Dachshund

The Dachshund (also known as the Dackel or Teckel) is a short-legged, long-bodied dog of hound type. Typically it is muscular, with a long snout, big droopy ears and large paddle-shaped front paws. In the British Isles it is often nicknamed the sausage dog because of its long, narrow build.

There are three coat varieties: smooth, long-haired and wire-haired. Red is the most common colour, but they also come in cream, brown, black and tan, and other shades, with patterns such as dapple, sable, brindle and piebald.

Dachshunds come in standard, miniature and kaninchen sizes. A full-grown standard typically weighs 7.5 to 14.5 kg, while a miniature normally weighs less than 5.5 kg. The kaninchen, at 3.5 to 5 kg, is not recognised by clubs in the UK. In the United States they are popular with urban and apartment dwellers.

The Dachshund is a German creation, with elements of German, French and English hounds and terriers. The name means badger dog. The first verifiable references come from early 18th-century books, though opinions differ on exactly when the breed was developed for badger hunting. Its exact origins are unknown.

The smooth-haired Dachshund is the oldest type, and it gave rise to the long-haired and wire-haired varieties. The wire-haired came last, in the late 19th century. Early Dachshunds were larger than today's standard, at 14 to 18 kg. Besides badgers they were used for rabbit and fox hunting and for finding wounded deer.

The floppy ears and curved tail were bred in on purpose. The ears help keep grass seeds and dirt out of the ear canal, and the tail makes the dog easier to see in long grass.

Royal courts across Europe kept Dachshunds, including Queen Victoria's. The breed has long been seen as a symbol of Germany, and a Dachshund named Waldi was the first official mascot of the 1972 Munich Olympics.

According to the American Kennel Club's breed standard, the Dachshund is clever, lively and courageous to the point of rashness. They act as though they do not know or care how small they are, and like many small hunting dogs they will challenge a larger dog.

They can be stubborn and refuse commands, especially when chasing a small animal, which they have a strong instinct for. They are rated as average working-dog intelligence. Indulged Dachshunds may become snappy or very obstinate.

They can have a loud bark. Some bark a lot, while others hardly bark. They can be standoffish with strangers. Their love of digging and persistent personality are thought to come from terrier influence, and wire-haired Dachshunds in particular can seem terrier-like.

One large owner survey rated Dachshunds as the most aggressive breed, with 20% having bitten strangers, though attacks by small dogs were unlikely to cause serious injuries.

The Dachshund is prone to spinal problems, especially intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), partly because of its very long spine and short rib cage. About 20-25% develop it. Obesity, jumping, rough handling and intense exercise can increase strain on the spine. Calcified discs at a young age raise the risk and are highly heritable. A UK screening programme exists for breeders.

Other conditions include patellar luxation (a dislodged kneecap), hypothyroidism, hereditary epilepsy, dental issues, Cushing's syndrome, allergies, and eye conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy and cherry eye. Dachshunds are 2.5 times more likely than other breeds to develop the congenital heart defect patent ductus arteriosus.

Wire-haired Dachshunds can carry osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease). Double dapples may have vision and hearing problems, and dilute colours (blue, Isabella and cream) are prone to colour dilution alopecia, a skin disorder.

A 2024 UK study found a life expectancy of 13.2 years for the breed, and 14 years for miniatures.

This is general awareness only, not veterinary advice. Always consult a vet about your pet's health.

How long do Dachshunds live?

A 2024 UK study found an average life expectancy of 13.2 years for the breed, longer than the 12.7 years for purebreeds overall. Miniatures were found to live about 14 years.

Why are Dachshunds called sausage dogs?

Because of their long, narrow build, they are nicknamed sausage dogs in the British Isles. In the US and Canada they are called wiener dogs. The name Dachshund itself means badger dog in German.

Are Dachshunds easy to train?

They are often stubborn, which makes them a challenge to train. They are rated as average in working intelligence and follow trained commands about half the time or more.

Do Dachshunds bark a lot?

They can have a loud bark. Some bark quite a lot, while others hardly bark at all.

What sizes do Dachshunds come in?

Standard and miniature are recognised almost everywhere. The smaller kaninchen is not recognised by UK clubs. Some family pets fall between miniature and standard and are informally called tweenies.

Are Dachshunds prone to back problems?

Yes. About 20-25% develop intervertebral disc disease, partly because of their long spine and short rib cage.

Dachshunds have loose skin that is less likely to tear while tunnelling in tight burrows, and their paddle-shaped front paws are well suited to digging.

Dachshund races are held in the United States, though the Dachshund Club of America opposes them over worries about back injuries. Another sport is earthdog trials, where Dachshunds enter tunnels to find a bait.

Famous owners include Queen Victoria, Chekhov, Andy Warhol, David Hockney and Adele. Pablo Picasso shared his home with a Dachshund named Lump for several years.

A Dachshund called Valerie survived 529 days in the Australian wilderness before being caught in April 2025.