Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Dogs

Everything you should know about dachshunds, from health to personality

Vera Lawlor
By

If you’re lucky enough to live with a dachshund then you know what it’s like to be shadowed by your four-legged friend. Affectionately called doxies, these spunky, loving dogs are fiercely loyal and protective of their families. They have been favorite companions for a long list of celebrities including Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and Clint Eastwood. John Wayne’s dachshund Blackie was hailed as a hero when he saved his family’s life by alerting them to a fire in their house in the middle of the night.  Read on to learn everything you need to know about this courageous breed.

Dachshund characteristics

There are three different sizes

Dachshunds come in three different sizes and all have long backs and short legs earning them the nickname wiener dogs.

  • The largest of the breed is between 30 and 35 pounds and was bred to hunt badgers and boars.
  • The standard dachshund is between 16 and 22 pounds and was originally used to hunt badgers and foxes.
  • Miniature doxies weigh under 11 pounds and originally hunted smaller prey like rabbits.
Recommended Videos

They have different coat types

Dachshund’s coats can be shorthaired (smooth), longhaired, or wirehaired. According to Wisdom Panel breed experts, the smooth-coated dogs were the original of the breed. Breeders believe that the wirehaired variety was developed by crossing shorthaired dachshunds with hard-coated terriers like the Scottish terrier and wirehaired breeds such as the schnauzer. The origin of the longhaired dachshunds is unclear. Some experts believe that shorthaired dachshunds occasionally produced longhaired pups. Others think that the longhaired variety came from breeding shorthaired dachshunds with small spaniels and German stoberhunds.

In addition to different coat types, dachshunds come in a variety of colors including red, black, cream, chocolate, dapple, striped, and sable.

Pack of dachshund hanging out together.

Temperament and personality of the dachshund

Dachshunds are daring, curious, and playful dogs who enjoy digging, hunting, and tracking. While they can be shy around strangers, they are quick to defend family members if they sense danger. Wirehaired doxies tend to have bolder personalities while the miniatures are the most timid of the three.

Dachshunds are highly intelligent and have a stubborn streak which can make training challenging. Housebreaking can often take longer than with other dogs. According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), dachshunds are sensitive dogs who respond best to positive reward-based training. They require a modest amount of exercise and would be fine with two walks a day, each about half a mile. Of course, longer would be better. Experts at the Dachshund Club of America (DCA) say that dachshunds enjoy competing in obedience competitions and are a natural fit for field and earth dog trials.

Dachshund health

According to ASPCA Pet Health Insurance, when cared for properly dachshunds can live between 12 and 14 years.  They are prone to spinal problems, especially intervertebral disk disease because of their long spinal column and short rib cage. Veterinary experts say it’s essential that dachshunds maintain a healthy weight to avoid putting a strain on their spine. To minimize back injuries the DCA advises limiting how often your dachshund jumps off of furniture or runs downstairs. The club recommends teaching dachshunds to use ramps to get on and off furniture.  Also, learning how to hold a dachshund so that his back is horizontal can help reduce stress on this breed’s back.

In addition to spinal injuries, dachshunds are susceptible to patellar luxation (dislodging of the kneecap) and brittle bone disease. Hereditary conditions in this breed include epilepsy, Cushing’s disease, and thyroid and autoimmune disorders.

Grooming requirements for dachshunds

Dachshunds are medium shedders and grooming requirements will depend on the coat type.

  • The longhaired coat should be brushed and combed at least once or twice a week, with occasional trimmings.
  • The wirehaired coat can be plucked or hand-stripped several times a year with occasional trimming of the eyebrows and beard. The coat should also be brushed or combed once or twice a week.
  • The smooth dachshunds require the least amount of grooming. Experts recommend stripping dead hair about twice a year.

What type of pet owner should consider a dachshund?

Because of their small size and friendly disposition, well-trained dachshunds make great apartment dogs. These hounds also enjoy country living where they can run and dig in a fenced-in yard. Dachshunds might not be the best choice for first-time dog owners who may feel overwhelmed by their stubborn streak.

Here is a list of people who would benefit from living with a dachshund:

  • Someone who works from home or is only gone a few hours during the day.
  • Someone interested in doing therapy work. Well-trained dachshunds make wonderful therapy dogs spreading cheer in hospitals and nursing homes.
  • Retired people looking for a small, low-maintenance dog who can adjust to smaller living spaces.
  • A single person looking for a loyal and loving four-legged companion.
  • A family with well-behaved children seeking a playful companion.
Young girl hugging dachshund.

There’s no denying that a dachshund’s soulful eyes can melt your heart, but it’s important to do research before making a breed decision. If you do decide that a dachshund is a good fit for you, be sure to check out dachshund rescues as well as reputable breeders. There are lots of wonderful doxies just waiting for a second chance in a loving home.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Vera Lawlor
Vera Lawlor
Contributor
Vera was the pet columnist for 201 Family magazine and has contributed pet and animal welfare articles to Bone-A-Fide Mutts…
Here are a few humane alternatives to the shock collar for dogs that might work for you and your pup
A vibrating, beeping, or scented collar can help curb unwanted behaviors like excessive barking
Dog chases a ball in the grass with a collar on

Most dogs live their whole lives in their collars, and get used to them, just like we feel great in clothes. However, it's important to think carefully before you put anything around a dog's neck. In particular, shock collars (or choke collars) should always be avoided. But you can use modern, humane tools to do the job — along with a healthy amount of positive reinforcement.
Why you shouldn't use a shock collar
Unfortunately, shock collars were popular in the past, but research says positive reinforcement works better. We definitely don't recommend anyone ever shock an animal, even on a very low setting that "doesn't really hurt." In addition to wanting to do right by your pup, you might actually increase aggressive behavior by using these outdated training methods. Remember, the "alpha" concept of dog behavior was based on flawed research, while the latest techniques seem to be setting dogs up for success.
Collars to use instead
There are a few options out there if you want to add a special collar to your training regimen, including ones that vibrate, smell, and beep. Even these humane versions should only be used in small doses under the supervision of a human. Don't put a beeping collar on your animal and leave them in it for hours! That's enough to drive anyone crazy, Fido included.
Vibrating collars
These work by delivering a buzz any time you press your remote or you can get one specifically for barking that responds to noise. They take a bit of time to set up, but an automatic collar can vibrate much faster than you can ever respond. Some dogs never adjust to this and will be afraid or uncomfortable with the sensation. One option is to get a collar with a few different modes so you can switch it up as necessary.
Beeping collars
Similar to the vibration model, beeping collars deliver escalating noise when your pooch does an undesirable behavior, like barking. The goal here isn't physical punishment but to redirect your animal. Follow it up by showing your little guy exactly what they should do. Some pups will respond to this better than the vibration, so you can get one that does both and figure out their preference, or mix the two.
Scented collars
We all know that dogs mainly rely on smell, which means you can use that sense in your training too. This works the same way as the beeping and vibrating ones, but releases a puff of citronella instead. The smell is a deterrent in the same way that a sound is. Of course, you should make sure your pet doesn't have any allergies to citronella before using this. Watch for eye rubbing, hives, or other indicators that the spray and your furry friend don't mix. However, dogs with a traumatic history might prefer this over a beep or a vibration.
Other training to incorporate
Remember, using a humane training collar is no substitute for the work; it's merely a tool that you can add to the mix. Training them not to bark might seem like an advanced skill, but it's pretty easy once you have your routine down. As part of this, you may actually teach a "quiet" command that you'll use to help your pup settle.

While your buddy might wear a fashionable collar most of the time, you can have a whole wardrobe of doggie necklaces for different functions -- one for walks and one for training. Shock collars for dogs don't work with most beasties, but one of the newer models, when used correctly, might boost your training regimen and help curb excessive barking or other problem behaviors.

Read more
Mini Aussie: What to know about this adorable breed
What happened to the mini Aussie? Here's exactly what happened to the breed
Mini American shepherd lying down

You likely came here looking for information on the mini Aussie. We’re sorry to disappoint you with this interesting plot twist: There’s no such thing as a mini Aussie, at least not anymore. The breed is recognized as the mini American shepherd these days — a more accurate name because the dogs were developed in the U.S. and not Down Under.

Name games aside, these affectionate dogs are some of the most loving. Though mini American shepherds have a long history as herding animals, the breed currently and most commonly takes on the role of "human’s best friend" these days. Is a mini American shepherd the right dog for you? Read on.
The history of the mini American shepherd
The history of the mini American shepherd can feel confusing, primarily because of the name. Mini American shepherds are still commonly referred to as "mini Aussies," a name they haven’t had since gaining American Kennel Club (AKC) recognition in 2015.

Read more
Why does my dog have the zoomies? Your pet’s crazy behavior, explained
The zoomies: Why dogs get them and if you should try to stop them
A white dog running

You’re just chilling in your home or backyard with your dog. Suddenly, they book it and start running around in circles. You would think they were trying out for the Kentucky Derby — that’s how fast they’re attempting to move — except they’re not a horse. The problem? You can’t figure out what’s going on or why they’re displaying this behavior. It can feel jolting and alarming for a first-time pet parent or one whose previous dogs never acted this way.

Your dog may have a case of the zoomies. The word sounds silly. However, it’s a real-deal dog behavior. Why do the dog zoomies happen? Should you be concerned? Here’s what to know about this often-seen, little-talked-about doggie phenomenon.
What are the zoomies, and what causes them?
Zoomies is a term used to describe a natural dog behavior that occurs when dogs get a sudden burst of energy. To get that energy out, the dogs dash around in circles (or figure eights) as if they’re doing laps around a racetrack. It’s like the Tasmanian Devil mixed with Allyson Felix.

Read more