Originally bred for hunting, the Dachshund’s unique build and outgoing personality mean they’re now a popular family dog. With a surprisingly loud bark and plenty of energy, there’s never a dull moment with a Dachshund around!
Facts & advice
Dachshund
A loyal companion who’s plucky, energetic and alert
Vital stats
Size: Small to medium (standard-size or miniature)
Coat: 3 varieties – short-haired, long-haired and wire-haired
Exercise: 1 hour a day
Life span: 12-13 years
Breed group: Hound
Temperament: Playful, loyal, independent
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| Size: | Small to medium (miniature or standard-size) |
| Coat: | 3 varieties: short-haired, long-haired and wire-haired |
| Exercise | 1 hour a day |
| Life span: | 12 – 13 years |
| Breed group: | Hound |
| Temperament: | Playful, loyal, independent |
Dachshund temperament & personality
Standard and miniature Dachshunds are bright, loyal and courageous. These little dogs have large barrel chests to give them stamina while hunting – a trait that can also translate into lots of running around and barking.
- Both standard and mini Dachshunds are utterly devoted to their owners and make for extremely loyal companions.
- Provided they are well-socialised from a young age, Dachshunds can also get along well with children and cats.
- As a vocal breed, Dachshund traits include being a little noisy and standoffish with strangers.
- Due to the Dachshund’s personality, these dogs are better suited to slightly older children who will take any barking or territorial behaviour in their stride.
Dachshund training & exercise
Training is an important part of owning a Dachshund to help keep them safe and secure.
How to train a Dachshund
- As scent hounds, Dachshunds are hardwired to pick up smells and chase prey, so good recall and lead training is essential from an early age
- Dachshunds can be easily distracted, so use short training sessions to keep their attention.
Keeping them happy
For a small breed, Dachshunds have a lot of energy. They need plenty of physical and mental stimulation to prevent them from getting bored, as this is when destructive behaviours can creep in.
Exercise
- Adult Dachshunds need regular playtime combined with at least a 60-minute walk per day.
- Dachshunds shouldn’t be allowed to run up or down stairs or jump up a lot, as this can cause back problems, a common issue in the breed.
Game ideas
Try a game of hide and seek, or hide your dog’s favourite toy and let them sniff it out.
Common Dachshund health conditions
Some health conditions affect Dachshunds more than other dog breeds. We’ve outlined some of our recent claims data to help you understand some of the health issues we see more of in standard and mini Dachshunds.
If you’re buying a puppy, you can increase your chances of having a happy and healthy dog by choosing a reputable Dachshund breeder.
As a so-called dwarf breed, standard and miniature Dachshunds are unfortunately prone to back problems. One of the most common illnesses is intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), which affects around a quarter of UK Dachshunds. If your dog seems to be moving oddly or less than normal, contact your vet and try to limit your dog’s movement. Diagnosis may involve an MRI or CT scan. They may or may not require surgery to relieve the compression of the disc on the spinal cord, which is typically carried out by a specialist.
Dachshunds can suffer from stomach upsets, including vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain (gastroenteritis). If your dog shows signs of this illness, your vet will want to rule out more serious issues before suggesting a course of treatment. Solutions will vary, depending on the cause, but can involve rehydration via a drip.
Standard and miniature Dachshunds are susceptible to dental problems, ranging from overcrowded teeth to gum disease. Once your dog’s adult teeth grow, you should start a daily brushing routine, which will help keep bacteria at bay and also give you a good chance to health-check their mouths. Left untreated, dental issues can lead to other health problems affecting the heart, kidneys and liver.
A fairly common disorder for Dachshunds in middle age and beyond, Cushing’s disease is caused by a problem with the adrenal gland, creating a hormone imbalance. Symptoms to look out for include:
- Increased need to urinate
- Excessive thirst
- Enlarged abdomen
- Thinning of the skin that heals slowly
Commonly caused by a tumour on the adrenal gland, your vet will prescribe medication to manage Cushing’s disease in the long-term.
The skin is the largest organ of a dog’s body, and several disorders can affect it. Like other dogs, Dachshunds can suffer from allergies that lead to dermatitis (skin inflammation).
Allergies can be caused by many different items, including:
- Things that are inhaled, such as pollen or dust mites
- Items that are eaten, such as wheat
- Items the dog comes into contact with, such as washing powders
- Bites from parasites, such as fleas
Pyoderma – meaning ‘infection of the skin’ – is another skin problem usually caused by bacteria, fungi (’ringworm’) or yeasts.
Skin disorders can often be managed with a range of treatments, typically needed over the long-term, allowing your dog to get back to enjoying life.
Grooming a Dacshund
There are three varieties of coat found in this breed – short-haired, wire-haired and long-haired dachshund – all of which have slightly different requirements.
How to groom a dachshund
- The amount your Dachshund will shed depends on their coat type, but as a breed, they only shed moderately, if at all.
- Short-haired Dachshunds need very little grooming, just a quick brush once a week.
- Long-haired Dachshunds need daily grooming to prevent matting, particularly around their ears and legs. For the wire-haired variety, you’ll also need to brush their bushy beard.
Dachshund diet & nutrition
It’s important to keep your Dachshund at a healthy weight to help reduce any pressure on their spine and joints, which are prone to issues.
- Adult dogs require two meals a day, and the portion size will depend on whether you have a standard or miniature Dachshund. Stick to the recommended portion on the food packaging, and if in doubt, consult your vet.
- Vets recommend feeding a high-quality pet food to ensure your dog gets all the nutrients they need to remain healthy.
Getting a Dacshund
Once you’ve decided you’re ready to own a Dachshund, think about whether you’d prefer to buy a puppy from a reputable breeder or adopt a dog from a rehoming centre. To help you decide, here are some points to consider.
Rehoming centres
Giving a new home to a rescue dog or puppy can be extremely fulfilling. If you'd like to explore this option, start with one of Petplan’s partners, such as Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, Blue Cross and Dogs Trust. You can also contact rehoming centres in your local area and ask if they have any Dachshunds that need adopting.
Getting a dog is a big decision, and a rehoming centre will want to see that you’re prepared for this commitment – they may even visit your home to check you are well equipped for your new pet.
If you’re a first-time owner, a young adult dog (between two and five years old) is a good choice. They’ll be through the puppy stages, but still young enough to adapt to their new home. If you’re an experienced owner, you might decide to adopt an older Dachshund and give a new lease of life to a dog who might otherwise be overlooked.
Breeders
If you want to buy a puppy, start by finding responsible breeders in your area, or further afield if you’re willing to travel. Breeders in the UK need a licence if they’re selling over three litters per year. They should also be happy to introduce you to both parent dogs.
When visiting puppies, they should always be with their mother in a home environment. Watch how the mother interacts with people and ask questions about her health and personality.
At eight weeks, puppies will be ready to go to their new homes – but they shouldn’t leave their mother any earlier than this. Breeders who work with Petplan will include four weeks free dog insurance, which you can then extend.
Dachshund frequently asked questions
The three types of Dachshund coat – short-haired, long-haired and wire-haired – all shed in slightly different quantities. Dachshunds are considered to be low to moderate shedders, with long-haired Dachshunds tending to drop the most fur. There’s nothing you can do to stop your Dachshund from shedding, but regular brushing and trips to the groomers will help to keep their coat in tip-top condition.
There’s a reason for the Dachshund’s unique body shape. Dachshunds were originally bred to be scent hounds, and their long, slim bodies made them perfect for following smaller prey, such as badgers and rabbits, into their warrens. Their role was to flush out these underground animals for hunters. Today, their scent hound background means they love to sniff, dig and chase, so try including these activities during walks and playtime.
Dachshunds are generally even-tempered and affectionate, which, combined with their smaller size, makes them an ideal companion for children. But they can be vocal and snappy if play gets too boisterous, which means they’re usually better suited to slightly older children. As with all dog breeds, Dachshunds should be supervised around children to make sure everyone stays safe and happy.
While they are relatively low-shedding, Dachshunds are not considered to be hypoallergenic. Wire-haired varieties of the breed tend to be the lowest shedding, so may be slightly better suited to those with allergies than the long- and short-haired varieties. It’s important to remember that no dog breed is 100% hypoallergenic. But some breeds are better suited to allergy sufferers than others.
Though they are not aggressive by nature, Dachshunds’ feisty personalities can sometimes come across as unfriendly. They can be a little vocal, but Dachshunds are generally loyal and loving companions. Early and consistent socialisation can reduce any unwanted barking or snappiness, and help you to nurture a confident and sociable dog who will take meeting other pets and people in their strid
Dachshunds can be taught to swim, but due to their long bodies and short legs, it’s not something they’re built for. If your dog loves water, it’s usually best to keep them confined to smaller pools or shallow ponds to stop them from getting exhausted too quickly. As Dachshunds often suffer from back and joint problems, swimming can be a helpful alternative form of exercise for older dogs or pets suffering from conditions such as arthritis.
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Dachshund insurance considerations
Dachshunds sometimes suffer with certain health conditions and may require treatment, but Petplan dog insurance offers peace of mind that they’ll always be protected.
Choosing the right insurance for your Dachshund helps keep them happy and healthy if they develop any problems. Since this breed can suffer from some serious health conditions, it’s important to check the length of time policies cover each condition. Petplan’s Covered For Life® policies allow you to claim for the same condition each year. As long as you renew your policy, your Dachshund can receive the best care for any ongoing conditions.
We always offer these things as standard:
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy & pet therapies
Along with physiotherapy, which is covered within the Vet Bills benefit, we also cover Pet Therapies like herbal medicine, homeopathy and acupuncture. You can also claim for hydrotherapy, up to £500 per illness/injury in dogs and cats (no additional limit for rabbits).
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Pet Plan Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register No. 311969. Allianz Insurance plc is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. Financial Services Register No. 121849. Pet Plan Limited is a subsidiary of Allianz Insurance plc.