Dachshund
Dachshund Overview
Height: 5 – 9 inches
Weight: 11 – 32 lbs
Lifespan: 12 – 16 years
Group: Hound
Temperament: Clever, Courageous, Stubborn, Lively
The Dachshund, affectionately known as the Wiener Dog or Sausage Dog, is an iconic small hound breed originally developed in Germany over 300 years ago to hunt badgers and other burrowing animals. Their distinctive elongated body and short legs aren't just adorable—they were specifically bred for pursuing prey into underground tunnels. Today, Dachshunds are beloved companion dogs known for their big personalities packed into small, charming packages.
Available in two official sizes—standard (16-32 lbs) and miniature (11 lbs and under)—and three coat varieties (smooth, longhaired, and wirehaired), Dachshunds offer remarkable diversity within the breed. Despite their small stature, they possess a bold and fearless temperament, often displaying a confident attitude that rivals much larger dogs. Their hunting heritage gives them a strong prey drive, keen sense of smell, and surprising athleticism.
Dachshunds are incredibly loyal to their families and can be quite affectionate, though they often bond most closely with one person. They're intelligent but famously stubborn, which can make training a challenge requiring patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement. Their watchdog instincts mean they're alert and vocal, often barking to announce visitors or perceived threats. While they can be wonderful with children they know, supervision is important due to their small size and sometimes snappy nature when mishandled.
Special care considerations include protecting their long backs from injury by preventing jumping from heights, using ramps for furniture access, and maintaining a healthy weight. Regular exercise is important, but activities should be low-impact to protect their spine. With proper care, these spirited companions typically enjoy a long lifespan of 12-16 years.
The Dachshund's temperament combines clever, courageous, stubborn, lively qualities that make them appealing companions for appropriate owners. These dogs form strong bonds with their families, demonstrating loyalty and affection that endears them to household members. Their personality reflects breed-typical characteristics including energy levels suited to their size and original purpose, playfulness that provides entertainment and engagement, and behavioral patterns consistent with their breed heritage. With family members, Dachshunds typically display affectionate behavior while maintaining individual personality variations that make each dog unique. Their interaction with strangers ranges from friendly acceptance to reserved caution, depending on individual temperament and socialization experiences. The breed's intelligence level influences their trainability and ability to learn commands, tasks, and appropriate household behaviors. Energy levels require consideration when matching this breed to potential owners, as daily activity needs must align with owner lifestyle and capabilities. These dogs may display independence or attachment tendencies that affect their behavior when separated from family members. Behavioral characteristics include vocalizations appropriate to their breed type, territorial awareness that may manifest in protective behaviors, and play styles that reflect their size and temperament. Understanding these temperamental qualities helps potential owners determine compatibility between their lifestyle expectations and the breed's typical behavioral patterns, ensuring successful long-term relationships between dogs and their human families.
Training a Dachshund requires understanding their learning style, motivation, and typical breed characteristics that influence training success. These dogs respond to positive reinforcement methods emphasizing reward-based techniques that encourage desired behaviors while building strong human-canine bonds. Early socialization during the critical developmental period between 8-16 weeks of age establishes foundational experiences with various people, animals, environments, and situations that shape adult temperament and behavior. Basic obedience training should begin early, establishing household rules, appropriate behaviors, and communication systems between dogs and owners. Training challenges may include breed-specific tendencies toward independence, stubbornness, or distractibility that require patient, consistent approaches. Consistency among all family members ensures clear communication and prevents confusion that undermines training efforts. Housetraining success depends on regular schedules, appropriate management, and positive reinforcement for eliminating in designated areas. Mental stimulation through training exercises, puzzle toys, and interactive games prevents boredom-related behavioral problems while strengthening cognitive abilities. Professional training classes provide structured learning environments and expert guidance particularly valuable for novice owners or dogs presenting training challenges. Realistic expectations based on breed characteristics, individual temperament, and owner commitment determine training outcomes and long-term success.
The Dachshund's exercise requirements reflect their size, energy level, and original purpose, requiring daily physical activity to maintain health and behavioral balance. Adult dogs typically need 30-60 minutes of exercise daily, adjustable based on individual energy levels and age considerations. Appropriate activities include leashed walks providing physical exercise and mental stimulation through environmental exploration, play sessions in securely fenced areas allowing safe off-leash activity, and interactive games strengthening human-canine bonds while meeting exercise needs. Mental stimulation through puzzle toys, scent work, training exercises, and problem-solving activities prevents boredom and provides cognitive enrichment essential for intelligent breeds. Without adequate physical and mental exercise, dogs may develop problematic behaviors including destructive chewing, excessive barking, restless pacing, or attention-seeking activities. Exercise intensity and duration should adjust for puppies, senior dogs, and individuals with health conditions requiring modified activity levels. Weather considerations may necessitate indoor exercise alternatives during extreme temperatures or inclement conditions. Meeting these exercise requirements ensures physical fitness, mental well-being, and appropriate behavior management.
Grooming requirements for the Dachshund depend on coat type, length, and texture, requiring regular maintenance to preserve health and appearance. Brushing frequency ranges from weekly for short-coated varieties to daily for long-haired dogs prone to matting and tangling. Bathing should occur every 4-8 weeks or as needed, using quality dog shampoo appropriate for their coat type and skin sensitivity. Professional grooming may be necessary for breeds requiring specialized clipping, stripping, or styling to maintain breed-appropriate appearance. Nail trimming every 2-4 weeks prevents overgrowth causing discomfort and gait problems. Dental care including regular brushing with canine toothpaste prevents periodontal disease and associated health complications. Ear cleaning removes debris and prevents infection, particularly important for dogs with pendant ears or those prone to ear problems. Skin care includes checking for parasites, irritations, or abnormalities during grooming sessions. Seasonal considerations may affect grooming needs, with heavier shedding during coat changes requiring increased brushing frequency. Establishing grooming routines from puppyhood creates positive associations and cooperation during grooming procedures. Proper grooming maintains physical health, prevents discomfort, and strengthens human-canine bonds through regular handling and care.
The Dachshund typically enjoys a lifespan of 12 – 16 years, though individual longevity depends on genetics, care quality, and health management throughout life. Like all breeds, they may be predisposed to certain health conditions including genetic disorders, structural problems, or age-related diseases requiring awareness and preventive care. Responsible breeders conduct health testing on breeding stock to minimize hereditary condition transmission and improve overall breed health. Regular veterinary examinations including annual checkups and age-appropriate screening tests enable early disease detection and intervention. Preventive care including vaccinations, parasite control, and dental prophylaxis protects against preventable diseases and health problems. Nutrition plays a crucial role in health maintenance, with quality diet appropriate to age, activity level, and individual needs supporting optimal physical condition. Weight management prevents obesity-related complications including joint stress, diabetes, and reduced lifespan. Exercise appropriate to age and health status maintains cardiovascular fitness, muscular strength, and joint mobility. Prompt attention to health changes including behavioral shifts, appetite changes, or physical symptoms enables timely veterinary intervention. Genetic testing may identify predispositions to hereditary conditions, informing preventive care strategies and breeding decisions.
The ideal home for a Dachshund provides appropriate space, activity opportunities, and family dynamics matching breed characteristics and needs. These dogs adapt to various living situations including apartments or houses, provided exercise and mental stimulation requirements are consistently met. Family suitability depends on household composition, with considerations for children's ages, other pets, and household activity levels affecting compatibility. The breed's tolerance for children varies, with some dogs excellent family companions while others better suited to adult households or families with older, respectful children. Compatibility with other pets depends on individual temperament, socialization experiences, and prey drive intensity that may affect relationships with smaller animals. Climate tolerance influences comfort in different geographic regions, with some breeds adapting to various conditions while others prefer specific temperature ranges. First-time dog owners should carefully consider whether breed characteristics, training requirements, and care needs align with their experience level and lifestyle capabilities. The commitment required for grooming, exercise, training, and healthcare must align with owner resources and willingness to meet these responsibilities throughout the dog's lifetime. Successful matches between dogs and families result from honest assessment of breed requirements and family capabilities, ensuring positive long-term relationships benefiting both dogs and their human companions.
Breed Highlights
Listings
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2 Male Mini Dachshund Puppies for Sale
Dachshund Phoenix (Arizona) April 25, 2025 $ 1600.00We have miniature dachshund puppies available on January 8. They will come with their first two vaccinations and a vet check. We have two males available, one is fully black and the other is black and tan. We do have Mom and Dad on the premises. Pupp...
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Black and Tan healthy mini dachshund puppy
Dachshund Nashville (Tennessee) April 25, 2025 $ 500.00I'm looking to rehome a male Mini Dachshund. He has a black and tan color combination. He is a happy and healthy puppy. His mother is a tri-colored piebald Dachshund female from a family of sweet Dachshunds we've had for 15 years. His father is a han...
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10 weeks old Miniature Dachshund puppies
Dachshund Houston (Texas) April 25, 2025 $ 500.00Miniature Dachshund puppies, 10 weeks old, fully veterinary, vaccinated and up to date. If you have questions for us, and inquire about the delivery options call us, As always, if you are not within driving distances. you can talk to us directly, or ...
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2 male Dachshund puppies for sale
Dachshund Jacksonville FL (Florida) April 25, 2025 $ 750.00We have 2 male Dachshund puppies that turned 8 weeks old on August 25th. They both have health certificates and shots and are available for rehoming. The darker one weighs about 15 lbs and has a rehoming fee of 750.00. The lighter one weighs 8-10 lbs...
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4 Dachshund puppies available
Dachshund Carrollton (Texas) April 24, 2025 $ 500.00We have 4 Dachshund puppies that are absolutely adorable and are looking for great homes. These little ones will be ready on May 28th. They are registered. 1 tan and chocolate girl 2 girls in black and tan 2 chocolate and tan boys. If you are interes...
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8 Dapple/Pie Bald Long Haired Mini Dachshunds
Dachshund Austin (Texas) April 24, 2025 $ 1000.00I have 8 Mini Dachshund (Dapple/Pie Bald) Long Haired puppies! They were born on March 13, 2023, and we have 5 boys and 3 girls. The puppies' mom is a dapple and dad is a standard mixed with piebald. I am still waiting for a couple more weeks to deci...
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Female Dachshund Puppies
Dachshund Wichita Falls (Texas) April 24, 2025 $ 500.00We have two purebred female Dachsunds. The first shots were given at the age of eight weeks. I'm looking for a quality home where they can be loved and cared for. You can text or call at any time.
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5 year old female dachshund looking for a new home
Dachshund Decatur (Illinois) April 23, 2025 $ 500.005 year old female dachshund looking for a new home. She is Super sweet dachshund. She is completely utd on all vaccinations, including flea and heart worm prevention. She is spayed, house trained and loves everyone. Very quiet, and loving. She'll cha...
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4 Fullblooded Dachshund Puppies for sale
Dachshund Norcross (Georgia) April 23, 2025 $ 1500.00I have 4 Dachshund puppies for sale. They've had their first shots and their nails clipped at 9 weeks old. There is a $2500 rehoming fee for a chocolate and tan longhair male, a $2000 for a shorthair double dapple fawn male, a $2000 for a chocolate a...
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3 female mini dachshunds for rehoming with their parents
Dachshund San Antonio (Texas) April 22, 2025 $ 300.00There are 3 female mini dachshunds for rehoming with their parents. I'm not going to be home to take care of them, and I would hate to have them locked up all day. 2 long-haired girls (ma's going to be 1y in Jan UTD) 2 short-haired girls (ma's going ...
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Mini dachshund puppies for sale
Dachshund Sherman (Texas) April 22, 2025 $ 800.00Mini dachshund puppies for sale, 8 weeks old and registered. They had two shots and were wormed. 1 chocolate male...1 black male...1 black-and-tan male... 1 tri color piebald female...1 black and white male... There is a rehoming fee on each pup. Cal...
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6 weeks old weenie dog for sale
Dachshund El Paso (Texas) April 22, 2025 $ 350.00Weenie puppies for sale. They are all pure dachshunds, we have both parents on site, and they have all been vaccinated. The puppies are 6 weeks old and are well cared for.
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4 AKC Mini Dachshund Puppies for Sale
Dachshund Nashville (Tennessee) April 22, 2025 $ 500.004 AKC longhaired miniature Dachshund puppies for sale. There are two males and two females. The male black and tan weighed 3lbs 10oz, while the female black and tan weighed 2lbs. 10oz. Female, chocolate and tan, weighed 3lbs12oz. The male shaded red ...
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4 Pretty lil Dachshund puppies for sale
Dachshund Charles Town (West Virginia) April 22, 2025 $ 500.004 Pretty lil Dachshund puppies for sale. 1 Male red long hair, 1 male piebald blue dapple, 1 male blue dapple, and 1 male piebald black and white. They are trained as a puppy pad and trained as a crate. Utd and wormer on the shots.
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3 Daple Dachshund Puppies for Sale
Dachshund Denver (Colorado) April 21, 2025 $ 1000.00I have three dapple dachshund puppies, two girls and one boy, who are up to date on shots and vet checked and will be ready for their new homes on October 11. They are AKC registered and come with a full registration. Please call me for additional in...
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Black and Tan Mini Dachshunds for Sale
Dachshund Greensboro (North Carolina) April 20, 2025 $ 600.00I have 4 Miniature Dachshund puppies available: 3 boys and 1 girl. They all have a beautiful Black and Tan coat. They were born on August 20th. I will deworm them at 2, 4, and 6 weeks old, and they will receive their first vaccinations and a check-up...
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Purebred Miniature Dachshund puppies
Dachshund Phoenix (Arizona) April 20, 2025 $ 500.00Purebred Miniature Dachshund puppies for rehoming. They shall be ready by March 9, and may have first pair of shots. If their picture comes to an end, these are still available. Please text me to learn more! Thanks for looking!
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5 Dachshund Puppies for sale
Dachshund Texarkana (Texas) April 20, 2025 $ 500.00Dachshund Puppies Available Born on April 1, 2025 Ready for their new homes on May 13 2 females and 3 males Located in Wake Village Meet the puppies on May 13 Rehoming details available For inquiries, please contact Mary Red male and 2 chocolate dapp...
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Piebald Miniature Dachshund babies
Dachshund Fort Wayne (Indiana) April 19, 2025 $ 1000.00I'm selling 4 dachshund puppies in Hoagland, Indiana. There's 1 extreme piebald female, 2 black and tan dapple piebald males, and 1 chocolate and tan piebald male. They'll be ready to go on Jan 23rd. Call or text if interested.
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Last 2 Mini Dachshund pups
Dachshund Hillsboro (Texas) April 19, 2025 $ 200.00Hello, I have two female mini dachshund puppies, both 5 months old, fully vaccinated. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.