Dachshund | breed profile

Introduction 

With a name like Dachshund, it’s no surprise that these much loved and unique looking dogs have their origins in Germany. Of course, you may wish to call them sausage dogs or Dachys instead. 

Believe it or not, the Dachshund is a fierce working dog, a bold hunter who can get into the burrows of badgers and foxes. The miniature was bred with the smaller burrows of European hares in mind.

Today they are an amiable and beloved companion for many different types of families. 

Appearance and Personality 

With unique, short legs and a long body, Dachshunds are unmistakeable in appearance. The standard Dachshund is a small to medium dog weighing up to 15 kgs and is up to 23cm tall. The miniature should be under 5 kgs and up to 15cm tall.

They have three coat varieties – smooth, long and wirehair. The smooth coat is a very short, soft, and shiny coat and requires minimal grooming. The long hair is a wavy coat that can become matted. The wirehaired variation has a short and wiry coat with scruffy eyebrows and a beard. Regardless of the type of coat, brushing two to three times a week will keep the hair lustrous, matt free and remove debris like grass seeds from the coat.

The working origins of the Dachshund make for an intelligent and independent little dog, who often has the confidence you would expect from a bigger dog. The hunting instinct is strong in some individuals so exercise caution when mixing them with other small animals. Dachshunds may be suitable for apartment living but bear in mind that they are an active little hunting dog and have surprisingly big voices that they aren’t afraid to use. They also have a stubborn and independent streak, so may be better suited to experienced dog owners.  

Although they have short legs, they still value exercise and are quite an energetic dog.  Exercise should be encouraged as becoming overweight must be avoided in the Dachshund to help prevent debilitating spinal problems. 

Common Health Concerns 

Dachshunds are highly susceptible to Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), and it is the most treated condition of 2020 according to PetSure data. This painful degenerative condition of the spine can cause debilitating and life-threatening paralysis. Obesity accelerates this condition, so keeping them lean is very important for their health and happiness. Dachshunds are also prone to issues with their legs due to their short stature, including patella luxation and angular limb deformities. 

The five most common reasons for a Dachshund to visit the vet (excluding routine care visits) according to PetSure data (from 2020 calendar year) include:

Disclaimer: Reimbursement for these claims would be subject to limits, such as annual benefit limits or sub-limits, benefit percentage, applicable waiting periods and any applicable excess. Cover is subject to the policy terms and conditions. You should consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement or policy wording available from the relevant provider.

For the same period (2020 calendar year), the top five highest single vet treatments (or highest pet insurance claims) for Dachshunds from PetSure data were:

Disclaimer: Reimbursement for these claims would be subject to limits, such as annual benefit limits or sub-limits, benefit percentage, applicable waiting periods and any applicable excess. Cover is subject to the policy terms and conditions. You should consider the relevant Product Disclosure Statement or policy wording available from the relevant provider.

Most popular Dachshund names

Most popular female names*: 

1. Frankie
2. Luna
3. Daisy
4. Coco
5. Lola
6. Winnie
7. Penny
8. Poppy
9. Bella
10. Millie

Most popular male names*:

1. Frankie
2. Winston
3. Archie
4. Milo
5. Alfie
6. Ollie
7. Frank
8. George
9. Teddy
10. Ziggy

Did you know?

Dachshund means “badger hound” in German.

References

1. Wikipedia, Miniature Dachshund, accessed on 28 October  2020 and available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miniature_Dachshund
2. Wikipedia, Dachshund, accessed on 28 October  2020 and available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dachshund
3. American Kennel Club, About the Dachshund, accessed on 28 October 2020, available at: https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/dachshund/