Dachshunds, often referred to as “wiener dogs,” are most commonly depicted as pets. The “cute” factor in Dachshund puppies can be somewhat deceptive, hiding the “big dog” that lurks underneath. Dachshunds are available in standard and miniature sizes, with smooth, wire, and long-haired varieties.
Said to date back to North Africa during the time of the Pharaohs but generally credited with being developed in Germany, the Dachshund has long been beloved by both celebrities and ordinary people. They are the smallest of the hunting breeds, developed to follow badgers “to ground,” with the ability to dig out prey and enter their burrows. A vicious animal when cornered, the badger needed an equally courageous dog to successfully unearth it. Dachshunds have also been known to hunt foxes and otters.
The dog originally cast in *The Wizard of Oz* was a miniature Dachshund; however, post-war hostility towards Germany led to Toto being depicted as a Norwich terrier instead. The role of the miniature Dachshund in this classic has long been forgotten. Famous fanciers of the breed include Marlon Brando, Clark Gable, John Wayne, Errol Flynn, Joan Crawford, and others. A Dachshund once made an appearance on *Hogan’s Heroes*. Gary Berghoff, who played “Radar” on the *M*A*S*H* series, is said to have kept one wire-haired, two smooth, and two long-haired Dachshunds.
William Shakespeare is said to have kept a pack of Dachshunds, and William Faulkner and Danielle Steel also owned the breed. From the 14th to the 16th centuries, Dachshunds were kept by Catholic popes as “altar dogs” during ceremonies. George S. Patton, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Napoleon Bonaparte were among the higher-ranking individuals who owned the breed. Queen Victoria maintained a royal kennel and arranged for a bronze statue of one of her dogs at Windsor Castle.
The name “Dachshund” literally means “badger dog.” They are a fierce hunting breed, very people-oriented, and love to cuddle, yet they absolutely retain the instincts of a hunting dog. Originally, these dogs worked in packs, leading to the development of a highly social hound that generally gets along with other dogs.
Competing in shows, obedience, agility, field trials, and “earth dog” competitions are just some of the activities Dachshunds can engage in beyond being beloved pets. As true scent hounds, they should not be allowed to roam off-leash; the scent of something interesting could lead them into traffic or other hazards that can be fatal.
In the 1930s, they were officially referred to as “badger dogs” to create a verbal distance from their home country of Germany. In the U.S., they rose in popularity to become one of the top ten breeds. Often recognized in popular black and tan or red colors, they can also be found in several other colors, including chocolate and tan, blue and tan, fawn and tan, chocolate, dappled, cream, ‘wild boar,’ wheaten, and blue or black and cream.
According to the Dachshund Club of America, some have even been trained as drug-sniffing dogs, showcasing their sensitive noses. By their definition, the standard Dachshund weighs between 16 and 32 pounds, while the miniature variety weighs 11 pounds and under. For pet dogs or those used for work and performance, slightly exceeding or falling below these weights is of no real importance. Many dogs fall in between—too big for miniature status but not quite large enough for standard status. What to do with a 14-pound Dachshund? Love him!
This makes them an ideal size for small yards and apartments, but one must also keep in mind their original purpose—as hunting hounds! For some individuals, this can mean they are especially eager to “give voice,” which irritated neighbors may label as “excessive barking!” They are said to be ‘stubborn to a fault,’ but they are also very playful and entertaining. While they can be reserved with strangers, they love “their people” and can be curious and mischievous.
There may be some temperament differences between the varieties. One breeder with both sizes and all varieties comments that the smooth variety is the original and tends to be a bit more “in your face” than the others. With spaniels introduced for the long coat, that variety is said to be more laid-back, while the terrier heritage in the wire-haired variety can lead to a boisterous, tough-dog attitude that reflects that terrier influence.
Dachshunds are intelligent dogs but can sometimes be difficult to house train. They generally learn best when properly motivated, using a heavy dose of praise rather than correction. Keeping training fun, along with regular walks and/or playtime and careful monitoring of food intake, leads to a happy, healthy pet.
Health issues are worth noting. The Dachshund, more than many breeds, should be maintained to be fit, not fat. Regulating their food intake helps reduce the chances of back problems that can cripple your dog. Eye problems, epilepsy, IVDD (a spinal disorder), thyroid issues, patellar luxations, and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease can all affect this breed. There are tests that can be done for breeding dogs, as some problems are genetic.
Because of their long backs and short rib cages, and due to differing opinions on whether genetics or management is the cause, preventing back injuries is strongly encouraged. Picking up a Dachshund means supporting them front and back, much like carrying a football. This keeps the dog secure and prevents twisting and thrashing that can lead to injuries. Excessive stairs and jumping are generally not recommended. As with humans, a fit dog is less likely to be injured than one who is overweight or out of shape.
On average, the litter size is about 3-4 for miniatures and 5-7 for standards. Some breeders report that certain lines are prone to needing C-sections for whelping, but generally, there aren’t many problems with whelping Dachshunds. If you are breeding your dogs, this is an important factor to consider; any emergency surgery is not cheap and can be life-threatening if help is needed. It’s also worth noting that they can be very territorial about their puppies when other dogs are present. If you have multiple dogs, especially if one is larger, this warrants attention for the safety and comfort of the Dachshund.
From a conformation show standpoint, the standard of the Dachshund can be found at AKC Dachshund, and it would be repetitive to include it here in detail. While this serves as a guide to the physical standard for showing, dogs competing in earth dog trials and other competitions, or those kept simply as pets, do not need to adhere to perfect conformation.
From a grooming standpoint, the varieties also have some differences. The smooth is the “wash and wear” variety. While all varieties need regular toenail trims, ear cleaning, and basic care, the occasional bath is sufficient for smooth pets; show dogs require the decision of whether to clip the whiskers.
The wire-haired variety should be clipped twice a year—something that should NOT be done for show dogs. Show dogs should have their coats stripped by hand or using a small tool. Stripping essentially involves pulling individual hairs, which retains the coat’s texture and removes dead hairs. This is, from a show standpoint, the highest maintenance coat.
Long-haired pet dogs should have the hair between their pads clipped and the “feathers” thinned for aesthetic appeal. Show dogs may require a flat iron in addition to trimming. The coats of show dogs need special care to condition them and prevent breaking or drying out. Keeping a long-haired show dog takes effort. Of course, pets do not require the same level of maintenance as their show counterparts.
As with other hounds, their ears should be checked and kept clean of excess water and debris to reduce irritation.
Being a smaller dog, with proper care, living to 12-14 years of age isn’t uncommon, and many dogs remain remarkably active. Good care benefits any dog, but the Dachshund is a breed that can easily reach its teenage years.
The Dachshund is a wonderful small dog for the right home. Older children and adults who pay attention to their needs, strengths, and weaknesses—and who have the patience to navigate early training—will have a loving dog that is small in stature but large in heart and personality.
