Dachshund Dog Breed: Size, Personality and More

The Dachshund, often affectionately called the “wiener dog” because of its long body and short legs, has a rich and fascinating history that dates back hundreds of years. 

The Dachshund’s name comes from the German words “Dachs” (badger) and “Hund” (dog), reflecting its original purpose: hunting badgers. The breed was developed in Germany in the 15th century, though its roots likely go back even further.

Early records from the 16th century describe dogs with short legs and elongated bodies used for tracking and flushing out prey from burrows.

Dachshunds were bred specifically for their unique physical characteristics. Their short legs allowed them to dig into badger dens and maneuver through tight underground spaces and their long bodies gave them the flexibility and reach needed for combat with burrowed animals.

They are also known for their stamina and courage making them effective hunters of not just badgers but also foxes and rabbits. Larger Dachshunds were even used for hunting wild boar. Their keen sense of smell and strong prey drive were highly valued traits in hunting dogs.

The breed has evolved into two size categories — standard (used for larger prey like badgers and foxes) and miniature (bred to hunt smaller prey such as rabbits).

Dachshunds gained popularity outside Germany in the late 19th century. They were introduced to the United States and the United Kingdom, where their charm and versatility made them beloved companions as well as hunting dogs.

However, during World War I and II, the breed’s German association caused its popularity to decline in Allied countries, and they were sometimes renamed “badger dogs” or “liberty hounds.” Post-war, their popularity surged again, especially as family pets.

Today, Dachshunds are one of the most popular breeds worldwide, prized for their lively personalities, intelligence, and distinctive appearance. They are primarily companion animals but still retain their hunting instincts, evident in their love for digging and chasing.

Dachshunds, like all dog breeds, thrive on a balanced diet tailored to their size, age, activity level, and specific health needs. Their long backs and tendency to gain weight make it especially important to provide proper nutrition to prevent health issues like obesity and back problems. See our best dog food for Dachshunds for inspiration.

General Characteristics:

• Origin: Germany
• Size: Standard and miniature
• Height: 8-9ins (standard), 5-6ins (miniature)
• Weight: 16-32lbs (standard), up to 11lbs (miniature)
• Lifespan: 12-16 years

Appearance: 

• Coat: Smooth, wire-haired or long-haired
• Colors: Solid red and solid cream; two-tone (black & tan, chocolate & tan, blue & tan, fawn & tan); rare – a mix of gray, black & brown, solid black or solid chocolate.

Dachshund Temperament: 

• Intelligent
• Loyal
• Curious
• Playful
• Brave
• Independent
• Alert
• Affectionate

Training and Exercising: 

• Training: Dachshunds require patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Their intelligence and stubborn nature can make them challenging but rewarding to train.
• Exercise: Although they are small dogs, Dachshunds have plenty of energy and a strong need for physical and mental stimulation. Proper exercise keeps them healthy and prevents boredom-related behaviors. They need 30–60 minutes of exercise daily, broken into two or three shorter sessions to prevent overexertion.

Grooming: 

• Smooth coat: Minimal shedding, brush weekly
• Long-haired: Moderate shedding, brush 3-4 times a week
• Wire-haired: Low to moderate shedding, brush 2-3 times a week

Interesting Facts:  

• The shape of the Dachshund inspired the creation and name of the hot dog in the early 20th century.
• Notable Dachshund owners include Pablo Picasso, John F. Kennedy, Andy Warhol, and Adele.
• A Dachshund named Chanel lived to the age of 21, earning the title of the world’s oldest Dachshund in 2009.
• Despite their small size, Dachshunds have been known to stand up to much larger animals, living up to their reputation as fearless hunters.
• A Dachshund named Otto held the Guinness World Record for the longest dog tail at 17.4 inches.

Dachshund Price:

The price of a Dachshund will vary on the coat type, size, breeder reputation and location, but average prices are:

• Pet Dachshunds (Non-Pedigree): $500–$1,500 (USD)
• Pedigree Dachshunds (With Papers): $1,500–$3,000 (USD)
• Show-Quality or Champion Bloodline Dachshunds: $3,000–$10,000+ (USD)

Rescue or Adoption:

A Dachshund adopted from a rescue organization or shelter generally costs less. This fee often includes initial veterinary care and spaying/neutering.

• Adoption Fee: Around $50-$500