Dachshund

Published: Last updated: by Dachshund sitting in the grass looking up

The Dachshund is known for its long and short body. They may not be a great match with children but love affection from their owners.

Average size and lifespan

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Height: 0ft 8in - 0ft 9in
Weight: 16-32lbs
Lifespan: 12 - 16 Years

Behavior

  • Affection4/5
  • Kid-Friendly2/5
  • Stranger-Friendly2/5
  • Dog-Friendly3/5
  • Barking Amount5/5

Care

  • Grooming Difficulty2/5
  • Shedding Amount2/5
  • Easy to Train3/5
  • Can Be Alone3/5
  • Exercise Need3/5

Environment

  • Cold Tolerance2/5
  • Heat Tolerance3/5
  • Apartment-Friendly5/5

Dachshund Information

Easily recognizable for their short, long bodies, the Dachshund is a friendly, fun breed that loves to sniff around for new smells. It can be miniature or standard in size and comes in three coat varieties – Smooth, Wirehaired, or Longhaired. The breed is traditionally viewed as a symbol of Germany.

Curious and friendly with just the right amount of spunk, the Dachshund is one of the most popular dog breeds today. They don’t always do well with children or other pets, so proceed with caution if you have an active home.

Dachshund History

The exact origins of the Dachshund are unknown, as estimates range from the breed being around since the 15th – 18th century. What is known is that the current breed comes from German breeders and includes elements of German, French, and English hounds and terriers.

Dachshunds have been a popular breed in royal courts throughout Europe. They were famously owned by Queen Victoria, who loved the breed.

Dachshunds were bred to hunt badgers and also used for hunting rabbits and foxes. They were also used in packs to hunt wild boars and wolverines. These original Dachshunds were larger than the modern breed we see today.

Dachshund Training & Temperament

Dachshunds are intelligent but can be stubborn. This can make training a challenge, so it’s best to take it slow and easy. They do want affection, and positive reinforcement can help. They have a hunting instinct and may become focused on something other than you and be difficult to refocus.

They tend to bark and may need training to lessen the amount they do. In addition, they aren’t naturally warm to strangers, so it’s essential to socialize them at a young age.

dachshund breed photo

Dachshund Exercise

Dachshunds don’t need much exercise; however, to stay healthy, they need some walks. A couple of medium-length daily walks should be sufficient to keep them strong and healthy.

Dachshund Grooming

Dachshunds have three types of coats that will change your grooming experience: smooth, long, and wire. The smooth-coated is easy to deal with. Longhaired will require brushing. Wirehaired requires some trimming. Their nails should be trimmed monthly & their ears cleaned to prevent infections.

Dachshund Health

Dachshunds are generally a healthy breed. However, they need some exercise to keep them strong and prevent injuries. Their weight should also be watched to avoid issues. Avoid too much jumping or running stairs to prevent back injuries.

All dogs have their own personality and unique training, causing them to differ slightly from these breed stats. However, please let us know if we made an error in the stats, we appreciate your help!

Breed FAQs

Can Dachshunds be apartment dogs?

The Dachshund is an excellent apartment dog. They don't need as much space for activity and will be happy in a condo or apartment.

Can Dachshunds be left alone?

While Dachshunds prefer to be around their owners, they can do fairly well when left alone if necessary.

Are Dachshunds good with kids?

Dachshunds can be difficult to handle with the rowdy behavior of a child. They should be watched very closely.

Are Dachshunds friendly with strangers?

Dachshunds tend to be uncomfortable with strangers. They will require extra training effort to socialize them with those outside their family.

Do Dachshunds get along with other dogs?

Although Dachshunds will mostly get along with other dogs, they may have some issues. They can typically be dealt with by socializing them with other dogs.

Do Dachshunds bark a lot?

Dachshunds are known to bark quite often. This can be irritating for owners who aren't expecting it and they may require some training to limit the amount of barking.

Do Dachshunds shed a lot?

The Dachshund isn't a heavy shedder. Some limited brushing and occassional cleaning should help prevent much hair build-up.

Do Dachshunds need a lot of grooming?

Dachshunds don't require very much effort for grooming. You'll just need to provide typical maintenance and baths.

Do Dachshunds need a lot of exercise?

A Dachshund will need a moderate amount of exercise to be happy. You'll need to plan some basic walks or fetch during the day.

Are Dachshunds easy to train?

Although Dachshunds can be a challenge to train, they can be taught with some dedicated work or by hiring some training help.

Can Dachshunds handle cold weather?

Dachshunds don't like the cold and will likely want some protection if outside for long.

Can Dachshunds handle hot weather?

Although Dachshunds can tolerate hot conditions, be careful not to expose them for too long.

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