Dog breed · Hound
Dachshund
A determined earth dog in a long, low body. Charming and brave, but the build carries a significant spinal risk that shapes daily management.
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Breed characteristics
- Group
- Hound
- Origin
- Germany
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 4–15 kg depending on variety
- Height
- 13–23 cm
- Lifespan
- 12–16 years
- Coat
- Smooth, longhaired or wirehaired
- Temperament
- BoldTenaciousAlertDevoted
History
Bred in Germany from at least the 1600s to follow badgers and foxes underground, in standard and miniature sizes.
Appearance
Elongated body, deep chest, short legs and a confident head carriage, in three coat types and many colours.
Exercise and activity
Two moderate walks a day with plenty of sniffing; avoid repeated jumping on and off furniture.
Care and grooming
Keep strictly lean, use ramps for sofas and cars, and support the whole body when lifting.
Health considerations
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Obesity
- Patellar luxation
- Dental disease
- Progressive retinal atrophy
Honest challenges
Before choosing a Dachshund
- Treat the breed profile as a starting point, not a guarantee of temperament. Meet the individual and discuss its history, needs and behaviour with the rescue or responsible breeder.
- Check your routine can support the activity described here: Two moderate walks a day with plenty of sniffing; avoid repeated jumping on and off furniture. Allow for age, weather, health and recovery rather than imposing a fixed target.
- Ask the breeder or rescue and your vet about problems reported in this breed (such as Intervertebral disc disease, Obesity, Patellar luxation, Dental disease, Progressive retinal atrophy), which of them have recognised screening tests, and the parents' results where relevant. Screening reduces some uncertainty but cannot promise a healthy lifetime.
- Plan grooming, veterinary costs and care during holidays. Children and other pets still need careful introductions and supervision whatever a breed's typical rating.
Educational reference, not an individual diagnosis or a verified professional review. Read our editorial policy.
Guidance libraries and further reading
These organisations publish relevant guidance. Their links are further reading, not evidence that they have reviewed this page.
- RSPCA — animal care and welfare advice across species
- PDSA — veterinary charity pet health advice
- Dogs Trust — dog care, behaviour and welfare advice