The Dachshund dog breed, also called the “wiener dog” or “sausage dog,” is a friendly, fun-loving small dog with a distinct, long body and short legs. This unique physique, a result of selective breeding for badger hunting, makes the Dachshund dog breed instantly recognizable. Despite their small size, these courageous canines possess a big personality, brimming with energy, curiosity, and a touch of stubbornness. Whether they’re proudly strutting their stuff on a walk or snuggling up close, Dachshunds have a way of charming their way into the hearts of dog lovers everywhere. They are popular apartment dogs and can do well in urban or rural environments.
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Dachshund Dog Breed Rundown
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Height: 8 to 9 inches (standard), 5 to 6 inches (miniature)
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Weight: 16 to 32 lbs. (standard), 11 lbs. and under (miniature)
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Lifespan: 12 to 16 years
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Origin: Germany
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Personality: Dachshunds are known for their lively and playful personalities. They are intelligent but can be stubborn, requiring patience and consistent training. These energetic pups are fiercely loyal to their families but may be wary of strangers. Despite their small size, they possess a big bark and can be quite vocal, making them excellent watchdogs.
Dachshund Appearance
The Dachshund dog breed is instantly recognizable by its elongated body and short legs. These small, long pups are often called “sausage dogs” or “weiner dogs” because of their unique shape. The AKC standard describes the Dachshund as “low to ground, long in body and short of leg.” Bred for hunting badgers in burrows, Dachshunds are long and well-suited to hunting in underground tunnels.
Dachshunds come in three different coat types: smooth, wirehaired, and longhaired. Smooth coats are short and dense, while wirehaired coats are coarse and wiry. Longhaired Dachshunds have a silky, flowing coat that can be either straight or slightly wavy. Daschunds typically have a confident, intelligent expression.
Dachshunds come in many color varieties, with coat colors ranging from solid red or cream to two colors of black and tan, blue and tan, chocolate and tan, fawn and tan, black and cream, blue and cream, and different brindle hues.
The Dachshund dog breed comes in two sizes, standard and miniature. Standard Dachshunds are small, standing 8 to 9 inches tall. Miniature Dachshunds are even small, at just 5 to 6 inches tall and weighing in at 11 pounds or less.
Dachshund History
The Dachshund dog breed, with its distinctive long body and short legs, has a long history dating back centuries. Originating in Germany, these pups were initially bred for badger hunting. They were developed by mixing hounds and terriers from England, Germany, and France. Their elongated bodies allowed them to easily navigate the narrow burrows of their prey, while their short legs provided leverage for digging and turning within confined spaces.
The name “Dachshund” is German, translating to “badger dog,” from Dachs meaning “badger” and Hund meaning “dog” in German. Dachshunds were versatile hunting dogs that were used for hunting badgers, rabbits, foxes, and even larger game like wild boar when hunting in packs.
Early Dachshunds were bred for both hunting above and below ground, showcasing their versatility and adaptability. Over time, these lively hunting dogs evolved, with selective breeding emphasizing specific traits. Smooth-haired Dachshunds were the original variety, followed by the development of wirehaired and longhaired coats.
The Dachshund dog breed has been recognized by the American Kennel Club since 1885 and has been a popular pet ever since. Dachshunds are fun-loving companions, making great pets with playful personalities and unwavering loyalty. While their hunting instincts may still kick in sometimes, they are most commonly kept as pets.
Today the wiener dog is one of the most popular dog breeds, as the Daschund consistently ranks in the top 10 dog breeds in the U.S., according to the American Kennel Club.
Dachshund Personality
Dachshunds have an energetic, bold temperament. These small hunters love to play and need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. Daily walks and playtime will help them flourish and prevent behavioral problems like excessive digging and barking. Interactive games like fetch or puzzle toys can help keep your Doxie mentally and physically stimulated.
Dachshunds usually get along well with other dogs and kids, but they can be accidentally injured by children due to rough handling and their small size. It’s crucial to supervise interactions and teach children to handle them gently.
Due to their hunting instincts, Dachshunds are courageous and have a strong prey drive that may make them chase down small animals. As with many hunting dogs, they also can be very independent-minded, which requires patience and consistency for training.
Dachshunds, despite their long bodies and short legs, can excel in several dog sports, including agility, rally, scent work, and Earthdog, a sport that allows them to hunt underground.
Training Dachshunds
The Dachshund dog breed is smart but sometimes stubborn. These small pups are known for their independent streak. Patience and positive reinforcement will help you train your pup. They are intelligent dogs, but their intelligence can sometimes be used to their advantage, finding loopholes in training.
The Dachshund’s strong prey drive can make distractions an obstacle during training. Keep training sessions short and engaging to maintain your Dachshund’s focus. Use reward-based training methods. Focus on praise, treats, and toys to motivate your dog. Avoid punishment, as it can damage your bond and increase anxiety.
As with all dogs, it’s best to start socialization with your Doxie early. Expose your Dachshund to different people, places, and other animals to prevent fear and aggression.
Despite their long bodies and short legs, Dachshunds can excel in several dog sports, including agility, rally, scent work, and Earthdog, a sport that allows them to hunt underground.
Famous Dachshund Dogs
Dachshunds are a storied breed with many admirers around the world. Famous people who have owned these loving long dogs include:
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Legendary artist Pablo Picasso owned a dachshund named Lump, who even appeared in some of his artwork.
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Iconic pop artist Andy Warhol had two dachshunds, Archie and Amos.
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President John F. Kennedy adopted a dachshund puppy while touring Europe, though he later developed an allergy.
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American newspaper publisher and politician William Randolph Hearst was a devoted dachshund owner who wrote an elegy for his beloved pet, Helen.
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Writer E. B. White’s dachshund Fred appeared in many of his famous essays.
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Pop star Adele has a dachshund named Louis Armstrong.
Dachshund Health
Dachshunds usually live long, with an average lifespan of 12 to 16 years. They can have some health issues, however, including:
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Back injuries are a common health issue for the Dachshund dog breed due to having such a long back. Keep your pup at a healthy weight to prevent weight gain and obesity, which places more stress on the spine.
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Intervertebral disc disease, or IVDD, is a problem for some Dachshunds. Their long, low-slung bodies and short legs put them at a higher risk for spinal problems.
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Eye conditions like progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts, and glaucoma can cause problems with vision for Doxies.
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Epilepsy and seizures can cause problems for some Dachshunds.
See your veterinarian for regular checkups and speak to them about any health issues you are concerned about with your pup.
Grooming Daschunds
Dachshunds require regular grooming to maintain their coat health. Smooth-coated Dachshunds need minimal grooming, with weekly brushing sufficient to remove loose hair. Longhaired Dachshunds require more frequent brushing to prevent matting and tangling. Wirehaired Dachshunds may need professional stripping to remove dead hair and maintain their coat texture. Regular nail trims, ear cleaning, and dental care are also essential for all Dachshund coat varieties.
Where to Get a Dachshund
Whether you’re looking for a good family dog or a city pup, the Dachshund is a great candidate.
You can adopt Dachshund puppies or dogs from a reputable breeder, breed rescue, or local shelter. Be sure to do yourresearch and visit your prospective pup to meet before adopting. If you adopt from a breeder, ask about health certifications, and the pup’s parents, and make sure your puppy is raised in a healthy environment with good socialization.
Here are some resources for adopting a Dachshund:
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Petfinder has lots of rescue dogs around the country and you can search for the Dachshund dog breed in your area at local rescues via Petfinder.
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Dachshund Club of America Inc. is the AKC-recognized breed club for the Dachshund in the U.S. The club hashealth resources, showing and sporting event information, and a directory of Dachshund breeders and rescues.
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Dachshund Rescue of North America is a network of Dachshund rescues in the northeast, southeast, and mid-Atlantic. They have Doxies available for foster and adoption.
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Furry Angels Dachshund Rescue (FADR) is a Dachshund rescue located in Rhode Island that has adoptable pups in the New England area.
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Dachshund Rescue of Los Angeles has Dachshunds available for adoption in the southern California area.
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Oregon Dachshund Rescue Inc. has pups for adoption in Oregon, Washington, and California.
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Midwest Dachshund Rescue has Dachshunds available in Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana.
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