Activity Level: Moderate
Shedding Level: Moderate
Grooming Level: Moderate
Trainability: Moderate
Good for Novice Owners: Moderate
Adaptability: Moderate
Kid/Pet Friendly: Often
Prey Drive: High
Watchdog: Very Alert
Average Size: Small
Average Lifespan: 12-16 Years
Registered?: Aca
The Dachshund, sometimes affectionately referred to as a “wiener dog”, “hot dog”, “sausage dog”, and “Doxie”, is known for its long body and short legs. They were originally bred to be an independent hunter of badgers and other dangerous prey. Packs of them were used to chase and hunt down wild boar. The Dachshund originated in Germany and means “badger dog” in German. Their lineage can be traced back over 600 years and they have been a national symbol of Germany for a long time. The AKC admitted them to the Stud Book in 1885 and considers them part of the Hound Group.
The “Wiener Dog” is clever, lively, and courageous. They have a friendly, spunky, and curious nature and also tend to do very well with children. Dachshunds tend to be vigilant, wary of strangers, and have a “big-dog” bark, which makes them good watchdogs. They are prone to barking, but early socialization and training can keep this to a minimum. They also have a strong prey drive, which can be an issue for animals in the home smaller than they are unless properly socialized towards them. However, they are generally friendly towards other dogs.
This dog breed is moderately adaptable. They do well in apartments or in larger homes with yards and get along well with families of all types, including children. They do not handle cold weather well and can be sensitive to heat, so they do best in moderate climates.
The Dachshund is a generally healthy dog breed. Because of their shape and stature, Dachshunds can be prone to back injuries and disc damage, especially as they age. Running up and down stairs or jumping on and off furniture can cause damage to your Dachshund’s back over time. It’s important to keep them from becoming overweight and to monitor their activities to avoid disc damage. They can also get ear infections if their ears are not kept clean.