The Dachshund Dog Breed Profile

Quick Stats for the Dachshund Dog Breed

Height (at the shoulders):
Standard: 8 – 11 inches (20 – 27 cm)
Miniature: 5 – 7 inches (13 – 18 cm)
Toy: up to 12 inches (30 cm)
Weight:
Standard: over 11 pounds (4.9 kg)
Miniature: 11 pounds (4.9 kg) or less
Toy: 8 pounds (3.5 kg)
Life Expectancy: 12 – 15 years
AKC Group: Hound Group – AKC recognized in 1885
Shedding: average shedder
Living Conditions: good for apartments; fairly active indoors; okay without a yard

Personality of the Dachshund Dog Breed

The Dachshund is bold and adventurous. They are independent, but also love the attention from their families. These dogs are curious, amusing, and lively.

They are best with older children who understand how to properly interact with a dog. Dachshunds can also be a bit nippy with smaller children and adults who they consider strangers. They are generally fine with other pets.

This breed loves to hunt and dig. If you live near a wooded area, it can be fascinating to watch your Dachshund pick up on a scent and go hunting for small game. However, be careful not to let them just run off.

Some dogs are prone to excessive barking, but not all of them. They also make excellent watchdogs.

History of the Dachshund Dog Breed

The Dachshund originated in Germany sometime around the early 1600s. They were bred to hunt small game such as badgers and rabbits. Their short legs allow them to hunt and follow these small game inside their burrows.

Their numbers declined during World War I, but some dogs were taken from Germany to the United States where their numbers once again increased.

The breed was officially registered by the American Kennel Club in 1885 as a member of the Hound Group.The AKC recognizes two standards for the Dachshund – the Standard and the Miniature. In Europe, they also recognize the Toy variety.

The Dachshund Dog Breed Care and Grooming

Dachshunds are very active and need to get exercise on a daily basis. However, because of their small size, they can get plenty of exercise by just running around indoors. Like with all other dogs they still need to be taken on walks, daily if possible. They enjoy playing games and love to participate in training exercises. They can be a bit stubborn at times however.

There are three types of Dachshund – the Long-Haired, the Short-Haired, and the Wired-Haired.

The Long-Haired Dachshund requires daily combing and brushing with a good dog brush. The Wire-Haired Dachshund requires professional grooming twice per year. And the Smooth-Haired Dachshund requires a regular rub down of the coat with a soft damp cloth.

These dogs are average shedders.