Dachshund

Famously nicknamed the “hot dog” or “wiener dog,” Dachshunds (or Doxies, for short) are known for their long silhouette, short and muscular legs, brave and energetic personality, and for always being on the lookout.

“Dachshund” comes from the German words for badger (dachs) and dog (hund), as these dogs were originally bred in 18th-century Germany to hunt badgers. The characteristic forward-flopping ears protect Dachshunds’ ear canals from foreign material as they race through brush. The somewhat curled up tail makes it visible to their human hunting partners behind them.

Dachshunds were bred to be independent hunters of dangerous prey. Because of this, Dachshund dogs can be brave to the point of carelessness and a bit tenacious, but their charming nature and famous long-and-low body make them one of the most popular dog breeds in the U.S.

Dachshunds come in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and coat types. There are also two Dachshund sizes:

• Standard Dachshunds weigh 16–32 pounds and stand 8–9 inches tall

• Miniature Dachshunds are under 11 pounds and stand just 5–6 inches tall

Caring for a Dachshund Dog

A Dachshund (pronounced “dakk-snd”) is willful, headstrong, playful, and mischievous. But the breed is also smart and attentive.

Although they are small dogs, Dachshunds need regular exercise to stay fit and build strong muscles to support and protect their long back, which is vulnerable to injury. Dachshunds are not built for extensive running, jumping, or swimming, but these determined pups are willing to do it all.

To help keep your Dachshund’s back healthy and prevent injuries, try to limit their jumping by installing pet stairs or ramps near furniture and beds. Keeping your Dachshund at a healthy weight also helps minimize the risk of a back injury.

Dachshund Health Issues

The average Dachshund lifespan is 12–16 years, about average for a smaller dog breed. But the breed is, unfortunately, susceptible to many health conditions throughout their long life. 

The number one health issue in a Dachshund is back ailments due to the dog’s long spine, muscular and bowed legs, and low-to-the-ground stature.

Dachshunds are also dolichocephalic (long-faced) dogs. This means that they have more nasal lining than short-nosed dogs and therefore are more prone to fungal, bacterial, or other infections in their sinus cavities. 

Intervertebral Disc Disease

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) in Dachshunds is very common, and it can lead to complete and permanent paralysis of all four legs if not treated quickly. IVDD is caused by a bulging or slipped disc within the vertebral column of the spine. As many as 25% of Dachshunds develop IVDD in their lifetime.

Bring your Dachshund to the vet if you notice a change in the way they move or any of the following symptoms:

• Trouble walking

• Limping

• Holding head/neck down

• Dragging paws

• Scuffed toenails

Depending on the severity of the disc damage, treatment with anti-inflammatory and pain medications may be recommended, as well as muscle relaxants and strict cage rest. Cage rest means no playing, running, or jumping—only short, leashed walks to go to the bathroom are allowed.

Your Dachshund will need to be carried up or down any stairs in your home, and they shouldn’t be allowed to jump on or off furniture. When holding a Dachshund with back injuries, support their hind end with one hand and chest with the other.

Surgical correction of IVDD is often necessary to help dogs regain use of their legs and other functions affected by a slipped disc.

Obesity

Dachshunds are predisposed to obesity because their short stature and small legs make it more difficult for them to exercise. Dachshunds are also prone to disorders that impact their mobility, such as IVDD and orthopedic conditions. These conditions make it harder for your dog to move, which leads to weight gain.

It’s important to have your veterinarian examine and weigh your Dachshund a few times a year to ensure they remain healthy.

You can also visually monitor your dog’s weight by checking their body condition score. If you have a hard time feeling your dog’s ribs and notice that they do not have a waist, it’s likely that they’re overweight.

You can schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to find out how many calories your dog needs each day and to create a weight loss plan for your Dachshund.

Luxating Patella

A luxating patella is common in small dogs, including Dachshunds. This is caused by the kneecap slipping out of its normal position, and the condition often occurs simultaneously in both hind legs.

You may notice your Dachshund limping on their hind legs, or you may see a “skip” or “bunny hop” to their gait when they walk. Depending on the severity, some dogs do not require any treatment, but others may need anti-inflammatory and pain medications or even corrective surgery.

Giving your dog joint protection supplements and keeping them at a healthy weight may help prevent secondary issues related to luxating patellas.

Bloat and Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV)

While bloat in dogs is commonly thought to only affect large breeds, Dachshunds can develop it as well because of their deep chest. Bloat is when the stomach fills with gas, and it can progress to gastric dilatation-volvulus, where the stomach twists and cuts off blood flow to vital organs. 

Symptoms of bloat and GDV include:

• Swelling of the belly, or a pot-bellied appearance

• Pacing

• Drooling

• Retching

• Licking lips

• General malaise

If you see any of these signs, take your Dachshund to your veterinarian or an emergency vet as soon as possible.

Deafness

Dapple Dachshund puppies (dogs that have a coat mottled or spotted with patches of color) may be born deaf, especially if both of their parents had dappled coats as well. While there is no cure for this, deaf dogs can live long, healthy lives.

Dental Disease

Small dogs such as Dachshunds are more prone to periodontal disease. It’s important to brush your dog’s teeth daily, as it’s the best way to prevent dental disease. Your veterinarian can recommend the best dog toothpastes and toothbrushes, along with dental chews.

Pet parents must also have their Dachshund’s teeth professionally cleaned, usually once a year.

Epilepsy

Idiopathic epilepsy is a seizure without a known cause and has an assumed genetic origin. The seizures commonly begin when a dog is young, between 1 and 5 years old.

There are two kinds of seizures in Dachshunds: generalized and focal.

• Generalized seizures affect the entire body. Your dog is usually not aware of their surroundings, drools excessively, and urinates or defecates during the seizure.

• Focal seizures are more subtle; they cause facial twitching, chewing movements, or paddling of the limbs.

If you notice any seizure activity or suspect your Dachshund has had a seizure, have them examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible. The vet will perform a complete physical and neurologic examination, run blood work, do urine testing, and possibly recommend an X-ray or ultrasound to rule out other possible causes of seizures, such as toxins.

Anti-convulsant medications can control these types of seizures in dogs.

Eye Problems

Eye problems such as cataracts, glaucoma, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) are all common in Dachshunds and can cause blindness in your dog.

Common symptoms of eye problems are:

• Cloudy eyes

• Red, swollen, or irritated (with discharge) eyes

• Bumping into things

• Anxiety or hesitation in new places

• Unwillingness to go up or down stairs or climb on or off furniture

• Pawing at face

• Confused, dazed, or startled behavior

PRA is not treatable and affected dogs will lose their vision. Cataracts are treated with surgery, and glaucoma can be managed with medications, though surgery is sometimes needed.

Your veterinarian can monitor for these eye issues, and Dachshund breeders can screen for them.

What To Feed a Dachshund

Dachshunds require a high-quality, age-appropriate diet (puppy, adult, or senior) to meet their nutritional needs. Feed your Dachshund an Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO)-approved diet, which ensures that ingredients in the food meet established standards.

Avoid feeding your Dachshund table scraps and animal bones; they may cause vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, or gastrointestinal obstruction. Many human foods also have a high fat content, which can lead to serious complications including pancreatitis.

Your vet may recommend a dental diet formulated to reduce the amount of plaque and tartar that accumulates on your Dachshund’s teeth.

How To Feed a Dachshund 

In general, Dachshund puppies should be fed three to four times a day, while adult dogs should be fed twice a day.

Diets formulated for small breeds are a good fit for Dachshunds because they tend to have a smaller kibble size that makes them easier to chew. Talk to your vet about how to choose the best dog food for your Doxie.

How Much Should You Feed a Dachshund?

How much you feed your dog should be determined by the specific food your Dachshund eats and your pup’s health. Your veterinarian and the feeding instructions on the bag of food will help you find the right amount to keep your Dachshund at a healthy weight.

Do not overfeed your Dachshund. Overweight Dachshund dogs are at a higher risk for back injuries and disease.

Nutritional Tips for a Dachshund

Dogs eating an AAFCO-approved diet will receive all needed nutrition from their food. But your vet might recommend dietary supplements for your Dachshund to support your dog’s back and eye health, including:

• Glucosamine, chondroitin, and methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) supplements to promote joint health.

• Omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil), which have anti-inflammatory properties and promote healthy skin and coat.

• Certain antioxidants and vitamins may reduce stress on the special lens cells in the eye and delay cataract development.

Behavior and Training Tips for a Dachshund

Dachshund Personality and Temperament 

Dachshunds are playful and friendly dogs that can make great pets for a first-time pet parent. They love mental challenges like puzzle games or scent-tracking sports. However, be careful with them during high-energy activities to avoid back injuries.

The Dachshund’s spunky temperament also means playtime with children should be supervised, as they may play too rough for young kids. Children must also be taught how to interact with dogs.

Even though they are small, Dachshunds need regular exercise to stay fit and build strong muscles to support and protect their back. They should lead active lifestyles and have multiple daily walks, playtime, and activities to mentally stimulate them throughout the day.

Dachshund Behavior

Dachshunds are good dogs for apartments and small houses, but they do tend to bark a lot. Training can help manage their barking habits.

Thanks to their history as hunting dogs, Dachshunds have an excellent sense of smell and a strong prey drive. Because of this, they might not do well in homes with smaller animals that they might see as something to chase after.

Dachshund dogs also like to dig, which may cause damage to your plants and yard. Keep that in mind and provide alternative activities for your dog.

Dachshund Training

Dachshunds are smart dogs, but they are also independent and often willful, so they can be a challenge to train.

Always encourage your dog with positive reinforcement during training and keep sessions short. If they lose patience and get distracted by a sound or smell, take a break and continue their training later.

Dachshund puppies must be socialized consistently when young so they learn to be confident, good-mannered dogs that don’t bark or chase inappropriately.

Fun Activities for a Dachshund 

• Earthdog

• Scent walks

• Nose work

• Puzzle toys

• Hide-and-seek with treats

• Walks

Dachshund Grooming Guide

Dachshunds can have three different coat types:

• Longhaired Dachshunds have a thick coat that’s typically slightly wavy, and the hair is longer on their neck, chest, and underside.
• Smooth Dachshunds have a short, smooth, and shiny coat.
• Wirehaired Dachshunds have a coarse outer coat with a softer undercoat.

All Dachshunds shed regularly throughout the year, though not as intensely as some other breeds.

Skin Care

Dachshunds don’t need to be bathed often, but their bellies may need more frequent brushing because they are so close to the ground and can easily pick up debris. Bathing once every few months is usually OK, but ask your vet for the best guidance.

Coat Care

Grooming varies depending on your Dachshund dog’s coat type.

Smooth-coated Dachshunds require the least maintenance—they can simply be wiped down with a towel to make their coat shine.

Longhaired Dachshunds require frequent brushing, depending on the coat’s thickness, and they are prone to getting mats or tangles. These fluffy Dachshunds must be brushed out completely every day. A slicker brush detangles the hair, and a bristle brush keeps the coat shiny.

Wirehaired Dachshunds can be plucked or hand-stripped a few times a year to help maintain their coat’s rough texture. Aside from that ritual, they are easy to maintain with an occasional trim of their beard and eyebrows. Brushing their coat several time a week is needed as well.

Eye Care

All dogs have a natural eye stain, called porphyrin, in their tears that comes out a brown-reddish color. Use a special eye wipe—such as Angels’ Eyes® products—to clean any tear stains your Dachshund develops.

While some tear staining is normal, talk to your veterinarian if you notice any changes in your dog’s eyes or vision.

Ear Care

Ear infections are common in Dachshund dogs because of their floppy ears. Moisture can be trapped inside the ear, causing bacteria and/or yeast to overpopulate and leading to an ear infection.

A general guideline for ear care is to check your dog’s ears for excessive wax once a month. You can look at their ears when you are bathing them, brushing them, or trimming their nails. Ask your vet how to clean your dog’s ears and which ear cleaning products to use.

Considerations for Pet Parents

Dachshunds can be great companion pets for people in smaller homes or apartments—as long as they get enough stimulation through walks and play every day. However, they are quite vocal dogs, so you will need to put in some training to redirect barking behaviors. 

This breed is also very susceptible to back injuries, so any prospective owners will need to be prepared to take precautions to help support their Dachshund's back health. It’s extremely important that Dachshunds do not become obese, which can make them more at risk for back injuries.

This is a rambunctious and smart dog breed, so mental stimulation and consistent training are important to help build good behavior. Make sure you have time to dedicate yourself to this before bringing home a Dachshund puppy.