Breed Info
Children Friendly
At GraceDachundHome, our Dachshunds get along wonderfully with children. They’re playful, affectionate, and sturdy enough that they can happily share a home with toddlers without being too fragile.
Hate to Be Alone
At GraceDachundHome, we remind families that Dachshunds thrive on companionship. They are deeply affectionate and love being around their people.
Excellent Housekeeper
At GraceDachundHome, we know Dachshunds make excellent watchdogs. They’re alert and protective, always ready to let their family know when a stranger approaches.
Exercise Disliked
At GraceDachundHome, we remind families that Dachshunds don’t require excessive exercise. While they may not be high-energy dogs, they still benefit from daily walks to keep them healthy and at a good weight.
8 inches to 9 inches tall at the shoulder
12 to 15 years
16 to 32 pounds
Personality & Temperament
At GraceDachundHome, we love Dachshunds for their unique blend of cleverness, liveliness, and courage—sometimes to the point of being a little rash. Bred for perseverance, they can be wonderfully determined (and yes, sometimes a bit stubborn).
Dachshunds have a well-earned reputation for being fearless and entertaining, but at heart, what they want most is to cuddle up with their people. For many families, this affectionate side more than makes up for their occasional insistence on having things their own way.
Their personalities can also vary with coat type:
Wirehaired Dachshunds often have a bit of terrier spirit in them, making them playful mischief-makers.
Longhaired Dachshunds tend to be calm and gentle.
Smooth Dachshunds fall somewhere in between.
It’s important to choose carefully when selecting a puppy. A well-tempered Dachshund should be curious, playful, and open to being held. Avoid puppies that are overly aggressive or unusually shy. Meeting the puppy’s mother—and if possible, siblings or other relatives—gives helpful insight into what your puppy may grow up to be like.
Like every dog, Dachshunds thrive on early socialization. Exposing your puppy to a variety of people, sights, sounds, and experiences helps ensure they grow into a confident, well-rounded companion. Puppy kindergarten classes, visits from friends, trips to parks or pet-friendly stores, and leisurely strolls through the neighborhood are all excellent ways to help your Dachshund polish their social skills.
Health
At GraceDachundHome, we believe in preparing families with honest and helpful information about Dachshund health. Not every Dachshund will experience these conditions, but being aware of them helps you provide the best care possible for your companion.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD):
Dachshunds are especially prone to back problems due to their long spine. This may result from genetics, an awkward movement, or jumping on/off furniture. Symptoms can include difficulty walking, paralysis, or loss of bladder/bowel control. Always support your Dachshund’s back and rear when holding them. Treatment options range from rest and medication to surgery or mobility support such as a doggie wheelchair. Many owners also find chiropractic care, acupuncture, or canine rehabilitation helpful.Epilepsy:
Some Dachshunds may experience seizures, either genetically inherited or triggered by trauma. Seizures can often be managed with veterinary guidance and medication, allowing your dog to live a full life.Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA):
A degenerative eye condition that can eventually lead to blindness. Thankfully, dogs adapt well using their other senses. Reputable breeders test for PRA and avoid breeding affected dogs. A DNA test is available for miniature longhaired Dachshunds.Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat or Torsion):
Though more common in larger breeds, Dachshunds’ deep chests can make them susceptible. GDV is a life-threatening condition where the stomach fills with gas and twists. Symptoms include a distended abdomen, excessive drooling, unproductive retching, restlessness, and weakness. Immediate veterinary care is essential.Cushing’s Disease (Hyperadrenocorticism):
Caused by excess cortisol in the body, this condition can lead to increased thirst and urination. Treatment may involve medication or, in some cases, surgery.Diabetes Mellitus (DM):
Occasionally seen in Dachshunds, especially if overweight. Signs include weight loss despite a strong appetite, excessive thirst, and frequent urination. Diabetes can be managed with diet and insulin.Deafness:
Rare, but possible in double dapple Dachshunds. Responsible breeders may BAER test puppies and parents for hearing loss, often at veterinary specialty practices or teaching hospitals.
At GraceDachundHome, we encourage families to ask about health clearances. These are most reliable when issued for dogs over two years of age, since some conditions don’t appear until full maturity.
No matter how healthy your Dachshund is when you bring them home, it’s wise to prepare for unexpected health needs. A pet insurance plan can provide peace of mind and help ensure your Dachshund receives the very best veterinary care throughout their life.
Care
At GraceDachundHome, we know Dachshunds are full of stamina and personality. They love walks, outdoor play, and even indulging their natural instincts to hunt and dig. Inside the home, they stay active and adapt well to small living spaces—so long as they get a moderate amount of daily exercise. Two short walks a day (about 10 minutes each) or a lively game of fetch is usually enough to keep them content.
Dachshunds are family dogs, not kennel dogs. They belong inside the home, close to their people. Because of their long backs, they can injure themselves jumping on and off furniture, so ramps or steps are highly recommended. Always support both their chest and rear when holding them.
These clever pups learn quickly with the right motivation. Positive reinforcement—whether a small treat or a favorite toy—keeps training engaging. Keep sessions short and fun, as Dachshunds can lose interest if asked to repeat the same exercise too often.
Housetraining can be a bit of a challenge, as Dachshunds may not always see the point of going outside. Patience, consistency, and crate training make the process smoother. Beyond housetraining, a crate is also a safe and helpful tool for keeping a curious Dachshund out of mischief, especially as a puppy. It also prepares them for times when boarding or hospitalization may be necessary. Remember: a crate should never be used as punishment or for long-term confinement—your Dachshund should only spend a few hours at a time in it, aside from bedtime.
Dachshunds are people-oriented dogs who thrive on companionship. They aren’t meant to spend their lives outdoors or locked away. While they make excellent watchdogs, they can also be noisy—especially the Miniature variety, which tends to be more vocal. This is something to consider if you live in an apartment or condo community.
Feeding
At GraceDachundHome, we recommend feeding your Dachshund 1 to 1.5 cups of high-quality dry food per day, divided into two meals. Portion control is especially important for this breed, as Dachshunds are prone to weight gain—which can put extra strain on their long backs. Consistency, proper nutrition, and avoiding too many table scraps will help keep your pup healthy and at their ideal weight.
Grooming
At GraceDachundHome, we know that grooming is an important part of keeping your Dachshund healthy and comfortable. Fortunately, Dachshunds are generally a low-maintenance breed, but the care routine varies slightly depending on coat type.
Smooth Dachshunds:
They shed moderately but rarely have a strong “doggy” odor. Baths are only needed occasionally—unless your pup has rolled in something unpleasant. Between baths, a simple wipe with a damp cloth keeps them clean. In colder climates, a sweater may be needed for outdoor walks.Wirehaired Dachshunds:
Require regular brushing to keep their coats neat. They also need to be “stripped” two to three times a year to maintain texture and appearance. Ask your breeder or groomer to demonstrate the proper technique.Longhaired Dachshunds:
Need regular brushing to prevent mats and tangles. They require more frequent bathing than Smooths, and blow-drying afterward helps their coat stay healthy and shiny.
Ears, Nails, and Teeth:
Dachshunds’ droopy ears can trap moisture and debris, making them prone to infections. Wipe the outer ear weekly with a cotton ball moistened with a vet-recommended ear cleaner. Never go deeper than the first knuckle of your finger, and avoid using cotton swabs.
Trim nails once or twice a month. If you hear clicking on the floor, they’re too long. Starting nail care early makes the experience less stressful.
Brush teeth at least 2–3 times a week—daily is ideal—to prevent tartar and bacteria buildup. Begin while your puppy is young so they get used to the routine.
Regular Health Checks:
While grooming, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, ears, nose, mouth, eyes, and feet. Healthy ears should smell clean, and eyes should be clear without discharge. A weekly exam helps catch potential health issues early.