Got a Dachshund? Check your pet with Pawcode
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Dogs
Dachshund
The bold "sausage dog" bred to go to ground.
The Dachshund is a long-bodied, short-legged hound bred in Germany to hunt badgers underground. Available in three coat types and two sizes, it is clever, brave and stubborn, combining a big-dog bark and tenacity with an affectionate, comical nature.
OriginGermany
SizeSmall (Standard and Miniature)
Life span12–16 years
Weight4–15 kg (9–32 lb) depending on size
CoatSmooth, longhaired or wirehaired
Temperament & personality
- Bold
- Clever
- Stubborn
- Playful
Dachshunds are lively, curious and courageous well beyond their size, with a strong prey drive and an independent, sometimes obstinate streak from their hunting heritage. They bond closely with their people, can be wary of strangers and make alert, vocal watchdogs. Positive, patient training suits their clever but wilful nature.
At a glance
Activity level2 / 3
Affection3 / 3
Shedding2 / 3
Grooming needs2 / 3
Vocalness3 / 3
Scale: low to high (1–3)
Grooming & care
Grooming depends on coat: smooth needs little, longhaired needs regular brushing, and wirehaired needs periodic hand-stripping. The defining care issue is the long back — they are highly prone to disc disease, so keep them lean, discourage jumping on and off furniture, and support the spine when lifting.
Common colours
- Red
- Black and tan
- Chocolate and tan
- Cream
- Dapple
- Brindle
Good with
- Families
- Children
- Other pets
- First-time owners
- Apartment living
Health tendencies to watch
Every breed has predispositions. These are things worth discussing with your vet — not diagnoses.
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) — the breed's primary health concern
- Obesity, which greatly increases spinal risk
- Patellar luxation and elbow issues
- Progressive retinal atrophy in some lines — DNA-testable
Informational only. Pawcode is not a veterinary service and does not replace professional advice.
Fun facts
1
"Dachshund" means "badger dog" in German
2
The first known Olympic mascot, at Munich 1972, was a Dachshund named Waldi
3
Their loud, deep bark was bred in so hunters could hear them underground
Frequently asked questions
Why are Dachshunds prone to back problems?
Their long spine and short legs (a form of dwarfism) predispose them to intervertebral disc disease, so weight control and avoiding jumps are vital.
Are Dachshunds easy to train?
They are intelligent but independent and stubborn, so training takes patience, consistency and reward-based methods; house-training in particular can be slow.