Dachshund at a Glance: Quick Facts

Before diving deep, here’s a quick overview of the Dachshund’s key characteristics. This table provides a snapshot of the breed, from their temperament to their grooming needs.

Temperament

Courageous, clever, playful, stubborn, devoted, lively

Height

Standard: 8-9 inches; Miniature: 5-6 inches

Weight

Standard: 16-32 lbs; Miniature: Under 11 lbs.

Lifespan

12-16 years

Grooming Needs

Varies by coat type (Smooth, Longhaired, Wirehaired); generally moderate.

Exercise Level

Moderate; daily walks and playtime are sufficient

Good With

Families, singles, apartment dwellers. Good with children and other pets if socialized early.

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Shedding Level

Moderate; varies by coat type. Not considered hypoallergenic

The Soul of a Dachshund: Temperament and Personality

Vertical shot of a cute brown dwarf dachshund with a stylish scarf on its neck walking in a park

Don’t let their small size fool you; the Dachshund possesses the heart of a giant. Originally bred in Germany as formidable badger hunters, their personality is a fascinating blend of fearless courage, sharp intelligence, and playful charm. They are true hounds at heart: curious, determined, and sometimes comically stubborn. This stubborn streak isn’t a sign of low intelligence; rather, it’s a testament to their history as independent thinkers who had to make decisions underground without human direction.

A Dachshund is fiercely loyal to its family, forming deep and lasting bonds. They are one of the most affectionate breeds, thriving on cuddles and being close to their favorite people. This devotion also makes them excellent watchdogs. They are incredibly vigilant and will alert you with a surprisingly loud, deep bark—often described as a “big-dog bark”—at the first sign of a stranger. While initially wary of new people, a well-socialized Doxie will warm up once properly introduced. Their spunky and lively nature makes every day an adventure, and their clever antics will keep you entertained for years to come. They are, in essence, a big dog in a little dog’s body, full of confidence and charisma.

Is a Dachshund Right For Your Family & Lifestyle?

The Dachshund’s unique traits make them a perfect fit for some homes and a challenge for others. Honest self-assessment is key to ensuring a happy life for both you and your puppy.

A Dachshund is an ideal companion for:

Apartment Dwellers: Their small size makes them perfectly suited for city living, as long as they get their daily walks.

Individuals or Couples: They form strong one-on-one bonds and love being the center of attention.

Families with Older Children: They are playful and affectionate with kids who understand how to handle a dog gently, respecting their delicate back.

Homebodies: While they enjoy walks, they are equally happy to be a lap dog and snuggle on the couch.

You might want to reconsider a Dachshund if:

You Live in a Very Hot Climate: As a brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breed, Bulldogs are extremely sensitive to heat and can suffer from heatstroke easily.

You Want a Low-Maintenance Dog: Their intelligence combined with their stubbornness can make training, especially potty training, a test of patience.

You Can’t Stand Barking: While it can be managed with training, their instinct is to bark at new sights and sounds.

You Want an Off-Leash Hiking Buddy: Their strong prey drive means they are prone to chasing squirrels or other small animals and may ignore recall commands.

 

Caring for Your Dachshund: Needs & Recommendations

Proper care is essential for a healthy and happy Dachshund. Their needs are specific, particularly concerning their unique physique.

Diet & Nutrition

  • A balanced diet is crucial for a Dachshund, as they are prone to obesity. Excess weight puts dangerous strain on their long spine.

    • Recommendation: Feed a high-quality, portion-controlled kibble formulated for small breeds. Avoid free-feeding. Measure their food and stick to a regular feeding schedule (twice a day for adults). Monitor their body condition and adjust food intake as needed. Because they can be prone to bloat, avoid strenuous exercise immediately before or after meals.
Exercise Requirements

Dachshunds have moderate energy levels. They need regular activity to stay fit and prevent boredom, but it must be the right kind of activity.

  • Recommendation: Aim for two moderate walks per day, plus indoor playtime. Protect their back by avoiding high-impact activities. Discourage jumping on and off furniture; consider investing in doggy ramps to provide safe access to sofas and beds. This simple step can prevent a lifetime of back problems.
Grooming

Grooming needs vary based on the Dachshund’s three distinct coat types.

  • Smooth Coat: The easiest to maintain. Requires only a weekly wipe-down with a hound mitt or soft cloth to stay shiny and clean.
  • Longhaired Coat: This coat is sleek and slightly wavy and requires more attention. Brush several times a week with a pin brush or slicker brush to prevent mats and tangles, especially behind the ears and on their underbelly.
  • Wirehaired Coat: The wiry coat has a soft undercoat and a rougher outer coat. It needs weekly brushing to remove loose hair. To maintain its texture, it should be professionally hand-stripped two to three times a year rather than clipped.
  • All Coats: Regardless of coat type, regular nail trims, ear cleanings (their floppy ears can trap moisture), and dental care are essential.
Training & Socialization

Bulldogs are intelligent, but their stubborn nature requires a patient and consistent approach to training. Positive reinforcement is the only way to go. They are highly food-motivated, so reward-based training with their favorite treats works wonders. Keep training sessions short, fun, and engaging to hold their attention. Early and frequent socialization is key to ensuring they grow into well-adjusted adults who are comfortable around new people, dogs, and environments.

Health & Lifespan: What to Expect

Dachshunds are a generally healthy breed with an impressive lifespan of 12 to 16 years. However, their unique build makes them susceptible to certain health conditions. A responsible breeder is your first line of defense, as they screen their breeding dogs to minimize the risk of passing on hereditary issues.
The most significant concern for the breed is Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), a back condition that can lead to pain, nerve damage, and even paralysis. Protecting their back through proper weight management and preventing high-impact jumping is paramount.

Other potential health concerns include:

  • Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
  • Cushing’s Disease
  • Epilepsy
  • Diabetes
  • Bloat

When you choose a puppy from PuppyGuyz, you receive a comprehensive health guarantee and the peace of mind that comes from our rigorous breeder standards.

The History of the Dachshund: From Germany to Your Home

A Miniature Dachshund

The Dachshund’s story begins in Germany over 600 years ago, where their name literally translates to “badger dog” (Dachs = badger; Hund = dog). They were expertly bred to be the perfect badger hunter: their short legs allowed them to enter burrows, their long bodies let them navigate underground tunnels, their loud bark helped hunters locate them, and their courageous spirit enabled them to face a formidable foe.

While the standard size was perfect for badgers, hunters developed the miniature Dachshund to hunt smaller prey like rabbits. Working in packs, Dachshunds were even used to hunt wild boar. The breed’s popularity grew, and in 1885, the American Kennel Club (AKC) officially recognized them as a member of the Hound Group. Their charm is so universal that a Dachshund named “Waldi” was chosen as the first-ever official mascot for the 1972 Summer Olympics in Munich.

Meet Our Available Dachshund Puppies

Ready to meet your new best friend? Below you’ll find our current selection of happy, healthy, and pre-spoiled Dachshund puppies. Each one has been raised with love and is eager to join their forever family. Click on a puppy to see more photos, videos, and information.

Rosie female cavapoo
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Cavapoo – Rosie

$2,300.00
Duke Male Siberian Husky
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Siberian Husky – Duke

$2,300.00
Betty Siberian Husky Female
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Siberian Husky – Betty

$2,300.00
fern Female German Shepherd
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German Shepherd – Fern

$2,300.00
Rory Male German Shepherd
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German Shepherd – Rory

$2,300.00
Daisy female Labrador Retriever
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Labrador Retriever – Daisy

$2,300.00
Harry male Labrador Retriever
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Labrador Retriever – Harry

$2,300.00
Isabella female Labrador Retriever
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Labrador Retriever – Isabella

$2,300.00
View all Available Puppies

Find a Dachshund Near You

PuppyGuyz is proud to offer our premium, safe-and-sound home delivery service across the nation. No matter where you are, we can bring your perfect Dachshund puppy directly to your door. We have happy clients and breeder partners in the following states and beyond:

Looking for a English Bulldog puppy in your area? We deliver healthy, well-socialized puppies to families across the United States. Explore our available puppies by state to find the perfect addition to your family:

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Your Comprehensive Dachshund FAQ

We’ve compiled and answered the most common questions about Dachshunds, drawing from our own expertise and analyzing what prospective owners want to know.

Are Dachshunds good house dogs?

Absolutely. Their small size makes them fantastic for apartments and houses alike. As long as they receive daily walks and mental stimulation through play, they are perfectly content to be indoor companions.

How to potty train a Dachshund?

Patience and consistency are your best tools. Establish a strict routine, taking them out every two hours, especially upon waking and after meals. Use puppy pads as a backup. Watch for signs they need to go, like whining or circling. Always use positive reinforcement with praise and rewards; never scold them for accidents.

Are Dachshunds aggressive?

Dachshunds are not inherently aggressive, but they are courageous and can be defensive. Aggression can sometimes arise from fear, pain, or a lack of socialization. Early and consistent training and positive exposure to new people and situations will help ensure a well-mannered, confident dog.

Are Dachshunds good with kids?

Yes, they can be wonderful family dogs. However, interactions must be supervised, especially with young children. Kids need to be taught to handle the dog gently and to never pick them up improperly to protect the Dachshund’s delicate back.

When do Dachshunds stop growing?

Most Dachshunds reach their full height by about eight months of age, though they may continue to fill out and gain muscle until they are a year old.

Do Dachshunds shed?

Yes, they are considered moderate shedders. The amount of shedding varies by coat. Longhaired Dachshunds tend to shed the most seasonally, while smooth-haired Doxies shed small amounts year-round. Wirehaired Dachshunds shed the least of the three.

Are Dachshunds hypoallergenic?

No, Dachshunds are not a hypoallergenic breed. For allergy sufferers, the wire-haired variety is often the best choice as they shed the least and produce less dander.

Are Dachshunds smart?

Dachshunds are very intelligent dogs. However, their intelligence is often overshadowed by their profound stubbornness, a trait bred into them for independent hunting. This can make them challenging to train, but it doesn’t mean they don’t understand you!

How big do Dachshunds get?

Standard Dachshunds stand 8-9 inches tall and weigh 16-32 pounds. Miniature Dachshunds are 5-6 inches tall and weigh 11 pounds or less.

How long do Dachshunds live?

Dachshunds have a long lifespan, typically living between 12 and 16 years. Some miniature Dachshunds have been known to live even longer with excellent care.