About the breed
Temperament
The classic Dachshund: lively, bold and self-confident, with a big bark for its size. Devoted to its family, it can be wary of strangers and stubborn, so it needs calm, consistent training.
Size and weight
A standard Dachshund typically weighs about 7–12 kg and a miniature up to about 5 kg; the rabbit size is smaller still. The build is the same in all of them: a low, long dog with short legs, a long back and a deep chest.
Coat and grooming
The coat is short, dense and smooth. Grooming is simple: go over it once a week with a rubber mitt or a soft brush, and bathe only occasionally. A short coat gives little warmth, so a dog coat helps on cold, rainy days.
Exercise
The Dachshund is a hunting dog bred to work underground. It needs daily walks, usually two or three a day, plus games and sniffing tasks; without enough to do it gets bored, barks and finds its own occupations.
Who it suits
Lives well in an apartment and suits active adults and families with older children. It can suit a first-time owner who is ready to put patient work into training and house-training. Not for a home where quiet matters, an owner who leaves the dog alone for long periods, or a family with toddlers.
Care and health
Protect the back. Dachshunds have a long back, and the breed is known for a tendency to intervertebral disc problems (IVDD). Do not let the dog jump off sofas, beds or other heights — a ramp or dog steps is better; limit stairs; and when you lift a Dachshund, support the chest and the hindquarters together.
Keep the weight lean. Extra weight loads the spine, so feed the recommended amount, go easy on treats and watch the waistline; regular walks keep the back muscles strong.
Watch for warning signs. If your Dachshund suddenly does not want to move, yelps when picked up or is unsteady on its hind legs, see a vet without delay.
Routine care. Regular vet visits and care of the teeth and nails, as for any dog.
This is general advice and does not replace a consultation with a vet.
More photos
Puppy availability changes with each litter — ask us for the current status.
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