Top Dog Breeds: The Dachshund

Learn all about what makes the Dachshund one of the most popular dog breeds.

The Dachshund is a compactly built, well-balanced and muscular dog breed. Its graceful action and adorable, cheeky expressions make the Dachshund an excellent companion. The Dachshund has multiple talents including hunting, tracking, watchdogging and performing tricks. This breed is highly intelligent, curious and mischievous. Lively and affectionate, the Dachshund makes a wonderful family pet and companion.

Dachshund Breed Story

Historical accounts of the Dachshund breed date back to the fifteenth century. This breed was created by the Germans for a specific purpose – to control the badger and prevent them from ruining their hunting parties. The breed was designed to be courageous, with a slender body that could fit into the badger’s burrow, lithe enough to maneuver into the den and strong enough to fight the badger to his death.
READ MORE > [links to the breed's ""Breed Story"" section in Breedopedia in appropriate country]

Dachshund Temperament

The Dachshund is highly intelligent and courageous, a good watchdog and protector. Curious and mischievous, this breed can be clownish, providing much entertainment. Lively and affectionate, this lovable breed is a joy to have around the house.
LEARN MORE > [links to breed's Temperament section in Breedopedia in appropriate country]

For Official Standards:

Official Standards

Dog Photos

Dachshund Standards

• Country of origin: Germany
• Height (at withers/shoulder) approximately: 13-30cm / 5-9in (standards may vary)
• Weight approximately: 4.5-11kg / 10-26lbs (standards may vary)
• Coat: Smooth, wirehaired or long varieties.
• Color: Red, reddish yellow, yellow (can be light to dark boar colored in wirehaired dogs).
• Markings: Tan, yellow, gray or beige markings (large patches not desirable)
• Lifespan: Above average, 12-15 years

Good to Know - Dachshund

+ Makes a wonderful family pet and companion
+ Extremely versatile and intelligent
+ A good dog for novice owners
- Fairly active indoors
- Noisy
- Prone to spinal disc problems, heart disease, urinary tract problems and diabetes.