Dachshund Dog Breed Facts & Information

By Rover Staff

Clever, lively, courageous, entertaining: that’s the Dachshund. The Dachshund’s name comes from the German words for badger (dachs) and dog (hund), but you might know the Dachshund more informally as a doxie, wiener dog, hot dog, sausage dog, or badger dog.

Dachshunds were originally bred in 15th century Germany to hunt badgers. This dog breed’s long back and short legs made them ideal hunting dogs for scenting, chasing, and flushing out small animals and burrow-dwelling creatures.

A beautiful Dachshund with a neck tie. — via @pippa.the.pipstar

Technically, this breed is a scent hound (and you can tell by the way they go after a good smell despite your best efforts to stop them). But they also share some qualities in common with terriers, such as a love of digging and a big personality.

Their uniqueness, combined with their legendary loyalty to their human companions, consistently makes Dachshunds one of the most popular family pets in the United States. Read on for more about this very special dog, and to learn whether this breed is right for you.

Breed Characteristics

Key

Low
Medium
High

Origin: Germany
Size:
Weight: 13-32 pounds
Lifespan: 12-16 years
Breed group: Hound group
Activity level:
Barking/howling level:
Good with dogs: yes
Good with kids: yes
Good with cats:
Shedding:
Easy to groom:
Easy to train:
Protective:

Dachshund Appearance

Dachshunds show a wide variety of coloring: black and tan, black and cream, red, blue and cream, fawn and cream, solid black, fawn, chocolate, and red (to name just a few). Dachshund markings include brindle, dapple, double dapple, piebald, brindle piebald, and sable. Dachshund hair can be smooth and short, long, or wiry.

They also show a difference in temperament based on the characteristics of their coat. Because the wire-haired Dachshunds have terrier in their lineage, they’re often less calm than their long-haired cousins, who are the quietest and calmest of the three types. Dachshunds with a smooth coat tend to have a personality that falls somewhere in the middle.

Feisty, Loyal and Playful

Playful, feisty, stubborn, fond of cuddling…this little dog is a mixed bag. If trained well, Dachshunds can make excellent companions, steadfast family dogs, and even therapy dogs. If not, they can be overwhelming and a little difficult to control.

Like with many dog breeds, it’s good to remember their original purpose, which is to be a hunter’s companion. All those qualities that can make a Dachshund exasperating are what also makes him uniquely gifted.

Ideal Pet Parent for a Dachshund

Dachshund dogs love apartment life. Because of their small size, they don’t need a backyard, but they do enjoy going on walks outside. Dachshunds also love a challenge, and as long as you incorporate plenty of opportunities to chase and find things, you’ll have a happy dog.

These dogs love their human parents, and really don’t want them to leave. Your dog may struggle more with separation anxiety, and when they’re missing you, they’re likely to chew. When you do leave your home without your dog, you may want to use a kennel.

Read more on separation anxiety to help understand your dog’s perspective, and give ideas for addressing this anxiety at the root.

Three Dachshund dogs — via @the_hotdog_squad

Training is Key For This Dog Breed

Like many small dogs, these are prone to show aggression toward strangers and other dogs, and a loud bark can make the process of training a bit more complicated. Families with small children should only get a Dachshund if they are committed to consistent training and regular socialization as they are more likely than other dogs to bite their owners.

However, these are popular dogs for a reason. With good training, you’ll have a lively and cuddly companion with tons of personality.

Dachshunds are intelligent, independent, and playful, but can also be mischievous and stubborn. They aren’t the easiest of breeds to housebreak or train. If you need help teaching your dog, you may want to consider investing in a trainer.

Ideal Environment for a Dachshund

Dachshunds love their human parents, and really don’t want them to leave. Your dog may struggle more with separation anxiety, and when they’re missing you, they’re likely to chew. When you do leave your home without your dog, you may want to use a kennel.

Read more on separation anxiety to help understand your dog’s perspective, and give ideas for addressing this anxiety at the root.

A long-haired, brown dog in the flower bushes — via @cookiemonster.doxie

Dachshund Grooming

These beloved dogs are low-maintenance pups that don’t shed too much or need too many baths. But depending on their coat type (smooth, wire-hair, or long hair), there’ll be different amounts of grooming needed.

Long haired Dachshunds need the most frequent grooming of all, while smooth Dachshunds only need a simple wipe down with a cloth between baths. Wire-haired Dachshunds will need regular brushing (every two days should be enough), and twice per year, they’ll need their coats stripped with a special brush.

Breed Health Facts & Information

Like many dog breeds, this breed comes with a tendency toward particular health issues. Dachshunds are more likely to experience epilepsy, granulomatous meningoencephalitis, Cushing’s syndrome, thyroid and autoimmune issues, and various eye defects. Double dapple dogs are more prone to hearing and vision problems.

Most importantly, however, the dog breed is prone to back problems, such as slipped or herniated disks due to their elongated back, and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). A significant portion will develop IVDD, so it’s important to care for your dog with their spine in mind.

To prevent back injuries, don’t let them jump down from high spots, and keep their backs supported when you carry them. They’re also susceptible to weight gain, which can put even more strain on their backs. Many pet parents opt for pet health insurance.

A cute wiener dog puppy on a bed — via @chester.chocolatedashie

This Breed’s Origins Might Surprise You

The name ‘Dachshund’ literally means ‘Badger Hound’ in German, which is no coincidence. This dog was originally bred from a Pointer and a Pinscher to help keep the badger population under control, as well as hunting other small prey—a feat made possible by the breed’s sausage-like proportions.

Getting a Dachshund

Finding a Dachshund puppy or adult dog can be as easy as an internet search, but be careful of puppy mills and internet scams. There are many ways to find a reputable breeder, and it’s important to ask around, visit before committing to payment, and trust your gut. Plus, there are many Dachshunds available from rescue organizations and shelters.

Dachshund Rescues

Dachshund rescue is active all over the country. According to the AKC, most breed rescues report that a majority of their rescue dogs come from individual owner surrender, with the most common reasons being a change in lifestyle or the breed not being right for the owner. Owner-surrendered sausage dogs frequently come with some basic obedience training and socialization, and have detailed health and behavior histories that help inform their care.

Visit the Dachshund Club of America website for an up-to-date list of doxie rescues all over the country.

Dachshund Breeders

You can use the American Kennel Club (AKC) search tool to find a reputable doxie breeder near you. It’s important to research and check references in order to avoid puppy mills and online scams. When you find a reputable breeder, be sure to ask questions, and make arrangements to meet the parent dogs or mother in person. When you visit, ask about any health issues in the dog’s bloodline.

Remember to follow your gut. If something seems wrong at a breeder you visit, or the Dachshund puppy seems too good to be true, there may be something going on. Finding the right match may take time, but it will be worth it in the end.

More on Dachshunds

Are you dreaming of making this darling dog breed your very own, or perhaps just looking for a bit more Doxie inspiration? We’ve got plenty more for you either way:

The Essential Guide to Dog Breeds