Dachshund — breed guide
A big personality on very short legs. Protect that long back: no stairs marathons or couch leaps.
At a glance
- Group
- hound
- Size
- Small
- Weight
- 7–15 kg (15–33 lb)
- Life span
- 12–16 years
- Coat
- Smooth, longhaired or wirehaired
Living with a Dachshund
- Moderate energy — a proper walk every day.
- Almost no grooming.
- Moderate shedding.
- Can be stubborn.
- Very vocal.
- Good with children.
- Gets along with other dogs.
- Can live with a cat, with a slow introduction and an escape route for the cat.
- Suits apartment living, given its daily walks.
- A reasonable choice for a first-time owner.
- Average heat tolerance.
- Feels the cold.
Temperament
Curious · Brave · Stubborn · Vigilant
Health to watch
- IVDD (spine)
- Obesity
- Dental disease
- Luxating patella
Owner-logged information shared via Leash Life is not veterinary advice; ask your vet about screening for these.
Did you know
Dachshund means “badger dog” in German — those short legs were engineered for digging into badger setts.
Questions people ask
Is a Dachshund good with kids?
Generally yes. Dachshunds are usually good with children when raised with them and given their own quiet space.
Is a Dachshund good with cats?
It can work, with management. Introduce them gradually, feed them apart, and make sure the cat has vertical space the dog cannot reach. Plan to manage it rather than assume it.
How much exercise does a Dachshund need?
A real walk every day, around 30–60 minutes.
Can a Dachshund handle hot weather?
About average — use normal hot-day sense.
Leash Life keeps a Dachshund's day — walks, meals, meds, weight — in one shared feed for the whole household, and warns on the walk weather this breed can't take. Free to start.