Germany
Hound
Small
5–9 in
11–32 lbs
12–16 years
Meet the Dachshund
Dachshunds come in three coat types- smooth, longhaired, and wirehaired-and two sizes: standard and miniature. They were originally bred to hunt badgers, which explains their courageous and determined nature. Today, they are cherished for their playful spirit and affectionate personality.
Where It All Began
Dachshunds were developed in Germany hundreds of years ago to hunt burrow- dwelling animals like badgers and rabbits. Their name comes from the German words "Dachs" (badger) and "Hund" (dog). Their unique shape was designed for strength, agility, and endurance.
Personality
🏃 An Active Lifestyle
Dachshunds are energetic and love to explore. Daily exercise and mental stimulation keep them happy and healthy.
- ✓ 30-45 min of exercise daily
- ✓ Enjoys walks & playtime
- ✓ Loves to explore & sniff
- ✓ Mental stimulation is a must
✂ Grooming Needs
Grooming needs depend on coat type. All Dachshunds benefit from regular nail trims, ear cleaning, and dental care.
- ✓ Smooth: low maintenance
- ✓ Longhaired: brush 2-3x/week
- ✓ Wirehaired: hand-strip or trim
- ✓ Bath every 4-6 weeks
- ✓ Trim nails regularly
❤ Keeping Healthy
Generally healthy, but they can be prone to certain conditions. Regular vet checkups, a balanced diet, and exercise are essential.
- • Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
- • Obesity
- • Dental Issues
- • Eye Conditions
- • Hypothyroidism
$ Cost of Ownership
Owning a Dachshund is a moderate investment in both time and cost.
Purchase Price: $600-$2,000+
Monthly Cost: $50-$110
First Year Cost: $1,000 - $2,200
Lifetime Cost: $9,000 - $14,000
👍 Pros
- Loyal and affectionate
- Great for apartments
- Playful and entertaining
- Intelligent and alert
- Strong bond with their people
👎 Cons
- Prone to back problems (IVDD)
- Can be stubborn
- Barks when alerting
- Needs mental stimulation
- Can be possessive
💡 Did You Know?
Dachshunds have a larger-than-life personality in a small body! The oldest recorded Dachshund lived to be 21 years old.
Compare Dachshund
See how the Dachshund stacks up against other breeds to find your perfect match.
