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Dachshund
commonApartment FriendlyGood with KidsGood with Pets
Clever, spunky, and courageous. Dachshunds are beloved 'wiener dogs' with big personalities in small packages.
Weight7.5-14.5 kg16.5-32 lbs
Height20-23 cm8-9"
Lifespan12-16 yrs
Overview
Personality and care at a glance
CleverStubbornDevotedPlayfulCourageous
Height
20-23 cm8-9"
Weight
7.5-14.5 kg16.5-32 lbs
Lifespan
12-16 yrs
Breed Traits
Size
Small - Size category based on typical adult weight
Energy Level
Balanced - enjoys play sessions and moderate activity
Trainability
Strong-willed - needs an experienced handler
Grooming
Minimal grooming - occasional brushing
Barking
Frequent barker
Attachment Style
How much this breed typically wants to be near their people versus enjoying time on their own.
IndependentHighly Dependent
Balanced companionship
Size Comparison
🧍
Human~6ft / 183cm🐕
Dachshund20-23 cm8-9"Compatibility
How well Dachshund matches your lifestyle
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Your Match Score
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Good Fit
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Things to Consider
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Colors & patterns
Dachshund comes in 6 recognized colors
Red
Black and Tan
Bicolor
Black·Tan
Chocolate and Tan
Bicolor
Chocolate·Tan
Cream
Black and Cream
Bicolor
Black·Cream
Red Dapple
Dapple
Spotted
Exercise
Activity requirements for Dachshund
medium energy45-60 min/day
Dachshunds need regular daily exercise to stay fit and content. A mix of walks and play will keep them mentally and physically satisfied.
30-60 minutes daily, avoid jumping
Recommended Activities
Low intensity
Mental Stimulation
Puzzle toys and training games for mental exercise.
10-15 min
Moderate intensity
Daily Walks
Regular walks at a moderate pace, ideally twice daily.
20-30 min each
Moderate intensity
Fetch & Retrieval Games
Active play sessions with balls or toys.
15-20 min
Moderate intensity
Social Play
Playdates with other dogs or interactive games with family.
20-30 min
Grooming
Coat care and maintenance for Dachshund
Low Maintenancefur coat
Dachshunds require minimal grooming maintenance. Occasional brushing and basic hygiene care will keep them looking their best.
Weekly Brushing
A quick brush once a week removes loose hair and distributes natural oils for a healthy coat.
Weekly
Occasional Bathing
Bathe only when dirty or smelly - typically every 2-3 months. Over-bathing can strip natural oils.
Every 2-3 months
Nail Trimming
Keep nails trimmed to prevent discomfort and clicking on floors. If you hear clicking, they're too long.
Every 2-4 weeks
Dental Care
Brush teeth regularly or provide dental chews to prevent plaque buildup and gum disease.
2-3 times per week
Training
Training approach for Dachshund
Strong-Willed
Dachshunds have a strong will and may resist training. Success requires patience, experience, and understanding that stubbornness often indicates intelligence.
Best Approach
Never force or punish - it will backfire. Find creative ways to make them think compliance was their idea. Consider professional training help if needed.
Training Tips
Essential
Extreme Patience Required
Progress may be slower than with other breeds. Celebrate small wins and don't get discouraged.
Essential
Get Creative
Standard training methods may not work. Be willing to try unconventional approaches.
Essential
Firm, Fair Boundaries
Set clear boundaries consistently, but always with positive methods. Never use punishment.
Recommended
Consider Professional Help
A professional trainer experienced with this breed can provide valuable techniques and support.
Recommended
Set Realistic Expectations
They may never be perfectly obedient, and that's okay. Focus on essential commands and safety.
Common Challenges
- May refuse commands they know perfectly well
- Can be manipulative - knows how to get what they want
- Training sessions may require multiple approaches
- May need experienced handlers
Nutrition
Feeding guidelines for Dachshund
Small Breed2-3 meals$22-54/month
Small breeds have higher metabolisms than larger dogs and benefit from multiple meals per day with appropriately sized portions.
Feeding Tips
Careful Portion Control
Small breeds are prone to obesity. Measure food carefully and adjust based on activity level.
Small Breed Formula
Choose foods formulated for small breeds with appropriate kibble size and nutrient density.
Watch Treat Calories
Treats add up quickly for small dogs. Keep treats to 10% or less of daily calories.
Always Fresh Water
Ensure constant access to clean, fresh water. Small dogs can dehydrate quickly.
Health
Common health conditions to watch for in Dachshund
2
High Risk
2
Common Issues
Understanding breed-specific health risks helps you provide better preventive care. Regular vet checkups and health screenings can catch many issues early.
High Risk Conditions
Common Issues
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult with your veterinarian about your pet's specific health needs.
Ownership costs
Estimated expenses for Dachshund
Monthly costs
Food
$22-54
Insurance
$34-79
Supplies
$13-26
Monthly total
$69-159
Annual costs
Veterinary care
$384-648/yr
Parasite prevention
$288/yr
Annual total
$672-936/yr
Estimates based on 2024-2025 research, adjusted for Dachshund's size. Actual costs vary by location and provider.
Regional insights
Local factors affecting pet ownership costs in United States
- •Pet industry expenditure reached $152B in 2024, projected $157B for 2025
- •66% of households own pets (86.9 million homes)
- •Pet CPI continues to outpace general inflation
What's not included
- •Initial adoption/purchase fees
- •One-time equipment purchases (beds, bowls, leashes)
- •Emergency veterinary surgeries
- •Boarding/daycare services
Sources
5 references for Dachshund
American Kennel Club Breed Information
Registry·American Kennel Club
Canine Health Information Center - Dachshund
Health·OFA-CHIC
Obesity in Dogs
Veterinary·American Kennel Club
Seizures in Dogs
Veterinary·American Kennel Club
Intervertebral Disc Disease in Dogs
Veterinary·VCA Animal Hospitals
Information sourced from breed registries, veterinary organizations, and peer-reviewed research