Dachshund
Quick Summary
Charming, determined hunters turned beloved companions. Best for owners who appreciate their mix of independence and affection. Back health awareness essential.
Contents
Weight Range
11-32 lbs
♂ Male: 16-32 lbs
♀ Female: 16-32 lbs
Height Range
13-23 inches
♂ Male: 8-9"
♀ Female: 8-9"
Life Expectancy
12-16 years
Average lifespan with proper care and nutrition
Intelligence
Rank #68
Average Intelligence
Breed Group
Hound Group
Originally bred for Developed in Germany during the 16th century, these skilled hunters excelled at pursuing badgers and other burrowing animals, with their name 'Dachshund' literally meaning 'badger dog'
Popularity
#12
Very popular breed choice
Compatibility Ratings
Behavior & Training
Physical Characteristics
| Male Height | 8"-9" |
| Female Height | 8"-9" |
| Male Weight | 16-32 lbs |
| Female Weight | 16-32 lbs |
| Coat Length | 2/5 |
| Drooling Level | 2/5 |
Cost & Ownership
Cost Category
Initial costs include $800-2000 for purchase, plus supplies. Monthly expenses cover food ($30-50), grooming ($30-40), and preventive care. Long-term health costs may increase due to breed-specific issues.
Training & Socialization
Training Difficulty
Bold and curious, Dachshunds combine playfulness with determination. Their hunting heritage shows in their keen tracking instincts and occasional stubbornness. While loving with family, they maintain an independent streak requiring patient, consistent training.
Social Needs
Dachshunds thrive on family interaction and form strong bonds. They can be reserved with strangers but generally get along well with other pets. Can handle moderate alone time if properly trained and exercised.
Breed Overview
Dachshunds, with their distinctive long bodies and short legs, embody a perfect blend of charm and determination. Their smooth, wirehaired, or longhaired coats come in various colors, complementing their alert, intelligent expressions and paddle-shaped paws. Standing 8-9 inches tall, these compact hounds possess muscular bodies designed for tracking prey into burrows, while their long, tapered muzzles and powerful jaws reflect their hunting heritage.
Key Highlights
Pros
- ✓ Adaptable to various living situations
- ✓ Affectionate with family
- ✓ Good watchdogs
- ✓ Minimal grooming needs
Cons
- ✗ Can be stubborn during training
- ✗ Prone to back problems
- ✗ May be vocal
- ✗ Can be challenging to housebreak
Breed Characteristics
| Temperament | Friendly, Curious, Spunky |
| Energy Level | Regular Exercise |
| Trainability | Agreeable |
| Grooming Needs | Weekly Brushing |
| Shedding | Occasional |
Exercise & Nutrition
Exercise Requirements
Requires 30-45 minutes of daily exercise through moderate walks, supervised play, and mental stimulation activities. While energetic, their short legs mean intensity should be moderate, with special attention to avoiding jumping that could strain their backs.
Diet & Nutrition
Feed 1-1.5 cups of high-quality dry food daily, divided into two meals. Monitor portion sizes carefully to prevent obesity, which is particularly problematic for their long backs. Consider joint-supporting supplements.
Adult Dachshunds need 1-1.5 cups of high-quality dog food daily, split into two meals. Choose food appropriate for their age and activity level. Weight management is crucial due to their prone-to-obesity nature.
Environment & Living Space
Living Requirements
Adaptable to apartments or houses, requiring minimal space but needing secure fencing. Ideal for indoor living with access to protected outdoor areas. Comfortable in various climates with proper shelter.
Requires minimal square footage but benefits from secure outdoor access. Adapts well to apartment living when properly exercised. Needs ramps or steps for furniture access to protect their backs.
Suitable Environments
Climate Suitability
History & Origin
German hunters crafted the Dachshund breed in the 1500s, developing their unique body structure specifically for badger hunting. Their low-to-ground build and powerful legs made them perfect for pursuing prey into underground dens.
Historical Purpose
Developed in Germany during the 16th century, these skilled hunters excelled at pursuing badgers and other burrowing animals, with their name 'Dachshund' literally meaning 'badger dog'.
Fun Fact
Despite their small size, Dachshunds were bred to hunt badgers, with their name literally meaning 'badger dog' in German!
Grooming & Maintenance
Special Considerations
Back injury prevention through proper handling and exercise control. Regular dental care needed. Weight management crucial for spine health.