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Discover everything about Dachshund
Explore the breed's characteristics, health, and history — and find trusted breeders
Looking for a Dachshund?
At a glance
Dachshund overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
S
A
B
C
D
E
Very healthyHigher risk
While the Dackel is often long-lived, it is anatomically predisposed to a very high risk of intervertebral disc disease (often referred to as 'Teckellähmung') due to genetic chondrodystrophy. Additionally, the breed is susceptible to eye conditions such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). Prospective buyers should be aware that the breed's characteristic body shape poses a permanent risk of severe spinal damage.
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
Height
20–27 cm
Weight
7–9 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,200 – 2,500 €
- Coat: short, dense, shiny, smooth, firm and hard
- Origin: Germany
Typical coat colors
- Cream
- black
- red
- brown
- blue
- chocolate
- black-brown
- chocolate-cream
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Dachshund, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Is the Dachshund right for you?
The Dachshund is small in stature, but huge in personality. Bred as a courageous Baujäger (burrow hunter) capable of taking on badgers all by itself, it brings a distinct sense of independence, cleverness, and stubbornness into your living room.
Perfect for you if:
- You have a sense of humor and love a dog with a strong character
- You can be consistent and fair in your training
- You enjoy active, scent-focused walks
- You can set up your home to be Dachshund-friendly (ramps instead of jumping, minimal stairs)
Less ideal if:
- You expect a highly obedient, easily directed dog
- You live in a high-rise apartment without an elevator
- You want a dog that can be reliably let off-leash
- You are looking for a quiet, low-maintenance companion
The real vibes check
A Dachshund will ask 'Why?' at almost every command. It doesn't realize it's small—and it will challenge you daily with its courage, cleverness, and unbridled self-confidence.
Breed Profile
Dachshunds aren't made for long-distance running, jumping, or strenuous swimming, but otherwise, these tireless dogs are up for anything. They are smart and alert, bark like a big dog and are good guard dogs. Because they were bred to hunt dangerous prey, they can be very brave and a little stubborn, but their endearing nature and unique appearance have won millions of hearts around the world. The Dachshund's famous long, low silhouette, ever-alert expression, and bold, lively personality have made him a superstar in the canine kingdom. Typical of small dog breeds, the Teckel is also a breed that likes to move. In short: a small dog that appreciates exercise, play and training. It is therefore not surprising that this loyal companion would be particularly happy about a home with a garden. Are you not a fan of dog breeds that shed a lot? Then you've come to the right place with the Teckel! The Teckel is one of the dog breeds that sheds little. Are you still unsure whether the breed is right for you? Then we have a little bonus here: Do you have children? Perfect! Because the breed is known for being child-friendly. The average life expectancy of the Dachshund is approximately 14 years.
- Height
- 20 - 27 cm (Female), 20 - 27 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 7 - 9 kg (Female), 7 - 9 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 12 - 15 years
- Character
- adventurous, curious, likes to sniff, like to dig
- Coat
- short, dense, shiny, smooth, firm and hard
- Coat Color
- Cream, black, red, brown, blue, chocolate, black-brown, chocolate-cream
- Price
- 1200 - 2500 €
History
The history of the dachshund dates back to the 15th century, when dogs were bred in Germany specifically suited for hunting badgers. Due to their short legs and long bodies, they could easily enter narrow burrows and drive the animals out of their hiding places. In the 19th century, the dachshund was further developed and bred in various sizes and coat types to meet different hunting conditions. The breed quickly became popular as a companion dog and is today known for its brave character and loyalty.
Original Use
The Dachshund, also known as Teckel or Dachshund, was bred to hunt underground, particularly badgers, and is known for its long body and short legs.
Origin
Germany
Date
1500
Character & Temperament
The dachshund is a lively and courageous dog with a strong hunting instinct that comes from its original use as a burrowing and hunting dog. Despite its small stature, it shows great determination and remarkable endurance. It is very affectionate and forms a close bond with its family, often displaying an independent and sometimes stubborn personality. Dachshunds are intelligent and eager to learn but require consistent and patient training, as they can be stubborn. Due to their strong hunting drive, it is important to work on recall early and to provide sufficient mental and physical stimulation. They love to explore their surroundings and need regular exercise to stay balanced. Although they are small, dachshunds are good watchdogs and often show a certain caution or mistrust towards strangers. Their brave nature makes them reliable companions who feel comfortable both in the city and in the countryside. Overall, the dachshund is a lively, loyal, and strong-willed dog that brings much joy with the right guidance.
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
| Watchfulness Reports unusual activity but stays controlled. | Moderate |
| Openness to Strangers Careful around unfamiliar people — thaws slowly. | Cautious |
| Hunting or Herding Drive This drive runs deep — no amount of training eliminates it. | Very strong |
Fun Fact!
Dachshund: Dachshunds were originally bred to hunt in narrow fox burrows – their long bodies and short legs make them perfect tunnel diggers. Despite their size, they have a great deal of courage and are real characters!
What Awaits You
Dachshunds are passionate hunting dogs and tend to act independently. They need consistent education and sufficient employment. Dachshunds are dogs that like to bark. Dog owners should definitely pay attention to the height of the dachshund, as short legs can be linked to intervertebral disc problems. The Dachshund is available in 3 coat variants: short-haired, long-haired and wire-haired
Housing & Care
Dachshunds are lively and brave dogs with a strong hunting instinct, which is reflected in their confident and sometimes stubborn behavior. They are very affectionate and form a close bond with their owners, but also require consistent training and mental stimulation to remain balanced. Despite their small size, dachshunds are very enduring and need regular exercise, ideally in the form of walks and search games. They are usually friendly with children but should be handled carefully because of their sensitive backs. Dachshunds can get along with other dogs if socialized early, but sometimes show territorial behavior. Overall, they are charming and lively companions who need a lot of attention and loving guidance.
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.!
Training & Education
Dachshunds are headstrong and intelligent dogs that require consistent but loving training. Their stubbornness can make training challenging, so patience and creativity are needed. Dachshunds learn best through short, varied sessions with positive reinforcement, as they quickly lose interest. It is important to work early on leash training and recall, as dachshunds have a strong hunting instinct and like to roam independently. Despite their size, they need mental stimulation, for example through search games or scent work, to be well occupied. Dachshunds are less suited for classic dog sports, but very good for activities that promote their sense of smell. Frustration tolerance should also be trained, as they can quickly react stubbornly when faced with difficulties. Overall, training a dachshund requires consistency, empathy, and enjoyment in working with an independent character. Those who take this into account will have a loyal and lively companion.
Nutrition & Care
Dachshund: Dachshunds are small, lively dogs with a strong character. When it comes to nutrition, it is important to pay attention to a balanced diet that avoids overweight, as dachshunds are prone to spinal problems due to their long backs. High-quality food with a good protein and fat content supports their health. The coat of the dachshund varies depending on the variety (short-, long-, or wire-haired). Regular brushing, at least once a week, keeps the coat clean and healthy. Wire-haired dachshunds also require occasional trimming. They shed moderately during the coat change in spring and autumn. Dachshunds cope well with the Central European climate. Their coat protects them from the cold, but they should not stay outside for too long in cold temperatures. In summer, sufficient sun protection and water should be ensured, as they can be sensitive to heat.
| Care Level Regular brushing and occasional professional grooming. | Moderate |
| Exercise Needs Needs 1–2 hours of real exercise daily. | Active |
| Shedding No or minimal hair loss — suitable for allergy sufferers. | No shedding |
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.!
Health
D
Elevated risks
Health grade
While the Dackel is often long-lived, it is anatomically predisposed to a very high risk of intervertebral disc disease (often referred to as 'Teckellähmung') due to genetic chondrodystrophy. Additionally, the breed is susceptible to eye conditions such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). Prospective buyers should be aware that the breed's characteristic body shape poses a permanent risk of severe spinal damage.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
You should strictly limit jumping and stair climbing, ensure your dog stays extremely slim, and plan for a higher budget from the start to cover potential back surgeries.
The breeder's role
Responsible breeders have the parents' spines examined and use DNA tests for eyes and bones to minimize the risk of breed-typical paralysis in their lines as much as possible.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
What owners say about the Dachshund
Sabine M., Halterin aus Hessen (Rüde, 10 Monate alt)
Wir haben einen jungen Kurzhaardackel, und er bringt uns jeden Tag zum Lachen. Er ist unheimlich witzig, verschmust, extrem verfressen, agil und super schlau. Er liebt lange Wanderungen und wir machen sogar ein bisschen Mini-Agility mit ihm, was ihm riesigen Spaß macht. Im Alltag ist er ein toller Begleiter, der sich auch mit anderen Hunden super versteht.
Allerdings darf man sich keine Illusionen machen: Einen typischen 'Will-to-Please' hat ein Dackel definitiv nicht. Wenn der Boden nass oder kalt ist, wird das Kommando 'Sitz' auch gerne mal komplett ignoriert. Man braucht eine sehr liebevolle Konsequenz bei der Erziehung und muss ab und zu einfach ein Auge zudrücken. Zum Glück klappt das Freilaufen bei uns gut, da sich sein Jagdtrieb bisher meist nur aufs Schnüffeln beschränkt.
Christian S., Halter aus Bayern (Hündin, 15 Jahre alt)
Ich habe die Dackelhündin meiner verstorbenen Mutter übernommen, die mittlerweile stolze 15 Jahre alt ist. Sie ist eine absolute Seele von Hund und hat trotz ihres hohen Alters immer noch eine enorme Freude am Leben und vor allem einen unheimlich guten Appetit.
Leider zeigt sich bei ihr nun die rassetypische Schwachstelle: der lange Rücken. Vor kurzem saß sie plötzlich mit gekrümmtem Rücken da, zitterte stark und wollte kaum noch laufen. Neben einem vergrößerten Herzen, für das sie täglich Medikamente nehmen muss, machen ihr die Rückenschmerzen nun schwer zu schaffen. Man muss bei dieser Rasse einfach von Anfang an extrem aufpassen, was das Treppensteigen und Springen betrifft.
Paraphrased from real owner reports
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Frequently asked questions about the Dachshund
Is a Dackel the right dog for me?
The Dackel is an adaptable dog that adjusts well to various lifestyles. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Dackel live?
The average life expectancy of a Dackel is 12-15 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Dackel need?
Dackel grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Dackel good for families with children?
The Dackel can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
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