DachshundCharacteristics, history, training and care

The FCI standard says the Dachshund has been known since the Middle Ages. From the German hounds (Bracken), dogs suited to hunting underground were consistently selected, and from these short-legged dogs came the Dachshund, one of the most versatile hunting breeds.

The oldest breed club, the Deutscher Teckelklub, was founded in 1888. For decades the breed has been bred in three sizes (standard, miniature and rabbit, or kaninchen) and with three coat types (smooth, wire and long), making nine varieties.

How the breed developed

• Middle Ages – The first short-legged dogs suited to hunting in burrows appear.
• 1888 – The Deutscher Teckelklub, the oldest breed club, is founded.
• 1955 – The FCI recognises the breed.
• 1972 – A dachshund, Waldi, becomes the first official Olympic mascot, in Munich.
• 25 May 2021 – The current FCI standard is published.

Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.

The standard describes it as a low, short-legged dog with a long but compact, very muscular body, with a bold head carriage and an alert expression. Its build allows it to work nimbly and quickly, both above and below ground.

General appearance

The head is long. The medium-sized, almond-shaped eyes are dark reddish-brown to blackish-brown, with an energetic, friendly expression. The rounded, high-set ears reach the corner of the lips. The tail continues the line of the back.

For the smooth-haired Dachshund, the standard accepts red (with or without black hairs), black or brown with tan markings, the dapple (merle) pattern and the brindle pattern. A small white patch on the chest, up to 3 cm, is allowed. Any other colour disqualifies.

The AKC says Dachshunds are very intelligent, but independent and often stubborn, so training can be a challenge. They are sensitive and do not respond well to harsh commands or punishment.

They do best with positive, reward-based training. They have an excellent nose and a strong prey drive: bred to follow a trail without being distracted, they may ignore commands when they find something interesting.

Tips for effective training

• Be patient and consistent. The AKC says these are the key to training.
• Use rewards. It loves receiving affection and food.
• Keep it off the stairs. The AKC recommends that it should not climb up or down stairs or jump off furniture.
• Work on the barking. The AKC gives it the top score for barking.

The AKC says that, although small, it needs regular exercise to strengthen the muscles that support its back. Two moderate walks a day are enough. It is not built for long runs, jumping or tiring swims.

Tips for a balanced life

• Use a ramp for the sofa or bed.
• Lift it by supporting its whole body, not just the chest.
• Always keep it at the right weight.

Coat and skin care

The AKC says Dachshunds shed moderately and have little odour. Smooth-haired ones only need wiping with a towel or a grooming mitt. Long-haired ones need brushing more often. The wire coat is hand-stripped (trimmed) a few times a year.

Common health problems

The AKC says the breed is generally healthy, but the long back needs care:

Other care

• Clean the ears regularly.
• Brush its teeth often.
• Trim the nails when they start to touch the floor.

The AKC says it is extremely important that a Dachshund does not put on weight, to protect its back from a slipped disc. Ignore the pleading looks and give it only the recommended portion.

Tips for a healthy diet

The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.

• Give table scraps very rarely or not at all; never cooked bones.
• Training treats count towards the daily portion.
• A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.

Foods to avoid

Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.

Physical and emotional maturity

In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Small breeds become adults faster than large ones, usually at around one year.

Mating and pregnancy

Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.

Caring for the puppies

In small breeds, a litter has 3–4 puppies on average. The puppies are very small and fragile in the first weeks, so they must be kept warm and handled with care. Socialisation starts early: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.

• The name means “badger dog”. In German, “Dachs” means badger and “Hund” means dog.
• Nine varieties. Three sizes and three coat types give nine varieties of the breed.
• Measured at the chest. The FCI divides the sizes by chest girth, not by height.
• An Olympic mascot. Waldi, a dachshund, was the first official Olympic mascot, in Munich, in 1972.
• It lives a long time. The AKC gives a life expectancy of 12–16 years.

Waldi, the 1972 Olympic mascot

Because of its link with Germany and its popularity in Munich, a dachshund named Waldi was chosen as the first official mascot of the Summer Olympic Games, in Munich, in 1972. In the German TV series “Hausmeister Krause”, the main character's passion for dachshunds even led to a new rise in the breed's popularity.

What sizes of Dachshund are there?

Standard, miniature and kaninchen; the FCI tells them apart by chest girth.

What coat types are there?

Smooth, wire and long.

Does it have back problems?

It can suffer from a slipped disc. Keep it slim and keep it away from stairs and jumping.

Does it bark a lot?

Yes, the AKC gives it top marks for barking.

How long does it live?

The AKC gives 12–16 years.