Dachshund Guide
The Dachshund: Bold, Stubborn, Deeply Loyal and Impossible to Ignore
Dachshunds are one of the most recognisable dog breeds in the world, and one of the most misunderstood. Their size leads people to assume they’re low-maintenance, easy-going and simple to manage. They are not. Dachshunds are hunting dogs — bred to go underground alone, make decisions without human direction, and take on prey considerably larger than themselves.
That independent, tenacious, opinionated character is still very much intact in the modern breed. Understanding it is the difference between finding your Dachshund endlessly entertaining and finding it endlessly exhausting.This guide covers what life with a Dachshund actually looks like: the personality, the attachment, the stubbornness, the health realities, and why owners who get the breed right tend to become devoted for life.
5 Things Most People Don’t Know About Dachshunds
“Dachshund” means “badger dog.” The name comes directly from the German: Dachs (badger) and Hund (dog). They were bred specifically to hunt badgers underground — going into tunnels alone, locating prey, and either dispatching it or holding it until the hunter dug down to them. That job required courage, independence and a willingness to ignore human instruction when underground. All of which explains a lot.
A Dachshund was the very first Olympic mascot. Waldi the Dachshund was the official mascot of the 1972 Munich Olympics — the first official mascot in Olympic Games history. The marathon route was even designed in his shape.
Pablo Picasso was devoted to one. The artist kept a Dachshund named Lump for six years, describing him as “not a dog, but a person.” Lump appeared in several of Picasso’s artworks and was reportedly the subject of more affection than most of the humans around him.
They have more variety than almost any other breed. Dachshunds come in two sizes (Standard and Miniature), three coat types (smooth, long and wire-haired) and a wider range of colours and patterns than most people realise — giving six distinct combinations before colour is even considered.
They have the highest rate of spinal problems of any breed. The same elongated spine that makes them distinctive also makes them highly vulnerable to Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD). Around 25% of Dachshunds will experience a spinal problem during their lifetime. It’s the single most important health consideration for the breed and something every owner should understand from day one.
A Brief History
The Dachshund was developed in Germany, most likely during the 17th century, as a specialist hunting dog designed to pursue and flush badgers from their underground burrows. The breed’s distinctive elongated body and short legs were entirely functional — allowing them to enter tunnels, manoeuvre underground, and confront animals that would intimidate far larger dogs. Wire-haired and long-haired varieties were later developed for hunting in different terrain and weather conditions.
The breed was recognised by the American Kennel Club in 1885 and quickly spread across Europe and America as both a hunting dog and companion. Their popularity suffered during the First and Second World Wars due to their German origins — they were sometimes renamed “liberty hounds” in Britain and America to avoid association with the enemy — but recovered strongly afterwards. Today Dachshunds are one of the most popular breeds globally, valued almost entirely for the same qualities that made them exceptional hunters: personality, independence and an extraordinary ability to get their own way.
Behaviour & Personality
Dachshunds are loyal, funny, opinionated and deeply attached to their people — with an independent streak that makes perfect sense once you understand their hunting heritage. They were bred to make decisions alone underground, which is why they don’t always comply automatically. Understanding the Dachshund character makes life with one significantly more enjoyable.
👉 Dachshund Personality: Why They’re Not Always Easy
What makes Dachshunds tick, and why they’re harder than their size suggests
👉 Are Dachshunds Smart? Understanding Sausage Dog Intelligence
How Dachshund intelligence shows up in practice — and why it doesn’t always look like obedience
👉 Why Do Dachshunds Follow You Everywhere?
The attachment, the clinginess, and why they need to know where you are
👉 Why Are Dachshunds So Stubborn?
The real reason behind the selective listening
👉 Are Dachshunds Manipulative?
Their ability to read situations and leverage them, honestly assessed
👉 Can Dachshunds Be Left Alone?
The truth about separation, attachment and alone-time
Why they’re vocal, what triggers it, and how to manage it
Nutrition & Exercise
Getting Dachshund exercise right is more nuanced than it looks. The amount matters — but so does the type. Their elongated spines mean high-impact activity, jumping and steep stairs all carry real risk. Under-exercise carries its own problems. This is one of the most important practical things to get right from the start.
👉 How Much Exercise Does a Dachshund Need?
Daily routine, common mistakes, and the spine-safe approach to keeping them active
👉 Dachshund Back Problems: What Every Owner Needs to Know
IVDD explained, the warning signs to watch for, and how to reduce the risk
Lifestyle, Ownership & Fun
Whether you’re wondering if a Dachshund fits your life or you’re already fully converted — this is where to look. From what ownership actually feels like day-to-day, to gift ideas that understand the shape.
👉 Are Dachshunds Good Family Dogs?
Honest guidance on Dachshunds in family households, with children, and in different living situations
👉 Are Dachshunds Good for First-Time Owners?
What to know before committing, and what makes them rewarding despite the challenges
👉 Best Dachshund Gifts They’ll Actually Want
For owners and their dogs: the gifts that understand the breed
👉 20 Funny Dachshund Facts Every Owner Will Recognise
The very specific reality of life with a Dachshund
🎄 🎅🏼 With Christmas coming up, if you’re shopping for a Dachshund owner — or dropping hints of your own — there’s plenty to choose from here.
🎄 🎅🏼 👉 Dachshund Christmas Gifts
Shop Dachshund Apparel
Dachshund owners know they’ve got something one of a kind. Browse the collection and celebrate the most distinctive silhouette in dogs.
👉 Shop the full Dachshund Collection
All Dachshund Blogs
👉 Dachshund Personality: Why They’re Not Always Easy
👉 Are Dachshunds Smart? Understanding Sausage Dog Intelligence
👉 Why Do Dachshunds Follow You Everywhere?
👉 Why Are Dachshunds So Stubborn?
👉 Are Dachshunds Manipulative?
👉 Can Dachshunds Be Left Alone?
👉 Do Dachshunds Bark a Lot?
👉 How Much Exercise Does a Dachshund Need?
👉 Are Dachshunds Good Family Dogs?
👉 Are Dachshunds Good for First-Time Owners?
👉 Best Dachshund Gifts They’ll Actually Want
👉 20 Funny Dachshund Facts Every Owner Will Recognise
👉 Dachshund Back Problems: What Every Owner Needs to Know
Explore More Breed Guides
👉 Golden Retriever Breed Guide
👉 Labrador Breed Guide
👉 French Bulldog Breed Guide
👉 Poodle Breed Guide
👉 English Bulldog Breed Guide
👉 Pug Breed Guide
👉 Boxer Breed Guide
👉 Chihuahua Breed Guide