Dachshund
A long, low hound with a big bark and a fragile back
- Group
- Hound
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 11 to 32 lb
- Height
- 5 to 9 in
- Lifespan
- 12 to 16 years
- Coat
- Short
- Origin
- Germany
- Puppy price
- $1,500 to $3,500
- Monthly cost
- $80 to $180 a month
Prices are rough US ranges and vary a lot by region.
Good for
Watch out
The ten scores
higher is easier to live with higher means more work, noise or cost. All scores 1 to 5.
What living with a Dachshund is like
A Dachshund thinks it is a much bigger dog. It was bred in Germany to go down badger holes, and that job left it brave, nosy and very loud. The bark is deep for the size. It goes off at the mail carrier, the neighbor and the leaf that moved. Plan on teaching a quiet cue early, because this hound rarely drops the habit on its own.
The real worry is the spine. That long body sits on short legs, and the breed has a high risk of disc disease. A large UK survey found about one in six Dachshunds had shown signs of it. Back surgery can cost thousands, so price pet insurance before the puppy comes home. Costs for food, care and cover vary a lot by region, but the back is the line item to plan for.
Day to day, Dachshunds are funny, clingy and stubborn in equal parts. They love burrowing under blankets and will claim the warmest spot on the couch. They come in two sizes and three coats: smooth, long and wire. Most do well in a flat with a couple of real walks a day. Many are wary of strangers at first and warm up on their own terms. Kids who play gently are fine. Kids who pick the dog up by the middle are not, because that strains the back.
Care basics
Exercise
Two walks a day of moderate length suit most adults, plus sniffing time in the yard. In the DachsLife survey, dogs that got more than an hour of exercise a day had lower odds of disc trouble than those getting under half an hour. The study cannot prove cause, but a fit, well muscled dog is a good goal. Let the nose lead on some walks. That is the hound's favorite workout.
Grooming
The coat decides the work. Smooth Dachshunds need a quick rub with a cloth or soft brush each week. Longhairs tangle behind the ears and on the legs, so brush them a few times a week. Wirehairs need their coat stripped a couple of times a year. All three need short nails and a weekly sniff test of those long ears.
Training
Expect a hound that listens when it suits it. Short sessions with food rewards work far better than drilling. House training is often slow, and many Dachshunds refuse to go out in rain or cold. Keep the routine strict and the praise loud. A solid recall is hard to get once a scent grabs that nose, so use a leash in open areas.
Feeding
Weight is the number to watch with this body shape. AKC warns that extra pounds can lead to back and joint problems, plus diabetes. Measure every meal instead of filling the bowl by eye, and count treats as part of the day. You should be able to feel the ribs under a thin layer. Your vet can give you a target weight.
Health checks
Learn the early signs of back pain: a hunched stance, shaking, a yelp when picked up or wobbly back legs. Any of these means a same day vet call, not a wait and see. Yearly checkups are a good time to ask about weight, teeth and ears too.
Home setup
A ramp to the couch or bed is cheap and easy to set up. Pick the dog up with one hand under the chest and one under the rear, never by the front legs. A sweater helps the smooth coat on cold walks. Keep trash and shoes out of reach, because a bored Dachshund digs and chews.
Health conditions common in the breed
| Condition | What to know |
|---|---|
| Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) | A disc in the spine bulges or bursts and presses on nerves. It is common in the breed and ranges from mild pain to paralysis, so get back pain checked fast. |
| Obesity | Overweight Dachshunds face more joint, back and diabetes trouble. It is easy to prevent and hard to reverse. |
| Ear infections | Like most dogs with drop ears, Dachshunds can get ear infections if the ears are not kept clean. Your vet can tell you what to screen for at checkups. |
Not every Dachshund will have these. Your vet can tell you what to screen for and when.
Common behaviour questions
Why does my Dachshund bark at every sound outside?
It was bred to give voice when it found prey underground, so barking is built in. Thank it once, then call it away and reward quiet. Frosting the lower part of a street facing window often cuts the noise a lot.
Why will my Dachshund not pee outside when it rains?
Many hate wet, cold grass on their low bellies. Go out with them, cover a small patch of yard and reward right away. A raincoat can help, and so can keeping the schedule the same in bad weather.
Why does my Dachshund growl when I move it off the couch?
Some guard their resting spot or toys. Trade it off with a treat instead of lifting the dog, and teach an off cue. If growling turns into snapping, get help from a reward based trainer early.
FAQ
Are miniature and standard Dachshunds different in temperament?
They share the same hound brain and stubborn streak. The main difference is size: standards weigh about 16 to 32 lb, and minis are 11 lb or less. Minis can be more fragile around small kids.
Can a Dachshund use stairs?
Advice differs, and the research is mixed. Many owners use ramps and carry the dog on long flights. Ask your vet what fits your dog's age and back history.
Do Dachshunds get along with cats?
Many live happily with a cat they grew up with. Small pets like hamsters or rabbits are a different story, since the breed was made to hunt. Keep those apart.
Not veterinary advice. Breed traits are averages and every dog is an individual. Talk to your vet about your own dog's health.
Sources
- akc.org /dog-breeds/dachshund/
- pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov /articles/PMC5097381/
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