Whether you are a first-time Dachshund owner, haven’t owned one in a long time, or are thinking of getting one, you’ll definitely want to know these 25 important facts about Dachshunds.
I wish I knew some of the things I know now from the beginning so I am going to share them with you below.
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Knowledge is power and it makes for a happy healthy life for both you and your Dachshund.
How I Became a Dachshund Owner and Breed Expert
I became a Dachshund owner kind of by accident.
25 Dachshund Facts Every Owner Must Know
Whether you are a first-time Dachshund owner, haven’t owned one in a long time, or are thinking of getting one, you’ll definitely want to know these 25 important facts about Dachshunds.
I wish I knew some of the things I know now from the beginning so I am going to share them with you below.
Knowledge is power and it makes for a happy healthy life for both you and your Dachshund.
How I Became a Dachshund Owner and Breed Expert
I became a Dachshund owner kind of by accident.
I did my research and chose a different breed of dog to be my first as an adult. But then my roomate brought a Dacshshund puppy home.
I ended up helping her take care of him and when we eventually moved apart he went with me.
I was clueless as to what I was getting myself into.
It was supposed to be a temporary situation but, once I realized that I was in it for the long haul, I figured I better learn about the origin, characteristics, temperament, and health concerns of a Dachshund.
I’ve become pretty knowledgeable about the Dachshund breed, both standard and miniature Dachshunds, since that fateful day in 2003.
I can say that there isn’t much I don’t know about Dachshunds now. Some might say I’m a breed expert with all of my experience.
25 Things About Dachshunds Every Owner Should Know
1) Dachshunds are hunting dogs with a high prey drive
Dachshunds are scent hounds to be exact.
They were bred to hunt, covering a lot of ground, sniffing out badgers, rabbits, and other small game
This means that they are they are controlled by 2 things: their nose and their belly! killing anything that squeaks is part of their nature.
Anything that is furry and runs fast, or resembles something like that, is seen as prey.
While I have seen many Dachshunds learn to live peacefully with a kitty or other pet, they will almost always see critters outside of the house as something to be chased, hunted, and eaten.
Hold onto that leash when near small animals and know that random wildlife in your back yard may meet an early demise.
You can help fulfill their natural prey drive by making them feel like they are “hunting” for food and treats.
Great ways to do this are to join a nosework class, buy a snuffle mat like this one or this one for home, or let your Dachshund chase using a flirt pole.
2) The difference between a standard and miniature Dachshund
Both standard and minature Dachshunds are the same breed of dog.
In the United States, there are two different sizes recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) – miniature Dachshunds and standard Dachshunds.
They are two different size/weight classifications only. Genetically, they are the same (besides whatever gene determines whether they stay small or grow larger).
Note: Tweenie is a casual “classification” not recognized by the AKC and there is no such thing as a “toy” or “teacup” Dachshund.
Miniature Dachshunds, and standard Dachshunds that are 22 lbs and under, are considered to be small sized dogs.
Standard Dachshunds over 22 lbs are generally considered to be medium size dogs.
3) How to pronouce “Dachshund” and their associated nicknames
The word Dachshund is made up of two different German words – dachs (badger) + hund (dog).
In German, “chs” is pronounced like “ks”, or “x”, so the word “Dachs” is pronounced DAKS or DAX.
In German, the word “hund” is pronounced HUUNT.
Therefore, Dachshund is pronounced Daks-huunt.
Be sure to know them so you understand that someone is talking about Dachshunds when they use them, not a different type or breed of dog.
4) Dachshunds are smart and curious
Dachshunds were bred to hunt mean animals that live in burrows.
Because of this, they often don’t back down or give up in the face of a threat.
They were also bred to think for themselves because they were frequently down in the burrows without a human telling them what to do.
A Dachshund will keep at any problem in front of them until they solve it.
Unfortunately, that means they may use their superpowers to figure out, or get into, things you don’t want them to.
When I travel with my current Dachshunds, Gretel and Summit, in the car, I use a seat belt tether, or a dog car seat with a strap to hold them in, to keep them from wandering and distracting me.
I also place my groceries, dog food, etc. in a tightly-latched cargo box so they can’t eat it while I’m not in the vehicle (they probably COULD still get into it if given enough time, which is why I also use a seat belt tether).
5) People often Say, “Dachshunds train you”… and it’s for good reason
Dachshunds are strong-willed and want their way how and when they want it.
It’s definitely possible to train a Dachshund though – they are whip smart – but it takes a lot of patience and consistency.
The key to training a Dachshund is to find what motivates them – a favorite toy or food usually – and use that as a reward during training sessions.
In the end, you will likely have to adjust your routine a little to set them up for success and make sure they, and you, are happy.
My Dachshunds have all been very treat motivated.
My favorite training treats are small and low-calorie like Pupford freeze-dried meat training treats and Crump’s Naturals Freeze Dried Beef Liver Training Treats.
I use the larger venison jerky strips when I need something they can see and smell from a distance during photo shoots.
I can easily break off a tiny pieces for a reward instead of giving them the whole thing at once – have to watch those waistlines you know!
While your Dachshund will melt your heart and you will want to give them whatever they want, remember that they are dogs that still need structure and manners.
6) Dachshunds live for a long time
The average Dachshund lifespan is 14-16 years old.
Most live at least until they are 11 or 12 and I have seen many, many Dachshunds live to be between the ages of 17 – 20.
If you own a Dachshund, be prepared to be in it for the long haul.
7) Dachshunds bark often and loudly
Some Dachshund bark more than others but they are generally dogs that bark at the mailman and blowing leaves with equal vigor.
Also, the pizza delivery guy may think you have a Rottweiler behind that door because this deep-chested breed has a bigger bark than people expect.
You’ll have to work to train a Dachshund to stop barking and keep it under control in most cases.
This is what some of our readers have to say about the barking, to give you an idea:
“You will never need another doorbell. Earmuffs, perhaps, but no doorbell.” – Deci, Dachshund owner
“They’re big barkers. They bark and bark and bark and then bark some more.
This is largely hardwired since they were bred to trap prey underground and then bark until the hunters could find them and dig them out.” – Kay, Dachshund owner
8) Dachshunds generally don’t like getting wet
Many Dachshunds have what I like to call Wet Belly Syndrome so it can take some coaxing to get them to walk in the rain.
They are short and close to the ground so rain doesn’t just fall on them from the top but it splashes them from the bottom.
Be prepared to meet some resistance if you try walking them in the rain and be prepared to shovel a path if there is snow in your back yard.
Your Dachshund may refuse to go outside in the cold and rain to potty and do it in the house when you’re not looking instead.
That being said, I am a huge proponent of not letting them refuse to go out in inclement weather.
If you start young and teach them that you don’t allow stubborn shenanigans on rainy walks, they will learn that it’s something that can be tolerated.
Potty training is not always a one time deal. Your Dachshund may need refreshers throughout their entire life!
Also, it’s not just rain.
Although Dachshunds can swim, many don’t like to plunge in the lake or pool.
This ditaste also includes getting wet when you give your Dachshund a bath. They may learn to tolerate them but most don’t enjoy the experience.
9) Dachshunds are notoriously hard to potty train
I didn’t consider my Dachshund Chester 90% potty trained until he was 7!
Honestly though, a huge part of why it took so long is because I had to figure out that it was his separation anxiety that caused him to pee on the carpet when I left.
Having accidents in the house might be the #1 reason Dachshunds get surrendered to shelters.
There is hope though.
I believe, and have heard the same from several Dachshund owners, that it’s not very hard to potty train a Dachshund if you are dedicated and consistent.
I was able to potty train my Dachshund puppy Summit in about 6 weeks.
Now she rarely has accidents in the house. If she does, it’s usually because I missed her signals that she needed to go out.
Do keep in mind that their potty training might slip when they become a senior dog.
10) Most harnesses and jackets you find in the pet store will not fit your Dachshund properly
Dachshunds are funny shaped so you will have a hard time finding harnesses and jackets that fit them properly.
Harnesses
Harnesses are safer for Dachshunds than collars when walking because they help to project their fragile necks and backs.
Many harnesses may not fit right because of the Dachshund’s prominent breast bone.
The chest strap on my Dachshunds always slides off to the left or right.
Because the fit is a little off, the harness may put too much pressure on their delicate windpipe.
One of our favorite casual harnesses is the VelPro Choke-Free Mesh Harness. It’s the one Summit and Gretel wear for travel and short, easy walks to potty.
For long walks or hikes, especially wet and dirty ones, we use the Hurtta Padded Y harness or the Ruffwear Flagline harness.
These are the only ones I’ve found that fit well and don’t chafe them.
Finding a jacket or harness to fit your Dachshund may take some trial and error.
Jackets and sweaters
Jackets that fit a Dachshund’s deep chest may be too short to cover their back.
Jackets long enough for them may drown them in fabric around the neck and chest.
If you’re having trouble finding a jacket to fit your pup, check out our list of jacket suggestions for Dachshunds and favorite Fleece Jackets.
11) Dachshunds are prone to back injury
Dachshunds are genetically prone to a condition called Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD).
IVDD is a hereditary disease and your dog will either have or not.
If they have it, no matter how careful you are, they could develop a spinal injury in their neck or back (but not always as there are other factors at play too).
Owning a Dachshund is kind of like roulette in that regard because 1 in 4 Dachshunds are affected by some kind of back issue at some point in their lives.
You won’t know if your Dachshund has IVDD unless they rupture a disk because at this point there are no test for IVDD that are 100% accurate.
For more information on IVDD, read my article The Truth About Dachshunds and Back Problems.
Commit these back injury warning signs to memory (and print out the checklist) so you know what to keep an eye out for.
None the less, it’s always best to minimize jumping, and other things that put pressure on their long backs, because that can exacerbate the issue.
I have a Snoozer Scalloped Dog Ramp for our couch and my mattress/box-spring is laying on the floor to make our bed shorter.
On the other hand, they are not fragile beings that should be kept inactive.
Sports like hiking (yes, it can be safe to hike with a Dachshund), agility, and Earth Dog can strengthen their backs and keep them supple.
Just know your dog’s limit and try to prevent UNNECESSARY jumping from high objects.
12) Properly support a Dachshund’s back when you pick them up
When lifting and carrying your Dachshund, support their chest and bum so their spine is not bent, stretched, or stressed.
Make sure your friends and relatives know how to properly pick up and carry your Dachshund too.
You may also have to remind any pet care professionals you hire like groomers, dog walkers, and dog sitters that Dachshunds have special needs when handling.
The first groomer I took my Dachshund to picked him up by his chest and left this back legs dangling.
Then she proceeded to run around and show everyone how cute he was with his back end “flailing in the wind”.
I about had a heart attack.
13) Dachshund are prone to a few other health issues too
Besides IVDD and back or neck issues, Dachshunds are prone to some other health issues too.
Some of the most common are:
- Dental Disease
- Cushing’s disease
- Seizures
- Patellar luxation (dislocated knee cap)
- Alopecia (baldness) due to color dilution or skin allergies
14) Have a Backup Plan for Medical Expenses
The three most frequent medical issues I’ve seen with Dachshunds are:
- The need for back surgery, or expensive physical rehab, due to the IVDD mentioned above
- Teeth cleaning and extractions
- Bowel obstruction from eating things they shouldn’t
Back surgery can easily cost $7,000 – $10,000 and I’ve known Dachshunds to need surgery more than once.
There may be other options besides putting your Dachshund down if you can’t afford the cost of back surgery like conservative treatment.
Depending on where you live in the country, and the extent of any dental disease, teeth cleaning and extraction costs can range from around $500 to $1,200 or more.
While most pet insurance companies do not cover routine dental cleaning, they do cover medically necessary procedures like extractions.
For this reason, they may cover the dental surgery and required anesthesia portion of the bill.
My Dachshund Chester needed surgery to remove a intestinal blockage twice.
The first time, the cost was around $2,000 but it was over $4,000 the second time due to complications.
The two best backup plans for emergency medical needs, in my opinion, are either to have an emergency fund of $5,000 to $10,000 set aside or to invest in good pet insurance.
That being said, don’t immediately give up if your Dachshund needs back surgery and you can’t afford it.
I know of several Dachshunds that have recovered with conservative treatment – medication and strict crate rest – alone.
You may also be able to get assistance with back surgery costs through a charity, Care Credit (card), a rescue, or by setting up a GoFundMe.
15) Dachshunds can easily become obese
The nickname “sausage dog” may be cute but your Dachshund should not actually look like one!
A Dachshund is likely to always tell you they are starving.
It’s up to you to have the willpower to say no when they’ve had enough treats and provide the proper quantity of food.
Obesity is rampant in Dachshunds and can exacerbate IVDD.
It can also bring on other serious medical conditions like diabetes.
Dachshunds at a proper weight should have a tuck behind their rib-cage (think greyhound) and you should be able to see their waist when looking from the top.
If in doubt, check out this body conditioning chart.
Two of the most important factors in keeping your Dachshund at a healthy weight are to make sure they are getting enough regular exercise and control their food portions (take into account the number and size of treats they get too).
16) Dachshunds are energetic and need plenty of exercise
Because of their small size and short legs, many people think that Dachshunds don’t need much exercise or are not capable of it.
But they are bred to be hunters, remember? They are bred to be active dogs.
Sure, a Dachshund is happy to laze around the house if you let them but they are capable of more than you think when it comes to exercise.
There are many genetic traits that make a Dachshund well suited to hiking.
Most Dachshunds I know took to hiking 3 – 5 miles their first time out.
I’ve hiked up to 10 miles in one day, three days in a row, with my Dachshunds.
I know many Dachshunds who compete and excel in athletic events such as agility.
Although not typical, TruMan the Doxie ran a whole marathon (over 26 miles!).
Besides needing exercise to stay physically healthy, it will keep them mentally happy.
A well exercised Doxie is less likely to bark incessantly and chew things in the house that they shouldn’t.
If they have to be cooped up in the house for the day, spend some time playing fetch with them or tug with a toy.
Summit loves this squeakie ball and would probably chase it endlessly if I let her.
If you’re not sure your dog is getting enough, check out these ways your Dachshund may be telling you they need more exercise.
17) Dachshunds can be fierce when walking on leash
Dachshunds are a small breed dog that can be prone to fear anxiety.
If a Dachshund is fearful, they may act out by barking and lunging at strange dogs and people when out on walks.
While this behavior may be interepreted as aggressive by some, the motivation is different, which matters when trying to find solutions to the behavior.
18) Dachshunds love to dig
Flower beds beware!
Badgers and rabbits live in the ground so hunting dogs like Dachshunds were bred to dig.
Their paddle-like feet, strong nails, and determination make them naturals.
I know plenty of Dachshunds that are not diggers. Just be aware that yours might be.
That means they could destroy your lawn, dig up your flowers, or dig under the fence to escape.
This SmellyMatty Brain Teaser can help to satisfy their digging instinct indoors.
One of our readers had this to say about a Dachshund’s tendency to dig:
“They dig because it’s what they are designed to do. If they can take down a badger, you can bet you’re going to need to help them manage impulse control and give them a whole lot of exercise.
Big dog, small long body. Big voice, big personality. This ain’t your Momma’s Maltese. It’s a DOG!” – Loren, Dachshund owner
19) Look before you sit
Dachshunds love to sleep under blankets (read this article to learn why Dachshunds love to burrow).
If there is a blanket on the couch, they are likely snuggled under there so be sure to feel the blanket or look under it before you sit down.
Consider giving them their own place to burrow and nest when they are not on the couch with you – the Snoozer Cozy Cave Pet Bed or the Ethical Pets Sleep Zone Cuddle Cave Pet Bed
20) Dachshunds Are Fiercely Loyal
Dachshunds are loyal to their people.
They love to snuggle with you on the couch, sleep with you in bed, and follow you around the house (including into the bathroom).
They will be protective of their family members and sometimes one particular member of the family.
Socialization is very important so they don’t become super protective and lash out at strange dogs or people (resource guarding a person).
This is what some of our readers had to say about a Dachshund’s Velcro nature:
“They are fiercely loyal to their “pack”. YOU are their pack. They live to love and be loved.” – Sue, Dachshund owner
“Oh yes they WILL be in your bed. I’ve had dogs my whole life, never slept with any of them. Then I got a dachshund.” – Susan, Dachshund owner
21) Dachshunds are very social
I tell people that this is not a breed that will be happy hanging alone all day while you are at work (although every dog is different).
They are very social and can be unhappy when bored and alone.
Many are totally fine if a dog walker stops by during the day to give them a little people time or they have a friend to keep them company.
I will say though, my Dachshund Gretel was an only dog in between when Chester passed away and we got our puppy Summit. She missed the company a little but was generally fine.
22) Beware: you may be compelled to get another Dachshund
Dachshund owners will tell you they’re like potato chips – it’s hard to have just one.
Many people have at least two and the “once a dachshund owner, always a dachshund owner” mentality leads people to get several over their lifetime.
One big reason people often get a second one is because so their first Dachshund can have a friend to play with.
Also, etting a second is how a lot of people choose to address their Dachshund’s separation anxiety and ther behavioral issues.
Note: I don’t necessarily agree with doing this because then you could end up with two misbehaved Dachshunds. It’s better to train the first one before getting a second. But if you really want a second anyway, go for it.
Some people choose to get two Dachshunds so theirs isn’t lonely when left home alone. This should be considered carefully though as a second one is an additional responsibility and cost.
23) Dachshunds will steal your heart
Their clownish antics and silly looks will melt your heart.
There are funny things Dachshunds do that only owners understand.
24) Your Dachshund’s feet might smell like corn chips
Whether the smell is described as corn chips or popcorn, it’s not unusual if your Dachshund’s feet smell a little.
Many Dachshund owners lovingly refer to their Doxie’s paws as “Frito feet” because of this.
Do be aware though that their feet should not smell strongly and the schent shouldn’t change much over time.
If the smell suddenly changes, or your Dacchshund’s feet become smellier than normal, you may want to have your pup checked over at the veterinarian to make sure the smell is not the result of some underlying medical condition.
25) Prepare yourself for a lot fun
Be prepared for wiener jokes. Dachshund owners love a great pun.
You will also hear a lot of the same comments over and over if you hike with your Dachshund.
Owning a Dachshund makes you part of a community. Dachshund people are fanatic and gravitate to one another.
Random people will run up to you on the street to tell you about theirs out home, that they loved one as a kid, or that they know someone who has one.
There are many Dachshund clubs and meetup groups around the country you can join to meet people as passionate about the breed as you.
I have become good friends with several people who belong to the Dachshund club we run.
Dachshunds aren’t just a pet, they’re a lifestyle!
“Know that they are a fascinating blend of ferocity, entitlement, and neediness… and be ready to live with a tiny clown.” – Pattie, Dachshund owner
Final Thoughts
Every dog breed has a set of typical characteristics that make them who they are.
source: youdidwhatwithyourweiner.com
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