Discover Everything About Dachshund
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
At a glance
Dachshund overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Health grade
Relative to other breeds
With 20 mandatory health tests, the Smooth-Haired Dachshund has an above-average number of known hereditary conditions, which is why the breed's health requires close monitoring. Specifically, Osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease) and eye conditions such as Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) are genetically predisposed in this breed. Furthermore, epilepsy represents a serious risk, which is why buyers should insist on complete and verifiable health testing of the parent dogs.
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
Height
20–27 cm
Weight
7–9 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,200 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Short, smooth, dense
- Origin: Germany
Typical coat colors
- Black
- red
- black
- brown mixed
Temperament
Daily life
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 smooth-haired Dachshund is a highly intelligent, self-confident Baujäger (earth dog) — bred to make completely independent decisions against defensive predators in narrow, dark tunnels. It is precisely this uncompromising independence that makes them such a huge personality on tiny legs.
Perfect for you if:
- You bring a sense of humor and iron-clad consistency — a dog that corners badgers underground won't be impressed by a stern look in the living room.
- You enjoy scent work, tracking, or long exploratory hikes in the woods.
- You live in an environment where a watchful, vocal dog won't cause immediate neighborhood drama.
- You are prepared to socialize him consistently from day one so that his healthy self-confidence doesn't turn into leash aggression.
Less ideal if:
- You expect him to joyfully return to you the moment he spots a rabbit — he was bred to track scents persistently and completely independently.
- You are looking for a dog that anticipates your every wish and loves classic obedience drills.
- You live on the fourth floor without an elevator and are looking for a dog that can handle those stairs on its own for its entire life.
- You have small, boisterous children who do not yet understand his clear physical boundaries and his need for respect.
The real vibes check
A Dachshund doesn't negotiate; he decides. What works down in a fox den, he applies to everyday life — just without the fox, and instead with your house rules. If you appreciate this stubborn brilliance, you'll get an incredibly loyal shadow; if not, he will lead you around by the nose without mercy.
Breed Profile
The dachshund, also known as the badger dog, is a distinctive dog breed with an elongated body and short legs. Originally bred in Germany for hunting badgers and other small animals, the dachshund belongs to the group of badger dogs. Its appearance is characterized by a strong, muscular body, a long snout, and expressive, almond-shaped eyes. There are three coat types of dachshunds: short-haired, wire-haired, and long-haired, with the short-haired dachshund particularly standing out due to its smooth, close-fitting coat. Within the breed, there are different size variants, including standard, miniature, and rabbit dachshund, which differ in weight and body size. Despite its compact size, the dachshund is a brave and lively companion that requires plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Its independent and sometimes stubborn nature makes it a special family dog, but it requires consistent training and socialization.
| Height | 20 - 27 cm (Female), 20 - 27 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 7 - 9 kg (Female), 7 - 9 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 12 - 15 years |
| Character | Loyal, intelligent, alert, high prey drive |
| Coat | Short, smooth, dense |
| Coat Color | Black, red, black and brown mixed |
| Price | 1200 - 2500 € |
Health
Elevated risks
Health grade
With 20 mandatory health tests, the Smooth-Haired Dachshund has an above-average number of known hereditary conditions, which is why the breed's health requires close monitoring. Specifically, Osteogenesis imperfecta (brittle bone disease) and eye conditions such as Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) are genetically predisposed in this breed. Furthermore, epilepsy represents a serious risk, which is why buyers should insist on complete and verifiable health testing of the parent dogs.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
You should strictly control his weight and avoid jumping as well as frequent stair climbing to best relieve the strain on his long back in daily life.
The breeder's role
Responsible breeders have the spine, knees, eyes, and bone structure thoroughly checked and pay attention to a firm back line — however, the fundamental risks of this breed cannot be completely eliminated even with the best care.
Frequently asked questions about the Dachshund
Is a Dachshund the right dog for me?
The Dachshund is an adaptable dog that adjusts well to various lifestyles. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Dachshund live?
The average life expectancy of a Dachshund is 12-15 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Dachshund need?
Dachshund grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Dachshund good for families with children?
The Dachshund can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
Dachshund Breeders Near You
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Guides & Resources
Guides, checklists, and breed profiles — so you can make a well-informed decision.