The Dachshund - The Ultimate Guide: Origin, Care and Personality

The Dachshund, the Sausage Dog, Hotdog or Schnitzel Von Krum – whatever you call them, they are adorable, full of personality and absolutely lovable.

Sebastian - our December 2025 Dog of the Month

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🐾 Origin of the Dachshund

The Dachshund originated in the early 1600s in Germany. The breed was created by crossbreeding several German hunting dogs, including types of Bracke hounds, Pinschers and other scent-tracking breeds. Selective breeding over the years produced the small, long Dachshund we know today.

🎯 Purpose

The Dachshund was developed to be a fierce and fast hunting dog. Their short legs and long bodies allowed them to follow prey into burrows underground. They were primarily used to hunt badgers and rabbits and were also employed to track foxes and even otters.

🐕 Appearance

There are three recognised coat varieties of Dachshund: Shorthaired, Wirehaired and Longhaired. All three varieties come in two sizes, standard and miniature.

The Standard Dachshund can reach up to 27 cm in height and weigh up to 15 kg.

The Miniature Dachshund can reach up to 18 cm in height and weigh up to 5 kg.

Their coats come in a wide range of colours and patterns. These include solid colours such as red, black and chocolate, as well as combinations like black and tan, chocolate and tan, and blue and tan. Acceptable patterns include dapple, brindle and piebald, which may appear over any base colour.

✂️ Coat Care

Longhaired Dachshunds require daily brushing and grooming. Being low to the ground, they easily pick up sticks and dirt that can tangle in their coat. Extra attention should be paid behind the ears, along the belly and under the arms.

Wirehaired Dachshunds should also have their coats checked daily for debris. They can be wiped over with a damp cloth, but they require professional grooming and trimming once or twice a year.

Shorthaired Dachshunds are very low maintenance. They only need cleaning when dirty.
All Dachshunds tend to grow nails quickly, so regular nail trimming is essential to avoid discomfort and difficulty walking.

💛 Temperament

The Dachshund is a perfect example of a big personality in a small package. This brave little dog is full of confidence and character. They require a calm, consistent leader, as they can be strong-willed and may challenge authority if boundaries are not set early.
Rules and routines should be established from the moment a Dachshund joins your family. Without guidance, they may develop poor behaviour or even become snappy. Early socialisation with new people, places and animals is essential to keep them balanced and well-adjusted.

A well-balanced and happy Dachshund is playful, affectionate and energetic. They love spending time with their people and enjoy a decent daily walk, as they have impressive stamina for their size.

🩺 Health
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Jumping should always be discouraged and care should be taken when picking up a Dachshund to protect their spine. Their body shape makes them prone to intervertebral disc disease, a common back problem in the breed. They may also be predisposed to urinary tract infections, diabetes, mast cell tumours and heart disease.
Dachshunds gain weight easily, which can put strain on their back and legs, so a well-managed diet and regular exercise are crucial.
The expected lifespan of a Dachshund is between 12 and 15 years.

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