Germany
Weight
11-32 lb
Height
5-9 in
Lifespan
12-16 yrs
Coat
Double Medium
The Dachshund is a medium hound breed from Germany, shaped by following scent or sight with persistence and independence and a friendly, curious temperament.
Official, native, and commonly used variants
Weight
11-32 lb
Height
5-9 in
Lifespan
12-16 yrs
Coat
Double Medium
At A Glance
A quick read on energy, upkeep, and what day-to-day life with this breed usually feels like.
Energy
Moderate
Barking
Moderate
Drooling
Moderate
Shedding
Moderate
Grooming
3/5
First-time owner
No
The Dachshund comes from Germany and belongs to the Hound group, where its background is tied to following scent or sight with persistence and independence. For the Dachshund, that history is not just decoration; it helps explain the habits owners see around work, rest, people, and daily handling. Expect the Dachshund to be a medium dog with friendly, curious, spunky, determined traits, moderate energy, and moderate barking.
In everyday life, the Dachshund is usually best judged by routine fit. It can adapt to different home sizes when Dachshund routines are realistic, and its medium double coat brings moderate shedding with grooming needs rated 3/5. For exercise, the Dachshund should get about 45 to 60 minutes a day for many healthy adults, built from steady walks, play, and simple enrichment. For the Dachshund, a predictable mix of walks, play, and rest usually keeps day-to-day behavior more balanced. Training the Dachshund should stay practical and reward-based, with early socialization around people, dogs, handling, and normal household noise.
The Dachshund is most likely to suit owners who appreciate friendly temperament and can meet the care pattern consistently. The Dogs Index profile rates the Dachshund as having balanced family potential with supervision, 3/5 dog sociability, and 3/5 stranger comfort. People considering the Dachshund should compare related breeds before deciding if the routine feels realistic. Health notes for the Dachshund should be discussed with a veterinarian and, when buying a puppy, with responsible breeders who screen their lines.
This breed tends to suit homes looking for a friendly, curious, spunky companion, with daily rhythms shaped by moderate energy, moderate barking, and moderate drooling.
Coat type
Double
Coat length
Medium
Shedding
Moderate
Colors
Varies by standard
Dachshund may work in an apartment when the household is realistic about exercise, barking, and daily structure. For the Dachshund, size alone is not the deciding factor; the routine has to include movement, mental work, and calm practice around building noise.
Dachshund has a moderate barking profile, so owners should expect some alerting and excitement barking. Teaching the Dachshund a calm response to door sounds, passing dogs, and visitors is easier than trying to stop barking after it becomes a habit.
Dachshund learns best from patient, consistent training that rewards the behavior you want. Because the Dachshund is often friendly, curious, spunky, owners should keep rules predictable and practice in real household situations, not only formal sessions.
The Dachshund's medium double coat needs steady maintenance rather than neglect-and-fix grooming. For the Dachshund, brush through friction areas, check ears and nails, and expect moderate shedding to be part of normal household cleanup.
Dachshund needs about 45 to 60 minutes a day for many healthy adults, built from steady walks, play, and simple enrichment. For the Dachshund, build activity into most days instead of relying on one big weekend outing, and mix in sniffing, training, or puzzle work so the dog has a mental outlet as well as physical movement.
The Dachshund's medium double coat needs steady maintenance rather than neglect-and-fix grooming. For the Dachshund, brush through friction areas, check ears and nails, and expect moderate shedding to be part of normal household cleanup.
Dachshund learns best from patient, consistent training that rewards the behavior you want. Because the Dachshund is often friendly, curious, spunky, owners should keep rules predictable and practice in real household situations, not only formal sessions.
Feed Dachshund a measured diet appropriate for a medium dog, its age, and its activity level. For the Dachshund, keep body condition lean, adjust portions when exercise changes, and ask your veterinarian about diet details if weight, digestion, allergies, or joint stress are concerns.
Energy level
Moderate
Barking level
Moderate
Drooling level
Moderate
Watchdog ability
3/5
Guard dog ability
2/5
Climate tolerance
Common concerns to discuss with your vet and breeder.
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