated with surgery, currently there’s no treatment for PRA. Most blind dogs lead long, happy and healthy lives. One of the first signs of a Dachshund with eye issues is walking into things. Most eye issues are inherited and should be screened for.
Caring for Your Dachshund Dog
Once you learn how to handle your Dachshund correctly to avoid damaging their spine, they’re pretty low maintenance. Their coat doesn’t need much special attention but they’ll demand lots of yours - you’ll spend plenty of time hanging with your pup pal, especially making sure they’ve got enough mental stimulation to keep them out of trouble.
Grooming
A Dachshund’s grooming needs depend on their coat type. Short, smooth coats don’t need more than a quick wipe or a weekly brush to loosen any dirt and dead hair. Short, wiry coats will need to be plucked or hand-stripped (where you pull away the dead hair) a few times a year. In between this, they’ll need a brush or comb once or twice a week, plus their beard and eyebrows trimmed as needed. Longer, wavy coats will need more regular brushing - aim for a few times every week.
Regardless of the coat type, check out their tummy area - because Dachshunds are so low to the ground, their tummies can pick up dirt and debris. You may need to brush this area every few days, depending on where they’ve been.
As part of your grooming sessions, check your Dachshund’s ears. As they’re so long and floppy, they’re at risk of ear infections. Gently clean them and watch out for signs of infection, like redness, weeping or a bad smell.
Dachshunds lack that traditional ‘doggy smell’ so baths can be kept to a minimum - just a few times a year.
Brush their teeth everyday to keep dental disease at bay and stop the buildup of plaque and tartar. Finally, trim their nails monthly to keep them comfortable as they move about.
Nutrition
Dachshunds will do well on a diet of quality commercial dog food that’s tailored to their life stage (puppy, adult or senior). You could consider a breed-specific food such as the Royal Canin Dachshund Adult Dry Dog Food, as the biscuits / kibble will be tailor-made to suit their needs as they grow.
It’s really important that Dachshunds don’t become overweight. Being overweight puts all dogs at risk of health issues, but for Dachshunds it’s even more of a problem as it puts strain on their long back. This can lead to painful slipped or ruptured (herniated) discs. As well as ensuring they only eat the recommended amount, enough daily exercise will help them to maintain good muscle tone and a healthy spine.
Watch out for how many treats they’re getting too - those calories count towards their daily intake.
Exercise
Small dog, small exercise needs, right? Not quite. A Dachshund needs more exercise than simply running around their home. Regular (that’s daily) exercise helps them stay fit, maintain a healthy weight and build strong muscles to support and protect their back.
Aim for 2 walks every day, up to a total of around 30 minutes. Keep the pace gentle and easy-going - these aren’t sprinting dogs! Add in some play time and training and that should be enough. Intense exercise, like jumping or rough play, can damage a Dachshund, especially their back so keep playing to things like hide and seek. Ensure your Dachshund doesn’t run up and down stairs or jump on or off furniture.
As social dogs, Dachshunds don’t respond well to being left alone, especially outside. If you leave them alone in your garden, you can expect plenty of barking, chasing and digging. Lots of daily mental and physical stimulation gives them a healthy outlet for these instincts.
Training
Dachshunds are smart pups. But they’re also independent and somewhat stubborn pups (they were bred to hunt and take down badgers alone, after all) so training can be a challenge. However, these loving, affectionate dogs respond well to positive reinforcement and patient, consistent training. Keep training sessions short, as their attention is likely to wander as they catch a whiff of something exciting. Use their favourite treats and toys, plus praise, to keep them engaged, motivated and excited to learn. Games like hide-and-seek with treats will give them a good outlet for their energy and smarts.
With their biting and aggressive tendencies, Dachshunds need proper socialisation from when they’re a puppy. Early socialisation helps them gain confidence around new people and pups and in new situations. Although they’re known to be good with older children, Dachshunds should always be supervised around young children. Dachshunds can get along ok with other dogs in their home but they prefer to be the only one.