Dog · Hound
Dachshund
Bold, loyal, and long-backed — a big personality in a low-slung body.
- Origin
- Germany
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 7–15 kg (miniatures under 5 kg)
- Lifespan
- 12–16 years
- Apartment-friendly
- Yes
Dachshunds were bred to go into badger burrows, which explains their long bodies, short legs, deep chests, and fearless personalities. They come in three coat types — smooth, long-haired, and wire-haired — and standard or miniature sizes.
Their shape makes back health the biggest concern. Keeping them lean and limiting jumping is part of everyday life with a Dachshund.
With children: Fair — loyal but may be snappy if handled roughly; best with older, gentle children.
The full profile
Temperament, exercise, grooming, training, feeding, health watch-list, and the ideal home.
💛 Temperament
Courageous, clever, and stubborn. Often devoted to one person, and can be wary of strangers and quick to bark.
🎾 Exercise
Moderate daily walks and play; they enjoy digging and scent games. Avoid excessive stairs and jumping from furniture.
🪮 Grooming
Depends on coat type: smooth coats need little care; long-haired need regular brushing; wire-haired need occasional hand-stripping.
🎓 Training
Independent and can be slow to house-train. Use patience, consistency, and rewards.
🥣 Feeding
Portion-controlled meals to keep weight healthy.
Health watch-list
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
The breed is at high risk. Sudden back pain, reluctance to move, or wobbly legs need urgent vet care.
Obesity
Extra weight strains the back; measure food carefully.
Dental disease
Small mouths are prone to plaque buildup; brush regularly.
Eye conditions
Progressive retinal atrophy occurs in some lines.
The ideal home
Owners who will protect their back — ramps for sofas, limited stairs — and enjoy a characterful, vocal dog.
Is a Dachshund right for you?
✅ Often a great fit for
- Owners who want a small dog with a big personality
- Flat or apartment dwellers, with daily walks
- People who enjoy a confident, comical companion
- Homes willing to manage stairs and jumping carefully
⚠️ Think twice
- If your home has many stairs and no plan to manage them
- If you want a dog that is easy to house-train
- If barking at every noise would be a problem
- If you are not prepared for possible back problems
History of the Dachshund
Dachshunds were developed in Germany several hundred years ago to hunt badgers — the name means “badger dog”. Their long bodies and short legs let them follow quarry into burrows, and their loud bark helped hunters locate them underground.
Smaller versions were bred for rabbits and other small game. The breed comes in standard and miniature sizes and three coat types: smooth, long-haired, and wire-haired.
Fun fact
"Dachshund" means "badger dog" in German.
Breed profiles describe general tendencies — every animal is an individual. Health information here is general and not veterinary advice. Ask your veterinarian about screening, diet, and care for your own pet, and choose breeders or rescues who health-test and can answer your questions openly.