
AI-generated imageThe smooth-haired Dachshund is a highly intelligent, self-confident 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.
How the health grade is calculated
Sources for required breeding screenings. Deutscher Teckelklub 1888 e.V. (DTK)
Self-check
Answer 6 quick questions about your everyday life and see how well the Smooth-haired Dachshund fits you — including an honest cost estimate per month, per year, and across the dog's lifetime.
At a glance
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
Shoulder height
20–27 cm
Weight
7–9 kg
Practical
Temperament
Daily life
What matters most
Especially with a Smooth-haired 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 →Colors & coat
The coat colors that occur in the Smooth-haired Dachshund — including which ones fall outside the breed standard and which carry genetic risk.
Eye colors
Coat type
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.
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.
The Dachshund (short-haired) is a lively and courageous dog with a distinct character. Despite its small stature, it shows a strong hunting instinct and remarkable endurance, which originally distinguished it as a versatile hunting dog. It is very affectionate and forms a close bond with its family, often displaying a confident and sometimes stubborn nature. Its pronounced sense of smell and persistence make it an excellent tracking and retrieving dog that enjoys mental challenges. Due to its hunting drive, it may tend to chase small animals, which is why consistent training and early recall training are important. The short-haired Dachshund is a lively companion who, despite its brave nature, also shows a playful and cuddly side. It requires regular exercise and mental stimulation to remain balanced. It often finds being alone difficult because it is very people-oriented. As a watchdog, it shows alert behavior and reliably alerts to strangers without being overly aggressive.
| 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 (Short-haired): The dachshund with its short, smooth coat is not only a charming hunting companion but also a true tunnel digger thanks to its long body and short legs – perfect for entering fox dens. Despite its size, it has a great deal of courage and endurance!
The Dachshund (short-haired) is a lively and courageous dog with a strong hunting instinct. Despite its small size, it shows great commitment and endurance, especially in burrow hunting. Dachshunds are willful but also very affectionate and family-oriented. They require consistent training and sufficient activity to remain balanced.
Dachshund (Short-haired): Short-haired dachshunds are lively and brave dogs with a strong hunting instinct. They are very affectionate and form a close bond with their owners, making them well-suited for families who can spend a lot of time with their dog. Despite their small size, they are very confident and can sometimes be stubborn, which is why consistent but loving training is important. Dachshunds need regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay balanced, but they are also suitable for city living if enough walks and activities are provided. They are usually friendly with children but should be handled carefully due to their sensitive spine. They can get along well with other dogs and pets if socialized early.
Loves family life and thrives in a group.
Gets on well with children — with adult supervision.
Usually gets on fine with other dogs.
Adapts well to city living and urban environments.
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.
Dachshunds (short-haired) are independent and intelligent dogs that are eager to learn but can sometimes be stubborn. Their hunting instinct is strongly developed, which makes training challenging but also exciting. It is important that you remain consistent and patient, while always working positively and reward-based to keep motivation high. Unlike Labradors or German Shepherds, Dachshunds are not classic working dogs, so you should make training varied and focus on short but regular sessions. Fetch games or search tasks are well suited to promote their natural sense of smell. At the same time, it is important to teach the Dachshund to control impulses and tolerate frustration, as they can otherwise quickly react stubbornly. Socialization and a clear structure are essential so that your Dachshund feels secure and gets along well with other dogs and people. Despite their size, Dachshunds need mental challenges and activities to stay balanced. With patience and loving consistency, you will gain a loyal and lively companion who will delight you with his charm and intelligence.
Dachshund (Short-haired): The diet of a short-haired dachshund should be balanced and tailored to its size. High-quality food with a good proportion of proteins and essential nutrients supports its health and energy. Since dachshunds can be prone to overweight, it is important to control the amount of food and ensure regular exercise. The short, smooth coat of the short-haired dachshund is easy to care for and requires little effort. Weekly brushing is sufficient to remove loose hairs and keep the coat shiny. During the shedding season in spring and autumn, increased hair loss may occur; more frequent brushing helps here. The short-haired dachshund is well adapted to the Central European climate. Its short coat provides protection in mild temperatures, but in cold weather, it should be supported with a dog coat. In summer, sufficient sun protection and enough water should be ensured, as the short hair offers no special protection against heat.
| Care Level Occasional brushing is all it takes. | Very low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs 1–2 hours of real exercise daily. | Active |
| Shedding Regular shedding — dog hair on clothes is now normal. | Moderate |
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
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Elevated risks
Health grade
In the Dachshund (Smooth-haired), the long back determines the health profile: roughly one in six to seven Dachshunds suffers an intervertebral disc herniation (IVDD) during their lifetime, and in certain varieties, the proportion is significantly higher. Since over 95% of Dachshunds carry the genetic predisposition for it (CDDY), breeding selection and consistent back evaluation determine the risk. The Deutscher Teckelklub 1888 e.V. (DTK) therefore mandates testing for intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), chondrodystrophy (CDDY), and the avoidance of merle × merle matings (coat color, merle). Responsible breeders additionally test parent animals for eye diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy, lens luxation (PLL), or retinal dysplasia, and have the back thoroughly evaluated by a veterinarian. Before buying, make sure to ask for the complete official results for IVDD and CDDY as well as ophthalmological certificates.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-assisted and editorially reviewed.
Methodology and data: HonestDog Dog Breed Health Report 2026
What matters most for this breed
Tap any item to see details.
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.
Responsible breeders test parent animals for intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) and chondrodystrophy (CDDY), exclude merle-to-merle matings, and additionally test for progressive retinal atrophy.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
What matters most for this breed — what's common, how much it affects the dog's life, and how to protect yourself as a buyer.
Tap a body region to see the inherited conditions linked to it.
The three most important risks
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Tier 1 is the core standard: the tests Deutscher Teckelklub 1888 e.V. (DTK) requires, plus further tests from the recommended health standard for this breed. Tiers 2 and 3 show how responsible breeders go beyond.
Core standard. Tests marked “Club standard” are required by Deutscher Teckelklub 1888 e.V. (DTK) for breeding approval; the others are part of the recommended health standard for this breed. Ask any reputable breeder for the results.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
A Smooth-haired Dachshund costs around ~€150 per month (€80 – €270, depending on your setup). The first year adds up to roughly ~€4,460 including purchase, equipment and puppy school; across the dog's life (13.5 years) it comes to about ~€26,760.
With surgery cover, running costs come to about ~€140 per month — in return, your share of a major operation drops from several thousand euros to around 20 percent.
Per month
~€150
In the first year
~€4,460
Across the dog's life
~€26,760
Estimated purchase price from a breeder: €1,200 – €2,500
Estimate at a mid-range setup (suburban, dry food, 1–2 hours of daily exercise), average German prices, as of July 2026.
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Illustrative imageThe history of the Dachshund (short-haired) begins in the Middle Ages in Germany. Originally, it was bred to help hunt badgers and other underground-dwelling animals. With its long body and short legs, it could easily enter narrow burrows and flush out the prey. In the 19th century, the Dachshund was increasingly appreciated as a versatile hunting dog and further developed. The breed was officially recognized by the German Teckel Club in 1888 and has since enjoyed great popularity as a hunting and companion dog.
The short-haired dachshund was originally bred to hunt badgers and other small animals, known for its determination and endurance.
Germany
1500
Many owners describe life with a Smooth Dachshund as a mix of deep attachment and surprising alertness. Indoors, the dog is often a very cuddly shadow that seeks the closest possible body contact, prefers to sleep under the blanket and follows its person everywhere. At the same time, owners consistently report that many Smooth Dachshunds find it hard to be left alone, so this has to be built up in small steps from the start.
As a family dog it is often playful and curious, but it needs clear rules around children. Because Dachshunds are very strong-willed and sometimes not very willing to compromise, they won't put up with rough handling. Owners also regularly mention strong watchdog instincts: noises in the hallway or visitors at the garden gate are often announced loudly, which is why barking needs to be steered early.
Owners also firmly reject the idea that these are just "lapdogs." The Smooth Dachshund is seen as a weatherproof companion with plenty of stamina that loves long walks and brain work, and when it doesn't get enough to do, it tends to find its own, sometimes destructive, things to do.
In day-to-day training, owners keep stressing the proverbial Dachshund stubbornness, which they say is no myth with this breed but lived reality. As an earth dog, the Smooth Dachshund is very independent and regularly questions what a command is good for. Don't expect blind obedience; according to owners, training only works with endless patience, loving consistency and high-value rewards. In their experience, pressure or harshness only leads to refusal or withdrawal.
Hunting drive is discussed especially intensely in forums. As soon as its nose is on the ground or small animals like rabbits, squirrels or birds pop up, the Dachshund often tunes out everything around it. Many owners report that reliable off-leash walking in the woods or near fields is only possible after years of anti-hunting training, or that the dog has to stay on a long line for good.
What owners describe as working best is giving the dog the right kind of outlet through its nose. Tracking, mantrailing or dummy work help a lot to channel its passionate hunting drive in a controlled way and keep the dog mentally satisfied.
The dominant health topic among owners everywhere is intervertebral disc disease ("Dachshund paralysis"). Many owners swap tips on everyday prevention: avoiding high jumps off couches or beds, using small ramps and always carrying the dog on stairs are part of the fixed routine for most Dachshund owners. Reports of sudden hind-leg weakness or paralysis and lengthy physical therapy show how present this worry remains in daily life.
Closely tied to this is weight control. Many owners point out that Smooth Dachshunds love their food and quickly put on weight without discipline. Every gram of extra weight puts more strain on the long spine, which is why owners describe strict portion control and building good back muscles through steady exercise as essential.
The short coat is generally appreciated as easy to care for, but it brings its own issues in the cold, wet season: without a dense undercoat, many Smooth Dachshunds get cold quickly and simply refuse to leave the house in rain or snow. Most owners therefore see a functional dog coat and careful toweling off after walks as a practical necessity rather than a fashion accessory.
Sources:dogforum.dehunde.comdogssupreme.dehundephysiotherapie-rummenholl.de
Paraphrased from real owner reports · translated from German
The Smooth-haired Dachshund is an adaptable dog that adjusts well to various lifestyles. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
The average life expectancy of a Smooth-haired Dachshund is 12-15 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
Smooth-haired Dachshund grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
The Smooth-haired Dachshund can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
The Smooth-haired Dachshund comes in these colors: Red, Black and tan, Brown and tan, Brindle, Merle, Isabella, Blue and tan, Piebald, Cream. Colors that fall outside the breed standard are marked as such on the breed page.
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