Dachshund

Temperament and Personality

Don’t be fooled by these little bundles of joy – they’re forces to be reckoned with! The Dachshund temperament is playful, clever, bold, vivacious and headstrong, and what they lack in size, they definitely make up for in personality.

Despite their short, stumpy legs and long bodies, Dachshunds (also affectionately called Doxies or Sausage Dogs) have lots of energy and stamina, and would run all day if their owner let them. In saying that, they love nothing more than snuggling on the sofa with their favourite human after a busy day of running around, tracking down scents and playing with lots of toys. 

They’re also fiercely loyal and create deep, strong bonds with their owners. This devotion can cause them to be wary of strangers or new people in the house, and they’ll often bark a lot to let their feelings be known. 

As Doxies were bred to hunt and make decisions on their own, they have an independent, wilful streak that’s made them a famously stubborn breed. While some might not have the patience to deal with a diva-ish dog, this all adds to the unique charm of the Dachshund personality.

It also depends on the type of Dachshund you’re looking for, as there are believed to be slight temperament differences between long-haired, wire-haired and smooth-haired. The long-haired Dachshund is said to be calmer than the smooth-haired, while the wire-haired Dachshund is more outgoing and clownish. Whichever one you get though, they’re sure to have all the wonderful Dachshund characteristics we’ve come to know and love.

As with all dogs though, early socialisation and consistent training is key to raising a confident and well-mannered pooch. So if you’re looking for a furry friend with a fearless heart, the Dachshund could be the right breed for you.

Dachshund paw-sonality traits

• Fearless, determined and bold
• Playful and active
• Friendly and affectionate
• Can be silly and clownish
• Clever with a mind of their own
• Loyal to their owners
• Loves to be involved
• Stubborn, sassy and mischievous
• Plucky and alert
• Highly skilled hunters with a wandering nose
• Not the easiest to train
• Vigilant and vocal with a big-dog bark
• Wilful and stubborn
• Standoffish with strangers
• Needs regular exercise and mental stimulation
• Not built for extensive running, jumping or swimming
  

Dachshund pros and cons

Are Dachshunds good family dogs?

Yes, Dachshunds can be great dogs for the right family, but their stubborn streak and barking means they’re not for everyone. Housetraining this breed requires a lot of patience and persistence, so if you’ve already got your hands full, a Doxie could add a few unwanted grey hairs. Some are also known to be ‘one-man’ dogs, which could cause a divide in a large household. However, they’re extremely loyal companions with a super playful nature, so they can be ‘one-family’ dogs too. With their silly antics and fun-loving spirits, Dachshunds are sure to keep the whole family entertained. 

Are Dachshunds good with children?

Dachshunds are probably better suited to families with older children who can understand and respect their boundaries. Their distinct long back is prone to injury and this feisty breed won’t tolerate being treated like a toy, despite how adorable and cute they look. This doesn’t mean to say they can’t go paw-in-paw with little ones though. With thorough socialisation from a puppy and exposure to babies, toddlers and teens, the spunky Dachshund can grow up to be a child’s best friend.

Are Dachshunds good with other pets?

Maybe, as it depends on the other animal. Dachshunds are generally good with dogs, especially if they’ve been raised together, but they have a super strong prey drive thanks to their hunting background. This means they’re not suited to households with a cat or small animals (such as rabbits or guinea pigs) that a Doxie could be tempted to chase. With that being said, if they’ve been raised alongside other animals from a pup, and had the proper training and socialisation, they could be okay living with other furry friends.

Care Requirements

We all want our dogs to live long, happy, healthy lives, so it’s important you know how to look after a Dachshund properly. From tasty nutritious meals to exercise, training and grooming, we’ve got it covered.

How much exercise does a Dachshund need?

Although small in stature, these little hound dogs will take as much exercise as you give them, and they’d probably still want more. It’s recommended that standard Doxies need one hour a day, while the minis need half an hour. It’s best to split this into one short walk in the morning and one longer walk later on. 

Dachshunds love being outdoors, using their trusty nose to track down and chase after scents. However, overworking them can affect their joints, so they’re not designed for long distance running, swimming or jumping. Their unique frame also means they shouldn’t be encouraged to run up and down stairs or jump onto the sofa.

If they don’t get their daily walkies and the opportunity to channel their inner hunter, they can develop some nuisance behaviours, such as chewing furniture or digging up the garden. 

How do you train a Dachshund?

Dachshunds are intelligent but they were bred to be independent thinkers and follow trails without getting distracted, so they’re not the easiest to train. To us humans, they are stubborn, sassy little sausages! They can also turn into divas if not taught how to behave correctly. However, with ongoing and consistent training using positive reinforcement, Dachshunds can be eager to please pups. 

Unleash your Dachshunds potential with some fun training tips. 

1. Be positive. Always use positive reinforcement by rewarding good behaviour with lots of praise and tasty treats, such as our Turkey & Hemp Meaty Treats.

2. Avoid harsh tones. Dachshunds typically only respond to treats, praise and affection, so show them all the love when they do something right. They won’t be motivated to learn if you’re being harsh.

3. Prevent small dog syndrome. Don’t let them get away with unwanted behaviour because they’re cute! This often happens with small, adorable pooches, and can create badly behaved adult dogs who are used to doing what they want. The Doxie might try to test the limits of what they can get away with, so set boundaries and consistently enforce them, no matter how much they try to sway you.

4. Socialise from the start. This breed is known for being wary of, and barking at, strangers, expose them to new people, children, dogs, animals, smells, and situations from an early age to help them become calm and confident canines.

5. Keep it fun with scent work. Dachshunds follow their noses, so incorporate hide and seek or puzzle toys into your training to keep them stimulated. 

6. Work on recall. Dachshunds have a high prey drive, so they’ll chase squirrels and other small critters at any opportunity. If they’re off-lead in a public area, it’s vital you’re able to get them back. Use a long line lead and tempting treats such as our low fat Peanut Butter Probiotic Nutty Treats – the perfect reward for recall.

7. Keep training sessions short. Brief but frequent 15 minute sessions a few times a day will ensure they don’t lose interest and stay motivated to learn. 

8. Keep their crate close. If you’re crate training, ensure the crate is placed in a lively, social room where people gather. Doxies thrive off attention and love being near their humans, so this is a way to involve them while teaching them to enjoy their own space. 

9. Prioritise potty training. Be patient, consistent and devote plenty of time to house-training your Dachshund. It might take a while, but you’ll be thankful for the clean carpets!

How much grooming do Dachshunds need?

The amount of grooming depends on which coat your Dachshund has, though all three coats have low to moderate shedding throughout the year.

• Smooth-haired Dachshunds are low maintenance, and just need a daily brush over with a chamois leather to keep their coat sleek and shiny.
  
  
• Long-haired Dachshunds need grooming daily with a slicker brush to prevent matts and tangles building up, especially around the chest, tail and backs of legs. Finish with a bristle brush to promote extra shine. As their body runs low to the ground, they can pick up all sorts of debris and dirt, so check them after a walk to make sure there aren’t any creepy crawlies hiding in the fur!
  
  
• Wire-haired Dachshunds have a rugged, hard wearing coat and should be hand stripped a few times a year. (Pin-wire coats don’t need stripping at all). Brush their coat throughout the week and trim their beard and eyebrows when necessary. As with long-haired Doxies, check them after a walk for any unwanted bits in their fur.
  
  
• All Dachshunds need healthy teeth and gums. Use a dog-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent ghastly dog breath.
  
  
• Check their ears for signs of infection and clean regularly; use a soft cotton pad to gently wipe around the inner areas but don’t stick anything down their ear canal.
  
  
• Trim their nails every month if they don’t wear them down naturally. It’s important you know what you’re doing when it comes to nail trimming, so learn from a professional or let the groomers take care of it.
  
  
• Bathe when needed using a dog-friendly shampoo, but don’t overdo it as too many baths can disrupt the Ph balance in their skin and cause irritation.
  
  
• Give them a healthy dental stick once a day to keep the doggo dentist at bay!

Health and Wellness

Properly looked after, cared for and loved, the Dachshund life expectancy is between 12 and 16 years. However, due to the way they have been bred over the years, there are some specific health problems for Dachshunds.

Common Dachshund health issues

• Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) is a devastating condition that’s more common in breeds with long backs, such as the Dachshund. Compression on the spinal cord can cause a range of symptoms including pain, weakness and even paralysis.
  
  
• Otitis Externa is an ear infection, with signs including head shaking, red canals, a build-up of wax and a foul smell coming from the ear. A trip to the vet is needed to check the ears and swab any discharge to determine what type of infection is present (parasitic, bacterial, fungal or mixed). Most dogs require prescription ear drops as well as oral anti-inflammatories. After the course of treatment is finished, it's sensible to have your pet re-examined to ensure the infection is completely gone.
  
  
• Epileptic seizures last between one to three minutes, and can cause your dog to collapse, leg paddle, vocalise and urinate. Epilepsy usually makes itself known before the age of five and dogs are typically managed on daily anti-seizure medicine.
  
  
• Mitral Valve Disease affects the heart, causing the mitral valve to separate the left atrium from the left ventricle. When the valve doesn’t function correctly, blood flows in the wrong direction. This causes an audible heart murmur and sadly leads to heart failure. Signs can include a cough, a reduced ability to exercise and a bloated abdomen. While not a condition that can be cured, many do well once started on medication and low sodium diets.
  
  
• Obesity is not thought of as a specific health condition, but Dachshunds are prone to packing on the pounds, dramatically reducing their quality of life. Owners can prevent obesity by keeping their dog slim through exercising and an appropriate diet, such as Pooch & Mutt’s Slim & Slender kibble. It’s handy to use kitchen scales to measure your pup’s portions too.

Food and nutrition

Feeding your Dachshund a well-balanced diet that’s tailored to their size and medical needs is an essential part of being a responsible dog owner. From helping their coat stay healthy to maintaining a good weight, the food you give them is so im-paw-tant! 

How much should a Dachshund eat in a day?

The amount you feed your Miniature Dachshund or Standard Dachshund will depend on a number of factors, such as whether they’re a puppy or an adult, if you’re using dry food, wet food or a mix, their activity level, and whether they’ve been neutered or spayed.

However, regardless of the type of Dachshund you have, it’s vital you don’t overfeed them. Sausage dogs are, ironically, greedy girls and boys! But carrying extra weight puts enormous pressure on this pooch’s back and internal organs. Obesity in Doxies also puts them at higher risk of joint diseases such as IVDD. 

The best food for Dachshund puppies and adults, both miniature and standard size, is one that’s been developed especially for small breeds. The size of the kibble is smaller, perfect for their tiny teeth!

You'll find a handy feeding calculator at the bottom of every product page here at Pooch & Mutt, helping you identify how much of our health-led recipes are right for the age, size and weight of your dog. Take our quick quiz to find your pooch’s perfect food!

Keep your hound healthy with these preventative tips:

Protect their back
Extra care should be taken with long-backed breeds to keep IVDD at bay. Use a body harness rather than a neck collar, avoid steps and jumps, and try to keep their spine horizontal when they are lifted or carried.

Regular exercise
Dachshunds need to burn off a lot of energy to stay happy, and a lot of calories to stay trim, so regular exercise is a must.

Feed a balanced diet
Choose a high-quality, vet recommended dog food that meets your Dachshund’s nutritional needs, such as Pooch & Mutt. Also consider adding natural supplements to their diet such as Salmon Oil and Joint Supplements to boost your pet’s physical and mental health.

Monitor weight
A healthy Dachshund should weigh anywhere between 5kg and 12kg, depending on if they’re miniature or standard size. Make sure table scraps don’t become a fixture in their diet, as extra weight on these pooches can impact their quality of life, make it difficult for them to move and put pressure on their spine.

Care for their ears
Their long, floppy ears could be hiding all sorts of nasties, so check regularly for excessive wax or signs of infection.

Take them to the vet
It might not be their favourite place in the world, but regular check-ups with a vet can help identify potential health issues early on.

Living Conditions

Take a look at the Dachshund’s dream home.

Cost of Ownership

The unconditional love of a Dachshund is priceless, but there are costs to consider if you plan to own one.

How much is a Dachshund puppy?

The price of a Dachshund can cost anywhere between £500 and £1,600. The price you pay will depend on the breeder or private seller, and the pedigree of the dog. The total monthly cost for owning a Dachshund can be up to £100, depending on food and insurance levels.

Set up costs
Primary vaccines in the UK cost between £40-£70 on average, but this depends where you live and the vets you choose. You’ll also need equipment such as a lead, collar, harness, dog tag (this is a legal requirement), bedding, food bowls, toys, and a crate if you’re crate training. If you decide to neuter your pup, the cost of the operation ranges from £110 to £300, and is usually done between six and 12 months old. Spaying costs can be higher and you should always talk to your vet about the best time to have this procedure done.

Ongoing costs
When it comes to food, these pooches need a high quality dog food packed with vitamins and natural ingredients. On average in the UK, feeding a Dachshund costs between £40 and £50 per month. On top of this, you’ll also have booster vaccinations, flea and worm treatments and regular accessories like poop bags to buy.

Insurance costs
As Dachshunds are prone to a few health problems, it’s highly recommended to purchase pet insurance should anything happen. The exact cost of insurance is based on your location, your dog’s age, breed, medical history and the type of cover you choose. Pet insurance prices vary wildly so always compare to get the right protection. (The average annual cost to insure a pedigree dog without any pre-existing conditions is around £403. This might sound a lot but you can’t put a price on peace of mind.)

Fun Facts and Trivia

Get to know the Dachshund even more with these tidbits and tales about one of the most distinctive dogs in the world!

• Their name Dachshund translates to ‘badger dog’ in German, and is pronounced ‘daks-und’.
  
  
• Dachshunds are hound imposters! They were accidentally categorised as a hound breed due to a mistranslation of ‘hund’, which is German for ‘dog’, not ‘hound’. They’re actually more akin to a terrier.
  
  
• Similar to the chicken and egg, there is lore surrounding Dachshunds and the humble hot dog. Many people call these dogs ‘wiener dogs’ as their bodies resemble the much loved hot dog. However, this popular snack was actually named after the dog breed and not the other way round. It used to be called the Dachshund sausage but was later shortened to ‘hot dog’.
  
  
• An adorable Dachshund named Waldi was the first ever Olympic mascot, representing the 1972 Munich games.
  
  
• Britain’s first ever successful cloned dog was a Dachshund named Winnie. Her owner entered and won a contest to have her beloved dog cloned. The result? A healthy pup called Mini Winnie.
  
  
• Have you heard of any Dachshund cross breeds? A Golden Retriever Dachshund cross is called a Golden Dox, a Jack Russel crossed with a Dachshund is called a Jackshund and a Dachshund Poodle mix is called a Doxiepoo! 

History and Origin

The lovable and lively Dachshund can be dated back to 16th century Germany where they were bred to hunt badgers and other dangerous prey. (Their name literally translates to ‘badger dog’). Their exact ancestry offers up many theories, with one being that dogs such as Basset Hounds, Bloodhounds and Pinschers were bred with local German breeds to get the sausage-shaped dog we all know today.

Foresters wanted a fearless dog with an elongated body to hunt and flush out prey from animal dens. Packs of Dachshunds would even trail wild boar, proving just how brave these doggos are! Prized for its tenacity and agility, the Dachshund was a popular hunting companion amongst German nobility. Over time and through selective breeding, smaller versions with shorter legs were created to get down into rabbit holes. We know these now as Miniature Dachshunds. 

The breed made its way over to the UK in 1840 after the Prince Consort was given several of the smooth-haired types. Queen Victoria was a big fan and did a lot for the breed’s promotion throughout her reign, helping them become hugely popular in Europe and America. However, when World War I broke, everything changed. Their connection to Germany meant they quickly fell out of favour. 

Thanks to die hard lovers of the breed, Dachshunds regained popularity and are known across the world as playful, affectionate dogs with the courage of a lion.  

Choosing a Puppy or Dog

Before you bring a new furry friend into your life, you need to know you’re getting it from a reputable source. To help you navigate this decision, here are some essential tips for buying or adopting a Dachshund. 

1. Research the breed, including whether you want a miniature or standard Dachshund. You may love the idea of having your very own silly sausage to dote on, but make sure you can definitely handle their wilful nature and intense training needs before moving forward!

2. Ask potential breeders for references from previous customers, veterinarians, or other breeders. This will help you get an idea of their reputation and the health of their dogs.

3. Beware of scammers. A genuine seller will never ask for money upfront before seeing the dogs, and will always offer for you to see them in person before making a commitment. Also be wary if the price is significantly cheaper than other listings. 

4. Always visit the breeder in person to see the mother with her Dachshund puppies and to check the environment. A responsible breeder or seller will never release the pups before they’re eight weeks’ old. 

5. Watch out for people who breed multiple breeds at once. This is a sign they might not have the expertise on Dachshunds and don’t prioritise their dogs’ health.

6. A reputable breeder will provide a health guarantee for your puppy, including paperwork about their lineage, vaccinations and microchipping.

When adopting a Dachshund, research the shelter to ensure they’re a reputable rescue organisation, and meet with their adoption specialist to discuss your lifestyle, needs and dog ownership experience. Dachshunds in shelters may have complex medical conditions or be quite senior, so you’ll need to ensure you have the time, love and dedication to give them a happy fur-ever home.