Dachshund
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Find Dachshund BreedersGet to Know Dachshunds
- Bred for Badger Hunting: Dachshunds were originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers. Their long bodies and short legs made them ideal for digging into badger dens and chasing out their quarry, hence their name, which means "badger dog" in German.
- Three Coat Types: Dachshunds come in three coat varieties: smooth, long-haired, and wire-haired. Each coat type has its own distinct texture and requires different grooming needs.
- Brave and Determined: Despite their small size, Dachshunds are known for their bravery and determination. They have a strong prey drive and are often fearless in the face of larger animals.
- Iconic Silhouette: Dachshunds are instantly recognizable due to their unique silhouette, often described as "hot dog" or "wiener dog." Their long body and short legs have made them one of the most iconic and easily recognizable dog breeds in the world.
- Playful and Loyal: Dachshunds are playful, energetic dogs that enjoy interactive play and outdoor activities. They are also fiercely loyal to their owners and can be quite protective, making them excellent watchdogs despite their small size.
Breed History
The Dachshund, affectionately known as the "wiener dog," is a breed with a rich history that traces back to Germany in the 15th century. Originally bred for hunting, the name "Dachshund" translates to "badger dog" in German, reflecting its purpose in flushing out badgers and other burrowing animals. With their long bodies and short legs, Dachshunds were uniquely designed to dig into burrows and navigate tight spaces. Over time, they gained popularity not only as hunters but also as loyal companions. Today, Dachshunds are beloved for their quirky appearance, spirited personality, and versatility as both working dogs and family pets.
Personality and Behaviour
- Bold and Tenacious: Dachshunds possess a fearless spirit, a remnant of their hunting heritage. They are known for their bravery and often exhibit a larger-than-life attitude, even when facing challenges that seem outsized for their small stature. This boldness can sometimes translate into stubborn behavior, making consistent training essential.
- Loyal and Devoted: Dachshunds are highly loyal to their families and often form strong bonds with their owners. They thrive on companionship and enjoy being involved in family activities. However, their loyalty can also lead to protective tendencies, making them vocal about perceived threats.
- Playful and Curious: Despite their determined nature, Dachshunds are playful and curious dogs. They enjoy exploring their environment and engaging in interactive games. Their inquisitive mindset makes them adventurous, but it also means they can get into mischief if left unsupervised.
Care
- Exercise: Dachshunds have moderate exercise needs. Daily walks (20-30 minutes) and play sessions are ideal to keep them physically and mentally stimulated. Their elongated bodies make them prone to back issues, so activities involving jumping or strenuous exercise should be avoided. Providing opportunities to sniff and explore, in line with their hunting instincts, keeps them happy and engaged.
- Grooming: Dachshunds come in three coat types—smooth, longhaired, and wirehaired—each with distinct grooming needs: Smooth-coated Dachshunds require minimal grooming, with weekly brushing to remove loose hair. Longhaired Dachshunds need more frequent brushing (2-3 times a week) to prevent tangles and matting. Wirehaired Dachshunds benefit from weekly brushing and occasional hand-stripping to maintain their coat texture. Routine care includes nail trimming, ear cleaning, and regular dental hygiene, as Dachshunds are prone to dental issues.
- Training and Socialization: Training a Dachshund can be challenging due to their independent nature. Positive reinforcement with treats and praise works best. Early socialization is crucial to help them develop confidence and reduce tendencies toward barking or aggression. Introducing them to different people, environments, and other animals during puppyhood helps them become well-adjusted adult dogs.
Dachshund Summary
Weight
Lifespan
Exercise
Trainability
Temperament
GroomingWhat to ask your breeder?
Here's a short summary of what you should be asking your breeder:
Dachshund Health Testing
| Screening | Considerations |
|---|---|
| ACVO Eye Exam | Eye Examination by a boarded ACVO Ophthalmologist. |
| Patellar Luxation | Veterinary Evaluation of Patellar Luxation at 12 months of age or older. |
| Cardiac Evaluation | (Optional but recommended) Advanced Cardiac Exam. Standard Congenital Cardiac Exam. Basic Cardiac Exam. |
How Much Does It Cost to Own a Dachshund Per Year?
Determining the cost of owning a Dachshund is essential for responsible dog ownership. Use our calculator to estimate expenses, including food, grooming, veterinary care, and more.
The Ultimate Dog Cost Calculator
Calculate NowFrequently Asked Questions About Dachshund
When you talk to a breeder, you're not just asking “do you have available Dachshund puppies?” You're looking for a match in the process of rehoming a dog. As a prospective dog owner, you are assessing how predictable the dog's health, temperament, and long-term welfare will be and whether the breeder's practices reduce avoidable risk.
You should engage in a conversation about the following topics:
- Which health tests and genetic screening do you do specifically for Dachshund, and can I see the results?
- What do you do if a puppy develops a serious genetic condition? What contract, policies and support do you offer as a breeder?
- How are puppies raised from birth to 8+ weeks? Ask about socialization, philosophies on early neurological development, handling, and exposure.
The real cost of a dog isn't just the puppy price. After year one, the cost of a dog includes the predictable annual costs + the unpredictable “risk costs.” Your goal is to make the cost legible before you commit, as one of the top causes of surrendering a dog is not being able to afford the dog in later years.
To help you assess these costs, Paction has created the Ultimate Cost Calculator. You can also read an article written by a Paction breeder on why a prospective dog owner should focus on the ongoing costs of dog ownership and not “how much” the puppy costs.
Every dog breed has certain health issues that tend to occur more often, but what matters most is how predictable and preventable those risks are. For many breeds, common concerns include inherited conditions (such as orthopedic, eye, or cardiac issues) as well as lifestyle-related challenges like weight management, dental health, skin or ear problems, and anxiety.
Responsible breeders help reduce inherited risk through appropriate health testing, careful selection of breeding pairs, and transparency about family history. To understand more about responsible breeding programs that prioritize health and genetic screening of breeding pairs, check out Making Science Simple: Canine Genetics for Puppy Shoppers.
As an owner, you play an equally important role. Consistent preventive veterinary care, proper exercise and enrichment, healthy nutrition, and early screening can significantly improve long-term health outcomes.
Whether a Dachshund is right for you depends less on the breed itself and more on how well its typical energy level, temperament, and care needs align with your daily life. Important factors include your schedule and activity level, living environment, household dynamics (such as children, other pets, or allergies), and tolerance for noise or independence. Long-term fit also comes down to maintenance like grooming, training needs, and how often you travel or rely on outside dog care.
Use Paction's Dog Breed Matchmaker and Pup Time Estimator to find out more about what dog is right for you.
