Dachshund
Trait scores are tendency indicators from 0-100. Example: 42% alone tolerance roughly maps to around 4 hours alone.
Dachshunds are long, low badger hunters with surprising courage packed into distinctive sausage bodies. Bred to go underground after badgers and rabbits, these tenacious little hounds are often stubborn and independent, and their elongated spines make them prone to serious back problems that require special care preventing jumps and excessive stairs.
Verified source: American Kennel Club profile (2026-02-10)
Quick Facts
AKC VerifiedGroup
Hound
Life Expectancy
12-16 years
Height
5-9 in
Weight
11-32 lb
Alone-Time Tolerance
About 5 hours
Exercise
60 min/day
AKC popularity rank: #6
Hound context: Hounds were bred to track scent or chase game. They often have strong noses, prey drive, and independent streaks.
Source: American Kennel Club breed profile (verified 2026-02-10)
Finding Your Dachshund
🏠Consider Adoption First
Many wonderful Dachshunds are waiting in shelters and breed-specific rescues. Adoption saves lives and gives deserving dogs a second chance.
Adoption Resources
Search for Dachshunds in shelters and rescues near you.
Responsible Breeder Checklist
- Provides health clearances for both parents
- Allows you to visit the breeding facility
- Offers a written health guarantee / contract
- Provides references from previous buyers
- Asks you screening questions about your home
- Breeds only one or two breeds
Whether you adopt or buy from a breeder, always prioritize the dog's health and well-being. Avoid puppy mills and pet stores that source from irresponsible breeders. For Dachshunds, ensure health testing for common breed-specific conditions.
Life Stage Simulator
Who This Breed Fits
Watch Out For
A Day in the Life
A purposeful walk and short training game helps them settle for the day.
Most do best with another activity block before winding down near their people.
Longer outings and enrichment games noticeably improve behavior and sleep quality.
People often underestimate how quickly behavior slips when routines are inconsistent.
Exercise & Activity
Plan on around 60 minutes of daily activity split between walks and mental games. Consistency matters more than occasional long outings.
Moderate
High
Mental Enrichment Ideas
Health
Long-term outcomes improve with weight control, regular preventive care, and condition-specific monitoring for known breed risks.
Known Health Concerns
Abnormal hip joint development can lead to pain and arthritis over time.
Environmental allergies can cause chronic itching and recurrent skin or ear issues.
Plaque and periodontal disease are common without consistent home dental care.
Size, exercise demand, and care complexity determine boarding availability and price.
Behavior Reality Check
Good news! This breed typically has manageable behavior traits with proper training and socialization. Of course, individual dogs vary, but Dachshunds generally don't present severe behavioral challenges.
Temperament & Traits
All traits rated on a 0-100 scale representing tendency scores.
Lifestyle & Activity
Moderate
High
~8h alone capacity
High
Social & Compatibility
Very High
Moderate
High
Moderate
High
Training & Behavior
High
High
High
Very High
Maintenance & Care
Low
Low
Very High
Low
Environment & Adaptability
Low
High
Moderate
Low
Moderate
Grooming & Coat
Low
Low
Very High
Low
Coat care needs depend on coat type, but weekly brushing and routine nail, ear, and dental care are baseline requirements. Professional grooming frequency rises sharply for curly, silky, and wire coats.
Shedding varies by coat type; double-coated breeds and many mixes shed heavily during seasonal coat changes.
Common Barking Triggers
Lifestyle Planner
PROInteractive Cost Calculator
Adjust the options below to see how your choices affect ownership costs.
Monthly Cost Breakdown
Annual Cost Summary
Estimates based on breed size, grooming needs, and health risk. Actual costs vary by location, individual dog health, and lifestyle choices. Emergency vet visits and unexpected health issues not included.
10-Year Cost Calculator
PRONeighborhood Compatibility
Breed History
Origin
The Dachshund originated in United Kingdom.
Original Purpose
Dachshund lines were developed for scent/sight hunting. That working role still shows up today in temperament, stamina, and day-to-day needs.
Breed Group: Hound. Hounds were bred to track scent or chase game. They often have strong noses, prey drive, and independent streaks.
In modern homes, this history matters because it predicts what helps the dog thrive: enough movement, clear structure, and outlets that match their original instincts.
Fun Facts
Dachshunds were bred to hunt badgers (dachshund literally means 'badger dog'), and they were so effective that they could corner and kill badgers in underground burrows.
Their impossibly long bodies and stubby legs aren't cute quirks—they're specifically engineered for diving into tunnels, and their vertebrae are unusually flexible to allow this.
Dachshunds have a personality that breeders describe as 'having a large dog trapped in a small dog's body,' making them one of the feistiest breeds despite their size.
The breed's lifespan is surprisingly long (14–17 years), partly because their low body surface area means they age slower and have fewer health complications than larger dogs.
Hitler owned a Dachshund named Petitzel, and it appeared in propaganda photos; the breed was briefly stigmatized in WWII due to its association with Nazi imagery.
Famous Dachshund Dogs
Waldi
Official mascot of the 1972 Munich Olympic Games.
Practical Next Steps
First-Month Supplies Checklist
Breeder Red Flags
Preparation Timeline
Week Before
Purchase all supplies, puppy-proof your home, choose a veterinarian, and set up training schedule.
Day 1
Gentle introduction to home, establish crate/bed location, first bathroom break routine, quiet time to adjust.
Week 1
Vet checkup, start basic training, establish feeding routine, begin socialization carefully.
Month 1
Start formal training classes - this breed excels with early training! Regular vet visits for vaccinations, establish grooming routine.
Training Priorities for Dachshunds
- • Early "quiet" command training to manage barking
Recommended Products
Dental Care
Regular dental care prevents costly vet bills and keeps your dog healthy long-term.
Shop Dental Care →Is Dachshund right for you?
Use our breed matcher to see how Dachshund compares to other breeds based on your lifestyle.
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Quick facts for Dachshund are cross-checked against publicly available American Kennel Club breed pages.
AKC source: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/dachshund/ (verified 2026-02-10)
AKC sync coverage: 188/188 non-mix breeds as of February 10, 2026.
Last updated: February 10, 2026
Sources: American Kennel Club (AKC) breed profiles, Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI) breed standards, United Kennel Club (UKC) breed standards, Merck Veterinary Manual (canine health references), Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) screening guidance, AKC: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/dachshund/