There are three types of Dachshund coat – short-haired, long-haired and wire-haired – and all shed in slightly different quantities. However, in general Dachshund are considered to be low to moderate shedders, with long-haired varieties tending to drop the most fur. There’s nothing you can do to stop your Dachshund from shedding, but regular brushing and trips to the groomers will help to keep your pet’s coat in tip-top condition!

Dachshunds can be taught to swim, but due to their long bodies and short legs it’s not something they’re built for. If your dog does have a love for the water, it’s usually best to keep them confined to smaller pools or ponds to stop them from getting exhausted too quickly. As Dachshunds often suffer from back and joint problems, swimming can be a helpful alternative form of exercise for older dogs or pets suffering from conditions such as arthritis.

Dachshund: Temperament, Lifespan, Grooming, Training

Q: What were Dachshunds bred for?

There’s a reason for Dachshunds’ unique body shape. Dachshunds were originally bred to be scent hounds, and their long slim bodies made them perfect for following smaller prey, such as badgers and rabbits, into their warrens. Their role was to flush out these underground animals for hunters. Today, their scent hound background means they love to sniff, dig and chase so try including these activities into walks and playtime.

Q: Are Dachshunds good with kids?

Dachshunds are generally even-tempered and affectionate, which combined with their smaller size makes them an ideal companion for children. However, they can be vocal and snappy if play gets too boisterous so they’re usually better suited to slightly older children. As with all dog breeds, Dachshunds should be supervised around children to make sure everyone stays safe and happy.

Q: Are Dachshunds hypoallergenic?

Whilst they are relatively low-shedding Dachshunds are not generally considered to be hypoallergenic. Wire-haired varieties of the breed tend to be the lowest shedding and therefore may be slightly better suited to those with allergies than long- and short-haired varieties. It’s important to remember that no dog breed is 100% hypoallergenic. However, there are some breeds that are better suited to allergy sufferers than others.

Q: Are Dachshunds aggressive?

Whilst they are not aggressive by nature, Dachshunds’ feisty personalities can come across to some as unfriendly. However, whilst they can be a little vocal, Dachshunds are generally loyal and loving companions. Early and consistent socialisation can mitigate any unwanted barking or snappiness and help you to nurture a confident and sociable dog who will take meeting new dogs and people in their stride.

A loyal companion who’s plucky and alert

Originally bred for hunting the Dachshund’s unique build enabled them to chase animals in their burrows. With a surprisingly loud bark and plenty of energy, there’s never a dull moment with a Dachshund around!

Vital Stats

Size:	Small to medium (standard-size or miniature)
Coat:	3 varieties: short-haired, long-haired and wire-haired
Exercise:	1 hour a day
Life span:	12-13 years
Breed group:	Hound
Temperament	Playful, loyal, independent

Size 20cm
-
23cm Coat Short
-
long Exercise 1hr Life span 12+years

Dachshund Temperament & Personality

Dachshunds are bright, loyal and courageous. These little dogs have large barrel chests to give them stamina while hunting – a trait that can also translate into lots of running around and barking.

Dachshunds are utterly devoted to their owners and make for extremely loyal companions.
Provided they are well socialised from a young age, Dachshunds can also be good with children and cats.
As a vocal breed, Dachshunds have a tendency to be a little noisy and standoffish with strangers, so are better suited to slightly older children who will take any barking or territorial behaviour in their stride.

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Dachshund Training & Exercise

Training is an important part of owning a Dachshund to help keep them safe and secure.

Training tips

As scent hounds, Dachshunds are hardwired to pick up smells and chase prey, so good recall and lead training from an early age is recommended.
Dachshunds can be easily distracted so training sessions may be more successful in short bursts.

Keeping them happy

For a small breed, Dachshunds have a lot of energy so it’s important they get plenty of physical and mental stimulation to prevent them from getting bored as this is when destructive behaviours can creep in.

Exercise

For an adult Dachshund, regular playtime combined with at least a 60-minute walk should be about right.
Try to stop your Dachshund running up or downstairs and jumping up a lot, as this can cause back problems, a common issue in the breed.

Game ideas

Try a game of hide and seek – hide their favourite toy and let them sniff it out.

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Get a Dachshund quote

Find out more about the conditions that we see most in Dachshunds throughout their lifetime.

More Health Information

Dachshund Grooming

There are three varieties of Dachshund coat – short-haired, long-haired and wire-haired – all of which have slightly different requirements.

The amount your Dachshund will shed depends on their coat type, but as a breed they only shed moderately, if at all.
The short-haired Dachshund requires very little brushing, while the long-haired variety need almost daily grooming to prevent matting, particularly around their ears and legs. For the wire-haired variety, you’ll also need to brush their bushy beard.

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Dachshund Nutrition

It’s important to keep your Dachshund a healthy weight to help allieviate any pressure on their backs and joints which are prone to issues.

Adult dogs require two meals a day, and the portion size will depend on whether you have a standard-size or miniature Dachshund. Stick to the recommended portion on the food packaging and if in doubt, consult your vet.
Vets recommend feeding a high-quality pet food to ensure your dog gets all the nutrients they need to remain healthy.

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FAQs

Do Dachshunds shed?

What were Dachshunds bred for?

Are Dachshunds good with kids?

Are Dachshunds hypoallergenic?

Are Dachshunds aggressive?

Can Dachshunds swim?

Help & Support page

FAQs

Do Dachshunds shed?

What were Dachshunds bred for?

Are Dachshunds good with kids?

Are Dachshunds hypoallergenic?

Are Dachshunds aggressive?

Can Dachshunds swim?

Help & Support page

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Dachshund insurance considerations

Dachshunds sometimes suffer with certain health conditions and may require treatment. Petplan dog insurance offers peace of mind that they will always be protected.

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A loyal companion who’s plucky and alert