A dachshund suits someone who wants a small dog with a big personality and is ready to train it properly. They are loyal, funny and bold, and their long back needs protecting for life.
| Trait | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | Small (9 to 12 kg standard, under 5 kg miniature) |
| Coat | Smooth, long or wire haired |
| Shedding | Low to moderate |
| Energy | Moderate |
| Good with kids | Yes, with supervision |
| Exercise | 30 to 45 minutes per day |
Are dachshunds easy to train?
They learn quickly and then decide whether to cooperate. Dachshunds were bred to hunt underground on their own judgement, so independence is built in rather than a training failure.
Keep sessions short and make the reward worth having. Harsh corrections shut a dachshund down, while food and praise get you a long way.
How do you protect a dachshund's back?
That long spine sits under real pressure, and disc problems are common in the breed.
Use a ramp or steps for the couch and bed, discourage jumping down from height, support the whole body when you lift them, and keep their weight lean. A few extra kilos on a dachshund does more damage than on almost any other dog.
House training takes longer with this breed than most. Stay consistent and expect a few months rather than a few weeks.
Do dachshunds bark a lot?
Yes, more than most small breeds. They were bred to bark underground so the hunter could find them, and that voice carries.
Early training helps, as does teaching a quiet cue and giving them something to do. In an apartment this is worth working on from day one.
Who suits a dachshund and who may find it hard?
Who a dachshund suits
- People who enjoy a dog with opinions and humour
- Owners happy to train patiently with food rewards
- Homes that can add ramps and manage stairs
- Anyone wanting a small dog that is still sturdy and game
Who may find it hard
- People who want instant obedience
- Households sensitive to barking
- Homes with lots of stairs and no way to manage them
- Owners who will not watch their dog's weight closely
What health issues do dachshunds get?
Intervertebral disc disease is the main concern and the reason for all the care around jumping and weight. Signs include reluctance to move, a hunched back or dragging back legs, and it needs a vet the same day.
They are also prone to dental problems and obesity. Regular teeth cleaning and measured meals prevent both.
Ask any breeder what the parents were screened for before you commit to a puppy.
Common questions about dachshunds
What is a dachshund's temperament like?
Dogs Victoria describes them as intelligent, courageous, good tempered and determined. Some are prone to separation anxiety, so build up time alone slowly from puppyhood.
Are dachshunds good with children?
Dogs Victoria calls every variety ideal for the family, with children supervised around dogs at all times. Teach children to lift a dachshund with both hands supporting the back, or leave the lifting to adults.
How many kinds of dachshund are there?
Six. There are three coats, smooth, long and wire haired, each in two sizes, standard and miniature.
Meet a dachshund at a Doga Sydney class
Meeting one in person shows you the personality no article can describe. Each class is 45 minutes of puppy yoga, then 15 minutes of puppy playtime, and the yoga is optional the whole time. Breeds change week to week, so check what is coming up.
Book a Doga Sydney puppy yoga class
Sources: Dogs Victoria, miniature, Dogs Victoria, standard.
