Dachshund: The Complete Breed Guide — Three Sizes, One Big Personality
The Dachshund is a small dog with an enormous personality — bold, tenacious, and devoted. Find out what this iconic breed truly needs, and why spinal care is the single most important health issue for every owner.
TL;DR: The Dachshund (FCI Group 4) comes in three sizes (standard, miniature, rabbit) and three coat types (smooth, longhaired, wirehaired). It lives 12–16 years, but is highly prone to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) — the single most critical health factor for every owner to understand.
Why is the Dachshund such an iconic breed?
The Dachshund is one of the most recognisable breeds in the world — its long body, short legs, and elongated muzzle are unmistakable. Bred in Germany to hunt badgers and foxes underground, the Dachshund has retained its hunting character: it is bold, tenacious, and possesses an exceptional sense of smell. Today it is primarily a beloved family and city dog — in Germany it has long held a place in the top 5 most popular breeds. In English-speaking countries it is known as the Dachshund or Wiener Dog; in Germany as Dackel or Teckel.
View the Dachshund breed profile on Dog Breed Pedia with FCI parameters for all three sizes.
What is the Dachshund's temperament like?
The Dachshund is bold, curious, and has a strong will of its own — qualities it originally needed when hunting underground without the guidance of its handler. These same traits make the Dachshund a wonderful companion, but also a somewhat stubborn student during training. It is extraordinarily devoted to its family and can be possessive — it gets along well with other dogs when properly socialised. It barks more than many other small breeds; its hunting instinct compels it to alert to every sound. It is good with children, though small children should be taught to handle the dog carefully — lifting a Dachshund by its body without supporting the hindquarters can damage the spine.
What is IVDD and why is it the biggest health issue for Dachshunds?
IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease) is the most serious health problem for the Dachshund. Up to 25% of Dachshunds will experience an episode of IVDD during their lifetime, which can cause paralysis of the hind limbs. The underlying cause is chondrodystrophy — a genetic predisposition to premature disc degeneration that is linked to the breed's characteristically short legs. Preventive measures: block access to furniture for jumping (use ramps or steps), avoid overfeeding (every extra kilogram adds strain to the spine), and train without jumps or rearing on the hindlegs. MRI imaging and neurosurgical intervention can cost €3,000–6,000. Responsible breeders test parent pairs for IVDD predisposition (N/CDDY DNA test).
How much exercise does a Dachshund need?
The Dachshund needs 45–60 minutes of exercise per day, ideally split across two walks. Despite its small size it is an active dog with genuine exercise needs — a bored Dachshund will bark, destroy objects, or develop separation anxiety. Intense activities involving jumping (agility with obstacles), running on stairs, or long uphill climbs are not recommended. Swimming is an ideal activity — it places no strain on the spine. A Dachshund with access to a garden will happily dig holes; this instinct cannot be fully trained away, only redirected (for example, by designating a specific digging area).
Is training a Dachshund difficult?
The Dachshund is intelligent but stubborn — which makes training harder than with more biddable breeds. The key to success: short sessions (10–15 minutes), generous positive reinforcement (treats work brilliantly), patience, and a sense of humour. A Dachshund will learn what you want — but only when it finds the process enjoyable. Repetitive drills will bore it quickly. House training is a known challenge: Dachshunds are notorious for being harder to housetrain than other breeds — crate training is the recommended method. Underestimating the need for consistent training is the most common mistake Dachshund owners make.
What types of Dachshund are there and how do you choose?
The FCI recognises 3 sizes (standard: over 7 kg; miniature: 3.5–7 kg; rabbit: up to 3.5 kg) and 3 coat types (smooth, longhaired, wirehaired). Smooth-coated Dachshund: minimal coat maintenance, the most classic look. Longhaired: silky, flowing coat that requires regular brushing; generally the calmest temperament. Wirehaired: dense rough coat, more prominent beard, considered the most robust type. Puppy prices from FCI breeders: €700–1,500. Always ask for the N/CDDY DNA test for IVDD predisposition when purchasing.
Find verified Dachshund breeders on Dog Breed Pedia.