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 € |
History
The history of the wire-haired dachshund begins in the 19th century in Germany. Originally, it was bred as a versatile hunting dog, particularly suited for badger hunting and other underground animals. Its rough, weather-resistant coat made it well adapted to difficult weather conditions. Breeding focused on endurance, courage, and a keen sense of smell. Over time, the wire-haired dachshund developed into an independent variety within the dachshund breed, which is now valued both as a hunting and family dog. Official recognition was granted in the early 20th century by German cynological associations.
The wire-haired dachshund was bred as a hunting dog for use in dense undergrowth and has a resilient coat.
Germany
1800
Character & Temperament
The wire-haired dachshund is a lively and courageous dog with a strong hunting instinct. Despite its compact size, it shows great determination and endurance, making it an excellent companion for burrow hunting. It is very confident and independent, therefore requiring consistent but loving training. Its close bond with the family makes it a loyal and affectionate companion who enjoys spending time with its people. Wire-haired dachshunds are alert and display pronounced protective behavior without being aggressive. Due to their hunting instinct, they may tend to chase small animals, which is why early socialization and a reliable recall are important. The wire-haired dachshund is intelligent and learns quickly but needs mental and physical exercise to avoid boredom and resulting behavioral problems. Despite its headstrong character, it enjoys varied activities and close cooperation with its owner. Overall, the wire-haired dachshund is a lively, brave, and loyal dog that, with the right guidance, is a wonderful family and hunting companion.
| 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 This drive runs deep — no amount of training eliminates it. | Very strong |
Fun Fact!
Dachshund (wire-haired): The wire-haired dachshund has a wiry coat that makes it particularly resistant to thorns and rough terrain – perfect for hunting foxes and badgers. Despite its short legs, it is a true endurance runner with great courage and an unshakable sense of smell!
What Awaits You
The wire-haired dachshund is a lively and brave dog with a strong hunting instinct. He is intelligent and eager to learn but requires consistent training and sufficient activity. Despite his small size, he shows great commitment and is well suited for active families who encourage his need for exercise and curiosity.
Housing & Care
Wire-haired dachshunds are lively and brave dogs with a strong hunting instinct. They are very affectionate and show a strong bond with their family, making them well-suited for households that can give them a lot of attention. Despite their small size, they are confident and sometimes a bit stubborn, which requires consistent but loving training. Wire-haired dachshunds are alert and can serve as good watchdogs, but they are not excessively barky if well socialized. They generally get along well with children but should be supervised around small children as they can be sensitive. They usually get along well with other dogs, especially if they had early contact. Due to their hunting instinct, it is important to keep them on a leash or let them run in securely fenced areas. Wire-haired dachshunds need regular exercise and mental stimulation to remain balanced and content.
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
The wire-haired dachshund is a headstrong but willing-to-learn dog that can be well trained with patience and consistency. Compared to Labradors or German Shepherds, its willingness to learn is not quite as pronounced, but it still appreciates clear structures and varied activities. It is important that the training is designed to be entertaining and playful to maintain its attention and avoid frustration. The dachshund has a strong hunting instinct, which becomes apparent during training. Therefore, it makes sense to work on impulse control early and to accustom it to various stimuli. Fetch games or search tasks can be used well to promote its sense of smell and provide mental stimulation. As with the German Shepherd, a positive, reward-based training method is recommended to build a trusting bond. Wire-haired dachshunds are often independent and can be stubborn, so consistency is important without overwhelming the dog. Good socialization and regular activities help to avoid behavioral problems. Overall, the wire-haired dachshund requires balanced training that takes its natural traits into account and provides sufficient mental and physical challenges. With the right guidance, it becomes a loyal and lively companion.
Nutrition & Care
Dachshund (Wire-haired): The diet of a wire-haired dachshund should be balanced and tailored to its size. High-quality food with a good protein content supports its health and energy. Make sure to avoid overweight, as dachshunds are prone to back problems due to their long backs. Small, regular meals are ideal. The rough coat of the dachshund requires regular care. Weekly brushing helps remove loose hairs and keeps the coat healthy. Additionally, occasional trimming or plucking of the rough topcoat is recommended to maintain the typical appearance. Increased shedding can occur during the coat change in spring and autumn. The dachshund is well adapted to the Central European climate. Its coat protects it from the cold, but adequate protection should still be ensured in cold temperatures. In summer, provide shade and plenty of 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
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.
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
Experiences with the Dachshund
Sabine M., Halterin aus Bayern (Rüde, seit 2021)
Mein Rauhhaardackel ist ein absoluter Herzenshund, aber man darf sich nichts vormachen: Die Erziehung ist hier ein echter Vollzeitjob. Der berüchtigte 'Will-to-Please' existiert bei ihm schlichtweg nicht. Er lernt zwar blitzschnell, entscheidet aber jedes Mal aufs Neue selbst, ob es sich für ihn lohnt, ein Kommando auszuführen. Wenn der Boden nass oder kalt ist, wird das 'Sitz' zum Beispiel auch gerne mal komplett ignoriert.
Sein Jagdtrieb ist enorm ausgeprägt. Im Wald geht bei uns ohne Schleppleine gar nichts, da er sofort auf jede Fährte anspringt. Außerdem buddelt er leidenschaftlich gern tiefe Löcher im Garten – da muss man echt aufpassen, wo man hintritt, um nicht umzuknicken. Trotz seiner Sturheit ist er aber unglaublich witzig, extrem verschmust und bringt uns jeden Tag zum Lachen. Man braucht einfach eine liebevolle, aber absolut konsequente Hand.
Christian B., Halter aus Hessen (Rüde, 16 Jahre Begleiter)
Viele unterschätzen den Bewegungsdrang eines Rauhhaardackels und halten ihn fälschlicherweise für einen gemütlichen Schoßhund. Mein Rüde war im Junghundalter regelrecht 'unkaputtbar'. Wenn wir mit großen Hunden unterwegs waren, lagen die irgendwann völlig k.o. im Gras, während mein Dackel immer noch Action wollte und unermüdlich herumgewuselt ist. Er war extrem ausdauernd, agil und braucht geistige wie körperliche Beschäftigung.
Diese Energie gepaart mit seinem ausgeprägten Dickkopf hat uns allerdings auch einige Nerven gekostet. Er hat unsere Hausregeln täglich hinterfragt und brauchte eine sehr geradlinige Führung. Wer einen leichtführigen Hund sucht, der einfach so nebenherläuft, ist beim Rauhhaardackel definitiv an der falschen Adresse. Aber wer mit diesem starken, selbstständigen Charakter umgehen kann, bekommt einen mutigen und treuen Kumpel fürs Leben.
Dieter S., Halter aus Niedersachsen (Hündin, seit 2020)
Für mich sind Rauhhaardackel einfach etwas ganz Besonderes. Sie sind extrem intelligent und eignen sich hervorragend für die Nasenarbeit – wir machen zum Beispiel hobbymäßig Fährtensuche, und da ist sie voll in ihrem Element. Allerdings merkt man ihr das Erbe als Jagdhund in jedem Moment an. Sie ist absolut furchtlos, hat enormen Mut und legt sich im Zweifel auch mal mit Hunden an, die das Zehnfache von ihr wiegen.
Man muss im Alltag auch sehr auf die Gesundheit achten. Wegen der rassetypischen Gefahr von Dackellähme bzw. Bandscheibenvorfällen tragen wir sie konsequent die Treppen hoch und runter, vermeiden wilde Sprünge und achten penibel darauf, dass sie schlank und gut muskuliert bleibt. Sie ist zwar stur, aber auf eine sehr charmante Art. Sie denkt eben mit und handelt eigenständig – man muss diesen Charakter einfach lieben und respektieren.
sinngemäß aus echten Halterberichten
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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 12-15 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.
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