Bold, clever and full of character, the Dachshund was bred to hunt badgers — hence the digging, the bark, and the fearless streak. They bond closely and can be wary of strangers. Their long back needs protecting: discourage jumping on and off furniture and keep them lean to reduce spinal strain.
Dachshund
- Vet-reviewed by Dr. Amara Okafor, DVM
- Last updated June 2, 2026
Breed character
Bold, comical and stubborn, the 'sausage dog' is a big personality on short legs — a fearless little hunter that's devoted to its family and convinced it's far larger than it is.
Temperament
- Bold
- Stubborn
- Lively
- Devoted
- Clever
Likes
- Burrowing under blankets and cushions
- Digging and following scents
- Loyal one-on-one time with their person
- Sunbathing and cosy naps
Dislikes
- Being picked up roughly (fragile backs)
- Stairs and big jumps (spine risk)
- Being left alone
- Cold weather
Habits & quirks
- Tunnelling into bedding and laps
- Surprisingly loud, deep bark for the size
- Stubborn streak during house-training
- Alert 'watchdog' barking at every sound
Great for
- Owners wanting a big personality in a small dog
- Adults and older children
- Apartment living (with walks)
Think twice if…
- Homes with lots of stairs and jumping
- Very young children
Dachshund: quick answers
How big does the Dachshund get?
An adult Dachshund typically weighs 4–15 kg and stands around 13–23 cm at the shoulder — a small breed.
How long does the Dachshund live?
12–16 years is typical for the Dachshund. Weight, genetics and routine veterinary care all move the needle — regular check-ups matter at every age.
Is the Dachshund good with kids?
The Dachshund rates a middling 3/5 on our family-friendliness scale. With early socialisation, training and supervision many do fine with children — the individual dog matters more than the breed.
Does the Dachshund shed a lot?
Moderately — the Dachshund rates 3/5 for shedding. Routine brushing keeps it manageable.
Is the Dachshund easy to train?
Reasonably — the Dachshund rates 3/5 for trainability. Consistency, patience and positive reinforcement get you there.
Is this the right breed for you?
Take the 3-minute Breed Match — a few honest questions about your home, time and energy, and a shortlist of dogs that genuinely fit your life.
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Care, gear & guides
Guides for this breed are coming soon.
