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
The Miniature Dachshund (smooth-haired) is rated with a grade C. Due to its extreme body structure, the breed frequently suffers from intervertebral disc disease (Dachshund paralysis), which poses a significant health risk. In addition, prospective buyers should look for genetic tests for Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and Osteogenesis imperfecta to prevent hereditary blindness and bone fractures.
Lifespan
12–16 yrs
Height
18–21 cm
Weight
3–6 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,200 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Short, smooth, without undercoat
- Origin: Germany
Typical coat colors
- 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 short-haired Zwergdackel is a self-confident, stubborn Baujäger (burrow hunter) — bred to make life-or-death decisions completely independently in dark fox dens. It is precisely this courage that makes him the most charming, yet also the most uncompromising little companion.
Perfect for you if:
- You bring a sense of humor and crystal-clear boundaries, because this dog will immediately question any inconsistency.
- You are interested in genuine scent work or tracking — a Baujäger needs a mental task even without a real fox.
- You live on the ground floor or are prepared to carry him up and down stairs for his entire life.
- You appreciate his alert, often vocal nature and have neighbors who aren't bothered by occasional barking.
Less ideal if:
- You expect absolute, immediate obedience — he was bred to make his own decisions underground, not to wait for your call.
- You are looking for an athletic companion for long jogging sessions or cycling.
- You have small animals like rabbits or cats in the house and hope the Dackel will simply ignore them.
The real vibes check
A Zwergdackel doesn't argue, he decides. What is vital for survival in a dark fox den also applies in your living room — only with the mail carrier instead of a badger. If you learn to love this charming arrogance, you will have an incredibly loyal buddy; if you try to break it, you will only end up frustrated.
Breed Profile
The miniature dachshund (short-haired) is a small but sturdy dog breed that belongs to the dachshund group. Originally bred in Germany for hunting badgers and other small animals, the miniature dachshund is characterized by its elongated body, short legs, and short, smooth coat. Its head is elongated with expressive, dark eyes and long, hanging ears. Despite its small size, the miniature dachshund possesses a lot of courage and endurance, making it a lively and confident companion. Within the breed, there are various color patterns that make its appearance diverse. The miniature dachshund is popular both as a family dog and as a hunting companion, with its lively and sometimes stubborn nature requiring consistent training.
| Height | 18 - 21 cm (Female), 18 - 21 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 3 - 6 kg (Female), 4 - 6 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 12 - 16 years |
| Character | Loyal, intelligent, attached to the family, but reserved towards strangers, high hunting drive |
| Coat | Short, smooth, without undercoat |
| Coat Color | Red, black, and brown mixed |
| Price | 1200 - 2500 € |
History
The history of the miniature dachshund (short-haired) begins in the 19th century in Germany. Originally, dachshunds were bred as hunting dogs to chase badgers and other animals in their burrows. The miniature dachshund was created by deliberately downsizing the standard dachshunds to produce a nimble and small dog that could also work in tight burrows. The short-haired miniature dachshund became especially popular because of its low-maintenance coat and lively, courageous nature. Over time, the breed was recognized as an independent variety and is now very popular as a loyal companion.
The short-haired miniature dachshund was bred to hunt smaller animals and to hunt underground.
Germany
1800
Character & Temperament
The miniature dachshund (short-haired) is a lively and brave little dog with a big character. Despite its compact size, it shows remarkable endurance and a strong hunting instinct, which goes back to its original use as a burrowing and hunting dog. It is very affectionate and forms a close bond with its family, being particularly vigilant and attentive to its surroundings. The miniature dachshund is intelligent and learns quickly but requires consistent and patient training to manage its sometimes stubborn character. It loves to be kept busy, whether through search games, retrieving, or other mental challenges. Due to its strong prey drive, it may tend to chase small animals or moving objects, so a reliable recall should be trained early. Although it is a brave watchdog and often reacts suspiciously to strangers, it is very loving and affectionate towards its family. The miniature dachshund needs regular exercise to stay balanced and benefits from varied activities that challenge both body and mind. It is a loyal companion who delights with its charming nature and lively character.
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
| Watchfulness Reports unusual activity but stays controlled. | Moderate |
| Openness to Strangers Neither pushily friendly nor suspicious. | Neutral |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Powerful instinct that can override recall when triggered. | Strong |
Fun Fact!
Miniature Dachshund (Short-haired): Miniature Dachshunds are small but incredibly brave dogs with a long body and short legs, originally bred for badger hunting. Despite their size, they have remarkable endurance and are known for their strong hunting instinct and loyal, lively personality.
What Awaits You
The miniature dachshund (short-haired) is a lively and curious dog with a strong hunting instinct. Despite its small size, it shows great courage and endurance. These dogs are intelligent and willful but require consistent training. They are well suited as family dogs if they get enough activity and exercise. The short, smooth coat is easy to care for and makes the miniature dachshund an uncomplicated companion.
Housing & Care
Miniature Dachshunds (short-haired) are lively and curious dogs that, despite their small size, require a lot of energy and activity. They are very affectionate and form a close bond with their owners, which is why they greatly appreciate contact with people. Miniature Dachshunds are brave and sometimes a bit stubborn, which requires consistent but loving training. They are usually friendly with children but should be handled carefully due to their delicate build. They get along well with other dogs if socialized early but can also show a strong hunting instinct. They are well suited for living in the city or an apartment if they receive regular sufficient exercise and mental stimulation. Long walks and playful activities are important to avoid boredom and unwanted behavior.
Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
Miniature Dachshunds (short-haired) are very headstrong and intelligent dogs despite their small size, requiring consistent but loving training. They are naturally curious and have a strong hunting instinct, which can sometimes make training challenging. It is important to start socialization early and establish clear rules to avoid unwanted behaviors such as stubbornness or excessive barking. Training should be varied and playful to keep the miniature dachshund's attention. Short, regular sessions are more effective than long training sessions, as their concentration span is limited. Positive reinforcement with praise and small rewards motivates the miniature dachshund best. Due to their hunting instinct, retrieving games or search tasks are well suited to mentally tire the dog. At the same time, it is important to teach the miniature dachshund to accept rest periods and not always be active. Patience and consistency are essential in training, as the miniature dachshund sometimes wants to have its own way. Overall, the miniature dachshund is a loyal and lively companion who brings much joy with the right guidance and sufficient activity. Those willing to invest time and patience will be rewarded with a clever and charming dog.
Nutrition & Care
Miniature Dachshund (Short-haired): Miniature Dachshunds are lively and curious dogs that need a balanced diet to stay healthy and fit. High-quality food with a good proportion of proteins and essential nutrients is ideal. Be careful to avoid overweight, as Dachshunds are prone to back problems due to their long backs. The short-haired coat of the Miniature Dachshund is easy to care for and only requires occasional brushing, about once a week, to remove loose hair and keep the coat shiny. During the shedding season in spring and autumn, increased hair loss can occur, which is alleviated by regular brushing. Miniature Dachshunds adapt well to the Central European climate. However, their short coat offers only limited protection against the cold, so they should be protected with a dog coat in cold weather. In summer, ensure sufficient shade and water to prevent overheating.
| Care Level | |
| Exercise Needs | |
| Shedding Barely any shedding — occasional vacuuming is enough. | Minimal |
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
Solid, watch carefully
Health grade
The Miniature Dachshund (smooth-haired) is rated with a grade C. Due to its extreme body structure, the breed frequently suffers from intervertebral disc disease (Dachshund paralysis), which poses a significant health risk. In addition, prospective buyers should look for genetic tests for Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and Osteogenesis imperfecta to prevent hereditary blindness and bone fractures.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-generated by our veterinary-genetics model.
In daily life this can mean
You should strictly limit stair climbing and jumping, ensure a healthy weight, and consider cold protection in winter to spare his sensitive back.
The breeder's role
Responsible breeders have the parents' spines, bones, eyes, and knees checked and pay attention to a moderate build — however, the fundamental risks of this breed cannot be completely eliminated even with the best breeding practices.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
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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 12-16 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.
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