Dachshund Dog Breed Information, Pictures, Characteristics & Facts

Have you been wishing to adopt a Dachshund, but feel like you don’t know enough about it?

Do you need some tips on how to handle this Weiner Dog?

Dog Food For Dachshund

I have written this article precisely to help you understand all of the Dachshund breed information, to ensure that you master this small and feisty dog!

Stay tuned!

 

Quick Facts About The Dachshund Dog

  • Small, long and short
  • Determined and high-spirited
  • Bold
  • Intelligent
  • Loyal

Dachshunds are a very proud dog breed.

They have a stubborn nature, but with proper training, can become the most loyal and dependable dogs you’ll ever meet.

 

They are known as “Wiener Dogs”, due to their long, short bodies, but don’t let their size fool you: they are tenacious little creatures.

They usually do better with single people or families that don’t have any small children (as their patience tends to run very short!).

 

They love a good treat and loads of cuddles.

 

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Getting to know the Dachshund

Well, Dachshunds are the kind of dog that you won’t easily mistake for another breed.

Their looks are very distinctive and hard to miss: short body with short legs and a VERY LONG torso, that somehow manages to stay quite solid and balanced.

 

Their muzzles are rather long, with dark eyes and somewhat big ears that hang low.

No matter the case, they are adorable and can become a great pet!

 

Name

  • Dachshund Dog

Other Name

  • Standard Dachshund
  • Miniature Dachshund
  • Wiener Dog
  • Badger Dog
  • Tweenie

So, Where Does The Dachshund Come From?

As you probably noticed by their name, Dachshunds originate from Germany.

There, they were bred to hunt small game, like rabbits or even badgers.

 

Their small legs and body build allows them to easily follow their prey above ground and below ground, to their prey’s burrows, where they fight them to the death.

They exist in three sizes (standard, miniature, and toy), though only the normal and miniature Dachshunds are recognized by the AKC as a pure breed.

 

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Size

There are three types of Dachshunds: standard, miniature, and toy.

Within these three types, all can share three different coat types.

 

When it comes to size, these dogs are not considered tall at all!

They possess a long, muscular body that sits on very short legs.

 

Their muzzles are long with a strong, robust jaw.

 

Height

 

Male: 8–11 inches (20–27 cm)

As I’ve already mentioned, there are three types of Dachshund sizes: Standard, Miniature, and Toy.

However, the AKC only recognizes the standard and miniature Dachshund.

 

The standard Dachshund is usually about 8 to 11 inches tall, so if you have never seen a Wiener Dog, then prepare to meet a significantly small dog (and I’m only talking about the standard Dachshund!).

 

Female: 7–11 inches (17–21 cm)

The female Dachshunds aren’t much smaller than the males, reaching a height of 7-11 inches.

Much like the males, they have a long body, rather than a tall one.

 

Miniature and Toy Dachshunds are also the same height as their fellow miniature and toy males.

 

Puppies: 2–3 inches (5–7 cm)

As a small dog breed, it is expected for the puppy to also be small.

But you won’t believe me when I say that a 3-months old healthy, standard-sized Dachshund is only about 2 to 3 inches tall! Incredible, isn’t it?

 

Weight

Male: 16–26 pounds (7–11 kg)

This dog breeds a very peculiar one: their category is determined by size and weight, rather than breed lines or even the size of their parents.

This because two miniature Dachshunds can have a standard-sized puppy.

 

Nonetheless, a standard Dachshund is expected to weigh around 16 to 26 pounds.

 

Female: 13–22 pounds (6–10 kg)

Female Dachshunds are a bit lighter than the males, weighing only about 13 to 22 pounds.

 

Once again, this measure refers only to the standard-size dog, so don’t get spooked if your miniature or toy Dachshund doesn’t weigh this much.

 

Puppies: 4–7 pounds (2–3 kg)

Standard Dachshund puppies are very light, weighing only 4 to 7 pounds, so if you notice that they weigh a lot more than that, then it might be a good idea to visit a veterinarian to check whether your puppy is overweight and if it might need a new diet regime.

 

Dachshund Dog Breed Purity: PureBred or Mixed?

It is rather easy to distinguish a purebred Dachshund from a mixed one.

All you need to do is look for the particularities of this breed:

  • Does the dog have a long body?
  • Do the ears hang low to their jawbone?
  • Is the forehead wide and flat?
  • Are both eyes the same color?

Dachshunds have these particularities that, all put together, make them unique.

The question here is whether you’re looking for a standard, miniature or toy-sized dog.

I remind you that the toy Dachshund isn’t recognized by the AKC.

 

Sometimes, choosing a mixed-breed dog will help avoid some inherited illnesses that purebred dogs pass on to their puppies.

And, as a matter of fact, Dachshunds have made some quite interesting mixes, such as a Dachshund-Beagle mix, Doxiepoo (which is a mix with a poodle), and many others.

So don’t be afraid to adopt a mixed-breed!

 

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Behavior And Temperament

Although this breed has been used in the past for hunting, they are, nowadays, mainly used as house pets.

That means that despite their natural drive to chase prey, they are now evolving and becoming less agile.

 

Nevertheless, your new Dachshund puppy may have a strong instinct to chase small animals and even birds.

If you do not want this behavior, then it’s important that you correct it right from the start.

 

Alertness

Dachshunds are a very alert and protective breed.

If you own a Dachshund, then you probably already noticed that they develop a strong bond with their guardians and will protect them in the presence of strangers.

 

What this means is that if you plan on having visitors over at your home, it might be a good idea to introduce them first, before letting them into your home.

 

Friendliness

Although they can get wary of strangers, these dogs are a very friendly breed.

They love interacting with other people and animals and will befriend them easily, provided that you introduce them first.

 

They can be a bit nervous in the beginning but once they get to know you, they start relaxing and showing their true colors.

 

Gentle

Dachshunds are a gentle breed and can easily distinguish the moments where they can be rougher or gentler towards someone.

The best example is children and elderly people.

 

Dachshunds become much more calm and gentle when they are around people that can get hurt easily.

However, children are not the best option for this dog breed, as they lose their patience very easily, so if a child pulls its tail many times, they may end up getting mad.

 

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Intelligent

Dachshunds are a VERY intelligent dog breed and despite their small size, they will do anything in their power to get what they want (even if it’s on the top of the kitchen table).

 

They are known to overcome obstacles that other dogs their size would not be able to overcome.

 

Outgoing

Dachshunds have many personality traits, but one trait that they do not possess, is being timid.

These dogs are very active and social, always wanting to meet new buddies and, if necessary, fight their opponents.

 

They are very strong-willed and so, they will make a quick opinion of you, once they meet you (which can either be very good or very bad).

 

Personality

One of the words that people most associate with the Dachshunds is “tenacious”.

They are bold and fearless.

 

They hardly ever quit from their objectives and will do anything they can to achieve their goals.

So if you’ve hidden a bone or treat that they desperately want, they’ll find a way to get it.

 

Again, each dog is different, very much like people, so you are likely to find Dachshunds with very different personalities.

 

Coat Types

I’ve told you this already, but in case you weren’t paying attention, I’ll say it again: Dachshunds come in three different varieties.

There are short-haired Dachshunds, which have a short and dense hair, very smooth to the touch.

 

They also have an underlayer to protect their skin.

There are long-haired Dachshunds which possess either a straight or wavy hair that lies close to the body and last but not least, there is the wire-haired Dachshunds, that have a sort, straight and coarse hair with a very dense underlayer.

 

Coat Colors

It doesn’t matter what sort of Dachshund you are interested in because all Dachshund dogs share the same coat colors.

They have solid colors like, black, red, chocolate, fawn, cream and blue.

 

There are also bicolored dachshunds that can have a mix of any color mentioned above.

Last but not least, they can be dappled, which means they’ll have patches of lighter color on a dark-base coat.

 

Eyes

Purebred Dachshunds have medium-sized, almond shaped, dark eyes.

However, there is an exception, as chocolate colored Dachshunds can develop a light brown eye color.

 

Most dogs in this breed will have a dark rim which provides them with a lively eye expression.

 

Nose

Dachshunds have a long and narrow muzzle, which is complimented with a strong jawline that gives them the ability to open their mouths widely.

Their noses are considerably big for their narrow muzzle, which is one of the reasons they have an incredibly strong scenting ability.

 

That, put together with their potent jaw and teeth, makes them great for hunting.

 

Tail

This dog breed’s tail has a slight curve to it, without any kinks, knots or twists.

Their tail is not supposed to carry too high and it is not supposed to carry too low.

 

There should be a perfect balance that goes well with their long body.

 

Litter Size

4 – 8 number of Puppies

Litter sizes depend on the type of Dachshund you’re getting.

For example, a standard-size Dachshund, will produce an average of 4 to 8 puppies.

 

If however, you have adopter a miniature-size dog, then you should expect about 3 to 4 puppies in a litter.

And if you have a toy Dachshund, then expect 2 to 3 puppies.

 

Life Span

12 – 15 number of Years

It’s a well known fact that small dogs live longer than big dogs.

The Dachshund is no exception, as they can live up to 15 years!

 

Of course, there are some exceptions where they live longer, but 15 years is the average lifespan.

And of course that if you take good care of your puppy or pupper, then it will certainly help it live longer.

 

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How To Take Care Of Your Dachshund

Grooming Requirements

Grooming a Dachshund will either be an easy task or an impossible one.

If you have a long-haired Dachshund, then prepare to brush it on a daily basis, as they shed a lot and need to be brushed, in order to help keep it’s hair and skin healthy.

 

If you own or intend on owning a wire-haired Dachshund, then you won’t need to groom it everyday, though you WILL need to hire a professional groomer to trim your dog’s hair at least twice a year (once in Spring and again at Fall).

 

Last but not least, short-haired Dachshunds are the easiest to groom, as they don’t shed very often, so a weekly brushing will suffice.

 

Exercise

Dachshunds are a bit demanding when it comes to exercise.

This because they:

  • Are very active.
  • Have a moderate amount of stamina.
  • Enjoy exercise.
  • Like digging.
  • Get bored easily (which means they’ll become destructive very fast).

If you’ve paid attention to what I just said, then you definitely know they NEED to be exercised daily, for at least an hour.

So if time is something you don’t have, then you will need to either let them run around the yard or perhaps adopt another dog breed.

 

Health

When planning to adopt a dog (any dog), you should first learn everything about its breed.

Dachshunds for example, are prone to some hereditary illnesses, which can totally be avoided, if you just pay attention to the symptoms and take them on regular health tests, such as:

  • IVDD X-ray screening (to check for intervertebral disc disease);
  • KC/BVA/ISDS test (eye examination);
  • NPHP4 PRA DNA test (genetic diseases).

Do that and you’ll make your Dachshund not only healthy but also grateful!

 

Training

These dogs are incredibly competitive, which makes them perfect when it comes to dog sports.

BUT… They are also incredibly stubborn! Dachshunds have their own way of thinking and even if you have the most tasty treats in the world, they might not do what you want them to do.

 

These dogs are known to be:

  • Competitive
  • Clever
  • Stubborn

So if you’re planning on adopting one, then you should know that a great deal of patience, consistency and sense of humor are a needed requirement.

But don’t give up, you’ll find a way to collaborate with each other!

 

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Physical Characteristics Of Dachshund

There isn’t a more curious, clever and brave dog than the Dachshund.

They can be a bit difficult to train and housebreak, but once you establish yourself as a pack leader, then it will all become much easier.

 

DO NOT EVER let this dog thinks that it is the alpha, or you’re in for a little (a lot!) of trouble.

This because they’ll start developing behavioral problems like biting, barking, chewing and even guarding things that shouldn’t be guarded (like a coffee table or a small couch).

 

Adaptability

Some dogs have a hard time adapting to a change in environment or adapting to anything that is different than what they are used to.

Dachshunds are not like that.

 

They have an amazing ability to adapt to everything around them and they do so very quickly.

They do not get shy or timid when facing new challenges, they EMBRACE the new challenges.

 

Other Dog Friendly

These small dogs are generally okay with other pets, but with their quickness to bond with someone, they can become jealous and obstinate, which can sometimes result in the dog biting someone.

 

So try to socialize your dog (preferably right from the start) and train it along with the other pets, so ensure that you are recognized as the alpha, in order to avoid a conflict between your dogs.

 

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Shedding Level

Well, shedding is relative to the Dachshund you’re getting.

I have great news for you if you’ve adopted a short-haired Dachshund: they practically don’t shed.

 

On the other hand, long-haired Dachshunds shed all year long.

And well, wire-haired are kind of in-between, shedding only a little.

 

Affection Level

If an extremely affectionate pet if what you’re looking for, then look no further, the Dachshund if perfect for you.

 

These dogs are of the most affectionate dog breeds in existence, which means you’ll have a lovely pet who will adore you more than anything!

 

Exercise Needs

The ideal would be for you to dedicate at least one hour of your day to take your dog out for an exercise session, not only because it will keep it calm and happy, but also because it will help the two of you bond with each other.

 

They love tracking and love exercises that requires physical AND mental effort, so that might be a good idea for you.

 

These dogs can be housetrained, but they are not likely to obey you 100% of the time.

The rule here is to be patient.

 

Social Needs

It doesn’t come as a surprise that Dachshunds are a very social dog breed.

They love interacting with people and other animals, which unfortunately means that they need a moderate amount of attention, or they’ll suffer from separation anxiety.

 

So, if you adopt one, make sure that you dedicate some time to playing with your dog.

 

Apartment Friendly

Despite their cuteness, these little dogs are incredibly energetic, which also means they don’t do well in small apartments.

 

But, if you live in an apartment and still want to adopt one, then go for it! Just keep in mind that you will absolutely HAVE TO walk them everyday or perhaps even go for a run.

 

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Do Dachshunds Like Being Groomed?

Dachshunds are definitely cuddle buddies.

They love cuddling and pats on the head.

 

Then again, as I’ve mentioned, these small dogs get bored easily, so you’ll need to be fast at grooming your dog or risk them getting bored and eventually run away towards something more interesting.

 

Stranger Friendly

Well, this is a sensitive matter.

Dachshunds ARE friendly dogs, but they can be wary of strangers, so you should get used to the idea that they will bark and growl at strangers, as they wish to protect their territory and their family.

 

Barking Tendencies

Well, you probably already noticed this, but Dachshunds are a breed that is prone to barking.

They used to be trained to bark to let their handlers know their location when they were hunting underground, so they have developed into a naturally noisy breed.

 

If barking is not a behavior that you wish to see in a dog, you’d do well to train them and correct this behavior or perhaps choose another dog.

 

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Health Issues

Although they are generally healthy, much like any other dog breed, Dachshunds are prone to some hereditary diseases.

 

One of the most concerning diseases is IVDD, which is a disease that can lead to the paralysis of their back legs, due to a dislocation of the intervertebral discs.

 

They also have a big tendency to become overweight, which can lead to heart disease, diabetes and it will also add strain on the back.

Knowing these facts, you should make sure that you take your dog on frequent health exams, to check if everything is alright or to possibly detect an illness (preferably at its start).

 

Territorial

As a protective dog breed, Dachshunds are a bit territorial.

They want to defend their family, and so they protect their living environment from strangers.

 

They will usually bark as a warning of an incoming stranger or suspicious activity happening around the house

.

Cat Friendly

Dachshunds are a natural prey drive that leads them to want to hunt other animals.

Cats are no exception.

 

But if you take some time to introduce your cats as friendly, then your Dachshund dog will eventually realize that they are not a threat nor meant to be hunted and so will befriend them.

 

Intelligence

As I’ve already mentioned several times, these dogs are incredibly smart.

They will do their best to overcome their issues and can easily solve things that would take other dogs a lot of time to solve.

 

They are very clever and are known to learn how to read your emotions, to know what you mean.

 

Trainability

Training a Dachshund is a little different than training other dogs.

Of course there is the basic training that all dogs need to undergo, like potty training and socialization.

 

However, these dogs are quite stubborn and tend to do their own thinking, which means they can be a little difficult to train.

But if you’re patient, you will eventually master this dog.

 

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Child Friendly

These dogs are not exactly appropriate for small children.

They thrive better with grown ups and older children, as they have little patience for them.

 

Besides their low patience, they can also become overly protective of the small children.

But don’t worry, they can get along just fine with children, if you train them.

 

Playfulness

Dachshunds are an interesting dog breed.

They like being active but they also enjoy some quiet time to do what they like.

 

When it’s play time, they are great companions who will keep you entertained and then when it’s rest time, they’ll calmly lie down and rest.

 

Watchdog Ability

Though they are very loyal to their owners, Dachshunds need quite some time to warm up to other people.

 

But this isn’t necessarily bad, as they will alert you (usually by barking) at the sign of strangers and suspicious activity, which makes them a tiny, yet amazing, guard dog.

 

Other Pets

These dogs attach pretty easily to other animals, if they recognize them as part of the family.

 

So if you have any other pets, then just supervise the first few get togethers (to ensure that the Dachshund’s prey drive doesn’t kick in), and you’ll watch as two or more pets become friends.

 

Feeding Time!

Dachshunds love to eat.

They have a rather voracious appetite and, if given a chance, will eat until they drop to the floor, belly swollen.

 

This means you’ll have to keep any sort of food out of reach of your dog, or it will find a way to eat it.

 

Puppy

Dachshunds really do need to be kept physically fit, so even as puppies, they need to be monitored, when it comes to feeding time.

 

That being said, you should feed them about 3 to 4 times a day, giving them small portions (you’ll see on the dog food packaging how much food you should give your dogs).

 

Adult

Even as adults, Dachshunds have a hard time knowing when to stop eating.

This means you’ll have to ration their food.

 

It’s NOT a good idea to fill up their bowl and leave it there, expecting your dog to know when to stop.

An adult dog should be fed twice a day: once in the morning and then again in the evening.

 

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Famous Dachshunds All Over The World

#1 Crusoe:

The number 1 Dachshund is Crusoe! If you haven’t heard of him, then prepare your eyes!

Crusoe is a miniature black and fawn Dachshund from Montreal, that became an internet sensation! Its owners, Ryan and Lauren, have made sure that this dog went on crazy trips around the world, doing extraordinary things for a dog.

 

He has his own instagram account and is even the “author” of his autobiography “Adventures of the Weiner Dog”.

 

#2 Maya:

Maya is the mascot and model of a dog accessories online shop “Sassy Woof”.

Her owner has created an instagram account for her, where she gets to wear and show off the products from Sassy Woof.

 

#3 Honey Bun:

Yet another famous instagram “influencer” dog is Honey Bun.

 

Honey Bun is a long-haired chocolate miniature Dachshund that has conquered many hearts through the internet.

 

Honey was born in Brisbane, Australia, and has the softest, most enchanting wavy hair.

 

#4 Lump:

One Dachshund that also became famous is Lump.

This dog got famous through its owner, the world-wide famous artist, Picasso.

 

This spanish artist took a liking to the Dachshund Lump when they met on a trip along a photographer named David Duncan, and could not part with it since.

There is even a book on their relationship, named “Picasso and Lump: A Dachshund’s Odyssey”.

 

#5 Archie and Amos:

Archie and Amos were two Dachshund puppies that were adopted by the famous american painter Andy Warhol.

 

These dogs were dearly beloved by Andy, to the point where he would take them on business trips, photo shoots and even galleries.

 

#6 Stanley and Boodgie:

These dogs were used as David Hockney’s muses, as he was writing an illustrated book “Dog Days”. This illustrated book showed how entertaining and unique Dachshunds are.

 

Adopting a Dachshund

These small dogs are stubborn but they are also loyal companions.

They get attached to their handlers and will prove their loyalty to them.

 

To adopt one, it’s important to choose a good breeder, in order to avoid hereditary illnesses.

You can also choose to adopt one through a rescue group.

 

Either way, I’m sure you’ll find the perfect fit for you.

 

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How Much Does a Dachshund Dog Cost?

Dachshunds are one of the most popular dog breeds, which also means they can be quite expensive.

Their price usually varies from:

  • Purebred puppy from certified breeder: $2.000 to $3.000
  • Backyard puppy: $500 to $1.000
  • Mixed-breed puppy: $200 to $900

There isn’t a fixed cost, as no two Dachshunds are the same. Plus, their breeding is very important, with purebred puppies from certified breeders being the most expensive.

 

Breed Group

Hound Group

Hound Group dogs assist hunters in identifying the location of the prey and even killing the prey.

They have a powerful sense of smell or perhaps a great speed.

 

These qualities of a Hound are all present in the Dachshund, which is why it belongs in this group.

 

National Breed Clubs

Rescue Groups

Should I or Should I Not Adopt a Dachshund?

Are you ready to commit to a life with a Dachshund?

Do you believe you can provide it with a good, healthy life?

 

Can you take care of it with all necessary requirements (food, exercise, grooming…)?

If so, then I believe you are ready!

 

Don’t ever forget that despite being adorable, cute, little breed, they are not the right canine companion for everyone.

They can be quite temperamental, territorial and even snappy around small children.

 

Yet overall, they can be a great pet, so, after reading this article, if you feel like you’d do well with a Dachshund, then go for it!

 

Further Readings

Other Dog Breeds Related Topics
1. 42 Pretty Pomeranian Mixes

2. 51 Crazy Chihuahua Mixes

3. 117 Super Spaniel Dog Mixes
4. 37 Strikingly Beautiful Siberian Husky Mixes
5. 44 Impressive German Shepherd Mixes

6. 23 Medium Breed Dogs That Do Not Shed

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