Breed Spotlight: Dachshund

4 min read

Dachshund Quick Stats

LIFESPAN:

12 – 16 years

WEIGHT:

16 – 32 lbs (standard)

11 lbs and under (miniature)

HEIGHT:

8 – 9 inches (standard)

5 – 6 inches (miniature)

DO I SHED?

Yes

Personality:

Courageous, friendly, loving

Common Health Problems:

Intervertebral disc disease, obesity, seizures

Help protect your Dachshund

Dachshund: How Do I Look?

Aptly and affectionately 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 about 5 – 6 inches tall.1

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.

There are three coat type classifications: smooth, wire-haired, and long-haired. 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.1

Some dachshunds may have various standard markings, including brindle and sable. A few dachshund coat colors include, but aren’t limited to:1

  • Cream
  • Chocolate & tan
  • Blue & tan
  • Red
  • Wheaten
  • Wild boar
  • Black & tan
  • Fawn (Isabella) & tan
  • Black & cream

Ears

The dachshund’s floppy ears are rounded and frame their face. Adorable as their ears are, they are unfortunately prone to ear infections. General guidelines suggest checking them at least once a month for potential issues.2

Shedding and Grooming

Dachshunds shed moderately and are a fairly low-maintenance breed. Most are able to be wiped clean and don’t require a bath very often.1

Should you have a long-haired dachshund, you may need to practice more frequent brushing to remove debris and tangles. It is recommended for dachshunds to get their nails trimmed monthly.1

Drooling Level

Excessive drooling is not generally an issue with dachshunds, but you may notice some slobber every once in a while.1

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. Originally bred to hunt badgers, these hound dogs are smart, stubborn, and brave in a way that some would describe as impulsive. Despite their drive, they still give lots of affection and bond very well with their owners.1

Doxies make excellent dogs for first-time dog owners and can adapt well to apartment living.

Exercise Needs

Dachshunds have lower energy levels than other small breeds but still require daily exercise. Doxies should get at least two moderate walks a day 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.1

Are Dachshunds Good with Other Pets?

Doxies are friendly toward 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.1

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 well-rounded adults. They are also sensitive and will react better to patience and consistency than harsh commands or punishments.1

Are Dachshunds Good with Kids?

Wiener dogs are generally good with children and affectionate toward 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.1

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.1

Dachshund: Costs

Dachshunds usually don’t come cheap, but their popularity suggests that for many, the cost is worth it. If you want a dachshund from a reputable breeder, you can expect to spend anywhere from $1,200 – $3,500 on average. Adopting one is generally cheaper, but they may be hard to find that way.3

Keep in mind, other costs go into caring for these dogs. Over their lifetime, owners can spend up to $19,840 caring for a small dog. This can include costs like having them spayed or neutered, vet exams, vaccinations, toys, and food, among others.4

Dachshund Health Issues

Some of the more common dachshund health problems include:2

Keep an eye out for these health issues so that if your pup starts developing symptoms, you can detect them early and get them to a vet.

MetLife Pet can help you cover dog injury and illness costs

How Pet Insurance Can Help Doxies

Treating common dachshund health issues can be a costly proposition. Here’s what it costs on average to treat some of the most popular diseases.

Medical Issue

Average Treatment Cost

IVDD

$3,000 – $8,0005

Ear infection

$8506

Patellar luxation

$1,000 – $5,000 (per knee)7

Eye conditions

$200 – $2,0006

MetLife Pet Insurance could help you cover some of the costs of treating these issues. You can learn more about our dachshund insurance here.

Dachshund Fun Facts

  1. Dachshunds — also known as “doxies” dogs were officially accepted into the American Kennel Club in 1885..1,2
  2. The dachshund breed was developed in Germany to hunt badgers, and “dachshund” translates to “badger dog.”1
  3. Dachshund is pronounced “dahks-hund.”
  4. With two sizes and three coat variations, the dachshund is one of the most varied purebred dogs in the AKC.8
  5. Dachshunds have a history of being owned by celebrities, from movie stars like Carole Lombard and Clark Gable, to artists such as Pablo Picasso, David Hockney, and Andy Warhol, to the founder of the Hearst media Empire, William Randolph Hearst.8

Dachshund Mixes

Dachshund mixes are not all that common, but there are some popular mixed breeds, including:9

No matter which mix you choose, take time to speak with the breeder. Every puppy has a unique genetic background, so it’s important to learn as much as you can before you bring them home.

For more information on how MetLife Pet 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 help ensure your pup has coverage before an issue becomes a pre-existing condition.

Protect your Dachshund with pet insurance