The Dachshund is a small, long-bodied hound from Germany, built to follow a scent trail and go underground after badgers. Today it's one of the most recognizable dogs in the world, and one of the most misunderstood. It's loyal and funny, it's louder than its size suggests, and it has a back that needs real care. Here's everything a future owner should know, in one place.

Dachshund at a glance

  • Sizes: two in the US and UK, standard and miniature. Germany recognizes a third, the Kaninchen ("rabbit dog"), sized by chest measurement.
  • Weight: the AKC standard says standards are usually 16 to 32 lb and miniatures 11 lb and under at 12 months and older. The UK Kennel Club says miniatures should preferably weigh under 5 kg. PDSA gives 9 to 12 kg for standards and 4.5 to 5 kg for miniatures. Our sources don't give separate male and female ranges.
  • Height: about 20 to 27 cm (8 to 10.5 in) at the shoulder for standards and 13 to 18 cm (5 to 7 in) for miniatures, according to PDSA.
  • Lifespan: 12 to 15 years (AKC). A 2024 UK study of over half a million dogs put the Miniature Dachshund's median life expectancy at 14 years, among the longest of any breed.
  • Coats: smooth, longhaired and wirehaired.
  • Energy: moderate to high for the size. More active than most people expect.
  • Shedding: all three coats shed, year-round.
  • Grooming effort: low for smooths, moderate for longs and wires.
  • Trainability: smart but independent. Food-motivated training works best.
  • Barking: high. They're alert watchdogs with a surprisingly deep bark.
  • Good with kids: with older, gentle children and supervision. Sources disagree about toddlers (more below).
  • Good with other dogs: usually, if socialized.
  • Good with cats and small pets: a cat they grew up with, maybe. Rabbits, guinea pigs and rodents, not recommended.
  • Alone time: low tolerance. Prone to separation anxiety.
  • Apartment living: workable. The Kennel Club says they suit a small house with a small to medium garden, in town or country.
  • Heat and cold: none of our sources give breed-specific guidance, so ask your vet.

Where the Dachshund comes from

"Dachshund" is German for "badger dog." In Germany the breed is also called the Teckel, and it was used to track wounded game such as deer and to go to ground after badgers and rabbits. The Kennel Club notes some Dachshunds are still worked this way.

The short legs keep the nose close to the ground for scenting. The long, narrow body slides into a burrow. The AKC standard describes a dog "well-suited for below-ground work and for beating the bush," and calls the breed "courageous to the point of rashness."

According to the AKC, all Dachshunds were originally smooth-coated, and breeders likely crossed in other breeds to create the longhaired and wirehaired varieties. The Dachshund Club of America was founded in 1895.

The breed paid for its German roots twice. Popularity fell in Britain and the US after both World Wars, and during WWI the AKC even tried calling them "badger dogs." The new name didn't stick.

That hunting history explains the everyday Dachshund. A dog bred to face a badger alone in a tunnel doesn't wait for permission. You'll see it in the digging, the barking at every noise, the nose glued to the ground on walks and the stubborn streak when something more interesting is going on.

Dachshund personality in real life

With family. Affectionate, playful and loyal, says PDSA. Many love to burrow into cozy spaces, which makes sense for a dog built to go underground.

With strangers. The AKC describes them as vigilant and vocal watchdogs. With good socialization they can be friendly to new people, but expect a round of barking first.

With children. This is where sources split. PDSA says Dachshunds are generally good with children of all ages, with supervision. The AKC is more cautious and says the breed may not be the best choice for families with young children, doing better with older, responsible kids. The worry is the back. A toddler who picks up a Dachshund the wrong way, or drops one, can cause a serious injury. If you have young children, teach them to sit on the floor to cuddle and never to lift the dog.

With other animals. Socialized Dachshunds generally get on with other dogs. Prey drive is strong, so PDSA doesn't recommend them in homes with small pets like rabbits or rodents. A cat they've grown up with may be fine, with supervision.

Independence and quirks. They're clever and know their own minds, and a good smell beats your voice most days. They also don't like being left. PDSA and Animal Friends both mention separation anxiety.

Daily life: exercise, training and space

How much exercise. PDSA recommends at least an hour a day for standards and about 30 minutes for miniatures, split into a couple of walks. Make one of them a slow, sniffy walk. Dachshunds are scent hounds, and sniffing tires them out in a good way. The AKC suggests two walks a day and warns that running around the house isn't enough.

Exercise matters for the back too. In the 2015 DachsLife survey of over 2,000 Dachshunds, dogs exercised for under 30 minutes a day had higher odds of disc disease, and dogs exercised for more than an hour had lower odds.

Mental work. Scent games, puzzle feeders and hide-and-seek with treats are perfect for this breed. Keep off-lead play to securely fenced areas.

Training that works. Use reward-based training from day one, with short sessions, clear rules and patience. The AKC says their intelligence and independence can come across as stubbornness, and prey drive pulls their focus away from you. Food helps a lot. Harsh methods backfire with a dog this proud. Start working on barking early; PDSA says early training can reduce it.

Space. A Dachshund can live happily in an apartment if it gets its walks. A small garden is a bonus; check the fence for gaps underneath, because these dogs were bred to dig.

Stairs, jumping and the sofa. Here's another place where sources disagree, and you should know both sides. The AKC says Dachshunds shouldn't run up and down stairs or jump off furniture, and PDSA says they shouldn't jump because it can damage their backs. Cornell's Riney Canine Health Center suggests steps or ramps to cut down jumping on and off furniture. But the DachsLife 2015 data found that dogs who were not allowed to jump on and off furniture had higher odds of disc disease. A sensible middle ground: keep your dog lean and fit, use ramps for high furniture and the car, and talk to your vet about what's right for your dog.

Coat and grooming

Each coat needs something a little different:

  • Smooth: short and shiny. A weekly brush is enough. The AKC says smooths have little body odor and are generally clean dogs.
  • Longhaired: sleek, often slightly wavy and longer under the neck. Brush a few times a week, especially after long walks, to stop mats forming behind the ears and on the legs.
  • Wirehaired: a tight, short, thick, rough outer coat. Brush weekly and book a professional groom a few times a year. Hand-stripping the coat reduces shedding.

All three shed year-round, with more in spring and fall. No Dachshund is hypoallergenic.

The AKC recommends trimming nails monthly.

Colors include black and tan, chocolate and tan, red, silver dapple and blue and tan, plus brindle and dapple patterns. Since 2010 the UK Kennel Club won't register puppies from dapple-to-dapple matings, because of risks to sight and hearing.

Food and weight

Keeping a Dachshund lean is one of the best things you can do for its back. A referral study summarized by Dachshund Health UK found that being overweight raised the risk of disc problems, and Cornell lists ideal weight as the first prevention step.

PDSA suggests feeding two meals a day, keeping treats under 10% of daily calories and leaving a gap between eating and exercise. Dachshunds are food-driven, so treats used in training count toward the day's total.

Your vet can help you find the right amount for your dog's size, age and activity. Talk to your vet before starting any supplements; Cornell notes omega fatty acids or glucosamine "may offer some benefit" but there are no Dachshund-specific trials.

Dachshund health problems

This section is for awareness. If you notice any of these signs, talk to your vet.

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). This is the big one. Dachshunds are chondrodystrophic, which means the jelly-like centers of their spinal discs harden early, from birth to about one year, according to Cornell. A hardened disc can bulge or burst and press on the spinal cord. Dachshund Health UK says the breed's risk is 10 to 12 times higher than other breeds, and an estimated 19 to 24% of Dachshunds show signs in their lifetime.

Rates differ by variety. In the 2018 DachsLife surveys quoted by the Kennel Club, 21.1% of 1,173 dogs over three years old had IVDD, with the highest rate in Miniature Smooths (29.9%) and the lowest in Wires (8.6%). The 2015 survey ranked Standard Smooths highest. Both found the wire and long coats at lower risk.

Warning signs from Cornell and the Kennel Club: reluctance to jump, walk, be petted or be picked up; crying out when moving; a hunched or arched back; wobbly or weak back legs; knuckling of the paws; house soiling; and, in severe cases, paralysis. Treatment ranges from rest and medication to surgery, and early treatment gives the best chance. If your Dachshund suddenly can't use its back legs, it's an emergency. Call your vet straight away.

Eye disease. Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) caused by the cord1 gene affects miniatures. The Kennel Club calls the cord1 DNA test essential for Miniature Smooths, and it's required for Kennel Club Assured Breeders of Miniature Longs. PDSA also lists dry eye.

Lafora disease. A late-onset, inherited epilepsy, one of the most severe in dogs. It's a priority mainly in Miniature Wirehaired Dachshunds. A UK testing program led by Fitzpatrick Referrals cut the share of at-risk dogs from 10.4% to 2.7% between 2012 and 2017.

Other conditions. The Kennel Club's Breed Watch lists color dilution alopecia, mitral valve (heart) disease and pes varus (a leg deformity). In DachsLife 2015, owners reported skin allergies in 13.1% of dogs, heart murmurs in 3.5% and arthritis in 3.1%.

Health screenings to ask about. If you're buying a puppy, ask the breeder about:

  • IVDD X-ray screening. The UK Kennel Club and Dachshund Health UK scheme, launched in 2021, screens dogs once between 24 and 48 months and grades them 0 to 3 by the number of calcified discs. Breeders use a color-coded mating table. Even two grade 0 parents can't guarantee an unaffected puppy, but it lowers the odds.
  • PRA cord1 DNA test for miniatures.
  • Eye exams under the BVA/KC/ISDS Eye Scheme.
  • Lafora disease blood test for Miniature Wires.

Lifespan. Typically 12 to 15 years. Two Dachshunds have held the Guinness record for oldest living dog, including Chanel, who lived to 21.

Puppy, adult and senior years

Puppy (up to about 1 year). A Dachshund puppy is bold, nosy and into everything. Keep exercise gentle while they grow, says PDSA, and start socialization and reward-based training early. Learn to lift your puppy properly, supporting the chest and back end together.

Adult (1 to about 8 years). This is when disc problems most often first appear, often in young adults. Keep your dog lean and fit. If you plan to breed, the IVDD screening window is 24 to 48 months.

Senior (8 years and up). Many Dachshunds stay lively well into their teens. Older dogs had higher odds of IVDD in the DachsLife data, and arthritis becomes more common. Ramps and regular vet checks help.

How much does a Dachshund cost?

Costs vary a lot by country, so here's what our sources say:

  • Buying a puppy (US): SpiritDog Training puts breeder puppies at $1,500 to $3,500, averaging about $2,200, and classified-ad puppies at $300 to $600.
  • Adopting (US): rescue fees can be as low as about $300, according to the same source.
  • Yearly care (US): about $1,000 to $2,000 in the first year and roughly $600 to $1,500 a year after that (SpiritDog Training).
  • Yearly care (UK): PDSA estimates at least £65 a month after purchase and set-up, and over £11,000 over a Dachshund's lifetime.
  • Grooming: wirehaired Dachshunds need a professional groom a few times a year. Smooths rarely need one.
  • Back surgery: one US veterinary neurology practice quotes $10,000 to $15,000 for IVDD surgery including MRI and hospital stay. That's a single provider's figure, but it shows why pet insurance is worth pricing up before you bring a Dachshund home.

We couldn't find a reputable source for euro prices, so check with local rescues and your vet.

Myths and lesser-known facts

  • Myth: Dachshunds don't shed. All three coats shed. None is hypoallergenic.
  • Myth: a Dachshund should never jump. The research is mixed. Fitness and a lean body seem to matter as much as avoiding jumps.
  • The first Olympic mascot was a Dachshund. Waldi was the mascot of the 1972 Munich Games, and the marathon route was laid out in the shape of a Dachshund.
  • Hot dogs may be named after them. The AKC says the sausage "may have been" called a Dachshund sausage first.
  • They race. Dachshund races began in Australia in the 1970s. The Wiener Nationals have run in Southern California since 1995.

Is a Dachshund right for you?

The good:

  • Loyal, affectionate and very funny.
  • Small enough for an apartment, tough enough for country walks.
  • Long-lived, especially miniatures.
  • Easy coat care for smooths.

The hard parts:

  • They bark. A lot, if nobody teaches them otherwise.
  • They don't like being left alone.
  • Training takes patience.
  • The back needs lifelong care, and treatment can be expensive.
  • Strong prey drive around small pets.

Honestly, a Dachshund isn't a good match if you're out of the house for long workdays, live with rabbits or guinea pigs, or want a dog that comes back the instant you call. It's a great match if you want a big personality in a small body and you're happy to walk, train and watch its weight.

Getting a Dachshund responsibly

Start with rescue. Dachshunds do need new homes. In the US, the Dachshund Club of America runs a rescue program with a list of rescue contacts. In the UK, the Kennel Club's Find a Rescue directory lists breed rescue co-ordinators who know the breed and carry out home checks.

If you're buying a puppy, ask the breeder:

  • Have the parents been IVDD X-ray screened? What grades?
  • Have they had the PRA cord1 DNA test (miniatures) and an eye exam?
  • For Miniature Wires, have they been tested for Lafora disease?
  • Can I meet the mother with her puppies?

Red flags:

  • No health test results, or "the vet checked them" instead of real results.
  • Puppies from dapple-to-dapple matings.
  • A seller who won't let you see the mother with the puppies.

When your Dachshund comes home, keep the collar and ID tag on and get the microchip details registered in your name. A scent hound who catches a smell under the fence can be gone in seconds. If that ever happens, you can report it on Paw Alert, our free app, so people nearby can watch out for them.

Frequently asked questions

Do Dachshunds shed?

Yes. All three coat types shed year-round, with more shedding in spring and fall. Smooths shed lightly but constantly, longhairs tend to shed more, and hand-stripping a wirehaired coat reduces shedding.

Are Dachshunds good with kids?

They can be, with gentle older children and supervision. The AKC suggests they may not suit families with very young children, mainly because of their fragile backs. Teach kids never to pick the dog up and to play calmly on the floor.

How long do Dachshunds live?

Usually 12 to 15 years, and many live longer. A 2024 UK study gave Miniature Dachshunds a median life expectancy of 14 years, among the longest of any breed.

How much does a Dachshund cost?

In the US, a breeder puppy usually costs $1,500 to $3,500 and a rescue adoption can be about $300. PDSA estimates UK owners spend at least £65 a month after set-up. Budget for insurance too, because back surgery can cost thousands.

Can Dachshunds be left alone?

Not for long. Dachshunds bond closely and are prone to separation anxiety. Build up alone time slowly and arrange a dog walker or sitter for long days.

Is it bad for Dachshunds to use stairs or jump?

Advice differs. The AKC and PDSA recommend limiting stairs and jumping, while DachsLife research found that dogs kept from jumping on furniture had higher odds of disc disease. Keep your dog fit and lean, use ramps for high places and talk to your vet.

Do Dachshunds bark a lot?

Yes, they're vocal watchdogs with a deep bark. PDSA says early training can reduce barking.

What health tests should Dachshund parents have?

In the UK, the Kennel Club recommends IVDD X-ray screening, eye exams and the PRA cord1 DNA test for miniatures, plus a Lafora disease test for Miniature Wirehaired Dachshunds. Ask to see the written results.

Sources