The guide to owning a Dachshund.
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A history of Dachshunds
Meet the Dachshund - or as they're affectionately known, the sausage dog! These charismatic little hounds have a fascinating story that takes us back to 15th-century Germany. Their name literally means "badger dog" in German, which gives us a clue about their original purpose - these brave little dogs were professional badger hunters.
Those distinctive long bodies and powerful little legs weren't just for show. They were specially designed to help these determined pups dig into badger dens and flush out their quarry. And that surprisingly loud bark? It was actually a clever feature, helping hunters locate their dogs when they were underground.
Want to discover more unique breeds? Check out our guide to Britain's most rare dog breeds.
How much is a Dachshund puppy (UK)?
Thinking of adding a Dachshund to your family? Let's talk about the investment you can expect to make. In the UK, these charming pups typically cost between £400 and £2,000, with prices varying based on factors like pedigree, coat type, and breeder reputation.
If you're new to dog ownership, you'll want to read our essential guide to buying a puppy.
Here's what to look for in a reputable breeder:
They'll encourage you to meet both puppy parents
Provide comprehensive health certificates
They ask YOU lots of questions, too
Show genuine interest in where their puppies are heading
Colours and coat types
Dachshund colours
Dachshunds are like a box of chocolates - they come in all sorts of delightful colours and patterns. From rich reds to dapper black and tans, each Dachshund rocks their own unique style. Let's explore their beautiful variety:
Red (from light cream to deep auburn)
Black and tan (classic and sophisticated)
Chocolate and tan (warm and rich)
Cream (elegantly pale)
Blue and tan (rare and striking)
Isabella (fawn) and tan (delicately beautiful)
Wild Boar (greyish-brown, exclusively in wire-haired varieties)
Dapple (spotted beauties)
Want to explore more unique breed colours? Then read all about it here with our info on grey dog breeds for some stunning examples.
Dachshund coat types
These versatile pups come in three distinct coat varieties, each with its own charm:
Smooth-coated: Sleek and glossy with minimal grooming needs, perfect for busy families, the most popular choice in the UK.
Wire-haired: Sporting adorable beards and eyebrows, rough and ready appearance, needs regular grooming to stay tidy.
Long-haired: Elegant with flowing locks, soft, slightly wavy coat, regular brushing is required for that show-stopping look.
For bathing tips and tricks, we have a helpful guide, which you can read here.
Size and weight
Different sizes of Dachshunds
Let's talk about what size to expect from these delightful companions.
How big does a Dachshund get?
Dachshunds come in two official sizes - standard and miniature. If you're curious about how they compare to other breeds, check out our guide to small dog breeds.
Standard Dachshund:
Height: 20-27cm at the shoulder
Weight: 9-14.5kg Perfect for those wanting a small-to-medium dog with a big personality!
Miniature Dachshund:
Height: 13-18cm at the shoulder
Weight: 4.5-5 kg Ideal for apartment living or those preferring a more compact companion.
Temperament and behaviour
Temperament
Don't let their small size fool you - Dachshunds pack more personality into their long bodies than you might expect! These bold, curious, and occasionally stubborn little characters bring endless entertainment to their families.
Absolutely! These little charmers are loyal, affectionate, and full of life. They're adaptable enough for both country houses and city apartments, though they'll need proper exercise wherever they live.
Want to know more about choosing the perfect family dog? Then please read our guide to the best family dogs in the UK.
While they can be wonderful family companions, supervision is key, especially with younger children. Their long backs need protection, so it's crucial to teach children how to handle them gently. They typically do best with older kids who understand how to respect their unique body structure.
With proper introduction and early socialisation, many Dachshunds can become great friends with feline family members. However, remember their hunting heritage - those instincts might kick in if they see a running cat!
Behaviour
Speaking of behaviour, let's talk about what living with a Dachshund is really like:
These social butterflies form strong bonds with their families, which means they can get pretty anxious when left alone. If you're worried about separation anxiety, read here for our deep dive and helpful tips and strategies.
While every dog is different, most Dachshunds prefer not to spend more than 4-6 hours alone. These social souls thrive on companionship. Consider:
A friendly dog walker
Doggy daycare adventures
Pet-sitting services
Family member visits
Good news for city dwellers. These adaptable pups can thrive in apartments, provided they get enough exercise and mental stimulation.
Remember - they can be quite vocal, so some training might be needed to keep the peace with neighbours.
Let's be honest - Dachshunds aren't known for being quiet. Their surprisingly loud bark comes from their hunting heritage, where they needed to be heard underground.
While training can help manage excessive barking, be prepared for a dog that likes to make their opinions known.
Training a Dachshund
Are Dachshunds smart?
These clever little dogs have brains to match their big personalities. However, their intelligence comes with a dash of independence that can make training... interesting. Think of them as the problem-solvers of the dog world - though sometimes they might solve problems in ways you hadn't quite intended!
For successful training:
Start early with socialisation
Keep sessions short and fun
Use positive reinforcement
Stay patient and consistent
Never use harsh corrections
Looking for more training tips? Our guide to puppy training is packed with helpful advice.
Shedding and grooming
Despite their different coat types, all Dachshunds benefit from regular grooming to stay healthy and comfortable.
Here's what you need to know about keeping your sausage dog looking their best:
How often should I brush my Dachshund?
It depends on their coat type:
Smooth-coated: Quick brush 1-2 times weekly
Wire-haired: 2-3 weekly sessions with occasional stripping
Long-haired: Daily brushing to prevent tangles
Exercise needs and mental stimulation
Don't be fooled by those little legs - Dachshunds need regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. While they might not be marathon runners, these determined pups need about 30-60 minutes of activity daily, preferably split into two sessions.
However, their unique body structure means we need to be mindful of how they exercise. Consider this your "protect-the-sausage" guide:
Activities to avoid:
Jumping off furniture (those backs are precious)
Too many stairs
High-impact activities
Perfect Dachshund activities:
Gentle walks on flat terrain
Supervised play sessions
Nose work games (they love using that hunting nose!)
Interactive puzzle toys
Swimming (with proper supervision)
Not sure how to keep your pup mentally stimulated? Then, our guide to making your dog happy is the perfect place to find some creative ideas.
Feeding and nutrition
Keeping your Dachshund at a healthy weight isn't just about looking good - it's crucial for protecting their back health.
Here's what your sausage dog needs to stay in tip-top shape although each dog is different, here is a general guide:
Standard Dachshunds:
1-2 cups of quality dog food daily
Split into two meals
Adjust based on activity level
Miniature Dachshunds:
1/2-1 cup daily
Two meals for better digestion
Watch those treats!
Want to give your Dachshund something special? As a Waggel member, you'll get 50% off your first two boxes from Butternut Box - fresh, perfectly portioned meals made with ingredients good enough for humans!
Common health issues in Dachshunds
While these lovable pups generally enjoy lifespans of 12-16 years, they can face some breed-specific health challenges. Let's talk about what to watch for:
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
The big one for Dachshunds - about 25% may be affected. Treatment ranges from £3,000-£7,000 for surgery or £500-£1,500 for conservative management.
Obesity
Dachshunds need to watch their waistlines. Those long backs need special care, and extra weight can put unnecessary strain on them. While regular weigh-ins at the vet (£30-£60) help keep things in check, you might also need to invest in special diet food (£40-£80 monthly). Think of it as your pup's personal wellness program - keeping them trim helps prevent all sorts of other health niggles down the road.
Patella luxation
Those tiny legs on miniature Dachshunds sometimes come with their own challenges, particularly when it comes to kneecaps.
Whether managed conservatively (£200-£500) or through surgery (£1,500-£3,000 per knee), catching this early gives your pup the best chance at staying mobile and comfortable. Think of it as maintaining your little one's natural spring in their step.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
When it comes to our Dachshund's eyes, being proactive makes all the difference. PRA testing costs between £200-£400, with yearly care running £100-£300.
While this condition can affect their vision over time, it's amazing how well these resilient pups adapt with the right support. Early detection gives us the best chance to keep those loving eyes healthy for as long as possible.
Cushing's disease
As our Dachshund friends enter their golden years, we need to keep an eye out for Cushing's Disease. While getting a diagnosis might set you back £400-£1,000, monthly management (£50-£150) helps keep your senior pup comfortable and happy.
Regular check-ups ensure they can enjoy their retirement years to the fullest.
Dental health
Just like us, our Dachshund pals need regular dental care. Professional cleanings (£200-£600) help prevent bigger problems down the line.
If extractions are needed, they typically cost £100-£300 per tooth - making preventive care sound pretty good, right? A healthy smile means a happier, more comfortable pup.
Remember, while these numbers might seem daunting, they're just rough guides - actual costs can vary depending on where you live and your pup's specific needs.
Note: Costs are approximate and can vary based on location and specific veterinary practices.
Pet insurance for Dachshunds
Given those adorable long backs and potential health considerations, having comprehensive pet insurance for your Dachshund isn't just sensible - it's essential.
At Waggel, we've got your Dachshund covered with:
Lifetime coverage for chronic conditions
Protection for breed-specific issues like IVDD
24/7 online vet access through Joii
Free behaviour and nutrition consultations
Exclusive member perks and discounts
Get your free quote today and join our community of protected pets. Because while Dachshunds might be small in stature, they deserve big protection!
Remember, these charismatic little dogs bring endless joy, laughter, and love to their families. With proper care, regular vet check-ups, and comprehensive insurance coverage, your Dachshund can enjoy a long life as your devoted companion.