Dachshund

Personality

Dachshunds have big-dog attitudes packed into small bodies. They are curious, determined and funny, and they form close bonds with their families. Many choose a favorite person and will happily burrow under blankets next to them.

Bred to chase quarry underground, they are independent thinkers who do things their own way. That stubbornness can look like defiance, but it is closer to single-mindedness. They have a strong nose and an even stronger prey drive, so squirrels, rabbits and scent trails can easily override your recall command.

Most are vocal and make surprisingly good alarm dogs. They can be standoffish with strangers and may nip if teased or handled roughly, so supervise young children. Individual dogs vary a great deal, whatever the coat type. Dachshunds dislike being left alone for long and may bark or dig out of boredom, so give them company and something to do.

History

Dachshund means "badger dog" in German. The breed was developed in Germany from German, French and English hounds and terriers, with the first verifiable written references dating to the early 1700s. Their long, low bodies and strong front legs let them enter burrows, and their loud, deep voices helped hunters locate them underground.

Over time, three coat types emerged: smooth, longhaired and wirehaired, the last of which developed in the late 1800s. Breeders also produced different sizes. Standards were used for badgers and Miniatures for smaller prey such as rabbits. The international federation FCI also recognizes a third, rabbit-size class, called Kaninchen, which neither the AKC nor the British Kennel Club recognizes.

The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1885. Dachshund popularity in the United States plummeted during World War I because of the breed's German heritage. Today they are popular companion dogs worldwide with hunting instincts intact, and royal courts across Europe, including Queen Victoria's, kept them in the past.

Appearance, coat & colors

The Dachshund is long, low and muscular, with a deep chest, short legs and a long, tapering muzzle. Floppy ears hang close to the head, and the tail extends in a gentle curve. Two sizes are recognized in the United States. The AKC lists Standards at 8–9 in (20–23 cm) and 16–32 lb (7–15 kg), and Miniatures at 5–6 in (13–15 cm) and 11 lb (5 kg) or under. Where the rabbit size is recognized, it weighs roughly 8–11 lb (3.5–5 kg).

There are three coat varieties. Smooth dogs have short, glossy hair. Longhaired dogs have silky, slightly wavy coats with feathering. Wirehaired dogs have a rough outer coat, eyebrows and a beard over a soft undercoat.

Colors include red, black and tan, chocolate and tan, cream and wild boar, and patterns such as dapple, brindle and piebald. Dapple (merle) dogs bred to other dapples can produce "double dapple" puppies, which are commonly affected by blindness and deafness, so reputable breeders avoid that pairing.

Training

Dachshunds are intelligent, but they are not eager to please, which makes training a test of patience. They learn quickly when something is in it for them, so use small, tasty treats, short sessions and plenty of praise. Harsh methods tend to backfire and make them stubborn or fearful.

House training is notoriously slow for many Dachshunds. They dislike wet or cold ground and may take their time. Take your dog out frequently, reward immediately when it goes in the right place, and use a crate or playpen when you cannot supervise. Our crate training guide can help.

Socialize your puppy early to reduce suspicion of strangers, and teach quiet-on-cue to manage barking. Recall off the leash is rarely reliable because of the breed's scent drive, so use a long line and a fenced area. Scent work and nose games give them a satisfying outlet for their natural talents.

Exercise

Despite their small size, Dachshunds are energetic and need regular daily activity, split into walks and play, plus time to sniff. Exercise should be controlled to protect the spine. Our guide to how much exercise a dog needs can help you tailor the routine.

Walks should be steady and on level ground. Because the long back is vulnerable, avoid encouraging high jumps, repeated stair climbing or rough games where the dog twists or lands badly. Use ramps or steps to help the dog on and off furniture and cars, and support the hindquarters when carrying your dog.

Keep your Dachshund lean, as every extra pound adds stress to the spine. Sniffing walks, hidden-treat games and snuffle mats offer mental stimulation. Always use a secure harness or a leash in unfenced areas, since the dog may follow a scent and disappear. Many Dachshunds also love digging, so give them a designated spot or a sandbox.

Grooming

Grooming needs depend on the coat. Smooth Dachshunds are the easiest; a weekly rub with a rubber mitt or soft brush removes loose hair. Longhaired dogs need brushing two or three times a week, paying attention to the ears, chest, belly and tail where tangles form. Wirehaired dogs need regular brushing and occasional grooming to keep the coat tidy.

Bathe your Dachshund only when it is dirty. Clean the ears regularly, since long ears can trap moisture, and check them for odor or redness. Trim nails regularly, because long nails alter posture and add strain to the legs and back.

Dental disease is common in small breeds, so brush teeth several times a week; see our guide to brushing your dog's teeth. Short-coated dogs feel the cold, so a sweater or coat helps in winter. If your dog scoots or licks the area around the anus, ask your vet about anal gland care.

Feeding

Dachshunds are prone to weight gain, and extra weight can worsen back problems, so portion control matters. Feed a complete and balanced diet suited to your dog's age and activity level, and measure each meal. Our dog food calculator offers a starting estimate; adjust it based on body condition.

Most adults do well on two meals a day. Treats should be small and count toward daily calories, ideally no more than about 10 percent. Many Dachshunds are persistent beggars, so avoid feeding from the table.

Use our guide on telling if your dog is overweight to check whether your dog has a visible waist and palpable ribs. A long-bodied dog can look deceptively fit while carrying extra fat, so regular weigh-ins at the vet are useful. Small-breed formulas have smaller kibble that is easier to chew, and they are usually appropriate; ask your vet about specific dietary needs, particularly if your dog has bladder stones or dental problems.

Health

The most important health issue in Dachshunds is intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). Their long spines and short legs make the discs between vertebrae prone to herniating, which can cause back pain, trouble walking, weakness or paralysis of the hind legs. Signs include reluctance to jump, limping, dragging the paws or crying out when picked up. This is an emergency: contact your vet immediately, because quick treatment improves outcomes.

Other conditions include obesity, patellar luxation, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, dental disease, hypothyroidism, Cushing's disease, bladder stones, epilepsy, eye problems such as cataracts, glaucoma and progressive retinal atrophy, and, in double dapples, deafness or blindness.

To lower the risk of IVDD, keep your dog slim, limit jumping and stair use, use ramps, and support the spine when lifting. Responsible breeders screen knees, hearts and eyes and avoid double-dapple breeding. The AKC lists a life expectancy of 12 to 16 years.

Health conditions to know about

• Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) — The long spine makes disc herniation common; it can cause pain or paralysis and needs urgent veterinary care.
• Obesity — Extra weight increases strain on the back and joints.
• Dental disease — Small mouths and crowded teeth lead to plaque and gum disease.
• Eye disease — Cataracts, glaucoma and progressive retinal atrophy are common and can lead to vision loss.
• Double-dapple deafness and blindness — Breeding two dapple dogs together can produce puppies with hearing and vision defects.

Health tests to ask a breeder about

• Patella evaluation
• Cardiac exam
• Eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist

Read more: diabetes, intervertebral disc disease (ivdd), pancreatitis.

Written from veterinary sources by the Pawsplained editorial team. Not yet reviewed by a veterinarian; this is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Updated Oct 25, 2026. Editorial policy

Living with a Dachshund

Dachshunds adapt well to apartments and houses alike, as long as they get daily walks and mental stimulation. They are small, but they bark, and apartment neighbors may notice. Training can help keep noise under control.

Stairs deserve thought. Frequent stair climbing and jumping on and off furniture can stress the spine, so use ramps, pet stairs or gates for dogs with back problems. Short legs also mean the dog struggles in deep snow or tall grass.

They like warmth and will happily burrow in blankets. Smooth-coated dogs need a coat in cold weather. Their prey drive means small pets such as hamsters, gerbils and rabbits are at risk, though many Dachshunds live peacefully with cats they have been raised with. They are usually fine with considerate children, but small kids should be taught to handle them carefully, and never pick the dog up by the front legs.

Puppies, breeders & rescue

Dachshund puppy prices vary widely by region, coat type, color and breeder. Because the breed is popular, there are many sellers offering puppies without health testing or with rare colors at inflated prices.

A responsible breeder will show evidence of eye, heart and knee testing for both parents and discuss spinal health in the lines, including any history of IVDD. They should not pair two dapple dogs, should keep their dogs in a home setting, and should let you meet the mother. Ask about temperament, since Dachshunds from nervous or aggressive lines can be harder to live with. A written contract and a willingness to take the dog back are good signs.

Rescue groups, including Dachshund-specific organizations, also place many dogs. Adults are often already house-trained, which is a real advantage with this breed. Whichever route you choose, be ready for a 12- to 16-year commitment. Our breed selector can help you decide whether a Dachshund suits your lifestyle.