Dachshund Breed Facts & Information

Intelligent, witty, playful, loving, and loyal: that just about sums up the Dachshund. Also affectionately known as the sausage dog or wiener, this is a breed that is happiest at the side of the humans they adore. But they’re by no means couch potatoes. Welcome a Dachshund into your life, and you’ll have an energetic and devoted adventure buddy and snuggle bug rolled into one. They’re an all-around companion that consistently ranks as one of the most popular dogs in the UK.

Dachshunds were originally bred to hunt badgers in 15th-century Germany. Their short legs and long backs lent themselves well to flushing targets out of setts. In fact, ‘dach’ means ‘badger’ and ‘hund’ means ‘dog’ in the mother tongue of their native land. And this ancestral drive to hunt remains today, so they’re dogs that need plenty of opportunity to explore with their nose when they’re not used for work.

In the UK, Dachshunds come in two sizes—standard and miniature—and three coat types: smooth, long and wire haired. Meanwhile, in Germany, there is an additional line called the kaninchen (rabbit) Dachshund, which is even smaller than the miniature.

Appearance

Dachshunds are nicknamed sausage dogs for good reason: their long bodies and little legs do indeed resemble frankfurters with limbs. They’re also known for their long muzzle, soft eyes and long droopy ears.

As well as coming in two sizes in the UK, the breed also sports a variety of colourings and markings. The UK Kennel Club lists the following recognised colour types in the breed standard:

• black and tan
• chocolate and tan
• red
• shaded red
• black and tab brindle
• chocolate and tan brindle
• red brindle
• chocolate dapple and tan
• red dapple
• silver dapple and tan

A smooth-haired Dachshund’s fur is silky and short, while the long-haired type has a shiny, lengthier coat with silky tendrils on their ears and feathery legs and tummies. Wire-haired dachshunds, meanwhile, have short and coarse coats with bushy eyebrows and an adorable beard. These three coat types can also define distinct Dachshund temperaments (more on that later).

History

Dachshunds can be traced back to the 15th century in Germany, but the standard-sized breed we know and love today really started to take form in the late 17th century. Used as badger hunters, the short and courageous dogs were built to thrive in subterranean pursuits. It wasn’t until the 1800s that the Miniature Dachshund was developed, to fit down burrows amid a boom in German rabbit populations.

The Dachshund then landed on UK shores in the 19th century, it’s believed. The breed rose to rapid prominence thanks to Queen Victoria, who owned a number of the dogs during her reign. She would often immortalise them in her art and was the first royal in a continuing succession of high-profile fans. Famous owners have included Doris Day, Clint Eastwood, Pablo Picasso and even Napoleon Bonaparte. The UK Kennel Club had registered breed by the mid-19th century.

But it hasn’t all been celebrity and glamour for the sweet Dachshund—they got a bad rap during the First and Second World Wars due to their association with Germany. Those owning one were often branded Nazi sympathisers.

Personality, Lifestyle and Training Tips

“People say you don’t know love until you’ve got a Dachshund. And it’s because you will experience no love like it,” says Louise Rippon, of Preziosa Dachshunds, a five-star licenced and UK Kennel Club Assured Breeder in the Isle of Wight. This loyal breed needs bucket-loads of love in return. So much so, that Louise’s recommended reading for new puppy parents is the book Attached. “What they really need is a secure attachment style. They crave affection and need someone who’s quite secure in being able to give that,” she adds.

This deep-seated Dachshund characteristic to love and be loved can become a negative if they’re not accustomed to time alone from a young age. But they’re by no means handbag dogs, Louise stresses (although they do love a warm lap). This is an active breed that needs their natural instincts channelled appropriately.

“Their ancestors trailed mountains, woodlands and streams to hunt. And they’ve still got that ancestral predatory motivation,” Louise says. That means they love to explore the world by nose and make great hiking buddies (once they’re old enough). This unwavering zest for life and loving nature is what makes the Dachshund such a good pet.

Temperaments vary between coat types and sizes. Louise explains that Miniature Dachshunds tend to be more highly strung and less independent than their standard counterparts. Smooth-haired Dachshunds are known for being the most vocal of the three coat types, but Louise finds the long-hairs bark more. The long-haired Dachshund also tends to be more sensitive and inclined to need extra support, she says. And because wire-haired Dachshunds have terrier in their lineage, they tend to be the least calm of the three coat types. All types are good with other dogs and can live with cats if done from a young age.

Training a Dachshund for Success

One of the Dachshund stereotypes is that they have a stubborn streak, but Louise says it’s a misconception. “They’re very, very easy to train if you tap into the right kind of motivation for them. So stubborn is not a word I like to hear,” she says. It’s all about positive reinforcement training, she emphasises.

Toilet training can be a breeze with the right training techniques and understanding, Louise says. In fact, her puppies tend to leave her almost 90% toilet trained. “Dachshunds are so keen to please that if you give them that positive reinforcement training early on, they just eat it up. They love to be clean,” she explains. That’s unless there’s fox poo involved, in which case personal hygiene goes out the window.

Dachshunds do have a tendency to bark lots. But managing this is all about training and understanding what they’re trying to communicate, stresses Louise. “If you’ve got the time and the patience for a good foundation of training, then a Dachshund is an amazing dog to own,” she says.

Once a Dachshund is fully grown, at around 18 months to two years, they need around an hour of exercise per day. On top of this, they need plenty of mental stimulation and play. Although Dachshunds are rarely used for hunting these days, they still love to use their olfactory senses and need opportunities for this both indoors and outside. “They love being outside on ‘sniffaris’, as we like to call them,” says Louise.

But despite having bags of energy, Dachshunds can also be very calm dogs. They love to snuggle with their favourite humans and enjoy a good sunbathing session. “They really enjoy rest, so they’re not on the go all the time,” adds Louise, who says Dachshunds make great family pets for this reason.

Grooming Needs

This will depend on the coat your Dachshund has. The smooth-haired type only needs the occasional brush when they’re not in shedding season. Like most dogs, this happens twice a year: in spring when they’re preparing for warmer summer weather and in autumn when winter is just around the corner.

The long-haired variety needs a bit more attention to maintain a healthy, tangle-free coat. A weekly brush with a pin-head brush to remove any matting around the armpits, back of the ears, knees and groin should suffice.

As for the wire-haired Dachshund, a weekly groom will again be needed. Twice yearly stripping of the dense undercoat is also recommended.

Professional grooming isn’t necessary for any of the three coat types unless that’s the pet parent’s preference.

Health: Intervertebral Disc Disease

Sadly, Dachshunds are prone to a condition called intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). It’s a degenerative condition affecting the spinal cord. It happens when the discs harden and slip out of place, pressing on the nerves. This can cause painful mobility problems and even paralysis, alongside potential loss of bowel and bladder control.

Dr Alex Crow, MRCVS, vet and founder of Pet Health Guru, says: “Dachshunds are 10-12 times more likely to develop this condition when compared to other breeds due to their long bodies and short legs, placing more pressure upon the spine.”

Pain relief and/or physiotherapy may manage the condition but severe cases require surgery. A full or partial recovery is often possible, says Dr Crow. He adds that if a Dachshund is successfully treated and rehabilitated, their life expectancy remains the same as any other dog.

Tests can detect IVDD, but this is no guarantee that a dog will or won’t be affected. This is because so much of the risk factor is environmental.

Dr Crow explains: “Owners can minimise the risks by keeping their dog at a healthy weight, avoiding high-impact activities, ensuring their Dachshund gets regular exercise to keep back muscles strong, use a harness to put less pressure on the neck and spine and use a proper lifting technique when picking their Dachshund up (support the chest with on hand and the hindquarters with another).”

Louise adds that allowing Dachshunds to climb stairs should be a no-go. But she says the jury is out on whether or not Dachshund owners should use ramps to help their dogs onto beds and sofas. “I don’t use any ramps or steps because there has to be an element of muscle growth,” she says. Though, close safeguarding until a year of age is crucial.

Health: Other Diseases and Conditions

According to Dr Crow, Dachshunds are a relatively healthy breed aside from the risk of IVDD. He says: “If I were to rate them on a scale of one to 10, with 10 indicating excellent breed health, Dachshunds might be rated a six or seven, given their susceptibility to several health conditions.”

They can be afflicted by other conditions as well as IVDD, which is usually the most expensive to treat. These are health issues that affect many breeds, but Dr Crow says they can include the following, in order of estimated expense to treat.

1. Hip dysplasia. Ongoing costs for pain relief and in some cases surgery.
2. Patellar luxation. Mild cases may not require treatment but severe cases may require surgery.
3. Eye issues. Cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy are two of the most common. Surgery is needed in severe cases.
4. Obesity. This can trigger health issues such as diabetes, heart disease, and exacerbate conditions like IVDD and hip dysplasia. Treatment involves dietary changes and increased exercise so is usually inexpensive.
5. Allergies. Dachshunds aren’t a breed prone to allergies but it can still happen, most commonly with long-hairs, which can pick up allergens like pollen on their longer fur.

There are also more health issues associated with the merle colour Dachshund. This is because their colouring is, in part, caused by a genetic mutation which carries a higher chance of deafness, blindness and sun sensitivity. Meanwhile, miniature wire-haired Dachshunds are believed to be at increased risk of Lafora disease, an inherited form of epilepsy. DNA tests before breeding can prevent this.

Ideal Dachshund Home

As small dogs, Dachshunds don’t need lots of space. This makes them a practical choice for those living in apartments and smaller houses. But, as we’ve mentioned, they do have an instinctive need to utilise their expert noses.

So, if living in an apartment with no garden, Louise says it’s super important to get them outside sniffing in a variety of environments. “If that’s not possible, then increase their scent work indoors,” she says. She recommends putting scent boxes around the house filled with dog-friendly herbs like rosemary and mint.

Aside from the environment, Dachshunds need love. And someone who’s going to be around most of the time. They’re happiest in human company and it’s important that this need is met by someone willing and able to shower them with love, cuddles and affection.

Dachshund Diet

There are a number of dog foods out there designed specifically for Dachshunds. These contain adapted calcium and phosphorus content to help aid bones and joints, which is important in reducing the risk of IVDD. But a diet tailored especially for Dachshunds is not essential, as long as they get enough of all of the vitamins they need. Dr Crow confirms that some allergies seen in Dachshunds can be food related.

Dachshund Health UK recommends a diet with good levels of calcium and phosphorus, as well as a relatively high percentage of protein and low percentage of water to ensure they get enough calories from their meals. The organisation also says a dose of vitamin D and omega 3 may be beneficial, while grain percentages in food should be modest as it’s an insoluble fibre that can make dogs feel too full without as much nutritional value.

Meanwhile, Louise, a qualified canine nutritionist, feeds and recommends raw food. But she realises that this isn’t practical for everyone, so does ensure her puppies are accustomed to an 80% nutritional value kibble during their weaning period. Feeding a raw diet incorrectly can mean dogs miss out on important nutrients and vitamins, so needs to be properly researched and executed.

Crucially, Dachshunds need to be kept at a healthy weight to help prevent a litany of health complications such as IVDD.

Alternative Breeds to Consider

What’s not to love about the Dachshund? These are wonderful, adaptable and versatile companions that suit a wide range of homes, people and lifestyles. And there are few other breeds that can match the Dachshund’s uniqueness. But other dogs that prospective Dachshund owners might consider include the:

• Pembroke Welsh Corgi. This breed shares its short legs and stature with the Dachshund. Originally used as cattle-herding dogs, they’re also clever, loving and energetic like the Dachshund.
• Jack Russell Terrier. As smart and as feisty as the Dachshund, the two breeds share many similar traits. But the Jack Russell’s propensity to be protective can often make them less suitable as family pets.
• Miniature Pinscher. A pint-sized pooch that might appeal to those pondering a Miniature Dachshund. Another German dog breed, the min-pin is clever, loyal and active like the Dachshund.
• Dachshund cross. There are many adorable mixes of Dachshunds out there that might also appeal, from the Dorgi (Dachshund cross Corgi) to the Chweenie (Dachshund cross Chihuahua).

Where to Find a Dachshund

If you’re looking for a Dachshund puppy, it’s essential that you buy from a responsible, licenced and ethical breeder. This not only provides assurances that your puppy’s parents have been tested for certain genetic diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and Lafora’s (in miniature wire-haired Dachshunds), but also that good standards of animal welfare have been met.

Louise says prospective puppy parents should strive for a licenced breeder with five out of five stars, and one ideally part of the Kennel Club Assured Breeder scheme, which dictates further standards of welfare and health management. If a breeder has less than five stars, she says you should ask why. Breeders that have been in the business less than two years can only have a maximum of four stars, but thereafter she says there should be no excuse for less than five.

As standard, prospective Dachshund puppy parents should see:

• The puppies with their mum. Ideally, they should meet the dad if he’s living at the same premises.
• A full health check certificate from a vet
• Proof of initial vaccinations
• Microchip details
• Breeder licence number
• Kennel Club registration
• Proof of parents’ health tests

Bringing a Dachshund home can be expensive. A standard Dachshund can cost in the region of £1,100 to £2,500 to buy, while miniature smooths fetch between £1,900 and £2,800 and the miniature long-hairs £2,300 to £3,500. And then you have the cost of food, equipment, vet bills and pet insurance on top of that for your dog’s lifetime.

If your heart’s not set on a puppy but it’s yearning for a Dachshund, then it’s a good idea to look to rehoming organisations, including the breed-specific Dachshund Rescue UK or the Red Foundation.

You’ll also find out more about this fantastic breed through dedicated organisations including:

• The Dachshund Breed Council
• Dachshund Club
• The Wire Haired Dachshund Club
• Miniature Dachshund Club
• The Smooth Haired Dachshund Club
• The Long Haired Dachshund Club