Dachshund
Lively, clever, and bold, the Dachshund stands out with its unique long body and spirited personality. Loyal and playful, this breed thrives as a devoted family companion.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
20–23 cm (male)
20–22 cm (female)
WEIGHT
7–15 kg (male)
7–13 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
12–16 years
Dachshund: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Dachshund isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Dachshund's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
Dachshunds are known for their bold, curious, and often stubborn temperament, forming strong bonds with their families while displaying alertness and a lively spirit.
Key Personality Traits
Generally sociable, bonds well with family
Quick learner, responds well to training
Moderate activity, enjoys walks and play
Likes games, often entertains itself
Adjusts fairly well to new environments
Strengths
- Loyal and devoted to family
- Alert and makes a good watchdog
- Adaptable to apartment living
- Playful and entertaining personality
- Low grooming needs for smooth coats
Challenges
- Prone to back injuries due to long spine
- Can be stubborn during training
- May bark excessively if not managed
- Requires careful handling to prevent injury
- Can be wary of strangers and other dogs
Protect your Dachshund
Dachshund can develop intervertebral disc disease and obesity. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Dachshunds are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Learns with consistency
Overall rating
This breed is intelligent and independent, often showing a strong will during training. Consistent, patient methods and positive reinforcement are most effective for reliable results.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
30–60 minutes daily
recommended per day
Dachshunds have moderate energy levels and require daily walks and play to stay healthy. They benefit from activities that challenge both their minds and bodies, helping prevent boredom and weight gain.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Dachshunds are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Dachshund would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Generally easy to train but may be stubborn at times
Apartment Living
Small size and moderate exercise needs suit apartment spaces
Active Lifestyle
May tire quickly and is prone to back injuries with intense activity
Kids
Can be snappy or impatient if mishandled by young children
Multiple Pets
May get along with pets but has a strong prey drive
Being Left Alone
Dislikes being left alone and may develop separation anxiety
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Dachshunds compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dachshund
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
Helpful pet owner tools
Use our interactive tools to help you make the best decisions for your pet journey
Pet name generator
- 1000+ unique pet names
- Filter by gender & personality
- Save your favorites
Random breed generator
- Explore unexpected matches
- Learn about rare breeds
- Find hidden gems
Breed comparison tool
- Side-by-side comparison
- Multiple criteria options
- Detailed breed information
Explore more dog breeds
Discover other popular dog breeds and find your perfect canine companion
