Dachshund
Also known as Dackel, Miniature Dachshund, Rabbit Dachshund (Kaninchen), and Teckel in French
- Height at the withers
- 13 to 27 cm
- Weight
- 3 to 11 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12 to 16 years
- Daily activity
- 60 minutes
- Origin
- Germany
- FCI group
- 4 · Dachshunds
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- apartment living, with regular outings
Less suited to
- long absences: it struggles when left alone
- noise-sensitive neighbors: it likes to bark
- off-leash walks: strong prey drive and unreliable recall
Overview
Low to the ground, long in the body and very muscular, the Dachshund is a passionate, lively and persistent hunter, with a remarkable nose and a strong personality. This profile covers the whole breed: three coat varieties (smooth, wire and long) and three sizes (standard, miniature and rabbit, or kaninchen), for nine recognized varieties. Originally an earth dog and a blood-tracking dog, it is now one of the most popular companions in France.
History and origins
Known in Germany since the Middle Ages, the Dachshund descends from Bracke-type hounds and bassets bred to dig out badgers and foxes, hence its German name, Dachshund, or “badger dog.” The German Dachshund Club, the oldest club for the breed, was founded in 1888, and breeding was organized early on around three sizes and three coats. The FCI gives it a whole group, Group 4, of which it is the only breed. The current standard (2021) defines the three sizes by chest girth, not by height or weight. In France, it is among the breeds most often registered with the French Kennel Club (LOF), with 5,582 registrations in 2025, the wirehaired variety narrowly ahead of the smooth and the long-haired.
Health
Life expectancy is 12 to 16 years, and its hardiness is average. The most common health problems in the breed:
- Herniated disc (intervertebral disc disease)
- Obesity
- Progressive retinal atrophy (especially in the long-haired miniature Dachshund)
- Epilepsy
- Dental disease
Choose a breeder who has the parents health-screened for this breed, and ask to see the results.
Coat and care
Short, smooth coat. Low shedding, low coat care. Coat colors: red, black and tan, chocolate and tan, dapple (merle), brindle, wild boar (wirehaired), chocolate wild boar (wirehaired).
All ratings
Rated from 1 to 5, comparable across breeds. Green marks a strength for most households, orange something to plan for.
Lifestyle
- Energy
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Apartment
- Good, 4 out of 5
- Home alone
- Poorly, 2 out of 5
Family and sociability
- With children
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With other dogs
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With cats
- Fair, 3 out of 5
- With strangers
- Polite, 3 out of 5
Training and temperament
- Ease of training
- Hard, 2 out of 5
- For a first-time owner
- Possible, 3 out of 5
- Guarding instinct
- Moderate, 3 out of 5
- Prey drive
- Very strong, 5 out of 5
- Tendency to roam
- High, 4 out of 5
Care and neighbors
- Coat care
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Shedding
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Drooling
- Never, 1 out of 5
- Barking
- Frequent, 4 out of 5
Climate and health
- Heat tolerance
- Average, 3 out of 5
- Cold tolerance
- Low, 2 out of 5
- Hardiness
- Average, 3 out of 5
In our lists
Dachshund FAQ
How big does the Dachshund get?
The Dachshund stands 13 to 27 cm at the withers and weighs 3 to 11 kg. It is a small dog.
Does the Dachshund shed a lot?
It sheds little and its coat needs little care.
Can the Dachshund live in an apartment?
Yes, if it goes out several times a day: it adapts well to a home without a yard. Mind the neighbors: it barks readily.
How much exercise does the Dachshund need each day?
Allow about 60 minutes of activity a day: its energy is moderate.
Is the Dachshund good with children?
Fairly well, preferably with children old enough to respect its limits. Never leave a young child alone with a dog, whatever the breed.
How long does the Dachshund live?
Life expectancy is 12 to 16 years, and its hardiness is average. The main health problems to watch for are herniated disc and obesity.
