FaunaHub

Dachshund

DogHound Groupmedium size

Dachshund on a city street in Budapest.

Dachshund.

Image: Slyronit, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Breed tendencies, not guarantees. This page describes general characteristics often associated with the Dachshund breed. Individual dogs vary by genetics, training, socialisation, age, health, environment, and owner experience. Spend time with a specific animal and talk to a licensed veterinarian or reputable shelter before deciding whether a breed is right for your household.

Overview

The Dachshund — also known as the Teckel or sausage dog — is a small German hound originally developed to follow scent into burrows. The breed is recognised in standard and miniature sizes and in smooth, longhaired, and wirehaired coat varieties.

Registry facts & measurements

Every value below is published by a named registry and linked to it.

Recognition

Origin

Germany

Published size

Height

Dachshund height
MeasuredConvertedAs published
standard20.3–22.9 cm8-9 inches (standard)
miniature12.7–15.2 cm5-6 inches (miniature)

Weight

Dachshund weight
MeasuredConvertedAs published
standard7.3–14.5 kg16-32 pounds (standard)
miniatureup to 5 kg11 pounds & under (miniature)

FaunaHub size band: Medium — derived from the published weight above, not asserted separately.

Converted figures are rounded; the registry's own wording is shown so nothing implies precision the standard does not have.

Coat

Variable · Smooth

As published: “AKC coat length: Short, Medium; coat type: Smooth” — American Kennel Club

Trait bands

Exercise needs
Moderate

Relative routine activity demand — not athleticism, and not fitness.

Grooming needs
Lower

Relative frequency of coat maintenance — not how easy the breed is overall.

Shedding
Lower

Relative volume of hair shed. Not an allergy signal — no breed is hypoallergenic.

Trainability
Higher

How readily the breed is described as responding to structured training — not intelligence.

Vocality
Higher

Relative frequency of vocalising — not a behaviour problem.

Three levels, never a score. Registry trait scales are editorial judgements rather than measurements, so FaunaHub publishes the band and not a number. These describe the breed as a registry describes it — not the animal in front of you.

Published lifespan

12–16 years

A breed-level range published as “12-16 years” by American Kennel Club. It is not a prediction about any individual dog; lifespan for a specific animal depends on genetics, care, and health history, and is a question for a veterinarian.

Appearance & size

Dachshunds are distinctively long-bodied and short-legged, with a deep chest and long head. Their build is iconic but also brings specific back-care considerations that should be discussed with a veterinarian. Coat colours and patterns vary widely between varieties.

Temperament

Dachshunds are often described as bold and curious. Some individuals are affectionate companions; others can be more independent or reserved with strangers. Like all dogs, behaviour varies by individual, line, training, and household.

Exercise & enrichment

Most Dachshunds benefit from moderate daily exercise spread across short walks and play. The breed's long-back anatomy means that high-impact activity — extensive jumping on and off furniture, stairs, or rough play — should be managed carefully and on veterinary advice.

Grooming & care

Grooming varies sharply by coat variety: smooth Dachshunds need minimal coat care, longhaired need regular brushing, and wirehaired benefit from periodic hand-stripping or professional grooming. All varieties need routine ear, dental, and nail care.

Training & socialisation

Dachshunds are often described as cooperative learners with positive-reinforcement training, although the breed's independent streak can make consistency more important than with very biddable breeds. Short, engaging sessions and food-motivated rewards work for many individuals.

Health considerations

Back-health context: the long-bodied build is associated with specific spinal-care considerations that should be discussed with a licensed veterinarian. Jumping, stairs, and body condition are the things owners most often raise with a veterinarian for this breed; what is appropriate for a particular dog is a question for that dog's vet rather than a rule that holds for all of them. FaunaHub does not provide diagnosis or treatment.

Responsible ownership

Plan for routine veterinary care and weight management as ongoing priorities. Reputable shelters, rescues, and responsible breeders are appropriate sources. Avoid pet-store or unverified online sellers.

Frequently asked questions — Dachshund

Are Dachshunds good apartment dogs?
Many Dachshunds do well in apartments because of their small size and modest exercise needs, but landlord rules, neighbour noise tolerance, stairs, and the breed's back-care considerations all matter. Spend time with a specific dog before deciding.
Do Dachshunds bark a lot?
The breed is often described as alert and vocal. Some individuals are noticeably barky, others much less so. This matters for apartment living and for shared-wall housing.
What about their long backs?
The long-bodied build brings spinal-care considerations that should be discussed with a licensed veterinarian. Owners commonly discuss jumping, stairs, and body condition with their veterinarian for this breed; specific guidance depends on the individual dog. FaunaHub does not diagnose or treat.
Are Dachshunds good with children?
Many Dachshunds live happily in families, but no breed is universally child-safe. Behaviour varies by individual, training, supervision, and the child's experience around dogs.

Sources and further reading

Background, breed standard, and general care references used in this profile. External links open in a new tab. Always confirm specific care decisions with a licensed veterinarian or reputable shelter.