Owning a Dachshund – History, Breed Traits & Health Concerns
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Dachshunds (often affectionally referred to as sausage dogs) are an incredibly popular breed, due to their big personalities and compact size. They also come in a mixture of colours and coat sizes, meaning there is something for everyone!
If you are considering owning a Dachshund, then you should know what to expect and how to provide the best care for them. As with all pedigree breeds, there are health concerns to be aware of which we will explore, as well as looking at their history, traits and their nutritional needs.
Table of contents
General Dachshund Facts
Breed variations
Two sizes are commonly seen in the UK, the standard Dachshund and the miniature Dachshund. In their native homeland of Germany, there is also the Kaninchen (rabbit dog).
Life expectancy
Over 12 years
Average height
Standard Dachshunds 18-30cm
Miniature Dachshunds 10-18cm
Average weight
Standard Dachshund weight can range from 9 to 12kg
Miniature Dachshunds should preferably weigh under 5kg
Coat types
There are three coat types – smooth, wire and long hair.
Recognised coat colours
Red, black or chocolate (both with tan markings), and dapple pattern. The Kennel Club recognises some other colours in the different Dachshund types.
Energy levels
Light to moderate
Temperament
Loyal, lively and intelligent
Most suited to
A small house with a modest garden is fine for them
Dachshund Vet Ratings
Adaptability ⭐⭐⭐
(3/5 moderately adaptable)
Friendliness/Social ⭐⭐
(2/5 not social with strangers)
Health ⭐⭐⭐
(3/5 all are prone to serious spinal problems)
Grooming Needs ⭐⭐⭐
(3/5 Smooth and wire coats require minimal effort whilst long haired coats will need more regular grooming)
Trainability ⭐⭐⭐⭐
(4/5 high prey drive which may interfere with trainability)
Exercise Needs ⭐⭐⭐
(2/5 require little exercise)
History of Dachshund: What were Dachshunds bred for?
Dachshunds originate from Germany where they were bred for tracking wounded game like deer, as well as flushing out rabbits and badgers. They originate from Germany where the translation of their name means ‘badger dog’.
Dogs had been used by Europeans since the Middle Ages to hunt badgers, but in the late 17th Century the Dachshund started to appear. By the 18th Century German foresters and hunters began to produce this type of dog consistently. Its small size, short legs and long body made it perfect for wriggling down badger sets. Unable to turn and run, the Dachshund would face the badger face-to-face. This explains why this breed has surprisingly large teeth for its size, as well as a strong, bold temperament.
Types of Dachshunds
There are two popular types of Dachshunds – the standard and the miniature. In Germany, a third type does exist which is the Kanichen (‘rabbit dog’). Within these types, there are an array of coat types and colours available.
Coat Types
There are three coat types found in Dachshunds: smooth, wire and long-haired. Smooth and wire-haired types only need brushing once a week, whereas long-haired dogs will need grooming much more often.
Coat Colours
In all types of Dachshund, the following colours are recognised by The Kennel Club - red, black or chocolate (both with tan markings), dapple pattern (lighter coloured areas on a darker base). However, some other coat colours are acknowledged. Miniature Smooth-haired and Miniature Long-haired may also come in cream (fawn) and black/chocolate with cream. Smooth-haired, Miniature Smooth-haired and Miniature Long-haired can be brindle. Wire-haired and Miniature Wire-haired can be Wild Boar of any shade or Chocolate Wild Boar with tan markings.
Do Dachshunds shed?
Like most breeds of dogs, Dachshunds do shed. The wire-haired variety tends to do a large shed twice a year, unlike the smooth and long coated which shed all year round.
Are Dachshunds hypoallergenic?
No dog can be considered truly hypoallergenic, as people are allergic to the dander (skin flakes). Dogs that don’t shed their fur can be better for owners with allergies or asthma than those that do, however. Dachshunds do shed, so cannot be considered hypoallergenic in any form.
The size, height, and weight of a Dachshund
The height range for a standard Dachshund is 18-30cm and a miniature Dachshund is 10-18cm.
The ideal weight of a standard Dachshund is 9-12kg and the maximum weight of a miniature Dachshund is 5kg.
These charts provide a guide of the approximate expected weight range for your puppy at key stages, based on these adult weights.
Standard Dachshund
Puppy’s age |
Adult weight 9-12kg |
3 months |
2.8 - 3.9kg |
4 months |
4 - 5.5kg |
6 months |
6 - 8.2kg |
8 months |
7.3 - 10kg |
10 months |
8 - 10.9kg |
12 months |
8.7 - 11.5kg |
Miniature Dachshund
Puppy’s age |
Adult weight – max 5kg |
3 months |
2.2kg |
4 months |
2.8kg |
6 months |
3.7kg |
8 months |
4.3kg |
10 months |
4.6kg |
12 months |
4.9kg |
If you wish to plot your puppy’s growth and get a more accurate idea of their predicted weight at various ages then take a look at these puppy growth charts.
Weight is only a guideline when it comes to managing your pet’s waistline. One of the best tools for keeping an eye on them is the Body Condition Score by WSAVA.
Behavioural Traits
Owning a Dachshund has pros and cons. Due to the heritage of their breed, Dachshunds have a strong prey drive and love to dig! They can also bark more than some other dogs and their loyalty to their owners can lead to separation anxiety when left alone. These Dachshund breed traits can be challenging for some owners but with the right care, mental stimulation and training, this intelligent and lively breed can still make a great pet.
Common Dachshund Health Concerns
Spinal issues
Back problems are extremely common in Dachshunds, in particular intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) which can cause pain and paralysis. Being overweight puts additional strain on the spine which increases the likelihood of disc disease and other issues.
Dietary sensitivities
Dachshunds can suffer from skin and gastrointestinal issues, which may be caused by dietary allergies. Environmental allergies can also play a role. To diagnose a food allergy, vets will advise a strict dietary food trial.
Pyoderma
Pyoderma (skin infection) is common in Dachshunds. This may be secondary to skin allergies. Dachshunds can also suffer from hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels) which can contribute to skin issues, as well as weight gain.
Weight issues/obesity
Care needs to be taken to ensure your Dachshund stays at a healthy weight. Their little legs and elongated backs will be put under strain if they carry too much weight, plus your dog will be more at risk of other conditions like diabetes and cancer.
What to feed your Dachshund
The right nutrition is key to keeping your Dachshund healthy. A well-balanced, good quality diet will support your dog’s growth, weight management and joint health.
Puppies: Dachshund puppies require good levels of high-quality protein to support growth. They also need the correct balance of calcium and phosphorus to ensure healthy bone development.
Our puppy recipes will help to support your growing Dachshund.
Adults: Dachshunds need a digestible, low-fat diet, with a good protein source. The right levels of fibre can also help your pet feel satisfied and ingredients rich in omega-3 fatty acids, glucosamine and chondroitin will support joint health.
Take a look at our exciting adult recipes made from whole cuts of meat and nutritious vegetables.
For more information on feeding you can check out our ’How much food should I feed my dog?’ blog.
Dachshund supplements
Diets that have added nutritional supplements can help to keep your Dachshund as healthy as possible. At Years, we use ingredients like rosehip powder which will help act as a natural anti-inflammatory which can be useful for joints, skin and heart disease. Other ingredients like coconut oil powder support the immune system and aid digestion, plus L-carnitine powder helps with fat metabolism. Carrot powder provides immune-boosting vitamins and minerals.
Summary
With a variety of sizes, coat types and colours there is a Dachshund for everyone! Just be mindful that these charming little dogs can experience health issues in their lifetime so pet insurance and a good quality diet are key when owning a Dachshund. If you want to find out more about how our recipes fit with your Dachshund’s nutritional requirements then don’t hesitate to contact us.
FAQs
How to pronounce Dachshund?
Dachshund is correctly pronounced ‘daks hund’. It is a German word which is made up of two parts when broken down.
Are Dachshunds good with kids?
If they have been appropriately socialised from a young age, Dachshunds can be good with kids. Their loyal, loving and playful nature makes them good family pets. However, they can get snappy and bark if play gets out of hand, so as with any breed of dog, children must always be supervised.
Do Dachshunds bark a lot?
Dachshunds are a vocal breed and are known for their barking. They will often bark at strangers, in particular. Socialisation from a young age is important to try and build positive associations with a variety of different people and animals.
Are Dachshunds aggressive dogs?
While not aggressive, Dachshunds can be a bit feisty and vocal at times, which may appear standoffish to strangers. Socialisation is important to try and reduce these tendencies. Most Dachshunds make loyal, friendly companions.
Can Dachshunds swim?
With their short limbs, Dachshunds are not natural swimmers. Some will still give it a go, so just make sure they stick to shallow water or a small, confined pool, to stop them getting exhausted and running into difficulty.
How far can Dachshunds walk?
Most standard Dachshunds require 60 minutes of walking every day. Miniature Dachshunds may only need 30 minutes. It is important to bear in mind their age and health status when deciding how far to walk.
Is a Dachshund a weiner dog
Yes, Dachshunds are known as ‘weiner dogs’ or ‘sausage dogs’. This is due to their elongated body.
How much are Dachshunds?
The cost of a Dachshund will be dependent on several things. This will include their age, health, colour, location, and lineage. Dachshunds with show-winning relatives or from a reputable breeder may command a higher price.
How long do Dachshunds live?
With the right care, Dachshunds have an average lifespan of 12 -16 years of age.
About the author
Dr. Becky
Rebecca MacMillan – BVetMed BSAVA PGCertSAM MRCVS
Rebecca is a companion animal vet who graduated from the Royal Veterinary college in 2009. Since then, she has gained a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, in both clinical and managerial roles. She currently works in the South West and deals with a variety of routine and emergency appointments, but particularly enjoys medicine cases. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her bouncy flat coated retriever, George!
