Dachshund Breed Guide
Faithful, versatile and good tempered. The Dachshund is more commonly referred to as a Sausage dog thanks to their short legs and long bodies. There are 6 varieties being miniature or standard, with smooth, wire, or long-haired coats.
Breed information and advice
Dachshunds are identified as belonging to the hound group in the United States and Great Britain. They’re loyal, and will really enjoy being around their family. They can also be stubborn at times. Here’s more you should know:
- One of the most unique breeds, this dog is a real character.One of the most unique breeds, this dog is a real character.
- Dachshunds will shed, so you’ll need to brush their coat regularly to get rid of excess hair.Dachshunds will shed, so you’ll need to brush their coat regularly to get rid of excess hair.
- This dog will typically weigh between 5kg and 12kg, when fully grown.This dog will typically weigh between 5kg and 12kg, when fully grown.
- A healthy Dachshund will usually live for 12 to 13 years.A healthy Dachshund will usually live for 12 to 13 years.
Typical size of a Dachshund: Small: 13cm – 22cm
Recommended exercise and nutrition
Dachshunds need to be given quite a lot of daily exercise for them to be truly happy, usually around 40 minutes each day.
Common health problems and illnesses
Disc problems on Dachshunds is a significant issue. Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) tops the list of common health issues, which is a condition which causes the dog to be unable to walk and can seriously compromise the dog’s quality of life. Research shows that the risk of IVDD in dachshunds is 10-12 times higher than other dog breeds, with at least one-fifth of all dachshunds showing clinical signs in their life. The median age of onset of disease is between 5-7 years, with the Standard and Miniature Smooth Haired and the Miniature Wire Haired having the highest prevalence of this disease.
Periodontal disease and skin allergies are really common in Dachshunds.
Find out about insurance for your Dachshund
Learn how pet insurance works and what kind of cover you might need for your dog.
Grooming advice
Smooth and wire-haired Dachshunds won’t need too much care with their coat; just be sure to give them a brush a couple of times a week to reduce tangling and matting, and keep the skin healthy. Long-haired varieties need a little more grooming; it’s a good idea to give them a brush every day.
Always brush down to the skin to ensure you’re stimulating hair follicles that will encourage shedding.
Due to their low tummy and depending on how mucky they get, your dog may need a bath more frequently than others. Every 8 to 12 weeks should do it.
As with other dog breeds, another area that will need your attention is their teeth, and you should brush these at least once a week to ensure they stay free from plaque build-up and tartar. Nobody really likes a trip to the dentist - not even your dog, but special toothbrushes and toothpastes are available so you can be sure they get their oral hygiene fix.
Fun and interesting facts
- Dachshunds love to dig holes.
- Dachshunds were originally bred to hunt badgers; their name translates as ‘badger dog’ from German.
- The breed name is correctly pronounced 'daks-hund'.
- A Dachshund was the first Olympic mascot.
Important information
The content on this page aims to offer an informative introduction to pet breeds, but does not constitute expert veterinary advice. If your dog or cat falls ill or has an injury, contact your vet immediately.
All facts and figures were correct at date of publication and were compiled using a range of sources.
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