HoundGermany

Dachshund

A badger hunter in a very long frame.

Weight: 16–32 lbs
Height: 8–9 in
Lifespan: 12–16 yrs

In short

The Dachshund is a hound-group badger hunter developed in Germany to follow prey underground, weighing 16–32 lbs and standing 8–9 in tall in the Standard size, with a bold, curious and independent temperament. It needs 30–60 minutes of daily exercise, scent play and strict weight control to protect its back.

Is it right for you?

A great match if you…

want a bold, funny small dog
can keep it lean and use ramps
enjoy sniffing walks and scent games

Think twice if you…

have lots of stairs or high furniture
need a quiet dog for thin walls
want reliable off-leash recall

The daily plan

Exercise: 30–60 min
Training: 2–3 × 5–10 min
Treat limit: 45–75 kcal

At a glance

TrainabilityWilling learner6.5/10

EnergyActive6.5/10

Calm at homeSettles well7.5/10

SheddingModerate shedder4.0/10

What sets it apart

01
Long back
An elongated spine on short legs makes the breed prone to disc injury if allowed to jump.
02
Short legs
Low legs were bred for going to ground after badgers.
03
Deep chest
A deep keel gives lung room for digging and hunting underground.

Size & coat

Weight	16–32 lbs
Height	8–9 in
Lifespan	12–16 yrs
Coat	Smooth, wirehaired or longhaired

Side profile 8–9 in at the shoulder

Back in stock soon

Personality

A bold, curious little hunter with a big-dog attitude.

How it thinks

Clever and independent, with a strong prey drive and a talent for ignoring cues it finds boring.

At home

Devoted to its household, wary of strangers, and given to barking and digging.

Training

How often

2–3 sessions daily, 5–10 minutes each.
Socialize early (8–16 weeks)

Socialize between 8–16 weeks with strangers, children and other dogs.
Self-control

Teach a recall and a stay; reward calm instead of barking, and use steps or ramps to protect the back.
What it works for

Small liver pieces keep rewards quick and light on the waistline of a breed that suffers from extra weight.

Exercise

Exercise a day 30–60 min

CouchModerateAthlete

Good outlets

Leashed walks
Gentle fetch on flat ground
Backyard digging box.

Brain work

Scent trails and nosework
Puzzle feeders
Trick training.

Feeding

Back health depends on lean body weight. Feed measured meals and avoid weight gain at all costs.

Puppy (4–12 Mos)

Daily calories: 460–1,150 kcal
Protein: 28%
Fat: 18%
Treat limit, all treats: 45–115 kcal
Saylor's liver, suggested: 2–6 pieces a day

Adult Maintenance

Daily calories: 430–730 kcal
Protein: 26%
Fat: 15%
Treat limit, all treats: 45–75 kcal
Saylor's liver, suggested: 2–4 pieces a day

Active / Working

Daily calories: 680–1,150 kcal
Protein: 30%
Fat: 20%
Treat limit, all treats: 70–115 kcal
Saylor's liver, suggested: 3–6 pieces a day

Senior (8+ Yrs)

Daily calories: 370–620 kcal
Protein: 28%
Fat: 12%
Treat limit, all treats: 35–60 kcal
Saylor's liver, suggested: 2–3 pieces a day

Compare every life stage

Life stage	Daily calories	Protein	Fat	Treat limit (all treats)	Saylor's liver, suggested / day
Puppy (4–12 Mos)	460–1,150 kcal	28%	18%	45–115 kcal	2–6 pieces
Adult Maintenance	430–730 kcal	26%	15%	45–75 kcal	2–4 pieces
Active / Working	680–1,150 kcal	30%	20%	70–115 kcal	3–6 pieces
Senior (8+ Yrs)	370–620 kcal	28%	12%	35–60 kcal	2–3 pieces

The treat limit is the 10% rule for every treat combined. Saylor's liver is suggested at about 2% of daily calories, as a small topper: liver is very rich in vitamin A, so it should not become a staple. Check with your vet if your dog has a health condition or a special diet.

Health & grooming

Watch for	Ask the breeder or vet for	When
Intervertebral disc disease	Neurologic exam and weight tracking	Every vet visit
Obesity	Body-condition scoring	Every vet visit
Dental disease and eye problems	Dental and eye exam	Yearly
Luxating patella (slipping kneecaps)	OFA patella evaluation	Once, from 12 months

Official health tests for breeding dogs

The OFA's CHIC program asks Dachshund breeders to test for these. Ask to see the results before you buy a puppy.

Eye exam (ophthalmologist)
Kneecap (patella) check

Also recommended

Heart exam

See the full list on OFA.org

Grooming Moderate; varies by coat type

Brush smooth coats weekly and wire or long coats several times a week. Bathe as needed, clean ears and teeth regularly and trim nails every 3 weeks.

History

Origins

German Badger Hounds

Dachshund means badger dog, and the breed was developed to hunt burrowing animals.
Standardization

Coat Varieties

Smooth, wirehaired and longhaired coats and miniature sizes were developed in the 1800s.
Modern Companion

Companion Favorite

Today the breed is a lively companion known for its distinctive shape.

Questions owners ask

Are Dachshunds easy to train?

Moderately. Dachshunds are smart but independent and stubborn, so short, patient, food-rewarded sessions work better than repetition.

How many calories does a Dachshund need per day?

An active adult Dachshund (16–32 lbs) typically needs about 500–940 kcal per day (1.6–1.8× resting energy requirement), while a neutered, low-activity adult needs about 430–730 kcal and a working dog up to 680–1,150 kcal. Adjust to body condition and your vet's advice.

What is the best diet and training treat for a Dachshund?

Small, fast-eaten, high-value pieces. Keep every treat inside the 10% limit: about 45–75 kcal a day in total for an adult Dachshund of typical size. If you use Saylor's freeze-dried liver, keep it to a small share of that, roughly 2–4 pieces a day: liver is very rich in vitamin A, so it should stay a topper, not a staple. Adjust for your own dog's size and body condition, and ask your vet if there is a health condition or special diet.

Are Dachshunds good for apartments or first-time owners?

Yes. Their size suits apartments and first-time owners, but they can bark, and stairs and furniture jumping should be limited.

How much exercise does a Dachshund require daily?

Plan for 30–60 minutes daily, split into walks and play. Avoid jumping and stairs.

What health issues are Dachshunds prone to?

Dachshunds are prone to intervertebral disc disease, obesity, dental disease, eye problems and ear infections. Keep them lean and use ramps.

Freeze Dried Beef Liver Dog Treats

Back in stock soon

We're restocking. When it's back, a Dachshund needs only 2–4 pieces a day, well inside the 45–75 kcal treat limit.

See the product

Where the Dachshund ranks

Health tests follow the OFA's CHIC program. The treat limit is 10% of daily calories for all treats combined. Every dog is different, so use this as a starting point and ask your vet about yours.