Are Dachshunds Good for First-Time Owners? An Honest Guide
Updated: 1 day ago
By Nick, co-founder of Doggy Styles Inc and owner of Bruno, a rescued French Bulldog. Last updated 15 October 2026.
Quick Answer
Dachshunds can be good for first-time owners who know what they're taking on. They're small, affectionate, funny and often long-lived. But they're also stubborn, slow to house train, vocal, wary of strangers and prone to back problems that need careful management. If you're patient, consistent, home a fair amount and ready to protect that long back, a Dachshund can be a brilliant first dog. If you want an easy, obliging dog, there are simpler breeds to start with.
Key takeaways
Small size doesn't mean easy. Dachshunds need patient, consistent training.
House training often takes longer than with many breeds. Plan for it.
Back care, from day one, is part of the deal: ramps, lifting properly and keeping them lean.
If you're still getting to know the breed, start here:
👉 DACHSHUND GUIDE — Full Behaviour, Personality & Ownership Breakdown
Are Dachshunds good for first-time owners? What people get wrong
The most common mistake is choosing a Dachshund because it's small and cute and assuming small means simple. Dachshunds are hunting dogs with big opinions, loud voices and a body that needs looking after. The second mistake is the opposite: being so put off by the warnings that you miss how rewarding they are.
Owners who've done it give practical, honest advice. Rachelle, who owns a Dachshund called Pierre, tells Witzig: "Train them from the get-go." Bobbi's owner on Purina's owner stories adds: "Socialisation is key when they are young".
A note on the stories in this post: the dated moments (week one, month two and so on) are illustrative scenes based on common Dachshund owner experiences, not the story of one real dog. The owner quotes are real, and link to where they were published.
Day one
Week one. You've read every guide. You've bought the crate, the bed, the harness and the ramp. He arrives, sniffs the crate, ignores the bed, walks straight past the ramp, climbs onto your lap and falls asleep. Then he wakes up and wees on the rug. You realise the guides covered a lot, but not quite this much.
Dachshunds for first-time owners: the honest scorecard
Factor | Easy or hard? | Why |
Size | Easy | Small enough for most homes, easy to travel with |
Affection | Easy | Loyal, cuddly and great company |
House training | Hard | Often slow and needs real consistency |
General training | Medium to hard | Clever, but independent and easily distracted |
Barking | Medium to hard | Vocal and alert. Needs managing, especially in flats |
Back care | Needs commitment | High risk of disc problems. Daily habits matter |
Grooming | Easy to medium | Depends on coat. Smooths shed, longs and wires need brushing |
Exercise | Medium | More than people expect, but walks rather than marathons |
Owners recognise every line. The cuddly puppy who's also inexplicably determined to wee behind the sofa. The clever dog who knows every command and chooses which ones to follow. The constant, gentle care that goes into protecting his back.
That honest, everyday reality is what Doggy Styles Inc designs around: clean, minimal Dachshund pieces for people who took on a sausage dog with their eyes open, and never looked back.
👉 Shop Dachshund women's t-shirts, unisex t-shirts and sweatshirts and hoodies
👉 or explore the full DACHSHUND COLLECTION
Why can Dachshunds be a challenge for new owners?
Independent by design
Dachshunds were bred to make decisions alone underground. That independence makes training slower and less predictable than with breeds bred to follow instructions. First-time owners often blame themselves when 'sit' works in the kitchen and not in the park. It's not you. It's the breed.
A body that needs protecting
A Dachshund's long back and short legs make it vulnerable to intervertebral disc disease. That doesn't mean a Dachshund will be fragile, but it does mean everyday habits matter from day one: how he's picked up, whether he jumps off furniture, how lean he's kept and how he's exercised. Choosing a puppy from parents screened for back disease helps too.
What the research says
The good news is that Dachshunds are a long-term commitment in the best sense. A VetCompass study led by Dan O'Neill at the Royal Veterinary College, covering 102,609 dogs at 86 vet practices in England, found the Miniature Dachshund was among the longest-lived breeds, alongside the Miniature Poodle, Bearded Collie and Border Collie (O'Neill and colleagues, 2013). Plan for a dog that may well be with you for 12 to 15 years or more.
Back care is the single biggest thing new Dachshund owners need to understand.
👉 DACHSHUND BACK PROBLEMS — IVDD, Ramps & Everyday Care
House training a Dachshund: why it's slow
If there's one thing new owners consistently underestimate, it's this. Dexter's owner on Purina's owner stories puts it bluntly: "They take forever to learn to potty train." Small bladders, a dislike of rain and cold, and an independent streak all play a part.
Every accident that goes unnoticed is practice for the wrong habit, so supervision, frequent trips outside and big rewards for going in the right place make all the difference.
The rainy morning
Month two. You've had a good week, no accidents. Then it rains. He takes one look at the wet garden, turns round, and wees on the kitchen floor in front of you. You take him back out, stand with him under an umbrella, wait, and reward wildly when he finally goes. He's not being naughty. He just really doesn't like rain.
That independent streak shows up in training, too, and it helps to understand it early.
👉 WHY ARE DACHSHUNDS SO STUBBORN? — Independence, Selective Hearing & What Helps
Living with a Dachshund as a first-time owner
Day to day, most new owners fall in love quickly. Dachshunds are affectionate, funny and very present. The adjustments are patience with training, managing the barking, building good habits around his back and getting the exercise right.
A Dachshund probably isn't the right first dog if:
you want a dog that's easy to train and eager to obey
you'd find months of house training stressful
nobody's home for much of the day
you're not able to commit to back-safe habits and possible vet costs
The first vet bill
Month four. A routine check, a question about his ears and some worming treatment. The receptionist asks whether you've thought about insurance. You have, but you've been putting it off. That evening you read about back disease in Dachshunds and sign up for a policy before you go to bed.
Getting the right amount and type of exercise is the other big learning curve.
👉 HOW MUCH EXERCISE DOES A DACHSHUND NEED? — A Back-Safe Daily Guide
Choosing your first Dachshund: size, coat and breeder
Picking the right Dachshund makes the first year much easier.
Size. Miniatures are lighter, easier to lift and need a bit less exercise. Standards are sturdier, which some families with older children prefer. Both share the same temperament and the same back risk.
Coat. Smooths need little grooming but do shed. Wally's owner on Purina's owner stories warns: "There is quite a lot of hair shed". Long-haired Dachshunds need regular brushing, but many owners find it easy enough. As Dolly's owner says of her Long-Haired Dachshund, she's fine "As long as she has regular brushes" (Purina). Wires need hand-stripping or grooming a few times a year.
Breeder. Ask whether the parents have been screened for back disease under the Kennel Club's IVDD scheme, meet the mother, and see the puppies with her. A good breeder will ask you plenty of questions too.
Rescue. Adult Dachshunds from breed rescues can make excellent first dogs, because their personality, house training and health history are already known.
Your first week with a Dachshund
Days one and two are about settling in. Keep things quiet, show him his bed, crate and water, and take him outside every hour or so, as well as after every sleep, meal and play. Expect some crying at night. A crate or bed close to yours often helps.
Days three and four are when the routine starts to matter. Feed at the same times, take him out at the same times and start using the same words for toileting, his name and simple cues like 'sit'. Begin practising short moments alone.
Days five to seven usually bring the first signs of personality: the first bark at the door, the first stolen sock, the first refusal to go out in the rain. Keep supervising closely, keep rewarding everything you like, and keep lifting him properly every single time.
By the end of the week, you won't have a trained dog. But you will have the foundations of every habit that makes the following year easier.
What to buy before your Dachshund comes home
Most puppy shopping lists are the same for every breed. A Dachshund's needs a few extras, mostly to protect that back from day one.
A ramp or steps. For the sofa and your bed, if he'll be allowed on them. Far easier to introduce on day one than to retrain a habit of leaping later.
A stair gate. Puppies and stairs are a bad mix for any breed, and a worse one for a long, low puppy with a growing spine.
Non-slip rugs. Shiny wooden or tiled floors turn a Dachshund puppy into a cartoon character with legs going in four directions. Rugs at the bottom of ramps, in hallways and where he plays save a lot of skidding.
A well-fitting harness. For walks, to keep pressure off his neck. In the UK, dogs must still wear a collar with an ID tag in public, and they must be microchipped, so you'll need both.
A covered crate and a burrowing bed. He'll want a den. Give him one before he makes his own in your laundry basket.
Puzzle toys and chews. That clever nose needs something to do, especially in the early weeks when walks are short.
A coat. Particularly for a smooth or a Miniature. Your first winter walk will thank you.
Questions to ask a Dachshund breeder (and red flags)
Choosing well at the start saves a great deal of heartache later. A good breeder will be happy to answer all of these, and will have plenty of questions for you too.
Have the parents been screened for back disease? Ask for their grades under the Kennel Club's IVDD X-ray scheme.
What other health tests have been done? For Miniatures, ask about the DNA test for progressive retinal atrophy, which the PDSA recommends before breeding.
Can I meet the mother, with her puppies? You'll learn a great deal about your puppy's likely temperament from his mum.
How have the puppies been raised? Look for puppies raised in a home, used to everyday noises, handled gently and starting on toilet training.
Red flags include a breeder who always has puppies available, wants to meet you in a car park or service station, can't show health results or the mother, or is selling puppies before eight weeks old. Be wary of rare colours marketed at a premium too. Mating two dapple Dachshunds together, sometimes called double dapple, is linked to serious eye and hearing problems, and a responsible breeder won't do it.
First-year mistakes to avoid
Letting him leap off the sofa because he's tiny. Puppies are the most vulnerable to back injuries. Start with ramps and lifting from the very first day.
Carrying him everywhere. It's tempting with a small dog, but he needs to walk, explore and build the muscle that protects his back.
Skipping socialisation because he's 'only small'. A Dachshund who hasn't met many people and dogs often becomes the one barking at all of them.
Giving in to the stare. The begging habit starts with one crust. So does the weight that strains his back.
Leaving alone-time practice until you go back to work. Start in the first week, in tiny steps.
What happens over the first year
The first few months are the hardest: house training, socialisation, sleepless nights and constant supervision. Adolescence, from around six months, brings selective hearing and testing boundaries. By the end of the first year, most new owners have found their rhythm, and most Dachshunds have settled into family life.
The turning point
Month seven. You realise you haven't had an accident in the house for three weeks. He sits at the back door when he needs to go out. He walks nicely on his harness most of the time. He still barks at the postman, and he still ignores you at the park when there's a squirrel. But it feels like a partnership now.
That partnership often extends to the whole household, and Dachshunds make strong family bonds.
👉 ARE DACHSHUNDS GOOD FAMILY DOGS? — Children, Backs & Daily Life
How to set a first-time owner up for success
The aim is a confident, well-trained Dachshund, and a confident owner.
In the moment
Take him out after every sleep, meal and play session, and reward generously when he goes outside.
Lift him with one hand under the chest and one under the bottom, never by the front legs.
Keep training sessions short and fun, and stop on a success.
Long term
Join a reward-based puppy class. It gives you a structured start, gets him used to other dogs and people in a controlled setting, and gives you a trainer to ask when things get tricky.
Socialise thoughtfully. In the first few months, introduce him calmly to visitors, children, other dogs, traffic, car journeys and household noises. Keep each experience short and positive, and let him retreat if he's unsure.
Set up the house for his back. Ramps or steps for any furniture he's allowed on, a gate for the stairs and rugs on slippery floors are far easier to put in place on day one than to retrofit later.
Insure early and keep him lean. Back problems are common and can be expensive, and insurance taken out before any problems appear avoids exclusions. Keeping him slim is the other half of protecting that back.
Build alone time from the start. Short, calm absences from the first weeks make it much easier when life returns to normal and the house empties for a few hours.
The quiet confidence
Month ten. Friends with a new puppy come round for advice. You find yourself explaining house training, harnesses, ramps and the importance of rewards. Your Dachshund is lying across your feet, entirely relaxed. You realise you've learned a great deal in ten months, mostly from him.
When to get help: if house training isn't improving after several months, ask your vet to rule out a urinary problem. If your Dachshund shows signs of back pain, such as reluctance to move, a hunched back or crying when picked up, see a vet the same day.
How much does a Dachshund cost in the UK?
He's small. His budget isn't. The price of the puppy is the smallest number you'll deal with, so plan for the whole dog, not just the day he comes home.
Cost | Typical figure | What it covers |
The puppy | Around £744 on average | Pets4Homes' UK average for a purebred Dachshund. Health-tested puppies from careful breeders often cost more. |
Setting up | From about £415 | PDSA figure for a small dog: bed, lead, collar and tag, bowls, toys, first vaccinations, worming and neutering. |
Dachshund extras | Budget a little more | Ramp or steps, stair gate, non-slip rugs, a harness and a winter coat. None of these are on a standard puppy list. |
Every month | From about £69 | PDSA minimum for a small dog: food, insurance, flea and worm treatment, the yearly check and boosters. |
Over his lifetime | At least £6,200 to £12,000 | PDSA minimum for small breeds, before the puppy price, vet bills for illness, grooming, day care or holidays. |
Back surgery, if he needs it | £6,000 to £10,000 | Dachshund Health UK's estimate for an MRI scan and surgery. |
Sources: the puppy price is Pets4Homes' UK average, the set-up, monthly and lifetime figures are the PDSA's minimum estimates for a small dog, last calculated in 2024, and the surgery range is from Dachshund Health UK. Treat them as a floor, not a ceiling.
Insurance is the one to get right. Back problems are common in Dachshunds, and a single episode can mean an MRI, surgery and weeks of rehab. Before you buy a policy, check three things: that it's lifetime cover, which renews the condition limit each year rather than cutting off after twelve months; that the limit is high enough to cover a scan and surgery; and that it starts before any back signs appear, so nothing is excluded as pre-existing. For a sense of scale, the Association of British Insurers reports the average pet insurance claim in 2024 was £685. A Dachshund's back can cost ten times that.
A cheap puppy is a warning sign, not a bargain. A Dachshund priced well below the going rate usually means corners have been cut: no back screening, no eye testing for Miniatures, puppies raised in a shed rather than a home. You tend to pay the difference later, at the vet's.
The extras are cheap. Skipping them isn't. A ramp, a stair gate and a few rugs cost far less than one back consultation, and they work every single day.
Rescue can be kinder on the wallet as well as the heart. Breed rescues usually charge an adoption fee that's well below the price of a puppy, and many dogs arrive already neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.
He'll cost less to buy than a decent sofa, and more to keep than you'd guess. Ask any owner whether he's worth it, then clear your diary for the answer.
How much time does a Dachshund really take?
It's worth being honest with yourself about the daily commitment before you bring a Dachshund home. They're small dogs with a full-size schedule.
Walks: around an hour a day for a Standard, at least half an hour for a Miniature, usually split into two outings.
Training and brain games: ten to fifteen minutes a day, in short sessions, for life rather than just the puppy months.
House training in the early months: frequent trips outside, including during the night at first, and close supervision indoors.
Grooming: a few minutes a week for a smooth, more for a long or wire coat, plus nails, ears and teeth.
Company: Dachshunds don't do well alone for long days, so think about how the dog will be cared for when you're working.
None of this is unusual for a dog. But a Dachshund rarely lets you skip any of it, and he'll make his feelings known if you try. The first year asks for more than most people expect.
Are Dachshunds harder for beginners than other small breeds?
Compared with a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel or a Bichon Frise, usually yes. Those breeds tend to be more eager to please. Compared with a Jack Russell or Beagle, it's similar: independent, scent-driven and vocal. Compared with a French Bulldog, both need specialist health care, though the Dachshund's issues centre on the back rather than breathing.
Learning to be alone is another area where early work makes a big difference.
👉 CAN DACHSHUNDS BE LEFT ALONE? — How Long, Warning Signs & How to Help
What first-time Dachshund owners realise over time
Most first-time owners say the same thing: it was harder than they expected at the start, and far more rewarding than they imagined. Patience, consistency and back care are the foundations. Everything else follows.
Day one, a year on
A year after that first wee on the rug. He walks up his ramp onto the sofa, turns round twice and settles beside you. The crate is now his favourite den. The harness lives by the door. He hasn't had an accident in months. You couldn't imagine a first dog more perfect, or more stubborn.
The verdict
Are Dachshunds good for first-time owners? They can be, for people who know what they're taking on. They're affectionate, funny and long-lived, but they need patient training, slow house training, barking management and lifelong back care.
Choose a well-bred or well-matched rescue Dachshund, start training and socialising from day one, and build back-safe habits early. Do that, and a Dachshund can be the best first dog you could ask for.
If you're still getting to know the breed, the guide covers the full picture.
Living with your first Dachshund means learning a lot, very quickly, from someone a foot tall. The Dachshund range is for people who'd do it all again.
👉 Explore Dachshund women's t-shirts, unisex t-shirts and sweatshirts and hoodies
👉 or explore the full DACHSHUND COLLECTION
Is a Dachshund your first dog? Show us. Tag @doggystylesinc on Instagram or find us on Facebook at Doggy Styles Inc, and your Dachshund could feature in a future post.
Continue Understanding the Dachshund Breed
FAQs
Are Dachshunds good for first-time owners?
They can be, if you're patient, consistent and ready for slow house training, barking and lifelong back care. They're not the easiest first dog, but many first-time owners do brilliantly.
Are Dachshunds good first dogs?
For the right person, yes. They're loyal and affectionate, but more stubborn and vocal than many beginner breeds.
Are Dachshunds hard to house train?
Often, yes. Small bladders, a dislike of rain and an independent streak can make it slow. Consistency, supervision and rewards make it work.
Is a Miniature or Standard Dachshund better for a first-time owner?
Both can work. Miniatures are lighter and need a little less exercise. Standards are sturdier. Temperament and back care are the same.
Which Dachshund coat is easiest?
Smooths need the least grooming but shed. Longs need regular brushing. Wires need occasional hand-stripping or grooming.
How long do Dachshunds live?
Many live well into their teens. A large UK study found Miniature Dachshunds were among the longest-lived breeds.
Do Dachshunds need a lot of exercise?
More than people expect: at least an hour a day for Standards and half an hour for Miniatures, plus brain games.
What should I ask a Dachshund breeder?
Ask whether the parents have been X-ray screened under the Kennel Club IVDD scheme, ask to meet the mother and ask about temperament and other health checks.
How much does a Dachshund cost in the UK?
Puppies average around £744 on Pets4Homes, setting up costs from about £415, and the PDSA puts the minimum monthly cost of a small dog at about £69. Over a lifetime, expect at least £6,200 to £12,000 before vet bills for illness.
Should I get pet insurance for a Dachshund?
Many owners do, because back problems can be costly. Insuring early, before any issues, avoids pre-existing condition exclusions.
Is a rescue Dachshund good for a first-time owner?
Often, yes. Adult rescue Dachshunds usually come with known personalities and house training, and breed rescues can help find a good match.
What do I need to buy for a Dachshund puppy?
As well as the usual puppy basics, a Dachshund needs a ramp or steps, a stair gate, non-slip rugs, a well-fitting harness for walks, a collar with an ID tag, and a covered bed or crate he can burrow into.
What is a double dapple Dachshund?
A puppy from two dapple parents. The pairing is linked to serious eye and hearing problems, so responsible breeders avoid it.
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