Dachshund

Big personalities in small bodies—that’s a popular way to describe Dachshunds.

Dachshunds are of German origin. They were originally bred to hunt badgers; their name literally means “badger dog” in German. Their long, low bodies made it easier to tunnel into badger setts or chase their prey through thick undergrowth. (Their long-bodied features also make them instantly recognizable, lending them the nickname “wiener dog.”)

They were first introduced to the UK in 1840, when members of the Royal family brought them over to help hunt pheasants. It was said that Queen Victoria was very fond of the breed, and this helped increase its popularity. Their US debut came a bit later: the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1885.

They come in two sizes: standard or miniature. Miniatures, as you would expect, are smaller than standard Dachshunds.

Dachshund temperament and characteristics

Dachshunds have big, bold personalities and are a popular choice for dog lovers. They’re intelligent, affectionate, and love being part of a household.

Many of their personality traits can be traced back to their hunting ancestry. Because they were first bred and trained to hunt animals like badgers, they possess a lot of courage and aren’t easily intimidated.

They’re good guard dogs, in part because of their loud bark. On the other hand, their bark can sometimes make them sound aggressive and confrontational. Originally, their bark developed as a way of telling hunters exactly where they were when underground, flushing out prey.

Dachshunds make great family pets and are loyal and protective of their owners. They’re good with children if treated properly and socialized correctly. Their small size makes them a great choice for anyone living in a smaller house or apartment.

Some people find Dachshunds to be strong-willed, stubborn, and difficult to train. But they're intelligent dogs and simply need committed and consistent training.

For a small breed, Dachshunds have lots of energy; they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. As pack animals, they don’t like to be left alone for long periods of time and can easily become bored, lonely, and stressed.

Dachshund colors, shapes, and sizes

Dachshunds come in both standard and miniature sizes. Miniatures are noticeably smaller, with an average height of 5-6 inches. Standard Dachshunds are taller and normally reach a height of 8–9 inches.

Dachshunds come in a variety of colors and four sets of coat textures that include:

• Short-haired

• Long-haired

• Smooth-haired

• Wire-haired

All Dachshunds need their coats brushed at least once a week. But depending on the coat length and texture, more grooming may be needed. Dachshunds are moderate shedders, but the exact amount will depend on the coat type.

Short- and smooth-haired Dachshunds need their coats brushed once a week to keep them in good condition. They don’t have much of an undercoat and won’t need as much grooming compared to long or wired-haired coats.

Wire-haired Dachshunds are recognizable by the longer hair around their eyes and mouth, which will need trimming. They have a double coat and may shed more, depending on the season. They will often need their coat brushed several times per week.

Long-haired Dachshunds have an undercoat and shed the most. Their coats will need more brushing and grooming than the others.

Dachshund coats come in a variety of colors, including:

• Red

• Cream

• Black and tan

• Black and cream

• Chocolate

• Tan

How much does dog insurance cost for Dachshunds?

When you get your ManyPets pet insurance quote, you'll be asked to choose your dog's breed from a list. With Dachshunds, there are a number of different types to choose from:

• Dachshund

• Dachshund-Long Haired

• Dachshund-Miniature

• Dachshund-Miniature Long Haired

• Dachshund-Miniature Smooth Haired

• Dachshund-Miniature Wire Hair

• Dachshund-Wire Haired

The most common selection is simply “Dachshund,” for which our average monthly premium is $40. By comparison, our average monthly premium across all dog breeds and ages is $37.

Dachshunds cost more to insure than mixed-breed dogs, so it makes sense that their policies cost more than the overall average. Policies for mixed-breed dogs tend to be a little less expensive since mixed-breed dogs tend to suffer from fewer health conditions. However, Dachshunds actually cost less to insure than many purebred dogs. They're a pretty healthy breed.

(Keep in mind that these are just averages based on data from all customer premiums.) Your pet's age and location will heavily affect your monthly price, and your pet's premium may differ from the average — get a quote here!)

In 2022, the average claim ManyPets received for Dachshunds was $410, but we received Dachshund claims that ran as high as about $6,300.

Dachshund Health Conditions

The distinctive shape of Dachshunds has been deliberately enhanced by breeders. Their long, stretched-out backs may have made it easier for them to move through underground tunnels, hunting badgers. But today, it means they’re more susceptible to back problems than other breeds.

One common condition in Dachshunds is intervertebral disc disease, or IVDD. One in four Dachshunds may be affected by the condition at some point.

IVDD is an age-related, degenerative condition, which means it will get worse over time. The condition typically requires surgery. In 2022, ManyPets received Dachshund claims for IVDD that ran as high as about $2,800.

Signs of IVDD include:

• Yelping (when held or unprovoked)

• Neck or back pain

• Holding the neck low

• Abnormal walking

• Unwillingness to jump or climb

• Lameness in one of the four limbs

• Arching of the back

You can help prevent spine problems by ensuring your pup doesn’t regularly jump off furniture or run up and down flights of stairs. When handling Dachshunds, take care to support the back, keeping the spine horizontal.

How to keep your Dachshund healthy

Despite their small size, Dachshunds need regular exercise. They’re perfectly capable of running, which is a great outlet for such an energetic breed.

One hour of exercise each day is recommended for standard Dachshunds, while 30 minutes is enough for miniatures. Dachshund puppies need five minutes of exercise for every month of their age. Puppies shouldn’t be over-exercised, as this can lead to joint damage when they’re still growing.

Weight

Because Dachshunds are susceptible to back problems, it’s very important to watch their weight. An overweight Dachshund will have too much strain placed on their small legs, which can lead to back issues.

A well-balanced diet will keep them at a healthy weight and prevent too much pressure from being placed on their back and joints. Any unexpected weight gain may be a sign of more serious conditions, and you should speak with your vet as soon as possible.

Ears

Keeping ears clean is important for the overall health of Dachshunds. They have low-hanging ears, which don’t get as much air circulation as other breeds. Moisture can build up, which creates the ideal conditions for ear infections to develop. It’s good to check their ears each week to make sure they remain clean and free from any dirt.

Remember: It’s a good idea to purchase dog insurance when your Dachshund is still young. That way, you're far less likely to encounter any pre-existing condition exclusions, and your dog will still be covered if these conditions develop later in life.

Dachshund popularity