Hound Small size 7-15 kg

Dachshund

A bold, comical scenthound on short legs - charming and apartment-sized, but the long back carries a real spinal-disease risk and the stubborn streak tests first-time owners.

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Find out how this breed matches your household

Quick overview

Small
Size
7-15 kg · 20-23 cm
Moderate
Activity
Moderate but keen to explore
Moderate
Alone-time tolerance
Handles normal work days
Hard
Trainability
Clever but stubborn
Low
Coat care
Coat care varies by type
Moderate
Fit with kids
Good with gentle, careful kids
Moderate
Other pets
Usually fine with familiar pets
Moderate
Health burden
IVDD (spinal disease), Obesity

The Dachshund typically weighs 7-15 kg, stands 20-23 cm, and lives 12-16 years.

Consider this breed if…

you want a small, big-personality dog with real character,
you can protect the back - no stairs or furniture jumping, weight kept low,
you have patience for slow, reward-based training,
you want a companion happy in a flat with moderate daily walks.

Do not consider this breed if…

you want a quick, obedient, easily trained dog,
your home is full of stairs and high furniture you can't manage,
you have very young children who might handle a small dog roughly,
you want a quiet dog - many are vocal, alert barkers.

A typical day with a Dachshund

  1. 7:00 · Morning
    Walk with plenty of sniffing; ramps instead of jumping
  2. 9:00 · Midmorning
    Naps and a chew; watches the household
  3. 12:30 · Noon
    Short walk or a scent game indoors
  4. 16:00 · Afternoon
    Training in short, fun bursts; a food puzzle
  5. 18:30 · Evening
    Longer stroll and play with the family
  6. 21:00 · Night
    Curls up close; may burrow under a blanket

Temperament and training

Trainability Low
Prey drive High
Independence High
Alertness High
Playfulness High
Guarding tendency Moderate
Common owner mistakes
Allowing stairs and furniture jumping that strain the long back · Letting the dog get overweight, which multiplies spinal risk · Giving up on housetraining and consistency because it is stubborn

Family and environment

Kids Conditional
Best with older, gentle kids who won't handle the back roughly.
Dogs Conditional
Usually fine with familiar dogs; can be bossy for its size.
Cats Conditional
Prey drive means supervise, especially with new cats.
Apartment Suitable
Small and adaptable; manage stairs and barking.
House with a yard Suitable
Enjoys a yard to snuffle; watch for digging and escapes.
City Suitable
Compact and content with moderate walks.
Countryside Suitable
A born scenthound - happy following its nose outdoors.
Health data provided by RealVetCost
Overall health burden Moderate

Detailed health data - inheritance, prevalence, course, and typical treatment costs - lives in a separate expert database. This is general guidance, not veterinary advice - confirm any decision with your vet.

View the full health profile
Top health concerns
IVDD (spinal disease) High-risk back; limit jumping
Obesity Extra weight strains the spine
Dental disease Home care important
Allergies and skin problems Occasional flares

Similar breeds - by reason

Not visually similar - similar in what they mean for you.

Sociable scenthound alternative
Beagle
A merry, kid-proof scent hound that follows its nose over your commands - and tells the whole street when left alone.
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Larger low-slung scenthound
Basset Hound
A gentle, low-slung scenthound that is wonderful with kids but stubborn on the trail and prone to ear, back, and weight issues.
View profile →
Bold small dog with more drive
Jack Russell Terrier
A small dog with an enormous engine that suits experienced, active owners - the trade-off is relentless energy, strong prey drive, and a low tolerance for boredom.
View profile →

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Dachshund cost?
Expect roughly $1,000-$2,500 from a reputable US breeder, with miniatures and certain coats or colors priced higher. The purchase is only part of it: the breed's spinal (IVDD) risk means a single disc episode can run into thousands in treatment or surgery, so budget for insurance or an emergency fund and plan for lifetime costs.
Are Dachshunds hard to train?
They are intelligent but famously stubborn and independent, bred to work alone underground. Housetraining in particular is often slow. Short, upbeat, reward-based sessions and real consistency get results; harsh methods backfire. First-time owners can succeed but should expect to be patient.
Do Dachshunds really have back problems?
Yes - the long spine gives the breed a well-known, raised risk of intervertebral disc disease. You reduce that risk by keeping the dog lean, discouraging stair-climbing and jumping on and off furniture, and using ramps. It is not guaranteed, but it is common enough that every owner should plan around it.
Are Dachshunds good with kids?
They can be, with older, gentle children who understand not to pick the dog up awkwardly or let it jump. Their long backs are vulnerable to rough handling, and some are quick to snap if hurt or startled. Supervise closely with toddlers and teach careful handling.