The Vet’s Guide to Dachshunds: Facts, Care, and Training Tips

Dachshunds are living proof that a big personality doesn't need a big body. Bold, funny and convinced they're twice their size, they pack more character per kilo than just about any breed, and that fearless charm is exactly why they're so easy to fall for.

Whether you already share your home with a sausage dog or you're deciding whether one's right for you, this is your go-to guide to life with a Dachshund, from their temperament and grooming to the health quirks worth knowing and the simple habits that protect that famously long back.

Our approach covers all the ins and outs of your Dachshund's health, from choosing quality nutrition for Dachshunds to supporting their physical and mental health.

The Dachshund is a small scent hound that originated in Germany, bred to dig into dens and flush out badgers, the name literally means "badger dog". 

That heritage shaped everything about them: the long, low body built to go down a tunnel, the loud bark to signal underground, and the fearless, tenacious streak that still shows today. It's that unmistakable long-and-low shape that earned them their affectionate nickname, the sausage dog.

Standard and miniature

Dachshunds come in two sizes. The standard Dachshund weighs roughly 7 to 15 kg. The miniature Dachshund is bred down to around 5 kg or less and is the more popular choice in many Australian homes, but the two are identical in personality, and both need that long back protected in exactly the same way.

Three coat types

There are also three coats, and they change the grooming workload more than anything else:

• Smooth (short-haired), the classic sleek look, and the lowest maintenance.
• Long-haired Dachshund, a soft, slightly wavy feathered coat that needs more regular brushing to stay mat-free.
• Wire-haired, a coarse, weather-resistant topcoat with bushy eyebrows and a beard.

All three come in a wide range of colours and patterns, including red, cream, black and tan, chocolate, dapple, brindle and piebald. 

Whatever the size or coat, the signature is the same: a long body on short, sturdy legs, a proud head carriage and those expressive, soulful eyes.

Dachshunds are lively, curious and famously courageous, often completely unaware of their small size. 

They bond fiercely with their family, which makes them wonderful, affectionate companions (and sometimes wary little watchdogs with strangers). That same boldness comes with an independent, stubborn streak inherited from their hunting days, so they have opinions and they'll share them.

It's a big personality in a small, long body, devoted and entertaining, but one that needs gentle structure, consistent training and a pet parent who'll save them from their own daredevil instincts.

Despite the short legs, Dachshunds have real energy and need daily activity to stay fit and out of mischief, but how they exercise matters more for this breed than almost any other. Aim for two shorter walks a day rather than one long one, and keep it low-impact: avoid repeated jumping and stairs, which strain the spine.

Channel their hunting brain instead of their back. Scent games, treat-dispensing puzzle toys for dogs, hide-and-seek and gentle games of fetch on the flat all satisfy a Dachshund's instincts while keeping them safe. A bored Dachshund digs, barks and finds trouble, mental work is as important as the walk.

Grooming a Dachshund depends on which of the three coats they have, but all of them need routine ear, nail and dental care.

Coat

• Smooth coats need only a weekly brush with a soft bristle brush. 
• Long-haired coats need brushing several times a week with a pin brush or comb to prevent mats, especially behind the ears and legs. 
• Wire-haired coats need regular brushing plus occasional hand-stripping or professional grooming to keep their texture. Bathe only as needed, so you don't dry out the skin.

Teeth

Dental disease is common in this breed (more on that below), so brush a few times a week with a dog toothpaste. Our guide to dog dental care walks through the technique and backs it up with dental chews.

Ears and nails

Check ears weekly for redness or odour, especially in long-haired Dachshunds, where airflow is reduced, and trim nails about monthly so they don't affect the way your dog stands and moves.

Dachshunds are intelligent, but that hunting independence makes them selectively stubborn, so training is all about making it worth their while. Reward-based methods work best: dog treats, praise and play in short, upbeat sessions that hold their attention. Harsh corrections just make a sensitive Dachshund shut down.

Start early. Puppies are most receptive to new commands and to socialisation, so gentle exposure to people, dogs and everyday situations in the first few months builds the confident adult you want. Puppy school is a great structured start, and worth doing for a breed that can otherwise decide the rules are optional.

Most Dachshund behaviour problems trace back to their hunting heritage, boredom or a lack of early training.

• Barking. Bred to be vocal underground, Dachshunds are natural alert-barkers. Teach a "quiet" cue and reward calm, and meet their exercise and enrichment needs so boredom doesn't add to it.
• Separation anxiety. They bond hard and can struggle when left alone. Build up alone-time gradually, leave engaging toys, and consider crate training from a young age for a safe, settled space.
• Digging and prey drive. That badger-dog instinct is strong, expect digging and a keen interest in small animals. Give them a sanctioned digging outlet and supervise around smaller pets.

Dachshunds are a hardy, long-lived breed, but their unique shape brings a few specific risks. Keeping them lean and protecting the spine are the two things that make the biggest difference.

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)

The Dachshund is the breed most affected by IVDD by a wide margin, accounting for an estimated 40 to 75% of all cases. Their long spine and short legs make the discs between the vertebrae prone to bulging or rupturing, which can cause pain, nerve damage and, in severe cases, paralysis. 

You can't change the anatomy, but you can lower the risk enormously: keep your Dachshund lean, use a harness rather than a collar, discourage jumping on and off furniture, limit stairs, and support the back and hindquarters whenever you lift them. Sudden back pain, reluctance to move, or wobbly back legs is an emergency, see a vet straight away.

Obesity

Dachshunds have a hearty appetite and gain weight easily, and excess weight is doubly dangerous here because it directly loads that vulnerable spine, as well as raising the risk of diabetes and joint disease. Measured meals and regular body-condition checks are non-negotiable for this breed.

Patellar luxation

Luxating patella, where the kneecap slips out of position, is common in small breeds and can cause a skipping gait or lameness. Mild cases are managed conservatively; more severe ones may need surgery.

Dental disease

A small mouth means crowded teeth and a higher risk of periodontal disease. Regular tooth brushing and dental care at home, plus professional cleanings, protect not just the teeth but overall health.

Eye disease

Dachshunds, particularly miniatures, can inherit progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), a gradual retinal degeneration that leads to blindness. There's a DNA test, so ask whether the parents have been screened.

Year-round flea, tick and worm cover is essential in Australia. Dose to your Dachshund's weight, a miniature and a standard often fall into different brackets, so check the pack before you buy, and keep protection going through the cooler months, not just summer.

Weight control helps protect your Dachshund's spine, so what and how much you feed matters. The goal is a complete, balanced food with quality protein and controlled calories, measured into set meals rather than left down all day, with body condition (not the bowl) guiding the portion.

Dachshund puppies

Feed a complete puppy formula built for growth, in small, frequent meals, three to four a day while young, settling to twice daily. Miniature Dachshund puppies have tiny stomachs and can dip in blood sugar if they go too long between meals, so keep them topped up.

Adult Dachshunds

An adult Dachshund does well on a quality adult dog food matched to their size and activity, fed as two measured meals a day. Treats count towards the daily total, so keep them to around 10% and reach for low-calorie training treats rather than table scraps, that is where the weight quietly creeps on in this breed.

If your Dachshund is carrying extra weight, a vet-formulated weight-management diet helps them slim down without going hungry. Even a small loss takes real load off that spine.

Dachshund Seniors

Older Dachshunds slow down and need fewer calories, plus support for a hard-working back, a joint supplement is worth discussing with your vet.

Choosing a Dachshund is as much about the breed's personality and needs as it is about finding a healthy, well-socialised dog, and given the spine risk, health-focused breeding matters more here than looks.

Adoption

Dachshund-specific rescues operate across Australia and rehome dogs after assessing health and temperament, often as adults or seniors, a great option if you'd rather skip the puppy phase. Expect an application, home check and interview to match the right dog to your home.

Buying from a breeder

Look for a breeder who screens for the breed's key hereditary issues, IVDD-related back health, PRA and heart conditions, and raises puppies in a home with early socialisation.

Ask to meet both parents and see where the pups are raised. Be wary of pet shops and online listings with little background; these are often linked to puppy farms. Breed clubs and services like RightPaw can help you find responsible breeders.

Before committing, ask:

• What health testing has been done on the parents?
• Are the puppies raised in a home environment?
• How are you socialising the puppies?
• Can I meet both parents and see the living conditions?
• Do you offer a health guarantee or lifetime support?

Drawn to the Dachshund's look and personality but weighing your options? A few breeds with similar charm or lifestyle fit:

• Boston Terrier: if you love a smaller dog with a big personality but prefer a shorter back, Boston Terriers are affectionate, intelligent, and well-suited to apartment living. They are generally more sociable with strangers than Dachshunds and have a lower risk of spinal issues, making them an easier option for first-time dog owners.
  
  
• French Bulldog: a low-maintenance companion, French Bulldogs are affectionate, adaptable, and thrive in smaller living spaces. They have a much different body type but are similarly people-focused and make loyal companions. Unlike Dachshunds, they’re prone to respiratory issues due to their brachycephalic face, which is an important consideration for long-term care.
  
  
• Beagle: slightly larger but share the Dachshund’s keen sense of smell and hunting heritage. They’re friendly, gentle, and more social with other dogs, but also highly food-motivated and sometimes stubborn, much like the Dachshund. Beagles need more exercise and can be vocal, especially when bored.
  
  
• Jack Russell Terrier: energetic, intelligent, and fearless — much like Dachshunds. They have a strong prey drive and love to dig and explore, traits that make them fun but sometimes challenging companions. They require more exercise than most Dachshunds and are best suited to active households.
  
  
• Italian Greyhound: for those who appreciate a smaller dog but prefer a more delicate and quiet temperament, the Italian Greyhound offers a graceful alternative. They are affectionate, gentle, and bond closely with their humans. While they don’t have the same watchdog instincts or burrowing behaviour as Dachshunds, they do share a love of cuddles and warmth.