7 Things to Know Before Getting a Dachshund
You love those short legs and big personalities. Same here.
Before a Dachshund trots into your life, there are a few truths that make living with one joyful instead of frustrating.
Here are the seven things we wish every new Doxie parent knew on day one.
1. That Cute Nose Comes With a Serious Prey Drive
Dachshunds were bred to hunt badgers and go to ground. That heritage is alive and well.
Many will follow a scent until your voice is a memory, so fenced yards and long lines are your friends.
Channel it with nose work games, hide-and-seek treats, and flirt pole play. A busy nose is a happy Doxie.
Protect the spine; protect the joy.
2. Back Health Is a Real Commitment
Dachshunds are predisposed to intervertebral disc disease (IVDD). You can’t change genetics, but you can stack the odds.
Keep Jumping Low
Use ramps or steps for couches and beds. Train “wait” before letting them off furniture.
Harness, Not Collar
A Y-front harness spreads pressure and is kinder to the neck and back on walks.
Lean, Not Skinny
Extra pounds stress the spine. You should feel ribs with light pressure, not see hip bones.
Smart Exercise
Flat, steady walks and controlled hill work build core without jarring landings.
If you see these, crate for rest and call your vet immediately—time matters with back issues.
3. Training Works—But You Need the Right Style
They’re clever, independent, and sometimes stubborn. That’s not disobedience; it’s a hunting dog asking, What’s in it for me?
Use positive reinforcement, tiny steps, and variety. Five-minute sessions beat marathons.
House-training realities
- Go out oftenAfter waking, eating, playing, and every 1–2 hours for puppies.
- Small bladder, big routineTake the same route to the same spot; reward within two seconds of going.
- Manage indoorsCrates, pens, and supervision prevent sneaky accidents.
For recall, start on a long line and make returning a party. For barking at the door, teach a mat settle with quiet rewards.
4. Small Dog, Real Exercise Needs
Dachshunds aren’t wind-up toys. Most adults do well with 45–60 minutes of split daily activity: two walks and brain games.
Skip repetitive high-impact fetch. Choose sniffy walks, puzzle feeders, and short training bursts.
Pros
Great outlets
- Sniff walks and decompression time
- Food puzzles and snuffle mats
- Scent games in the yard
- Short, gentle tug with rules
Cons
Skip or limit
- Stairs and jumping off furniture
- High-speed ball chasing on hard ground
- Leaping agility obstacles
- Rough play with large dogs
5. Three Coat Types, Three Grooming Plans
Dachshunds come in smooth, longhaired, and wirehaired, each with a different routine.
Smooth
Low-maintenance. Weekly rubber curry brush, occasional baths, wipe-down after muddy walks.
Longhaired
Brush 3–4x/week, watch for mats behind ears, armpits, and tail. Feathering needs gentle combing.
Wirehaired
Hand-stripping or carding maintains texture. Brush weekly; schedule professional care a few times a year.
For All
Nail trims every 2–3 weeks, dental care several times a week, and ear checks after outdoor adventures.
Start grooming rituals young and pay in treats. Cooperation beats wrestling.
6. Expect Some Barking (and Manage It)
They’re alert and opinionated. Without a plan, you’ll hear about every squirrel, delivery, and passing cloud.
Teach a quiet cue by rewarding silence, use visual barriers for window triggers, and add daily enrichment. A tired mind barks less.
- Preempt with a sniff walk before delivery windows
- Reward calm on a station mat when the doorbell rings
- Yell “no” when they bark
- Leave them bored all day and hope for the best
7. They Are Velcro Dogs With Big Feelings
Dachshunds bond hard. Many thrive as your shadow and can struggle with long alone time.
Build independence early: scatter feeding, short solo settles, and a comfy pen with chews. Consider dog sitters or daycare for long workdays.
“A Dachshund doesn’t just live with you—they participate.”
Often, yes—with supervision and respectful handling. Teach children to let sleeping dogs lie and to avoid lifting by the front end. Pain or rough play can trigger snark.
Both share the same essence, but standards can be steadier and more workmanlike, while minis may skew more intense or vocal. Individual lines and socialization matter most.
Smooths shed lightly year-round, longhairs seasonally a bit more, and wirehairs the least when properly hand-stripped. Regular brushing keeps hair manageable.
Dental disease, obesity, patellar luxation, eye conditions, and Cushing’s can occur. Annual exams, weight control, and dental hygiene go a long way.
Absolutely. Prioritize daily sniff walks, enrichment, and bark management. Use ramps indoors and rugs for traction on slippery floors.