Overview
Iconic long-bodied hound — bold, comical, and prone to back issues.
The Dachshund is a small breed in the Hound group, typically standing 5–9 in and weighing 11–32 lbs. Expect a lifespan of 12–16 years with good preventive care. Personality is best described as spunky, curious, brave.
Breed history & origin
The Dachshund traces its origins to Germany, with the breed taking recognisable form in the 1600s. Its original purpose — hunt badgers underground (‘dachshund’ = ‘badger dog’) — shaped almost every physical and temperamental trait still visible in the breed today.
As a small member of the Hound group, the Dachshund was selectively bred for independent decision-making, steady temperament and an even pace. Modern owners describe them as spunky, curious, brave — qualities deeply rooted in that working heritage.
The American Kennel Club formally recognised the Dachshund in 1885.
Several moments shaped the modern Dachshund. ‘Dachshund’ literally translates from German as ‘badger dog’. Comes in two sizes (Standard, Miniature) and three coats (smooth, wirehaired, longhaired).
Today the Dachshund thrives as a companion. It remains one of the more recognisable breeds at North American dog shows and in homes across Canada and the United States, where its combination of spunky and family-suitability continues to draw new owners every year.
Like every purebred, the Dachshund carries genetic risks tied to its small founding gene pool. Conscientious modern breeders screen for the conditions listed in the health section below and breed for longevity, structural soundness, and stable temperament — the three pillars of a responsibly preserved breed.
- Country of origin
- Germany
- Era
- 1600s
- Original purpose
- Hunt badgers underground (‘Dachshund’ = ‘badger dog’)
- Modern purpose
- Companion
- AKC recognition
- 1885
Breed timeline
- 1600sDachshund develops in Germany
- 1885Formal kennel club recognition in the Hound group
- TodayEstablished as a companion
Appearance
- Coat length
- Short
- Coat texture
- Smooth or wiry single coat
- Undercoat
- Light undercoat
- Body
- Compact, agile build
Temperament
Dachshunds are spunky, curious, brave. With early socialization and positive-reinforcement training in the critical 8–16 week window, they grow into well-adjusted adults that fit a wide range of households.
Exercise & activity
Adult Dachshunds need 30–60 minutes/day, split between leashed walks and off-leash play. Under-exercised dogs of this breed are the #1 source of behaviour complaints — chewing, barking, and pulling.
Grooming & shedding
Wash-and-wear coat. A weekly brush and an occasional bath keeps a Dachshund tidy.
Moderate shedder. Regular brushing controls it; a vacuum-shedding tool helps in spring and fall.
Nutrition guide
Feed a high-quality small-breed puppy formula with calorie-dense kibble in tiny pieces. Dachshund puppies thrive on 3 measured meals per day until 6 months, then 2 meals. Look for AAFCO statements naming "growth" or "all life stages," and skip filler-heavy grocery brands.
Feed an AAFCO-approved small-breed puppy formula. 3 meals/day until 6 months, then 2/day.
Adult Dachshunds do well on a high-quality kibble (≥ 25% protein, ≤ 15% fat) split into two meals. Free-feeding is the #1 cause of obesity in this breed.
From age 8, transition to a senior formula with glucosamine/chondroitin and reduced calories.
350–600 kcal/day
Common allergies: Most common triggers in this breed: chicken, beef, dairy, wheat. A novel-protein diet (duck, salmon, venison) helps if itching or GI issues persist.
- • Grapes & raisins
- • Chocolate
- • Onions & garlic
- • Xylitol (peanut butter labels!)
- • Cooked bones
- • Macadamia nuts
Training guide
Crate-train from day 1. Dachshund puppies can hold their bladder roughly (age in months) hours — set a timer and take them out after every nap, meal, and play session.
Use a crate just large enough to stand and turn around. Never use it as punishment. Most Dachshunds accept the crate within 2 weeks with kong-and-meal pairing.
Dachshunds have an independent streak. Keep sessions ≤ 5 minutes, very high-value rewards, and end on a win.
Critical window is 8–16 weeks. Aim for 100 new people, 50 new dogs, and 25 new environments before 4 months — vaccinated, controlled, positive exposures only.
Focus on rock-solid basics first; advanced sports work best from 18+ months with this breed.
- ×Skipping puppy class because the dog ‘seems fine’
- ×Using punishment for fear-based behaviour (escalates it)
- ×Repeating the cue word — say it once, then enforce
- ×Free-feeding (kills food motivation for training)
Health database
Lifespan: 12–16 years. Below are the conditions vets most commonly screen for in this breed — for education only, always consult your veterinarian.
Lower than average
Low
Standard screening recommended
Average
Elevated — small breeds prone to crowding and tartar
$400–$700 CAD
Common health concerns
- ▸Dental disease
- ▸Obesity (over-feeding)
- ▸Patellar luxation
Recommended screening
- ▸Patella evaluation
- ▸CERF / OFA eye exam
- ▸Cardiac auscultation
- ▸Annual blood panel
Educational only — always consult your veterinarian.
Living requirements
- Apartment
- Excellent
- House
- Yes — ideal
- Urban
- Strong
- Rural / farm
- Strong
- Cold weather
- Average — needs a jacket below freezing
- Hot weather
- Tolerant
- Barking level
- Average
- Separation anxiety
- Above average — bred for human company
- Escape risk
- Average
- Space
- Apartment-friendly
Cost of ownership (Canada)
Reputable Canadian breeders typically charge $1,500–$2,800 for a Dachshund puppy. Plan for $1,600–$2,600 in annual cost of ownership covering food, vet visits, insurance, training, and grooming.
$1,500–$2,800
$1,600–$2,600
$45–$90 / month CAD
Pros & cons
- +Excellent with children and other family pets
- +Adapts well to apartments and condo living
- +Travel-friendly size; fits under airline seats and in small homes
- −Requires the time and commitment any puppy demands
Ideal owner profile
Fun facts
- 1.‘Dachshund’ literally translates from German as ‘badger dog’.
- 2.Comes in two sizes (Standard, Miniature) and three coats (smooth, wirehaired, longhaired).
- 3.Picasso owned a Dachshund named Lump who appeared in his Las Meninas paintings.
- 4.Waldi, a Dachshund, was the first official Olympic mascot (Munich 1972).
- 5.Dachshunds live 12–16 years on average with good preventive care.
- 6.Adults stand 5–9 in and weigh 11–32 lbs.
- 7.Daily exercise needs: 30–60 minutes/day.
- 8.Classified in the Hound group.
Dachshund vs popular breeds
| Trait | Dachshund | Labrador Retriever | Golden Retriever | German Shepherd | French Bulldog | Poodle (Standard) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Size | Small | Large | Large | Large | Small | Large |
| Lifespan | 12–16 years | 11–13 years | 10–12 years | 9–13 years | 10–12 years | 10–18 years |
| Energy | 3/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 2/5 | 4/5 |
| Trainability | 3/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 | 5/5 |
| Family-friendly | 4/5 | 5/5 | 5/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Apartment | 5/5 | 2/5 | 2/5 | 2/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 |
| Shedding | 3/5 | 4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 | 1/5 |
| Exercise | 30–60 minutes/day | 60–90 minutes/day | 60–90 minutes/day | 60–90 minutes/day | 20–40 minutes/day | 60–90 minutes/day |
