Dachshund Breed Guide: Temperament, Back Health and Care

This guide is educational and does not replace advice from your veterinarian.

Dachshunds have the confidence of a dog three times their size and the legs of a footstool. They were bred in Germany to follow badgers underground, which explains almost everything about them: the nose that never stops working, the digging, the volume, and the “I heard you, I just have other plans” attitude to training. Love that, and you will adore the breed. Expect an obedient lapdog and you will be frustrated by week two.

Dachshund at a glance

Personality: what living with a dachshund is really like

Most dachshund owners describe the same cocktail: loyal, funny, stubborn, and slightly dramatic. Many bond tightly with one person and will follow them from room to room. They love burrowing under blankets (it is instinct, not a quirk), they investigate every smell on a walk, and they can be wary of strangers, which comes out as barking.

Three things surprise first-time owners:

• The nose runs the show. A dachshund on a scent trail genuinely may not hear you. Use a long line in unfenced areas until recall is rock solid.
• House training takes longer. Short legs, cold wet grass and a strong opinion about rain are a bad mix. Stay consistent with our puppy potty training schedule.
• They are not “low maintenance” because they are small. They need real activity and mental work, or the digging and barking get worse.

The back problem every owner should understand

Dachshunds are chondrodystrophic, a long word for “short legs, long spine”. The discs between their vertebrae tend to harden and calcify at a much younger age than in other breeds, and a hardened disc can bulge or burst into the spinal canal. That is intervertebral disc disease, or IVDD. Breed health resources commonly quote that about 25% of dachshunds are affected at some point, and the tendency runs in families, which is why asking a breeder about back problems in the parents matters.

The honest nuance, which many articles skip: a fit, lean dog can still get IVDD, and wrapping your dog in cotton wool is not the answer either. Dachshund Health UK’s lifestyle survey work points the same way: genetics and body shape drive most of the risk, while keeping your dog lean, fit and muscled is the part you can control.

Back-safe habits that cost almost nothing

• Use ramps or pet steps for the sofa and bed, and block stair access when you can, especially for puppies.
• Pick your dog up with one hand under the chest and the other supporting the hindquarters. Never lift by the front legs or dangle the back end.
• Walk on a harness rather than pulling on a collar. Our harness buying guide explains the fit.
• Keep the waistline visible. Extra weight is the single biggest lever you control.
• Give traction: rugs or runners on slippery floors help a lot.
• Discourage standing on hind legs for treats and jumping off furniture.

The three coat types compared

Exercise, training and the stubborn streak

Aim for two moderate walks a day with sniffing time, plus short play sessions. Skip repetitive high-impact games like leaping for frisbees. Scent games are ideal: scatter feeding, hiding treats around the house, snuffle mats. They tire the brain without loading the spine.

For training, think short, upbeat and food-driven. Five minutes three times a day beats one long session. Teach a reliable “come” early using our recall plan, and keep barking in check with the ideas in how to stop a dog from barking. Never use harsh corrections; a bored, frustrated dachshund simply gets more creative.

Feeding and weight

Dachshunds gain weight easily and they know how to beg. Measure meals, count treats, and check the waist from above and the side every month. Not sure how much to feed? Start with our portion guide and adjust with your vet.

Other health points worth knowing

• Dental disease: common in small breeds. Start brushing early (dental care guide).
• Ear infections: more likely with long, hanging ears, especially longhaired dogs. See ear infection signs.
• Eye conditions: some lines carry inherited eye disease, so ask a breeder for eye screening results.
• Pet insurance: look at it before problems appear. Treating IVDD, which can involve crate rest, physiotherapy or surgery, can quickly reach into the thousands.

Is a dachshund right for you?

Dachshund FAQ

Are dachshunds good family dogs?

They can be, with older children who handle them gently. They tend to be loyal and playful but can snap if mishandled or hurt. Teach kids to support the whole body when lifting, and supervise.

Do dachshunds bark a lot?

Yes, more than many breeds of similar size. Early training, enough exercise and not rewarding demand barking help, but you will never have a silent dachshund.

How long do dachshunds live?

Commonly 12 to 16 years. Keeping them lean and protecting their spine are the two biggest things owners can do to reach the upper end of that range.

Can dachshunds use stairs?

Occasional stairs are usually fine for a healthy adult, but repeated stair use, especially for puppies and dogs with any back history, adds strain. Use gates, ramps or carry them where possible and ask your vet about your own dog.

Which is healthier: miniature or standard?

Size is the main difference. Both carry the breed’s disc risk, so a healthy weight and good breeding matter more than size.

What is the best way to pick up a dachshund?

One hand under the chest, the other supporting the hindquarters, keeping the spine level. Never lift by the front legs or tuck the dog under one arm like a loaf of bread.

Sources and further reading

• Dachshund Health UK: lifestyle advice on back health
• Battersea: thinking about getting a dachshund
• American Kennel Club: Dachshund breed information