Breed Guide
Dachshund
Half a dog high and a dog and a half long
Size
Small
Weight
7–14 kg (standard) / 3–5 kg (miniature)
Lifespan
12-16 years
Origin
Germany, 1600s
Did you know?'Dachs' means badger in German — Dachshunds were bred to flush them from burrows.
5/10
Exercise
5/10
Trainability
8/10
Kid-friendly
3/10
Grooming
Personality at a glance
How this breed rates across key traits.
Lower is better
Lower is better
Lower is better
What it's actually like to own one
Dachshunds were bred to hunt badgers underground, and they haven't forgotten it. They're brave, stubborn, curious, and absolutely convinced they're the biggest dog in any room. Their confidence is borderline delusional and completely endearing.
Here's what trips people up: Dachshunds bark — a lot. They can be difficult to train because they'd rather do what they want. And their long spines mean IVDD (back disease) is a genuine risk — jumping on and off furniture needs to be managed carefully.
That said, they're low-exercise, apartment-perfect, and fiercely loyal to their person. Live with their stubbornness and you get a dog with more personality than most breeds twice their size.
🎓 Training snapshot
Dachshunds have an independent streak — early, consistent training is key. Short sessions with high-value treats work far better than repetition.
Lifestyle match
Is a Dachshund right for you?
You'll love it if
- Apartment living
- People who want a big personality in a small body
- Owners who can handle a stubborn streak
- Families without very young rough children
- Singles or couples
Pause if
- Anyone wanting a quiet dog — they bark
- Homes with lots of stairs or high furniture
- Owners wanting easy recall off-lead
- Very active people who want a running partner
Life in Australia
What Australian owners need to know.
Heat Tolerance
Good — low to ground, but still needs shade in peak summer
Tick Risk
Moderate — low stature means they brush through ground cover
Apartment Fit
Very good — moderate exercise needs, compact size
Monthly Cost
$150–$300 AUD — IVDD surgery can be $6,000–$10,000 if it occurs
Health watchouts
Common conditions to be aware of with this breed.
Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
Major risk — use ramps, avoid stairs, watch for back pain signs
Obesity
Extra weight dramatically increases IVDD risk — strict portion control
Dental Disease
Small mouth = crowded teeth — brush weekly, provide dental chews
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Miniature Dachshunds especially — ask breeders for eye testing
Your first year together
Key milestones from day one.
No jumping
Install ramps to the couch immediately — never let them jump down
Stubborn phase begins
Start recall and basic commands early — use high-value treats
Weight management starts
Dachshunds gain weight easily — establish strict meal portions now
Spine baseline check
Vet check with spinal assessment — worth catching issues early
What Dachshunds need
Vet-recommended picks sized for this breed.
We may earn a small commission on purchases at no extra cost to you.
Hill's Perfect Weight Small & Mini
Calorie-controlled formula for small breeds prone to weight gain. Helps maintain the healthy weight that protects a Dachshund's spine.
Pet Ramp for Sofa & Bed
Non-negotiable for Dachshund owners — eliminates the jump that risks spinal injury. Foldable for easy storage.
KONG Classic — Small
Mental stimulation without physical strain. Perfect for rainy days when outdoor exercise is limited.
Personalised for your dog
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