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 Wire-haired Dachshund faces an above-average number of hereditary risks. The main focus is on eye conditions such as Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) and cataracts, but the severe brittle bone disease (Osteogenesis imperfecta) also requires consistent testing. While these risks can be managed thanks to strict breeding requirements, buyers must be meticulous in ensuring that the parents' health records are complete and gap-free.
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
Height
20–27 cm
Weight
7–9 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,200 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Dense, coarse, medium-length with dense undercoat
- Origin: Germany
Typical coat colors
- Red
- black
- brown mixed
- hard
- dense
- wiry
- medium length
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 Wire-haired Dachshund is a highly intelligent, fearless Baujäger (earth dog)—bred to make independent decisions in narrow, dark tunnels and, if necessary, to take on a defensive fox.
Perfect for you if:
- You appreciate a dog that thinks for itself and makes its own decisions rather than blindly following orders.
- You are keen on extensive scent work or tracking—simple walks won't satisfy this passionate worker.
- You have the consistency and a great sense of humor needed to lovingly guide his legendary stubbornness.
- You are looking for a robust companion who can easily keep up on challenging hikes despite his small size.
Less ideal if:
- You expect lightning-fast obedience on command—underground he had to decide for himself, which is why he often views your commands as well-intentioned suggestions.
- You live in a building with thin walls and have neighbors who get upset every time he barks.
- You are looking for a companion for jogging, agility, or long bike rides.
- You keep small pets free in your home—his deeply ingrained hunting instinct does not stop at rabbits or guinea pigs.
The real vibes check
A Dachshund doesn't argue, he decides. What is vital for survival in a fox den leads to that famous, stubborn look in the living room when you want something from him and he sees absolutely no point in it. You aren't getting a dog that just follows orders, but a huge personality on very short legs that will challenge you and make you laugh every single day.
Breed Profile
The wire-haired dachshund is an independent variety of the dachshund breed, distinguished by its wiry, weather-resistant coat. Originally bred in Germany for hunting badgers and other game, the wire-haired dachshund belongs to the group of dachshunds. Its compact, long body with short legs and the distinctive, bushy beard give it a characteristic appearance. The rough coat texture protects it when working in dense underbrush. Despite its small size, the wire-haired dachshund shows great courage, endurance, and a lively personality. Within the breed, there are different size variants – standard, miniature, and rabbit – each with different areas of use and character traits. The wire-haired dachshund is a loyal companion, valued both as a hunting dog and as a family dog.
| 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, confident, energetic |
| Coat | Dense, coarse, medium-length with dense undercoat |
| Coat Color | Red, black, and brown mixed, hard, dense, wiry, medium length |
| Price | 1200 - 2500 € |
Health
Elevated risks
Health grade
With 20 mandatory health tests, the Wire-haired Dachshund faces an above-average number of hereditary risks. The main focus is on eye conditions such as Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) and cataracts, but the severe brittle bone disease (Osteogenesis imperfecta) also requires consistent testing. While these risks can be managed thanks to strict breeding requirements, buyers must be meticulous in ensuring that the parents' health records are complete and gap-free.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
You should consistently ensure he maintains a slim weight and strictly limit jumping and stair climbing to relieve pressure on his sensitive back in everyday life.
The breeder's role
Reputable breeders have the spine, eyes, knees, and bone structure of the parent animals extensively checked—however, the fundamental risks associated with the long back cannot be completely eliminated even then.
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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Our Mission

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Guides & Resources
Guides, checklists, and breed profiles — so you can make a well-informed decision.