Skip to main content

Everything you should know about dachshunds, from health to personality

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.

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.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

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.
Image used with permission by copyright holder

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

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…
How much exercise does a German Shepherd need? 4 warning signs they’re not getting enough
Signs that your German shepherd needs more daily exercise
German shepherd puppy stands next to an adult German Shepherd with a stick in their mouth

Smart, loyal, and incredibly athletic: These are the defining traits of German shepherds -- America's fourth-most-popular dog breed in 2022. These large dogs are energetic from puppyhood, so it's no secret that they need a lot of activity to stay satisfied. Exercising your German shepherd might seem straightforward at first glance, but many owners struggle to meet this loyal breed’s high demand for activity. It’s not always clear when a pup needs some extra exercise, but keeping an eye out for the right behaviors will give you a better idea of whether you need to make any changes.
What kind of exercise is best for a German shepherd? How much exercise does a German shepherd need? These are the kinds of questions we’ll answer, so keep reading to find out how to keep your buddy happy and healthy.

How much exercise does a German shepherd need every day, on average?
Although exercise needs vary from dog to dog, German shepherds are an athletic, high-energy breed that requires several hours of daily activity. Generally speaking, your dog will want to play and run off energy multiple times a day, so you can’t count on one long walk being enough.
Remember that your German shepherd needs physical and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Their breed history makes them perfect for herding or working on the farm — hence the name "shepherd" — but not so perfect for lounging around. They’ll need a task for at least part of the day to satisfy their driven minds, or they'll make one for themselves. If their plan includes your sofa or a favorite pair of shoes, you won't be so happy.
The American Kennel Club lists problem-solving, decision-making, and focused attention as great ways to keep your dog’s mind active. Puzzle toys can be a helpful tool, though more energetic pups may prefer something like agility challenges. The idea is to give him a task that helps him feel satisfied and accomplished when he finally achieves it -- sometimes, just a good run together can do the trick.

Read more
How to give a dog a pill: This dog medicine trick makes it look easy
Does your dog hate taking her medicine? Try this viral trick
A dog mom holds up a treat for her pup on a walk

Lots of pups don't like to take their pills — in fact, it's something they're well known for on social. While sometimes we see funny videos of a dog hiding, cheeking, or spitting out their dog medicine, in this instance, we get to see a pet parent describe the secret behind her success. This particular pooch always takes her medicine and seems to love pill time.

The viral video on TikTok is entitled "Only way to get Honey to consume medications is with this little trick" and shows us this dog mom's way of making sure her sweet girl always takes her medicine.

Read more
Video: This Great Dane proves dogs can be better seatmates on a plane than people
Flying with a dog may be stressful but this Great Dane proves it can be fun
A great dane lies in the grass

One of life's great joys is seeing dogs all around us as we go about the day, even in unexpected places. This particular airline passenger was surprised and thrilled to spot a Great Dane in the airport and subsequently on the plane. While it seems like such a big guy might have trouble fitting into the small seats, he managed to pull off his whole travel in style.

The video on TikTok posted by lovimals went viral for showing a pup totally in his element, even though it seems so unusual. It opens with the sweet Great Dane lying on the floor of the airport, waiting for his plane to board. He then travels into the aircraft and gives a peek into the cockpit, just to check on things, which is why it's appropriately titled "He was checking the pilots were qualified." The pup pup then takes his seat, or should we say, his two seats since he takes up nearly a whole row. Fido seems to spend the flight chilling just like everyone else, sometimes sniffing in the air and others lying down for a nap. Finally, we get to watch him deplane happily at his destination.

Read more