Dachshund Puppies

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The Playful and Loyal Dachshund

The Dachshund is one of the most recognizable breeds in the world due to its long body and short legs. Don't let their small package fool you, they have a huge and infectious personality and love playing with their owners.


Dachshund At a Glance

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Dachshund At a Glance

  • Size: 5"-12", 12-32 lbs.
  • Lifespan: 10-13 years
  • Energy Level: medium
  • Coat: Can be short and smooth, longhaired, or wirehaired
  • Shedding: moderate
  • Hypoallergenic: No
  • Dog Group: Hound
  • Common Nicknames: Wiener Dog, Doxie

Dachshund Breed Guide

Learn More About Dachshunds

  • Temperament

    The Dachshund is a playful, loyal dog with a great deal of intelligence. They can be stubborn in their training, and sometimes have a tendency to be reserved around strangers. If raised in a house with children, Dachshunds rarely present a problem. However, if a Dachshund is not used to children, it can be aggressive against a child's playful actions. The Dachshund's personality can vary with coat type. For example, wire-haired Dachshunds may be mischievous due to their terrier background, while longhaired Dachshunds are calm and quiet. Smooth-haired Dachshunds have a temperament that falls somewhere in the middle. Either way, no matter the coat type, Dachshunds have earned a reputation as wonderful, loyal pets.

  • Health

    Dachshunds are generally a healthy breed but, because of their long and short frame, are at risk of spinal diseases like intervertebral disk disease and fragile backs. This breed is also prone to obesity, hip dysplasia, eye conditions, seizures, and patella luxation.

  • Activity Level

    Dachshunds require regular exercise to stay fit and to maintain strength in their long back. Breeders recommend two walks a day and playtime in the yard as a starting point. They can be aggressive with other dogs, be sure to keep them on a leash or in a fenced-in yard when they are outside.

  • Grooming

    The grooming needs of Dachshunds vary based on the type of coat they have. Smooth coats need little more than a wipe-down with a towel. Longhaired Dachshunds need more frequent brushing. Wirehaired coats need to be plucked or hand-stripped a few times a year and occasionally trimmed.

  • Shedding

    Dachshunds are moderate shedders, which differs based on which of the three coat types your dachshund has. Despite having different coat types, the Dachshund is not hypoallergenic.

  • Appearance

    The Dachshund is best known for its long body and short legs. They come in three coat types: smooth, longhair, and wirehair. Their coats can contain shades of red, black, chocolate, white, or gray, and may have tan markings that are spotted or dappled. They have a long muzzle with long droopy ears.

  • History

    The Dachshund was developed in Germany during the 1500s, although their origins could date as far back as to ancient Egypt. The breed was primarily bred to be a hunting dog and was popular among royals all across Europe, including Queen Victoria, who was especially fond of them. While Dachshunds come in three coat varieties today, the original Dachshunds were smooth-coated. Some believe that the smooth-coated Dachshund was crossed with Spaniels to produce a longer-haired variety. All three varieties of Dachshund were well-suited for hunting small mammals, especially badgers and foxes. Over the years, the breed has been carefully bred to achieve the best qualities and coat types. Since then, Dachshunds have remained beloved family pets and one of the most popular breeds in the Hound group.