Dachshund Size, Care and Health

Small in height but mighty in heart, the dachshund—or badger dog—comes in two sizes and three coat types yet always shares the same spirited personality. Whether you love miniature dachshund pups or the classic standard dachshund. This guide breaks down size and looks, common health problems, everyday care and whether this lively companion is right for you—giving new and seasoned owners the clear, step-by-step knowledge they need to raise a happy, healthy dachshund in the UK.

Quick Breed Snapshot

The dachshund—also called the sausage dog, wiener dog or the older German name badger dog—is a small hound breed for courage in tight spaces. Its name comes from the German words dachs (badger) and hund (dog). Two sizes are seen in the UK: the standard dachshund (about 9-12 kg) and the miniature dachshund (ideal 4.5 kg, never over 5 kg).

All six UK varieties share the same frame but differ in coat types: smooth coated dachshunds, longhaired dachshunds, and wire haired dachshunds, each in standard and miniature form. The Kennel Club lists the Miniature Smooth as the nation’s fastest-growing hound, with 11,664 pups registered in 2024 alone. Colours range from red and black-and-tan to dapple; the Kennel Club bars “double dapple” pairings because of the dapple gene’s link to eye and ear problems.

Despite their little legs, these small dogs have a sturdy chest and bold stance. Average life expectancy tops 12 years, longer than the 11.2-year UK canine average reported by the Royal Veterinary College’s Vet Compass project. Keeping a healthy weight and offering regular exercise lets many dachshunds live 14–15 years.

Knowing the basic stats helps would-be owners choose the right same dog breed variety, plan vet cover, and select fitted beds or harnesses that protect that famous long back.

History and Origin

The dachshund’s story starts in 16th-century Germany, where working dogs with elongated bodies were prized for chasing badgers and other dangerous prey underground. Old prints show packs of these fearless hounds tackling quarry nearly twice their size.

Victorian Britain fell in love with the breed after Queen Victoria kept several at Osborne House; the first UK Dachshund Club formed in 1881, and the Kennel Club soon accepted the dog breed standard. In wartime the name was softened to “badger dog”, but fanciers kept the lineage alive.

Fast-forward to today: Miniature Smooth registrations have jumped almost 200 % in a decade, buoyed by social-media “wiener parades”, TV adverts, and regular classes at Crufts. Quarterly figures for 2024 even out-number many other breeds in the Hound Group.

Yet history carries a caution. Vets warn that selective breeding for extra-long backs raises the risk of intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). As popularity rises, responsible breeding lines—and informed buyers—are vital to safeguard the dachshund’s future. The next sections show you how.

Size and Looks

Two sizes, six varieties

• Standard dachshund adults weigh 9–12 kg and stand about 20 cm tall.

• Miniature variety stays under 5 kg. Each size appears in smooth haired, longhaired and wirehaired coats, making a total of six varieties recognised by the American Kennel Club (AKC) and Kennel Club UK.

Coat, colour & pattern

• Smooth coated dogs have short, glossy fur that is easy to keep clean.

• Long haired dachshunds carry silky feathering on ears, chest and tail.

• Wire haired coats feel harsh and weather‑proof.
  Shades range from black‑and‑tan to cream, chocolate and the eye‑catching dapple or isabella patterns. Because the dapple gene can double up and cause eye or hearing issues, responsible breeders never mate two dapples.

Built for the ground game

Low bodies, strong legs and a paddle‑like tail help the breed follow prey trails underground. The shape may look cute at home, but it was perfected for hard work in German forests—hence the German word dachshund (“badger dog”).

Grooming Your Dachshund

• Know the coat types first. All dachshunds—whether the standard or miniature variety—come in three coats: smooth coated, longhaired and wirehaired. Each coat demands a different routine, even though the dogs share the same breed standard and long, low frame.

• Smooth coated dachshunds (short-haired sausage dogs) are low-maintenance, needing a gentle weekly brush with a rubber mitt to lift loose short fur. A quick wipe with a damp cloth keeps the trademark smooth coat glossy.

• Longhaired dachshunds are moderate shedders that need more frequent brushing—ideally every day—to stop tangles forming behind the ears and along the belly. Use a slicker then a metal comb to reach the whole coat.

• Wirehaired dachshunds (wire haired varieties) sport a harsh outer jacket that must be hand-stripped by a professional groomer twice a year, plus a weekly brush at home to remove debris after field walks.

• Start early with dachshund puppies. Short, calm sessions introduce clippers, brushes and bath noise before six months of age; early socialisation makes later professional grooming easier and reduces stress in adult dogs.

• Bathing rules: every 6–8 weeks unless your wiener dog finds mud. Support the chest and hindquarters while lifting to avoid rough handling of the spinal cord, a key step in preventing slipped disc injuries.

• Floppy ears need fortnightly checks. Warm, closed ear canals trap wax and moisture; clean with vet-approved solution to dodge infections that small dogs like the badger dog are prone to.

• Nails and teeth matter. Clip nails monthly (they grow fast on short legs) and brush teeth three times a week. These quick jobs, combined with regular worming treatments advised by your local vet, help extend life expectancy.

• Coat check doubles as a health scan. Feel for lumps, fleas or flaky skin—issues that can signal allergy, obesity or problems linked to the dapple gene. Catching small health conditions early keeps dachshunds at a healthy weight and saves vet bills.

Offer interactive toys or a low-fat treat during grooming. Consistent training turns frequent brushing into bonding time and makes dachshunds easy to handle, even for older children.

Temperament and Behaviour

• Big spirit in a small body. The Kennel Club lists the dachshund as alert, determined and curious; the American Kennel Club adds clever and courageous. Expect a confident watchdog attitude from both standard and miniature dachshund adults.

• Strong prey instinct: centuries of hunting badgers means even a cuddly pet may chase small animals. Early socialisation helps them live with other pets and children. Mental games tap their sharp scent skills and reduce boredom.

• Barking and guarding. A sausage dog will announce visitors with gusto. Redirect the noise with short training sessions: reward silence, give interactive toys, and avoid accidentally praising the bark. Consistent training makes dachshunds easy companions even in terraced UK streets.

• Exercise formula. PDSA advises one hour of daily walks for standards and 30 minutes for miniatures, split into two outings to protect growing joints. Add sniff-walks and gentle long walks on flat paths; regular exercise keeps weight in check and wards off intervertebral disc disease.

• Mind the back. Jumping off sofas strains the spinal cord and can trigger disc disease that dachshunds suffer far more than other dog breeds. Fit ramps, lift with both hands under chest and hindquarters, and keep the dog food portion small to maintain healthy weight.

• Training that sticks. Five-minute sessions of sit, stay and recall work best—many short lessons beat one long drill. Use high-value treats; the same breed responds well to food motivation but can switch off if bored.

• Family fit. Dachshunds adore company and bond deeply with older children who respect their long backs; rough handling by toddlers risks injury. Leaving adult dogs alone all day invites separation anxiety, so plan dog-sitters or gradual alone-time training to reduce stress.

• Mental workouts. Hide kibble in scent-tracking games, rotate chew toys, and join a local Dachshund Club walk to meet other dogs. These activities satisfy the lively brain of a wiener dog and curb unwanted digging or shoe-chewing.

• Age and temperament. Dachshund puppies can be mischievous; adult dogs mellow but stay alert. Keep up weekly brush sessions, regular vet checks and daily play to enjoy a companion whose life expectancy can reach 14 years with good care.

Together, these practical points help UK owners nurture a balanced, well-behaved dachshund—smooth haired, wire haired or long haired—ready for city flats or countryside rambles alike.

Common Health Problems Dachshund

• Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). About 19–24 % of dachshunds show signs of this back problem, making them 10–12 times more at risk than many other breeds. Regular exercise at ground level and keeping a healthy weight both lower the odds.

• Obesity. Extra kilos place huge strain on the spinal cord and joints of these small dogs. Weekly rib checks and measured dog food portions keep weight under control.

• Dental disease. Tight jaws and short fur around the mouth trap food. Daily brushing and vet cleans stop painful decay.

• Eye issues. Progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts appear in some breeding lines. Ask breeders for recent eye-scheme certificates.

• Patellar luxation & epilepsy. Less common, but worth screening—your local vet can explain tests and insurance cover. Regular worming treatments and booster jabs round out preventative care.

Choosing puppies from good quality breeders who follow the breed standard and complete Kennel Club‑approved health schemes reduces future vet bills.

Dachshund Care

• Back-friendly living. Use ramps to sofas and car boots, lift with two hands to avoid rough handling, and keep play on flat surfaces to help prevent slipped disc.

• Grooming routine. Smooth haired dogs cope with a weekly brush; wire haired varieties need a weekly brush plus professional grooming twice a year; long haired coats call for more frequent brushing—often daily—to stop mats.

• Food & weight. Follow RSPCA feeding guides and measure meals. High-quality proteins keep muscle strong while avoiding excess fat that fuels disc disease.

• Mind & manners. Five-minute training sessions, scent games and interactive toys tap into the breed’s working-dog brain, reduce stress and curb boredom barking.

• Health checks. Annual vet visits, IVDD X-ray screening for breeding adults, and regular flea, tick and worm controls keep both puppies and adult dogs in top shape.

Exercise and Training

• Time guide. PDSA recommends one hour of regular exercise for standards and thirty minutes for miniatures, split into two daily walks with plenty of sniffing breaks.

• Low impact rules. Swap fetch on hard ground for nose-work trails. Long walks on level paths beat sprinting up stairs.

• Gear check. Harness plus five-metre lead lets small dogs explore while shielding the smooth coat neck.

• Short lessons. Five minute sits and recalls—repeated three times a day—keep focus high. Dachshunds easy to train when rewards arrive fast; rotate treats and praise.

• Early socialisation. Introduce dachshund puppies to buses, other breeds and friendly older children before 16 weeks to curb future fear barking.

• Brain games. Hide kibble in rolled towels; use puzzle feeders. This tires the mind and limits nuisance digging from working-dog genes.

Feeding Your Dachshund

• Measure. The UK Pet Food calorie calculator shows a 5 kg miniature dachshund doing light exercise needs about 350 kcal a day; treats must stay under 10 % of that total. Run hands over ribs once a week—light coverage is ideal. If you can’t feel ribs easily, cut portions.

• Life-stage diets. Puppies thrive on higher protein for growth; adult dogs need balanced maintenance formulas; seniors benefit from added omega-3 for joint support.

• Human food hazards. Onions, chocolate and grapes are toxic to small animals—store them high.

• Hydration. Fresh water at floor level bowls; elevated bowls tempt jumping and strain the spine.

Is the Dachshund Right for You?

• Home size vs dog size. Dachshunds are small dogs that suit flats, but they still need daily walks and space for zoomies.

• Family members: affectionate with adults and patient children but can be shy without socialisation.

• Noise note. This brave badger dog can bark at doorbells. Consistent training and mental games keep volume low.

• Maintenance scale. Smooth coated dachshunds are low maintenance; long haired and wire haired coats raise brushing time and grooming costs.

• Health budget. Insurance is wise—the breed’s risk of disc disease and dental work can stretch savings.

• Time commitment. If you can give regular exercise, frequent brushing when needed, and gentle, consistent training, the dachshund is a loyal, lively companion. If not, consider other breeds with fewer back-care demands.

These extra sections round out your knowledge so you can decide, with confidence, whether a smooth dachshund, a wire haired dachshund, or a flowing long haired dachshund is the perfect new friend for your life.

UK Laws

• Microchipping. All dogs must be microchipped by eight weeks or owners risk a £500 fine. Update details whenever you move.

• Leads near livestock. The Countryside Code requires leads on open-access land from March to July and whenever stock is present; farmers can shoot a chasing dog.

• Insurance wisdom. The Association of British Insurers reports pet insurers paid £1 billion in claims in 2022; average claim £771. Cover IVDD and eye surgery early, before exclusions apply.

• Breeder checks. Buy only from Kennel Club-registered breeding lines that meet the breed standard and show IVDD and eye certificates.

FAQs

Are Dachshunds good pets?

Yes. They bond closely with families, fit smaller homes and live longer than many other breeds when kept at healthy weight. Early socialisation ensures harmony with other pets.

Are Dachshunds good home dogs?

With ramps, routine exercise and consistent training, both smooth dachshunds and wire haired dachshunds settle happily indoors. Their small size suits flats and terraced houses.

Do Dachshunds bark a lot?

They alert naturally, but teaching “quiet”, providing interactive toys and avoiding boredom keeps barking to manageable bursts.

Are Dachshunds high maintenance?

Smooth haired dogs are low maintenance; long haired and wire haired varieties need more frequent brushing and professional grooming. All coat types, however, need back-friendly care and regular exercise.

Conclusion

In every country—from Germany to the UK and America—the dachshund is loved for its bravery, humour and loyalty. Choose pups from registered dachshund club breeders, follow the tips above, and your dachshund family will enjoy many playful years together.