Dachshund overview
With their iconic long body and short legs, the Dachshund is one of the most recognisable breeds in the world. Originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers, these small but mighty dogs have an adventurous spirit, a keen nose, and a big personality packed into a small frame.
Dachshunds are intelligent and full of character. While they can be loving and playful pets, they also require consistent training and plenty of mental stimulation to prevent them from becoming restless. Don't let their small size fool you, either; the breed has a tendency towards obesity, so mental stimulation should be combined with physical exercise to ensure they stay healthy and happy.
The variety in Dachshund coat types — from smooth-coated to long-haired — means grooming requirements can range from minimal to moderate.
Whether you're considering a Miniature Dachshund size or a Standard Dachshund size, they make delightful companions for the right households.
Dachshund life expectancy
Thinking about adopting a Dachshund? Check your local shelter first!
Dachshund temperament and characteristics: what makes them unique?
A Dachshund's grooming and hygiene needs
A Dachshund's behaviour and training needs
A Dachshund's mental and physical stimulation
Can Dachshunds be left alone all day?
A Dachshund's nutritional requirements
Are Dachshunds a good family dog?
Dachshund breeding and finding a responsible breeder
Similar dog breeds
Dachshund life expectancy
One of the many appealing aspects of the Dachshund breed is its impressive longevity. The average Dachshund life expectancy is between 12–16 years, although some thrive well beyond this window — meaning you'll likely enjoy over a decade of companionship.
Some Dachshunds have even been known to reach 17–18 years!
To maximise your Dachshund's life expectancy and ensure they live a full and happy life, you should maintain a balanced diet, keep up with regular vet checkups, and stay on top of grooming and exercise. Because Dachshunds are predisposed to back issues, such as intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), it's also important to monitor their weight and discourage jumping from high surfaces to reduce spinal stress.
Thinking about adopting a Dachshund? Check your local shelter first!
Many Dachshunds end up in shelters when owners underestimate the breed's exercise or grooming needs or when financial constraints arise. By adopting a Dachshund, you can give a deserving dog a second chance and help ease shelter overcrowding, making space for other dogs in need. Plus, adoption fees typically cover spaying/neutering, vaccinations, and sometimes microchipping, which can save you lots of money compared to buying a puppy from a breeder.
Adopting a dog, especially a mixed breed, can also offer health benefits. Mixed-breed Dachshunds — often referred to as 'Doxies' crossed with other breeds — may be healthier overall due to ‘hybrid vigour’, potentially reducing the risk of breed-specific genetic conditions.
Dachshund temperament and characteristics: what makes them unique?
Given their small size, you may be surprised that Dachshunds were originally bred in Germany as fearless hunters used to pursue badgers into their dens. Their short legs, long back, and strong chest made them perfectly suited to digging and manoeuvring underground. Although they've since transitioned from working dogs to cherished companions, this fearless determination is still evident in the Dachshund temperament today.
These little dogs possess surprisingly bold personalities — they're big dogs in little bodies. The Dachshund temperament is curious, playful, and sometimes a little stubborn. Dachshunds are intelligent and often quite independent; while they love to be close to their families, they may challenge training efforts if they sense an opportunity to explore on their own terms.
The breed comes in three coat varieties (smooth, long-haired, and wire-haired) and two main sizes: Miniature Dachshund size and Standard Dachshund size.
Dachshund size categories:
- The Miniature Dachshund size stands between 13–18 cm and typically weighs under 5 kg. These dogs are ideal for small apartments or families seeking a smaller lap dog.
- The Standard Dachshund size stands between 20–23 cm and generally weighs between 7–14 kg. These dogs are suited to households with more space or active owners who enjoy daily outdoor adventures.
Similar breeds:
A Dachshund's grooming and hygiene needs
Dachshunds come in three coat types — smooth, long-haired, and wire-haired — each with its own grooming requirements. Smooth-coated Dachshunds require weekly brushing with a soft bristle brush to remove loose hairs and distribute skin oils.
Long-haired Dachshunds benefit from daily brushing using a slicker brush to prevent tangles and mats, especially behind the ears and around the chest. Wire-haired Dachshunds need occasional hand-stripping or brushing with a firm bristle brush to maintain their coarse texture and remove dead hairs.
For smooth-haired Dachshunds, dog grooming costs are usually relatively low as they require minimal grooming. However, long-haired Dachshunds will benefit from regular haircuts. You should also bathe your Dachshund every 4–6 weeks or as needed, depending on their activity level and coat type. Use a gentle dog shampoo formulated for their skin pH to avoid dryness.
Bad breath in dogs can be caused by poor oral hygiene. Just like in the mouths of humans, plaque is continually forming on the surface of a dog's teeth. When soft, plaque can be easily brushed or wiped away, which is why it's important to brush your dog's teeth or provide an oral care chew, such as Pedigree DentaStix, every day. Plaque that remains on the teeth for about 4 days or more will harden and become tartar, which is not easily removed. Regular ear cleaning and nail clipping are also essential.
A Dachshund's behaviour and training needs
The Dachshund temperament can make training both rewarding and challenging. They're clever but independent, which sometimes translates into stubbornness. That said, with consistency, this breed can be trained effectively.
Positive reinforcement is the most effective method: use adult dog treats, praise, and play to encourage desired behaviours. Short, engaging dog training sessions (5–10 minutes at a time) are best for holding their attention. They'll test boundaries if training sessions drag on too long or become repetitive!
Excessive barking, digging, and separation anxiety are common behavioural challenges for this breed. To curb barking, teach the 'quiet' command by rewarding silence and redirecting attention to toys or commands. For digging, provide a designated digging area if possible and ensure your dog gets enough physical exercise and mental stimulation — through chews and puzzle toys, for example — to reduce boredom and the urge to dig. Alone time should be gradually increased to reduce separation anxiety.
A Dachshund's mental and physical stimulation
Dachshunds are energetic for their size and highly intelligent, meaning they thrive on a mix of physical exercise and mental challenges, such as puzzle toys or scent games. Daily walks (at least 30 minutes — less when walking your puppy) combined with play sessions will satisfy their hunting instincts. Without this stimulation, Dachshunds may resort to undesirable boredom-related behaviours like barking, chewing, or digging.
Dachshunds are also prone to obesity, which exacerbates back problems and shortens their lifespan. A combination of mental and physical stimulation will help manage their weight and prolong a Dachshund's life expectancy, ensuring they live a long and healthy life.
Can Dachshunds be left alone all day?
Ideally, a Dachshund shouldn't be left alone for more than four to six hours at a time. Due to their social nature, Dachshunds don't do well on their own, and long absences will often lead to separation anxiety, barking, or destructive behaviours. Puppies should only be left alone in short bursts to allow for regular toilet opportunities (this will also teach them that their family leaves the home but comes back soon). However, each dog is different, so how long you can leave a dog alone will depend on the individual.
A Dachshund’s nutritional requirements
Nutrition is key to supporting the long Dachshund life expectancy and overall health. A healthy diet should include quality protein (from chicken, lamb, or fish) to build and maintain lean muscle, complex carbohydrates (brown rice, sweet potatoes) for energy, and fats for a healthy coat and skin. Vitamins and minerals are also vital for joint care, digestion, and immune function, so you may want to consider Pedigree® Multivitamins to ensure your Dachshund receives all necessary nutrients.
Given the breed's tendency toward obesity, portion control is also crucial. Always follow feeding guidelines based on weight and activity level, and avoid free feeding.
Are Dachshunds a good family dog?
Although breeds like Golden Retrievers and Beagles often come to mind first when thinking of the best family dogs, Dachshunds can also make wonderful family dogs when trained and socialised properly. You should introduce them early and gradually to other pets and family members to ensure a smooth transition.
These dogs are affectionate and loyal and often form strong bonds with their families. Around children, they can be playful and patient, but supervision is always recommended. Their small size and long backs make them vulnerable to accidental injury during rough play, so always teach children to handle a Dachshund gently.
The Miniature Dachshund size will fit comfortably in apartments or smaller homes, while the Standard Dachshund size will appreciate a garden where they can explore and dig. Regardless of the living environment, families should commit to daily walks and interactive play.
Dachshund breeding and finding a responsible breeder
If you decide to purchase a Dachshund puppy, make sure you choose an ethical breeder that's registered with the Kennel Club.
Finding a good dog breeder can be difficult, particularly as more puppies are now being advertised online, so you should always visit the breeder in person to see the puppies together with their mother. A responsible breeder will conduct health screenings for conditions prevalent in Dachshunds — like IVDD — to minimise genetic risks. They'll be transparent about lineage, provide veterinary records, and willingly answer your questions (and ask you lots of questions in return to make sure you'll take good care of the puppy).
However, dog adoption is a rewarding way to get a dog. Every dog deserves a loving home, so it's worth considering whether this route is right for you before looking at breeders. If you're not sure a Dachshund is the right choice, there are lots of other dog breeds to choose from!
