BREED SPOTLIGHT
Breed Spotlight: Dachshund
Dachshund Quick Stats
LIFESPAN:
12 – 16 years
WEIGHT:
16 – 32 lbs
HEIGHT:
8 – 9 inches
DO I SHED?
Yes
Personality:
Courageous, friendly, loving
Common Health Problems:
Intervertebral disc disease, obesity, seizures
Dachshund: How Do I Look?
Aptly and affectionately and known as wiener dogs, dachshunds look like sausages. Their bodies are low to the ground with long backs and short legs.
There are two dachshund sizes: standard and miniature. Miniature dachshunds weigh up to 11 pounds and are within 5 – 6 inches tall.
Coat Type and Colors
According to the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) official breed standards, Dachshunds can have a variety of coat types and colors.2
There are three coat type classifications: smooth, wire-hair, and long-hair. Smooth-hair dachshunds’ coats are short and smooth. Wire-haired coats are short and thick. Lastly, like their classification states, long-haired dachshunds have long, wavy hair.
Some dachshunds may have various standard markings, including brindle and sable. A few dachshund coat colors include, but aren’t limited to:
- Black
- Chocolate
- Cream
- Fawn
- Red
- Wheaten
- Wild boar
- Fawn
Ears
The dachshund’s floppy ears are rounded and frame their face.
Shedding and Grooming
Dachshunds minimally shed and are a fairly low-maintenance breed. Most are able to be wiped clean and don’t require a bath very often.
Should you have a long-haired dachshund, you may need to practice more frequent brushing to remove debris and tangles.
Drooling Level
Excessive drooling is not an issue with dachshunds, but you may notice some slobber every once in a while.
Dachshund: Personality Traits
What My Adoption Bio Would Say:
Hot diggity dog, I look like a hot dog! Don’t let my silly appearance fool you though. I’m strong-willed and ready for a challenge. I dare you to let me love you forever!
Behavior
The dachshund is an extremely clever and courageous breed. These hound dogs are smart, stubborn, and bred for perseverance. Despite their drive, they still give lots of affection and bond very well with their owners.
Doxies make excellent dogs for first-time dog owners and can adapt well to apartment living.
Exercise Needs
Dachshunds have lower energy levels compared to other smaller breeds but still require daily exercise. Doxies should get at least 30 minutes of daily exercise — like walks and playtime — to remain healthy.
Because of common dachshund back problems, this breed needs strong muscles to support their long spine. To avoid injuries, make sure your dachshund doesn’t jump on or off furniture.
Are Dachshunds Good with Other Pets?
Doxies are friendly towards other pets, but some older dachshunds prefer to be their owner’s only pet. Supervise interactions and properly introduce new potential furry friends and family members.
Trainability
The dachshund is relatively easy to train and eager to please. However, you may run into issues due to their occasionally stubborn personality.
Dachshund puppies should be exposed to various sights, sounds, and experiences to ensure they become a well-rounded adult.
Are Dachshunds Good with Kids?
Wiener dogs are generally good with children and affectionate towards their families. They may bond more closely with select family members, though. So if you’re looking for a dog that’s sure to bond with your whole family, there are plenty of other family-friendly breeds to consider.
As a smaller breed, any young children should be supervised around dachshunds to prevent injured pups.
Barking Level
Doxies have a loud and deep bark despite their smaller size. Excessive barking can be a problem with this breed. To help mitigate this behavior, doxies should be trained to know when and when not to bark.
Dachshund Fun Facts
- Dachshunds — also known as doxie dogs — were officially accepted into the American Kennel Club in 1885.3
- The dachshund breed was developed in Germany to hunt badgers, and “dachshund” translates to “badger dog.”
- Dachshund is pronounced “dahks-hund.”
- With two sizes and three coat variations, the dachshund is one of the most varied purebred dogs in the AKC.4
- Dachshunds were the 10th most popular 2021 dog breed in America.5
Dachshund Health Issues
Although dachshunds are a generally healthy breed, they are known to experience a few health issues. A dachshund insurance policy through MetLife Pet Insurance can help pay for vet bills. Some of the more common dachshund health problems include:
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD): This is a spinal condition.
- Progressive retinal atrophy: A degenerative eye condition which could cause blindness.
- Periodontal disease
- Lipoma
- Patella luxation
- Seizures
- Otitis (middle ear infection)
- Obesity
- UTI
- Dermatitis
- Bloat
Protect your Pets
Even the healthiest of pups can come with unexpected vet costs. Pet insurance can help keep your dog and your bank account happy.
How Pet Insurance Can Help Doxies
Treating even minor health concerns during a dachshund's lifespan can quickly become expensive veterinary trips. Pet insurance may be able to help mitigate the costs associated with those minor trips and more serious issues like IVDD and patella luxation.
Intervertebral disc disease
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is more commonly known as a herniated disc. Herniated discs can become worse, leading to displaced or ruptured discs and, eventually, paralysis. Diagnosing IVDD requires an MRI or CT scans, and treatment ranges from medication to surgery.
Luxating patella
Luxating patella in dogs happens when a dog’s kneecap is dislocated. This condition can affect a dog’s ability to walk properly. A patella luxation can be extremely painful and most often require surgery to correct.
For more information on how MetLife1 dog insurance can help your dachshund, check out our guide on how pet insurance works. Remember, signing up for dog insurance while your doxie is a puppy could ensure your pup has coverage before an issue becomes a pre-existing condition.